Support and information from NCT
NCT offers reliable support and information about the various stages of pregnancy, week by week.
Your developing baby
Your baby is growing at a rate of almost 1cm a week and over the next five weeks they will put on about 300g, half as much as they weigh now. As the weeks of pregnancy go by your baby will get bigger quite quickly.
Weight gain in pregnancy
During pregnancy your body will have changed in size and shape as your bump and baby grow. Some women embrace their changing body while others might not be as comfortable with their weight gain.
Dissatisfaction with the way you look when you are pregnant is very common, especially so in the second three months, according to some research. If you are finding the body changes difficult to cope with, and if you are experiencing your feelings more intensely, then do speak to your midwife.
Choosing a water birth
During labour many women enjoy getting into a pool or bath of warm water. This can help if your contractions are coming quite strongly and frequently, or your back is uncomfortable and you want to relieve a feeling of pressure.
If you do decide to use water for your labour there are some practical things to consider, such as hiring or buying a pool for a home birth, or arranging the use of the birth pool in a hospital or birth centre. Speak to your midwife about your options.
Nosebleeds during pregnancy
Having nosebleeds during pregnancy isn’t unusual or something to be worried about. Some women get more nosebleeds when pregnant because the hormones cause body tissue relaxation – these tissues include those in your nose.
Dryness in your nose can also contribute to getting nosebleeds, so it’s a good idea to drink more fluids. You could even try dabbing a bit of petroleum jelly in each nostril.
Checklist
Have you made your birth plan?
Talk to your midwife about making a plan for the birth.
Further information
NCT offers reliable support and information about the various stages of pregnancy, week by week. Our support line offers practical and emotional support in many areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700.
We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.
Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
