Dear Ovia, I’m worried about not having enough time for myself and my relationship when this baby gets here. How can I make sure we’re still feeling connected after baby get here (and don’t only talk about the baby, which has already started!)?

Kudos to you for recognizing that a major shift is happening — even before the baby’s birth! Early parenting advice focuses on what to do to prepare for baby, birth, breastfeeding, and beyond. It rarely centers the couple at the start of it all, and yet feeling positive about your relationship is so important for satisfied parents and a healthy family.

Your family will change, as you’ve noted, and that’s something to expect. The new human in your life will not just be an addition to your previous life, or something to “fit in.” It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, overjoyed or a mix of both by the responsibilities of new parenthood and how different life will be. 

Talking with your partner about how to maintain some time for yourself and your relationship is the best place to start. The type of leave you’ll both have from work and the support you have from other family and friends is an enormous factor. But even if you have very little outside support, you can start small, “Hey I hope I can decompress for a half hour and (insert hobby here) every Thursday when you get home early. What kinds of things do you still hope to have the flexibility for?” When it comes to your relationship, you may have to adjust your old ways of connecting depending on what kind of support you have, and how comfortable you feel leaving your baby when the time comes. It’s okay to want solo date nights or to adjust them to brunch. It’s also okay to feel like you can maintain and grow together with your baby around. Having an ongoing dialogue with your partner about what’s working will help!

And as for not only talking about the baby — well, that’s a tough one! Couples certainly make loving rules for themselves to set a timer for other conversations before they can talk about babies or look at pictures together. I know people who even read the same book simultaneously so they can have their own mini book club! But it’s also okay to laugh at yourselves as parents who just can’t stop talking about their baby, and appreciate that it’s a fairly normal instinct (kind of like looking at pictures of them after they’re asleep). This is still a way of being connected as a couple, it’s just a new and potentially unexpected one.

Read more from this series

• How to get my partner involved in baby preparations?
• How to deal with my controlling mother-in-law?

Lindsay worked for a high end luxury dessert boutique until having her son, Graham, two years ago, when she decided to be a “bake at home mom.” She got inspired by the Parisian Bakery baby size theme in Ovia while pregnant with her second child and decided to bake along week by week. So, of course, we had to know more about this sweet, sweet project. 

What inspired you to start this project? 

When I was pregnant with Graham, I loved seeing what size fruit/vegetable he was every week. Even from the first week when he was just a poppyseed, I found myself always craving the food it mentioned and baking with it that week. 

So from lemon poppyseed madelines to watermelon lollipops, I baked all 39 weeks. I found out about the Parisian bakery size comparison later on, and remember thinking: man, that would’ve been fun! So when I found out I was pregnant again, I couldn’t wait to do it all over again with an even sweeter twist.

How did this project (if at all) impact your experience of pregnancy?

I loved baking along every week — it was always a time for me to connect and reflect on my pregnancy. Every dessert made me feel closer to and more excited to meet whoever was in there. I also loved busting out my pastry school cookbooks, and having an excuse to make some really traditional pastries that I wouldn’t ordinarily bake, like the charlotte royale and brioche a tete. 

Did anything unexpected happen throughout the project?

You know, I’m shocked to say nothing too unexpected happened! The timing was always interesting — like getting a buche de noel the week after Christmas, or beignets during Passover. I also try really hard to not be wasteful and be sure there were people around to eat along with me (which was pretty hard to do in a pandemic! and what am I to do with 3 dozen cream puffs, or 2 clafoutis!?) so I’d drive and deliver to my family and friends. It was always an adventure driving around with 6 crème brûlées and texting my friends at 2pm on a Tuesday asking if they want one!

What was your favorite week? 

Probably the croquembouche week! I was so excited to have an excuse to make something so involved and such a showstopper. My son saw it in the morning and kept pointing to it and saying: ‘Mommy made that!’ 

If someone else wants to try this, any tips? 

