Provided by Kidspot

You

Leg cramps may send you shooting out of bed at night and can be a very painful symptom during your pregnancy, if you aren't careful. The leg cramps can happen for several reasons. One, you had a rigorous day of walking. Two, you may not have had enough water during the day to keep your muscles hydrated. Three, your calcium and potassium balance can be unbalanced. To help prevent leg cramps, take it easy while you walk by taking frequent breaks. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. And eat a banana with a glass of milk to keep the calcium and potassium balance equal.

Your Baby

Baby is 43.7 cm long and weighs 1918 grams. His adrenal glands have begun to work, producing the adrenaline that will cause him to feel fear, exertion or even surprise. The adrenal glands are very small, but efficient.

Your midwife may comment on your baby's 'presentation', refering to the position your baby has assumed. Babies generally settle into the head down, or cephalic, position around this time. In about 3% of term pregnancies the baby remains breech, meaning that their buttocks or the feet are leading, and would be delivered first. A caesarean may be recommended if your baby is in the breech position. While vaginal breech births are possible, discuss the possible risks with your doctor.

Babies usually assume a head-down position sometime before the 36th week, although some do it even later. If you currently have a baby in the breech position, you can try this exercise to encourage your baby to rotate. Lie on your back and prop your buttocks off the floor with firm, supportive pillows. Do this exercise for twenty minutes, two to three times a day. It is best done in loose clothing and with a (relatively) empty stomach.

Pregnancy Planning From Kidspot

• Writing a birth plan
• Choosing a baby name
• What to pack for hospital

Pregnancy Week By Week

• First Trimester weeks 6 - 13
• Second Trimester weeks 14 - 26
• Third Trimester weeks 27 - 41

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