You are 27 Weeks and 6 Days 85 days to go…
While women who are pregnant in the summer may find it hard to stay cool, being pregnant in the winter is also challenging.
Your baby today
Although ultrasound cannot show it, there is now some hair on
your baby’s head and her eyelashes and eyebrows have grown. The pattern
and color of hair growth has a significant impact on the overall look of
your baby but this is not apparent on a scan.
Most women
are understandably reluctant to buy a winter coat that will see them
all the way through pregnancy and may well never be worn again. The good
news is that you probably won’t need one at all! You are likely to feel
very warm toward the end of your pregnancy, and may find it more
comfortable to wear plenty of layered knits rather than one warm coat or
jacket. Layers can also be easily discarded if you become overheated
while you’re traveling.
You can also
probably hijack some of your partner’s wardrobe, and borrow a coat or
jacket that will fasten over your belly if you’re planning to be outside
for extended periods. Alternatively, go to a local second-hand shop—you
may well find a larger coat or jacket for a bargain price that will
last the few weeks of your pregnancy.
Another thing to consider is wearing your own coat unfastened, with a long scarf hanging down to fill the gap.
Think about purchasing a
large shawl or wrap, which will see you through the winter months, and
keep you and your baby warm after the birth. Shawls and wraps are ideal
for keeping you warm when your baby is in a sling, and also for
unexpected breast-feeding sessions outdoors.
You’ll need to be
extra careful in the winter, when you’re in icy conditions. Make sure
you wear sensible flat shoes when you’re out and about to reduce the
risk of slipping and falling.
… Nutritionist
| Q: |
My doctor has told me I’m anemic. Can I improve my iron levels through my diet?
|
| A: |
All pregnant women should be offered screening for anemia,
which is done early in pregnancy (at the first appointment), and again
between 26–30 weeks .
Generally, an iron-rich diet is advised in pregnancy and this is enough
to prevent or improve anemia. Eat plenty of lean red meat, beans, dried
fruits, dark green vegetables, fortified cereals, and bread. Try
including a vitamin C-enriched food or drink in your diet, since vitamin
C helps the body absorb iron more efficiently. Vegetarians need to eat
plenty of eggs, legumes, beans, and nuts to boost iron supplies.
Taking iron supplements may be recommended depending on how low your iron levels have become.
|
… Twins
Practical adjustments
If you’re having two or more babies,
you’ll need to consider making some adjustments to your living space.
To reduce the risk of crib death, it’s best for babies to sleep in the
same room as their parents but you don’t need two cribs. You can put
both your newborn babies to sleep in one crib (see … Doctor), but this isn’t recommended after they’re three months old.
It’s a legal requirement
for each baby to have an individual car seat if you plan to drive them
anywhere, including home from the hospital.
You are 28 Weeks Exactly 84 days to go…
If you’re the first among your friends to have a baby, be prepared for friendships to evolve and change.
Your baby today
The amniotic fluid is approaching its maximum amount at this
time and your baby will have plenty of space in which to move. Here the
baby is down toward the level of the umbilical cord. Your baby is still
likely to change position several times a day.
Some friendships change
as you go through different life stages. You’ll probably have had
different groups of friends through school, college, and different jobs,
with one or two close friends throughout. Friendships often develop
with people when you’re at a similar stage in your lives. This means
that during your pregnancy and when you have young children you may feel
most comfortable with other women in similar situations. You’ll meet
new friends at postpartum classes or post-partum groups, or in
situations such as toddler swimming or music classes.
As you make new friends,
you may find your old relationships begin to change. Friends without
children may find it difficult to understand your new role as a mother,
and the intense love that you have for your child, and you may start to
drift apart. Of course this is not always the case; some friendships are
unchanging, irrespective of whether your lives go along different
paths.
… Doctor
| Q: |
I’ve seen a second-hand car seat advertised. Is there any reason why I shouldn’t buy it?
|
| A: |
Don’t use a second-hand car seat unless you can be absolutely
certain of its history because it may have been in an accident or
damaged.
if you must use a
second-hand seat, only accept one if you are absolutely certain that you
know its history and that it hasn’t been in a bad accident. Don’t use a
seat that cracked, that doesn’t come with the original instructions, is
missing parts, was recalled, or is too old. Don’t purchase a car seat
for your baby at a second-hand store or through classified ads, or on
the internet.
|
… Nutrition
Choosing organic
Eating organic food is one way to eat more healthily during pregnancy.
Organic fruit and vegetables are grown without any chemical pesticides
or fertilizers. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come
from animals that are not given growth hormones or antibiotics. For
these reasons, organic foods are free from pesticide residues,
additives, and preservatives. They are also usually higher in nutrients.
Organic farming also promotes the use of environmentally friendly
practices. Most additives are safe during pregnancy, but eating organic
is a second step that can add to a healthy foundation of food choices.
The downside of eating
organic food is that it tends to cost more than regular groceries. Given
the price of food, many families cannot afford the extra that goes with
eating organic. If you can’t afford organic foods, eating whole foods
in their least processed, most natural form, and plenty of fresh fruit
and vegetables is the next best thing, and is still a very healthy diet.