Don’t stress! Just enjoy the project, and the sweets. Also, don’t be afraid to make a few ‘edits’ based on your cravings, and the calendar. For example, I had a baguette the week of St. Patrick’s day and had already had a lot of bread in the house, so I made rainbow bread pudding. A win win! 

My entire pregnancy journal is my Parisian bakery goods instead of bump pictures, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! 

Want to check out the baby size themes in Ovia? Tap here.

You come into contact with a wide range of chemicals every day because, well… everything is a chemical — even water. That said, you may want to avoid certain synthetic chemicals found in cosmetics, cleaning formulas, and household products. Here’s what the research can tell us.

Hair dye

Black, blond, brown, red, or purple — whatever your shade, you can dye your hair during pregnancy. The main concern is about chemicals in the dye absorbing through your scalp and entering your bloodstream. But according to the Mayo Clinic, the skin absorbs a limited amount of any product, and the minimal amount isn’t believed to pose any harm to you or your developing baby.

To play it safe, color your hair in a well-ventilated area, and don’t leave the dye on your hair for longer than directed. If you want to avoid dye on your scalp completely, you could opt for a chic ombre look during pregnancy.

Nail polish

There aren’t any known risks of painting your nails while pregnant. Some nail polishes contain phthalates, which could be harmful in high doses. However, the small amount in nail lacquer shouldn’t pose any risk.

Chemicals found in nail polish and nail polish remover (including paraffin, formaldehyde, and acetone) can create fumes, whether at home or in a nail salon. But as long as there’s a window or door open, you probably don’t need to worry about breathing in chemicals. That said, if you feel dizzy or nauseous, you may want to pause the manicure and get some fresh air.

Face and body products

So, what about other cosmetics, like skin and body care? Products containing retinoids should generally be avoided because they’ve been shown to increase the risk of certain birth defects when taken orally. Salicylic acid that is applied to the skin is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but should not be taken orally at 325 mg or higher, for example in the form of adult aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). On the other hand, studies have shown that low dose aspirin (about 81 mg/day) prescribed by a medical professional can prevent or delay preeclampsia and does not increase the chance of complications or birth defects.

But you might be glad to hear most other common skincare ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy. AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) like glycolic acid and lactic acid have the green light since they don’t soak into the skin. Sunscreen, self-tanner, and skincare products with benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and glycerin are thought to be safe as well. If you need more advanced skincare during pregnancy, it’s always okay to consult with a dermatologist.

Bug spray

As you know, using a bug spray can lower your chances of being bitten. Though insect bites can be harmless or nothing more than annoying, they can also cause various skin infections and diseases. It’s particularly important to avoid mosquito bites if you live in an area affected by Zika virus.

While there are different kinds of bug sprays you can buy, products containing DEET tend to offer the best protection. You may have heard about potential side effects of DEET, but there’s currently no evidence that it’s harmful to pregnant folks or their developing babies.

House paint

House paints sold today often have very low amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or none at all. For this reason, it’s unlikely that painting a room or hanging out near a paint job will harm you or your baby.

If you want to be on the safe side, steer clear of fumey solvent-based paints, latex paints, and spray paints, and leave stripping old paint to someone else to avoid lead exposure. Your best bet is to paint in a well-ventilated area using a water-based paint labeled “low-VOC” or “zero VOC.”

Cleaning products and detergents

According to the CDC, heavy exposure to high-level chemical disinfectants might increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. However, these “high-level” cleaners are typically used in healthcare facilities, salons, and other public spaces to sterilize equipment and shared surfaces. Most household cleaners are safe to use during pregnancy as long as you use them as directed, work in a well-ventilated area, and wear gloves if necessary.

Pesticides

Pesticides are used to kill weeds, fungi, insects, and other pests like rodents in yards and gardens. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to miscarriages and birth defects. Since there’s no known “safe level,” it’s best to avoid using pesticides and limit your exposure.

