Month 7

What's Happening to Me?

You are now entering the third and final phase of your pregnancy. You may experience some discomfort during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids may develop or become more of a concern if they were already present. Swollen feet and ankles and varicose veins are caused by the weight of your expanding uterus slowing down the flow of blood back from your legs. If you had varicose veins before pregnancy, they may become worse.

To help ease the pain of aching legs and feet, try the following:

Take plenty of walks and avoid standing for long periods of times.
Wear support or elastic stockings.
Elevate your feet whenever possible.
Don't cross your legs at the knees or ankles.
Drink plenty of fluids. You cannot prevent swelling by decreasing your fluid intake.
If swelling is severe and your face, fingers, and feet are swollen, call your physician.

NEWSLETTER
Table of Contents

Baby's Development

Pre-Term Labor

Mommy's Notes

Preparing the Nursery for Baby's Arrival

Pre-register for Your Hospital Stay

Making Baby's Room Safe

During your last trimester of pregnancy, blood volume has increased 30 to 40 percent, or approximately two pints. Pelvic bones are beginning to soften, partly due to the increased production of the hormone relaxin.

You may become aware of a yellowish-colored to water-clear discharge, called colostrum, from your nipples. This is a sign the breasts are preparing for their function after birth. You may need to protect your clothing with a disposable nursing pad. (You may see it again after delivery before actual milk production begins.) If you do not see this liquid before delivery, don't worry. This doesn't mean you won't produce milk later.

Many women begin to have difficulty sleeping during the third trimester because they have trouble getting into a comfortable position lying down. Your stomach may feel large and awkward, and you may be making frequent trips to the bathroom. Try taking a warm bath before going to bed and sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your knees and under your stomach.

You may feel uncomfortable about wearing a seat belt when driving or riding in a car. You should adjust the lap belt so that it fits comfortably but securely under your abdomen and low on your hips. Wear the shoulder belt as well. If you are in an accident, you and your unborn baby will be much safer if you are securely strapped in place. It is unlikely that a seat belt could harm the baby because the fetus is so well protected inside your body.

Baby's Development
	At 28 weeks, the baby is 15 inches long and weighs approximately two to two and one-half pounds. He or she is very active-stretching and kicking. In your baby's seventh month of development, he or she is still dependent upon you for maternal support. However, baby would have a fairly good chance of survival if born today. The lungs are functioning on their own. The nervous system has developed to the point of enabling baby to swallow and breathe. Brain cells are in a rapid period of growth.

Pre-Term Labor
	Sometimes a baby is born early--between 24 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. The causes of pre-term labor, which results in pre-term delivery, are not well understood. However, one key to preventing pre-term delivery is to know the signs of pre-term labor. Call your doctor or Hospital immediately if you notice any of these signs:	Regular uterine contractions-four or more per hour. (These contractions may be painless.) Menstrual-like cramps Lower-back pain that is dull, but constant Pressure in the pelvic area Stomach or intestinal cramps

Preparing the Nursery for Baby's Arrival

Many expectant parents enjoy decorating the baby's room during the last month or two before baby is born. If you begin now, you can choose colors for the walls and purchase furniture and baby items at your leisure. What you include on your shopping list will be determined by what you have on hand and what you receive at your baby shower. This section outlines basics you will need for baby and highlights safety tips. Whatever you decide to shop for, remember to take advantage of your BEGINNINGS Baby Club merchant discounts.

Crib
A safe crib is essential because baby will spend much of his or her time there. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has estimated that 150 to 200 infants die every year in accidents involving cribs. Many of the tiny victims have wiggled feet first through the crib slats until their heads were caught.

Check for these safety features:

Slats should be no more than 2-3/8" apart. Baby's head may become trapped in a larger space. Decorative "cutouts" on the headboard or footboard may entrap a child's head.
Avoid cribs with corner posts. When baby can stand in the crib, he or she may catch clothes on the post, causing baby to choke.
Older or borrowed cribs painted with lead-based paint can poison children if they chew on the crib rails. Strip any old paint and repaint the crib using non-toxic paint.
Don't place the crib near a window. Babies can reach the window from the crib and fall out. Babies can also get tangled in and strangled by cords, blinds, shades or curtains near windows. Balls thrown from the crib into a window can cause serious injury.
Make sure there are no sharp edges or bolts that could injure a baby.
The crib mattress should fit snugly so baby cannot get caught between the mattress and side of the crib. If you can fit more than two fingers between the mattress and sides or ends of the crib, the mattress is too small and needs to be replaced. Until you can replace a mattress, roll large towels and place them between the mattress and crib sides. Choose a firm, flat mattress with a waterproof cover. Never cover the mattress with plastic from dry cleaners.
No pillows, as baby could suffocate in the fabric covers.
Crib sides should be locked at maximum height. As soon as the child can stand up, lock the side rail at the maximum height and adjust the mattress to the lowest position.
Check to be sure the latching device for the dropside cannot be easily released.
Bumper pads should extend around the entire crib and tie into place with at least six straps.
If purchasing a new crib, remove and destroy all plastic wrapping materials. Before disposing, tie them in knots. Children can suffocate on plastic.

Crib Toys
Before baby goes to sleep, all dolls and toys should be removed from the crib. Baby's movement may put him or her close to a doll or stuffed toy, and he or she may not be able to move away, restricting baby's ability to breathe.

Mobiles should be placed well above baby's grasp and removed as soon as baby is moving about and attempting to lift himself or herself up. Make sure all parts are securely attached and there are not sharp points.

Make sure the busy box is solidly affixed to the side of the crib and that parts are not loose or small enough to put in baby's mouth.

