The Pregnancy HelpDesk

Month Four:

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During the fourth, fifth and sixth month, you are going to experience the energy of pregnancy. The second trimester is marked by increased energy. Most women will feel their best during these middle months. This is a great time to clean and get ready for the baby because you will tire again during the last three months. Some women will get the "nesting" syndrome and others will not. Do not depend upon getting this marked feeling before labor because this is not always the case. If you feel energized now, begin planning for bringing your baby home.

These Are Things You May be Feeling:

    1. You may have to urinate (pee pee) more frequently. This usually begins 4-6 weeks after conception and lasts throughout pregnancy.


    2. You may crave or dislike certain foods. Some women do experience this very early in the first trimester, but most will experience this around the end of the first trimester (3rd month).


    3. You may have a new sense of calmness. Some women do still feel depressed, irritable, moody, sad, or bouncing between any and all of these. Remember your body is going through a lot of hormonal changes. Most women will begin to feel better during this month and will gain a new sense of calmness and have energy.


    4. If you had morning sickness during the first trimester (months 1-3), you may have stopped experiencing it by now. Usually women will begin to experience this around 2 to 8 weeks after conception and stop around the end of the third month. If you are still experiencing morning sickness, a diet that is high in protein and/or carbohydrates can help. High protein foods are foods such as: nuts, whole-grain products, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and soy burgers. Carbohydrate food sources are things such as: baked potatoes, whole-grain (wheat) bread, rice, dried beans and peas, and vegetables. You should also drinks lots of fluid to replace the fluids lost by vomiting.


    5. You may experience headaches. If you had headaches while taking birth control pills and/or before becoming pregnant, you have a greater chance at having headaches now. Aspirin and Ibuprofen medications (Advil, Nuprin, Medipren) should be avoided during pregnancy. Most doctors will suggest Tylenol (Acetaminophen) after the first trimester (after 3rd month). Please check with your physician. You can try a cool wash cloth on your forehead or the back of your neck. If lights bother you, go to a dark room that is very quiet. If you can, try to take a nap.
    6. Note: Some women get migraines or headaches because of TOO much sleep. If this is the case, try to regulate your sleeping patterns.



    7. You may be getting dizzy or having faint like spells. Try to stand up slowly will raising from a sitting position. If you are standing a lot, try to turn your head slowly. Sometimes you may be in too big of a hurry for your body to deal with at this time. If you continue to have these spells check with your doctor.


    8. You may be experiencing constipation. If this is happening during your pregnancy, try to eat more raw vegetables and fiber. One suggestion is to eat celery and carrots dipped in Ranch dressing. Not too much Ranch though! You should also try to drink more fluids.


    9. You may experience an increase in appetite during this month. Many women will have stopped feeling nauseated and will regain a desire to eat. Make sure you eat things that are nutritious.


    10. You may also begin to feel a calming feeling. Most women will have known for at least a month or two now and because the body is getting more use to the increased hormones, things will start to calm down. You may be accepting the pregnancy now or getting use to the idea now. Whatever it is, past the third month you just plain feel better. That is... until you get to the 9th month.


Development of Fetus:

The fetus will be about 8-10 inches long and weigh 6 ounces by the end of this month. It has pink skin, a small amount of hair on its head, eyebrows, and a strong heartbeat. The fetus now develops a schedule of sleeping and active moments. It kicks, swallows, and passes urine.

 

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