Since pesticides are used in farming, residues are sometimes detected on produce. Consuming small amounts is generally thought to be safe, but it’s still a good idea to thoroughly wash or peel your fruits and veggies before eating them. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Products to avoid when pregnant
• Activities to avoid when pregnant

Sources

• Tobah, Y. B. Is it OK to use hair dye during pregnancy? Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2017. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/hair-dye-and-pregnancy/faq-20058484
• Romeo, A RN, PhD. Nailing Down the Facts: Nail Treatment Safety in Pregnancy. MotherToBaby. 2025. Web. https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/nailing-down-the-facts-nail-treatment-safety-in-pregnancy/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/
• Michigan Medicine Healthwise Staff. Insect Repellents Topic Overview. University of Michigan. 2020. Web. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uf4815
• National Health Service (NHS). Can paint fumes affect my unborn baby? 2020. Web. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/can-paint-fumes-affect-my-unborn-baby/
• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Reproductive Health and the Workplace: About Chemical Disinfectants and Sterilants and Reproductive Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). April 3, 2024 Web. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/reproductive-health/prevention/disinfectants.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro/disinfectants.html
• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). About Pesticides and reproductive health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dec 13,2023 Web. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/reproductive-health/prevention/pesticides.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro/pesticides.html

Everyone experiences labor differently, with pain ranging from mild to severe.

It’ll start with waves of contractions. Some people describe the feeling as being like intense period cramps, others say it feels like a tightening or pounding feeling in your uterus or across your belly, others describe the feeling as being like very intense muscle cramps, while still other people describe contractions as being like the sort of wrenching intestinal cramps or gas pains that you might have a stomach virus. Sometimes you can even see these contractions across your belly as the uterus tightens. Some people might also have cramping, pressure, or pain that affects the lower back (called “back labor”), depending on how a baby is positioned, and this can be particularly intense. And some people feel these feelings of cramping, pressure, tightness, or pain in localized areas – the uterus, belly, torso, or back – and others feel it throughout their body. It’s very different for everyone, and different with every pregnancy.

Regardless of how it feels for you, these contractions will grow in intensity as you move through labor, and many people find that as things intensify, they prefer to move their bodies around in particular ways to try and find some relief – sitting on an exercise ball, getting on all fours, laboring in a tub if possible – or ask their care providers for help with relief. Throughout, some people report that they feel in control and empowered; others feel disconnected, like their bodies take control and do what needs to be done; and some feel a mix of in charge and out-of-body.

When it eventually comes time to push, many people say that they feel a great pressure in the rectal area, as if they need to have a bowel movement. For many people the act of bearing down and pushing also feels like having an intense bowel movement. (In fact, it’s pretty common to actually have a bowel movement during labor, as you use the same pelvic floor muscles to deliver vaginally.) Pushing itself can be extremely tiring physically, like an incredibly physically demanding workout requiring intense focus. And despite the great deal of discomfort many people experience before getting ready to push, often the pushing can feel like it brings some relief.

Once your baby’s head starts to emerge, or crown, the physical sensation may feel intense in a new way. The crowning can feel like burning, stabbing, stretching, tearing, or intense pressure on your groin area, vagina, and rectum as your baby gets ready to make their way out into the world.

Once Baby is finally delivered, with a great rush, you’ll likely feel a strong sense of relief and even euphoria – brought on by a big release of the calming hormone oxytocin and also because your baby is finally here and you’re mostly done pushing. (You may, however, still need to push out the placenta. For most people, the uterus will continue to contract for some time to help things along, but it’s important that all of the placenta comes out after birth. Following this, you may need to get some stitches down below if you experienced any tearing as your baby was born.) This relief and euphoria will likely last about an hour before beginning to fade, which is when you’ll really start to feel all that your body’s been through. At this point, you’ll have been through a lot. Soreness and pain throughout your body – most notably in your groin, vagina, rectum, and your uterus – is common, as is bleeding from your vagina.

One thing’s certain: you’ll be exhausted by the end, but it’ll all be worthwhile once Baby arrives.

