Pregnancy is such an exciting and scary time for a woman. When that plus sign shows up on the stick, a woman's life will be forever changed. Get the facts you need to stay calm and happy throughout your pregnancy, so you'll feel confident that you're going to be a great mom.
Yipee, I'm Pregnant! Now What?
- > Am I Really Pregnant? Normal Symptoms
- > Common Pregnancy Check-ups and Tests
- > Healthy Pregnancy Exercises
- > Feeling Icky? Sooth that Morning Sickness
- > Special Section for Mothers Over 35
- > Typical Pregnancy Discomforts
Fun Pregnancy Moments
- > Fun Myths: Predicting a Baby's Gender
- > Tips for Picking a Baby Name
- > Top 10 Baby Boy Names
- > Top 10 Baby Girl Names
- > Top 10 Pregnancy Myths
- > Sex During Pregnancy
Pregnancy "No No's" & Warning Signs
- > Activities to Avoid During Pregnancy
- > Food During Pregnancy - List of No No's
- > These Medicines and Pregnancy Don't Mix
- > Should I Call a Doctor? Warning Signs
- > Signs and Risk Factors for Miscarriages
- > Signs and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes
Getting Prepared for Baby's Arrival
Is Labor Near or Here? Here's How to Tell
If you're in your 8th month of pregnancy then labor is certainly on your mind. You probably get a little anxious and excited over every little pain or ache, wondering if it's time! There are definite signs that let you know when you're getting close to the big day. Below are some of the signs to look for that will tell you that Baby is on the way.
- Near: You'll Get the Nesting Instinct - This means you'll start cleaning, organizing and getting ready for baby to arrive, above and beyond your usual desire to tidy up the house.
- Near: You'll Get more Frequent Braxton Hicks Contractions - These are considered "practice contractions" that give you a preview of the real thing. These contractions tend to be short, infrequent, unpredictable and without rhythm and don't increase in intensity. They are also more of an ache then a pain.
- Near: Increased Heaviness or Pressure in your Pelvis - Your baby's head will drop lower in your belly shortly before labor will start.
- Very Near: Loss of the mucous plug, referred to as "The Bloody Show" - This is a plug that sealed the cervix during pregnancy. You'll experience pink, red or brown vaginal discharge. It can come out in a clump or for several days. Sure sign that labor is soon.
- Here: Increasing Contractions - You'll get contractions that will increase as time goes by. You'll experience pain with these contractions and you won't be able to stop the pain by changing position. Start timing your contractions. If they last for at least 1 minute and occur every 5 minutes or less you're in labor.
- Here: Your Water will Break - This refers to when the amniotic sac ruptures and the amniotic fluid leaks out either in a gush or a trickle. Baby is on the way for sure!
