Welcome to week twenty seven!
This is the last week of your second trimester! Many women struggle with symptoms of anxiety or depression about now even when everything is going well.
If you are sleeping a lot, crying more often or not interested in normal activities you may want to contact your provider. StorkAdvisor has articles in Go-to-Topics about depression and moods changes that might also be helpful. Don’t just ignore the symptoms and struggle when there could be help for these symptoms caused partially by hormonal changes.
Many women struggle with symptoms of anxiety or depression about now even when everything is going well.
How my Baby Grows
- Your baby is now the size of a Rutabaga (a type of turnip)
- His/her brain is actively developing neurons
- There are sleep and wake cycles
- Lungs, one of the last organs to completely develop are maturing
- Eyes that have been fused shut can now open
- Your baby can recognize your voice, how sweet is that
Symptoms Mama may Feel or Experience
- Hormones that may affect moods are increasing and you may be experiencing some depression as you approach the end of your second trimester
- Talking with your doctor or midwife at your next visit is always an option
- There are also some self-help actions that you can take
- Make sure that you are getting enough sleep and not struggling due to exhaustion
- Pay attention to your diet, a diet high in carbs or sugars may give you energy highs and lows during the day
- Pregnancy is a state of health for most women however as the day approaches to give birth, some women struggle with fears, one of the best ways to deal with fear is knowledge and planning
- Most women benefit greatly by attending prepared childbirth classes
- Sometimes other moms are not helpful in that they wear their birth as a badge of honor and describe an experience that is downright frightening, know that there will always be health care professionals with you to manage any situation or need, hint-most of these women go on to have other children so their own stories do not frighten them enough to keep them from repeating the experience
Thoughts to Consider
- Let’s focus on one very important topic this week-breast pumps. Did you know that your medical insurance carrier will pay for you to have a high- quality, hospital grade breast pump? This is an incredible benefit, don’t miss out! Your doctor or midwife’s office will have paperwork for you to fill out by choosing a specific pump and often they will then fax in the form and the pump will come directly to your home
- At your next prenatal care appointment just ask your doctor or midwife about this benefit
- There are several different kinds that you will be asked to choose from
- Breast pumps can be either manual or electric
- If you are going to be doing a lot of pumping to return to work, you will definitely want an electric pump
- If you only plan to use a pump occasionally and want something small and simple the manual one might be enough
- Single or double pumping
- A single breast pump will pump on one side at a time, but you will often leak from the other breast while pumping
- The double pump will save you time as it is able to effectively pump both breasts at the same time
- Some of the top brands are listed below with their features, most brands have multiple pumps and other products that go with it, if you would like more detailed information you can check out the StorkAdvisor product review on breast pumps
- Ameda-hospital strength, convenient, quiet and closely mimics the natural sucking action of your baby
- ARDO-created and assembled by hand in Switzerland, battery operated and weighs less than a pound, can be discretely carried anywhere, touts being the quietest on the market
- Lansinoh-made by the company that manufactures breast cream, it is the first Bluetooth-connected breast pump, provides education on lactation and parenting, advocates for families in 60 countries
- Medela-this company’s only business is helping moms breastfeed and they have been doing so for more than 30 years, offer pumps, breast milk storage and feeding, cleaning and sanitizing, breast care, breast pump accessories, and maternity and nursing apparel and support garments
- Elvie-focuses on new technology, only silent wearable breast pump, fits in your bra, no tubes or wires
- Spectra-this women-owned company offers double electric breast pumps and focuses on customer care for breastfeeding women
- Willow-all in one breast pump that fits in your bra, no-spill technology that allows you to pump hands-free and, in any position, you may download an app that tracks volume and history for providing personalized tips to maximize success
- Unimom-entire breast pump cover and accessories are made of BPA, phthalates and lead-free materials, provide products and education to breastfeeding moms
Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
- If you have not chosen new bras as your breasts enlarge, now is a good time to shop
- Bras that do not fit well can put pressure on developing milk glands
- Due to the enlarging breasts, you need more support for comfort
- You want to look for stretchy, soft material that is seamless and will grow with you
- Bras should also be wireless and supportive
- Once you have your baby you can choose bras with full drop cups to help you breastfeed your baby discretely
- If you are finding yourself fatigued during the day don’t forget that your water intake remains very important and can help a number of symptoms including your energy level
Dr. Cheryl Sharp,
Certified Nurse Midwife
Chief Content Officer
Chief Content Officer