Read more

• The Bradley method of childbirth
• Midwives: what they do and what you need to know

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Signs of labor: Know what to expect.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 7/18/2013. Web.
• Shannon K. Laughlin-Tommaso. “Does back labor really happen?” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 3/14/2015. Web.
• “Hormones Driving Labor and Birth.” Childbirth Connection. Childbirth Connection, 4/11/2011. Web.

In addition to these physical issues, many folks have stress-related obstacles regarding their babies’ health, birth, and parenting that keep them tossing and turning. However, working towards better sleep has major benefits. Pregnant people who get more than 6 hours of sleep per night tend to have shorter labors, are more likely to give birth vaginally, have lower risks of preterm birth, and lower rates of postpartum depression than those people who regularly sleep for less than 6 hours. 

Sleep position

A good sleeping position can solve many discomforts. Healthcare providers recommend sleeping on your left or right side so that the baby’s weight applies less pressure to the inferior vena cava, which carries blood from the feet and legs to the heart.

Moving around during sleep is perfectly natural, but a shift in position that puts pressure on these vital organs or blood vessels could be enough to wake you up. As the pregnancy progresses, you will probably be moving around less due to your increased size and discover that sleeping on your side is more comfortable.

Feel free to play around with pillow placement—perhaps you’ll find it easier to fall asleep with a pillow between your legs or under your lower back, or you’ll love a giant U-shaped pregnancy pillow.

Getting to sleep

Many people find it helpful to avoid caffeine and even exercise in the afternoon and evening. It may take some experimenting to find what works best for you. 

This is also the time to set your thermostat slightly lower and make sure your blinds are drawn or your sleep mask is ready. A very dark sleep environment can be a great way to improve sleep!

Interruptions

Even with all these good habits, there are bound to be times when you just can’t sleep. This can be attributed to a complex combination of hormones and conditions ranging from leg cramps to heartburn. Symptoms like frequent nighttime urination and fatigue can persuade you to take one or more daily catnaps.

The second trimester should be a bit easier in terms of sleep, with a slower rise in progesterone and less pressure on the bladder. Whatever the reason, get out of bed after 20-30 minutes if you’re having trouble sleeping and listen to calm music or fold some laundry in dim light.

Most importantly, don’t worry! Interrupted sleep during pregnancy is common, with a good bedtime routine and a comfortable sleeping environment, you will be having sweet dreams in no time.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

 Read more

• Insomnia when pregnant
• 5 tips for the perfect nap

Sources

• Chakradhar Venkata, MD and Saiprakash B. Venkateshiah, MD. “Sleep-Disordered Breathing During Pregnancy.” Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. vol. 22 no. 2 158-168. Web. March-April 2009.
• University of California- San Francisco. “Inadequate sleep in late pregnancy may influence labor and delivery.” EurekaAlert. EurekaAlert, 12/15/2004. Web.
• “Pregnancy & Sleep.” National Sleep Foundation. National Sleep Foundation, n.d. Web.
• “Sleeping By The Trimesters.” Sleep Foundation. National Sleep Foundation, n.d. Web.
• “Problems sleeping during pregnancy.” U.S National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus, 6/11/2014. Web.

The frequency of routine episiotomies in the U.S. has decreased dramatically in recent years. This is because research on the procedure shows that it is not effective at preventing perineal damage, creates higher rates of infection and pain, can lead to more severe additional tearing, and can cause more long term complications when compared with natural tearing. According to Leapfrog data from US hospitals, rates of episiotomy have dropped 63% and now hover at 4-5% of all vaginal births.

Can an episiotomy still be necessary?

The answer is maybe. ACOG suggests that an episiotomy can still be considered when a baby needs to be born very quickly, and in some other limited circumstances. As with any procedure, an episiotomy requires your consent.

