Glucose Challenge Test

• Will be done between 24 and 28 weeks

• This is a test done on all pregnant patients to screen for gestational diabetes

• Blood will then be drawn 1 hour after drinking the drink

CBC

• RPR

• We will also test your blood for anemia during this visit

What to Expect

Visit Frequency

• At 28 weeks we will begin to see you every 2 to 4 weeks

Baby Movement

• Movement will increase

• We do not recommend travel after 32 weeks if cleared by your Physician

Anemia

• If the results of your CBC indicate you are anemic your doctor will prescribe iron

• It is very important that you take your iron as prescribed

RhoGam

• If your blood type is Rh negative you will receive a RhoGam shot at 28 weeks

Common Discomforts

• Lower Back Pain

Cause

• Shift in gravity

What to do

• Good body mechanics

• Exercise

• Lay on back, raise the leg straight up- this stretches the muscle in the back of leg and muscles of your lower back

• Pelvic rock exercises

• Supportive low-heel shoes, with good arch support

• Firm mattress

• Maternity support belt

• Your provider may refer you to Physical Therapy if needed

Upper Back Pain

Cause

• Enlarging breasts

What to do

• Good support bra

• Varicose Veins

Cause

• Large uterus slows the return of blood from feet and legs

• Tends to run in families

• Progesterone relaxes blood vessel walls

What to do

• Support hose

• Exercise

• Elevate legs every 2-3 hours

• Good body mechanics

What is Happening?

• By the 6th month, your baby has a distinct nose, mouth, chin, and eyebrows are visible

• Baby is thin and wrinkled with translucent skin

• Weight gain will be rapid- up to half a pound a week

• The bones are now growing harder and you may be able to distinguish a tiny arm or leg from the head or buttocks

• Movements become more coordinated

• Baby’s brain continues to grow

• Hearing continues to develop and you will notice that loud noises startle her

• Although the baby’s lungs are not working yet, your baby is practicing and strengthening those muscles needed for breathing

• At the end of the 2nd trimester, your baby is about 10 inches long and weighs about 1½ pounds

• At the start of the 7th month, the eyelids slowly open and eyelashes begin to appear

• Skin is less wrinkled as fat begins to fill out the contours

• Baby can make grasping motions with hands

• Hair is growing longer

• If your baby is a boy the testicles begin to descend

• At the end of the 7th month, the baby weighs about 3 pounds and is 11 inches long