Changing Table
Select a changing table with a guardrail and a safety strap to help prevent falls. Never leave your baby unattended, even for an instant. If you need to answer the phone or the door, take your baby with you. Don't store baby care products within baby's reach. Pins, diapers, baby powder, etc. can all be harmful to baby.

High Chairs
Thousands of injuries associated with high chairs are treated in hospital emergency departments every year. The vast majority of these injuries result from falls. Sometimes the tray disengages when baby is leaning or pushing against it, and the baby falls out. Baby can topple from the high chair when standing, climbing, or reaching. Sometimes the child can fall when the tray itself is used in an attempt to hold the child instead of the seat belt.

Use these high chair safety tips:

It should have a wide base for stability.
Safety straps should not be attached to the tray.
Avoid hardwood with rough edges.
Always use the seat belt.
Do not allow the child to climb into the chair alone.
Use the high chair in a traffic-free area, away from doorways, refrigerators, ranges, and other kitchen equipment.
Check the tray to see that it is properly attached to both sides.
Never leave baby unattended.

Strollers and Carriages
You may want to have a stroller and carriage. Strollers are more portable for traveling, while a carriage provides a portable "bed" around the home as well as for a walk around the neighborhood. Hinges and latches on folding models should lock tightly to prevent scissoring action. Baby's fingers can be pinched if they do not lock properly. The playpen should have a firm floor support to prevent collapse.

Do not store the playpen outdoors. Rust, water, and sun can damage the playpen.
Remove large toys, bumper pads, or boxes from inside the playpen. These can be used for climbing. If toys are hung from the side, the cord should be no longer than 12 inches, short enough that it won't wrap around the child's neck.

Baby Carriers
Baby carriers are convenient for feeding a baby and for carrying him comfortably from place to place. Carriers let infants feel a part of the activities going on around them. A baby carrier is not a substitute for a car seat.

Some safety tips:

Make sure the carrier is constructed of sturdy materials and provides firm support.
It should have a wide base for stability, a safety strap, and non-skid bottom surface. (You can attach rough-surfaced adhesive strips to make it non-skid.)
Check supporting devices with snaps on the back of the baby carrier. They can pop out, causing the carrier to collapse.
Never turn your back. Stay within arm's reach of the baby when the baby carrier is on tables, counters, couches, and chairs. Slippery surfaces such as glass table tops can be especially hazardous.

Back Carriers
Back carriers should not be used before baby is four to five months old, until baby's neck is strong enough to withstand movement. Buy it to match the baby's size and weight. Try it on with baby and check it for the following:

Make sure it supplies enough depth to support baby's back.
The leg opening should be small enough to prevent the baby from slipping out and large enough to avoid chafing baby's legs.
Check for sturdy construction-strong stitching or large, heavy-duty snaps to prevent baby from slipping out.
Avoid joints that may accidentally close and pinch or cut baby and sharp points, edges, or rough surfaces.
Look for a back carrier with soft, padded covering over metal frame near baby's face.
Make sure it has a safety strap.
Check the carrier for ripped seams, missing or loose snaps, frayed seats or straps.

Rocking Chair
A rocking chair for you and your partner is something you will appreciate during feeding times or sleepless hours. A reading lamp and a bookshelf or magazine rack near the chair are comforting touches, too.

Car Seat
The most important piece of equipment for your baby is a car seat. It should be installed in your car for baby's first ride from the Hospital. It is tempting to hold your baby in your arms, but car seats prevent the probability of an injury if you're in an accident. Remember, it is the law to buckle baby up.

Clothing
Babies grow fast, so you may want to skip newborn-size clothing and purchase size six-months clothes. Your baby will be able to wear these items for a longer period of time.

Think practical. Of course, you want your baby to look as adorable as possible, but lots of dress-up clothes can be very impractical. Babies need changing several times a day. Stock up on sleepers and one-piece outfits which baby will wear on a daily basis.

A basic baby wardrobe should include:

Half a dozen stretch suits
Several sleepers
Two pairs of booties
Six undershirts
A bonnet
Six receiving blankets
Three to four dozen (cloth) diapers, four sets double-lock safety pins, and rubber or waterproof pants, OR several boxes of disposable diapers

Don't Forget These Day-to-Day Items
Vaseline Mild soap for bathing baby Baby shampoo Rubbing alcohol for cord care Diaper rash ointment Cotton balls	Two pacifiers Moist wipes Diaper bag Hamper Cool mist vaporizer One dozen burp pads
Plastic changing mat Fever scanner thermometers or rectal thermometer Fever-reducing medication (check with your pediatrician) Blunt-ended scissors for trimming baby's nails Bedding: mattress covers, flannel covered rubber pads, fitted crib sheets, receiving blankets, blankets or comforters Covered diaper pail for cloth diapers or a waste basket for disposable diapers

Pre-register for Your Hospital Stay

It's time....You're in labor....Grab the suitcase and baby's car seat....Get in the car�.It's off to the Hospital!

"Ohhhmmgosh! Do I have to stop at Admitting!?!"

Save minutes, which might seem like hours, by pre-registering for your Hospital admission. Call your obstetrician to obtain a pre-registration form. Complete the form and send it in. It is as simple as that. Then when you arrive at the Hospital, you don't have to stop at Admitting. Go directly to the fifth floor. As a BEGINNINGS family member, we help you keep your priorities in order. We take care of the paperwork, so you can concentrate on the birth process.

Making Baby's Room Safe

If you paint, use nontoxic paint.
Keep the room well ventilated during and after painting.

Add a dimmer light switch.
A dimmer switch will provide more lighting options to make sure your way is safely lighted as you go in and out of the nursery during the night.

Make sure the nursery has its own smoke alarm.
Check all the smoke alarms in your home, and maintain them according to the manufacturer's instructions to make sure they are always working properly.