Types of episiotomies

There are two types of episiotomy incisions: a midline incision and a mediolateral incision. A midline incision is done in a straight line, from the vaginal opening toward the anus, whereas a mediolateral incision is done at an angle from the vaginal opening. There are pros and cons to each type. A midline incision is less painful, but tearing of the anus is more likely than it is with natural tearing or a mediolateral incision. Still, mediolateral incisions can be more painful and can have worse long-term pain. 

Recovering after an episiotomy or spontaneous tear

You’ll get sutures to repair the wound that will dissolve after several weeks. Most people don’t experience pain beyond the first week after delivery, but more severe tears can cause discomfort for a longer period of time. To cope with the pain, you can apply ice packs for the first 24-48 hours, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (stay away from aspirin while you’re breastfeeding), and do warm sitz baths after the initial few days. 

Reduce irritation by changing your pad often and using a squirt bottle to wash off urine. Make sure to keep the area clean, and do not use donut-shaped pillows for sitting (as they create more swelling and slow down healing). Don’t forget your handy-dandy kegels to improve pelvic floor muscle tone once you can perform them without feeling pain. 

Healing is different for everyone and takes at least six weeks. If you are experiencing persistent pain with intercourse or if you’re still feeling pain after six weeks from birth, it’s time to seek treatment. You do not need to live with pain, there are many options for treatment after giving birth.  

Sometimes there are folks many years out from delivery who have been living with pain or incontinence because they did not know that there were options for treatment and trained healthcare providers who specialize in obstetric trauma, like obstetricians and urogynecologists. There are also designated postpartum clinics to treat those with obstetric trauma. You deserve to feel like yourself and to live free from pain. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• C-sections: what they are, and when to get them
• Your dilating cervix: gateway to baby

Sources

• “What is an episiotomy?” ACOG. ACOG. October 2020. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/what-is-an-episiotomy
• “State of Maternity Care in the U.S.: The Leapfrog Group 2023 Report on Trends in C-Sections, Early Elective Deliveries, and Episiotomies.” Leapfrog Group. 2023. https://www.leapfroggroup.org/sites/default/files/Files/2023%20Maternity%20Report_Final_0.pdf

Weight

It’s incredibly important to track your weight throughout pregnancy, as staying within the recommended gain range is crucial for your health, as well as baby’s development. Recommended weight gain changes each trimester, and depends on your prior-to-pregnancy Body Mass Index, a ratio that measures your weight to your height (=kg/m2). You can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in pounds (lbs) by your height in inches (in) squared, multiplied by a conversion factor of 703; or: BMI = (weight (lbs) / [height (in)2] x 703)

Women who do not gain enough weight put their babies at risk of developmental impairments and low birth weight. Conversely, women who gain too much weight may raise the likelihood of baby being too heavy for a safe natural birth, or put themselves at risk of developing preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. A healthy, stable weight gain is just about the best thing you can do for Baby.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure measures the pressure that your flowing blood applies to the walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure during pregnancy can indicate a serious problem like preeclampsia, while low blood pressure can also signal that something is off, and lead to dizziness or fainting.

Nutrition

Although getting plenty of minerals and vitamins is important even for non-pregnant people, certain nutrients like iron, folate, and calcium play an even more important role for you and Baby during pregnancy. It’s important to track the food groups you eat throughout the day, as well as when you take your daily prenatal vitamin, so that you can be sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need:

• Prenatal vitamins contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that become vitally important during pregnancy, like folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) and iron.
• Grains contain plenty of iron, B vitamins, and fiber, important for Baby’s blood cell and brain development, as well as your regularity.
• Fruits and vegetables have the natural and delicious fuels your body needs to run most smoothly and help Baby do the same, like folate, Vitamin C, and iron.
• Meat contains protein, which Baby needs for cell development.
• Dairy products are heavy in calcium, which Baby needs to help develop their teeth and bones.

Exercise

Staying active is very important for both Baby‘s and your health. Staying active will not only help you manage and control your weight gains, but goes a long ways towards preparing your body for labor, and preventing certain icky symptoms like stretch marks and swelling.

Sleep

Between a frequent need to pee, a stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, an elevated heart rate, and the changing shape and size of the uterus, pregnant women often do not get as much sleep as they might like to, which is unfortunate because getting plenty of sleep helps Baby grow and develop properly, and can help soothe some pregnancy symptoms. Tracking your sleep can help you get a sense of how healthy your pregnancy is, and Ovia can provide suggestions based on your other data that may improve the quality of your sleep, and your pregnancy.

Physical symptoms

The physical symptoms of pregnancy can come in a variety of forms, from the expected bloating and morning sickness to the surprising vivid dreaming and heightened sense of smell. Tracking your symptoms can help you manage and treat them, and also allow you to know whether a symptom that you have noticed is normal or not.

Emotional symptoms

Hormone levels in the body during pregnancy are totally different than when not pregnant, and some funky emotional symptoms can result as these hormones course through your body. A bit of an emotional rollercoaster is to be expected, but it’s important to track these symptoms to determine when something may be amiss, as in the case of serious depression. Stress is also known to have potentially harmful effects on pregnancy, so it makes sense to monitor your emotional symptoms so you can try to ensure as healthy a pregnancy as possible.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Wifi devices and pregnancy: everything you need to know
• Activity during pregnancy: why you should track it

Sources

• “Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Number 548.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1/13/2015. Web.
• “Nutrition During Pregnancy: FAQ001.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 4/15/2015. Web.
• “Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: FAQ034.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 9/14/2015. Web.
• Committee on Obstetric Practice. “Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: Committee Opinion Number 650.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 12/2015. Web.

Symptoms

Unfortunately, the third trimester can be the most painful and uncomfortable phase of your pregnancy. As Baby grows and you continue to gain weight, you’ll feel some strain here and there. Here are some symptoms that might be coming your way:

• Fatigue: Most women gain 20-30 pounds (9-13.6 kg) by the end of their third trimester, so you’re bound to get tired if you feel like you’re lugging around a watermelon in your womb. Try combatting the exhaustion with light exercise and small meals throughout the day, and never hesitate to get some well-deserved rest.
• Back pain: A growing baby, along with hormones to loosen your joints in preparation for childbirth, puts stress on your pelvis and lower back. There are lots of stretches or exercises you can do to improve your posture, or you can try supportive garments to lift your stomach.
• Heartburn: When your uterus grows, it can shift around your organs a bit, and a change in stomach position can lead to heartburn. You can control this by monitoring what and how much you eat in one sitting, so you might want to stay away from fried or spicy foods and try to eat small meals throughout the day.
• Swelling: As Baby takes up more real estate in your body, the uterus presses against vessels that take blood to and from the heart, which can cause swelling in your limbs or extremities. Try going for a swim or just lying down on your side to improve circulation.
• Breast growth and discharge: Most women put on about 2 pounds (900 g) of extra breast tissue by the third trimester, so your breasts could become tender. They might also start secreting a yellow liquid called colostrum, which is important for delivering nutrients to Baby in the first few days after delivery.

Health care provider appointments

Third trimester healthcare provider visits will occur more often than those in the first six months, and you’ll probably have appointments every two weeks until week 36 when they become weekly until labor. You’ll talk about delivery in detail and continue to receive standard physical exams to check for potential problems.

At some point during the third trimester, your healthcare provider will probably suggest getting a Tdap vaccine. The Tdap is given during pregnancy to help protect the baby, who is protected through maternal antibodies passed on before birth, from whooping cough. The vaccine lasts until around 2 months old, and is important because babies are at the highest risk for whooping cough, and, with their as-yet-unformed immune systems, have the least ability to fight it off.

As always, these appointments give you time to talk about worrisome symptoms and discuss results from previous tests. Baby’s size and heartbeat will continue to be monitored, in addition to their position. An ultrasound is the best way to determine if they is oriented bottom-down and, if this is the case, you can schedule a procedure to internally or externally turn them.

You probably won’t be having regular pelvic exams unless your healthcare provider suspects an issue, but if you’re more than a few days past your due date it is important to check the condition or dilation of the cervix.

Take advantage of these appointments to talk about your concerns regarding childbirth or postpartum issues, such as breastfeeding or contraception after Baby is born. The best preparation for going into labor is expanding your knowledge and having clear expectations for what you will experience.

Tests

Your healthcare provider can perform more tests in the third trimester since Baby is more developed. These will include vaginal exams to check their position and evaluate the condition of your cervix.

• Group B strep test: Group B strep bacteria lives in about 1 in 3 women, and is not dangerous for moms-to-be, but could affect Baby when they passes through the birth canal, where the bacteria resides. The test is performed with a simple vaginal and rectal swab, and if you get a positive result, it can be treated with antibiotics so that they doesn’t have it at birth.
• Non-stress test: This is usually reserved for high-risk pregnancies or women past their due date. It monitors Baby’s heart rate with a strap across your abdomen to make sure they is developing well.
• Biophysical profile (BPP): A BPP is a combination of tests to evaluate Baby’s heart rate, muscle tone, and movement. It also assesses the amount of amniotic fluid around them, which is a factor that can contribute unsafe conditions. This is also performed mainly for high-risk pregnancies or for women susceptible to certain diseases.
• Oxytocin challenge test: Frequent or intense contractions limit the amount of oxygen Baby receives during labor, so your healthcare provider might perform this test to see how they responds to simulated contractions. This is usually done only when your healthcare provider anticipates that the baby will struggle under stress.

All in all, these tests give you a good idea of any foreseeable issues in labor. Seeing that your baby is in a good position with a steady heartbeat should put you at ease for a safe and healthy delivery.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Third trimester doctor appointments
• Second and third trimester weight gain

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Biophysical Profile.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 3/5/2015. Web.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Third trimester pregnancy: What to expect.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 5/5/2014. Web.
• “Body changes and discomforts.” Womenshealth.gov. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 9/27/2010. Web.

Symptoms

Second trimester symptoms are generally tame, and most of the bothersome ones are overshadowed by exciting signs of new life. A few pesky symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath: The uterus continues to grow and might put some pressure on your lungs that you notice while taking the stairs or going for a run. This feeling is totally normal, but talk to your healthcare provider if you feel like even basic activities leave you breathless or if the difficulty breathing has a very quick onset.
• Stretch marks: Your ever-changing shape might cause you to develop some purple or white lines on your skin. They’ll fade and become less noticeable or most folks after the postpartum phase. Stretch marks can feel itchy or dry, and a soothing lotion or balm can help!
• Vivid dreams: Blame it on pregnancy hormones or interrupted sleep, but vivid dreams can be very common during pregnancy. 
• Dizziness: The second trimester can make your blood pressure drop as your blood volume increases and blood vessels relax. This can leave you lightheaded or dizzy, so make sure you stay hydrated and feel free to sit or lie on your side to feel better and stay safe.
• Round ligament pain: A brief and sharp pain, often felt in the groin or hips, round ligament pain is a pregnancy staple for most folks. Although you may be unable to avoid it completely, moving slowly (don’t jump up out of your seat!) and wearing supportive belts or clothing can help. 

Healthcare provider appointments

Second trimester OB provider visits, which should take place about every four weeks, are important for tracking your blood pressure, baby’s growth and discussing symptoms.

Your provider will take measurements of your stomach from the top of the uterus to the base of your pelvis, which gives a good idea of Baby’s changing size. Perhaps the most exciting part of second trimester visits is the opportunity to hear their heartbeat.

Even though birth is still a few months away, your healthcare provider will also take this time to talk to you about childbirth classes and give you information about signs of premature labor. Don’t hesitate to tell your healthcare provider about any physical or emotional concerns, as they can guide you to further sources of support when necessary.

Tests

Between weeks 15 and 24, most people have several milestone pregnancy exams! These may include:

• Anatomy Ultrasound and Cervical Length: A favorite of most parents, the anatomy ultrasound takes a thorough look at every inch of your growing baby. From head to toe, and your baby’s sex if you want to know it, will be shown to you in detail. A cervical length is often done at the same time. This precise ultrasound measurement of the opening of your uterus can identify those at risk for preterm labor and birth.
• Multiple marker screening: Alpha-fetoprotein, which is secreted by the fetus, can be a sign of Down syndrome or spina bifida if present at very high levels. This can be detected with a simple blood draw, and most women undergo the screening. An abnormal result, which occurs in about 4% of women, could be a false positive, so your healthcare provider will perform an ultrasound to confirm a genetic defect.
• Amniocentesis: This is an invasive diagnostic test to confirm chromosomal differences, usually after a screening blood test or ultrasound has been flagged as high risk. It is an optional test for parents who want more certainty than screening tests can provide. A needle is inserted into the amniotic sac to withdraw a small amount of fluid for testing. It is a brief in-office procedure guided by ultrasound. It carries a small risk of miscarriage.
• Glucose challenge test: After drinking a prepared beverage, parents-to-be have their blood drawn to see how their body responds to a specific amount of glucose. High results require additional testing and may lead to a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. High-risk people will have this test even earlier in pregnancy.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Second trimester doctor appontments
• Shortness of breath when pregnant

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Second trimester pregnancy: What to expect.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 5/15/2014. Web.
• “Body changes and discomforts.” Womenshealth.gov. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 9/27/2010. Web.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Prenatal testing: Is it right for you?.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 8/22/2015. Web.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Prenatal testing: Quick guide to common tests.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 8/8/2015. Web.
• “Preterm labor.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes, n.d. Web.

As long as your healthcare provider says it’s safe, getting plenty of exercise while pregnant is incredibly important for your health as well as Baby’s, and tracking your activity can help you make sure that you’re getting enough to foster a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Activity and you

It might seem odd because pregnant women can expect to gain between 15-40 lbs. throughout the course of the nine months, but staying active is even more important when pregnant. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all moms-to-be get about 30 minutes of activity each day.

Getting sufficient activity during pregnancy will not only help you keep your weight gain to within a recommended level and assist in the prevention and treatment of pregnancy symptoms like stretch marks, fatigue, and swollen ankles, but may also decrease the risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, among other dangerous pregnancy complications.

Staying in good physical shape will also help prepare your body for the tremendous stress delivery will bring, and will help make your pregnancy pounds slip right off after you give birth.

Tracking your activity can help you establish a pattern between the amount of exercise you’re getting, and any symptoms you may notice, so you’ll be able to make adjustments as needed. Tracking will also help you monitor your general health, which can be one of the most accurate indicators of how well your pregnancy is progressing.

Activity and baby

Baby is totally dependent on you while they’s living in them amniotic bubble, so your health affects them more than you’d know!

When you exercise to temper your weight gain, you’re also helping to ensure that Baby’s weight remains within a healthy level, as both too high, and too low of a birth weight can be dangerous for them (and you).

Exercise is very beneficial for your overall health, and the healthier you are, the healthier Baby will be. Your body can operate at a higher level of performance when you stay active, and will therefore be able to take care of them better. Exercise also helps moms-to-be deal with stress and feelings of depression, both of which are great risk factors for babies.

Tracking your activity with Ovia can help you understand when you might need to make an adjustment in your exercise regimen, both for your sake and Baby‘s.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Activity during pregnancy: everything you need to know
• The best pregnancy exercises

Sources

• “Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Number 548.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1/13/2015. Web.
• Committee on Obstetric Practice. “Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: Committee Opinion Number 267.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1/2/2015. Web.
• “Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: FAQ034.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 9/14/2015. Web.
• “Gestational Diabetes: FAQ177.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 9/13/2015. Web.