Week 8: Time to think about breastfeeding! Your breast are getting ready to make milk now.

BirthWatch Tips
  • Have you noticed your breasts? Bigger, tender, bumpier areolas? You body is already preparing to breastfeed your baby and is growing more milk-producing tissue in your breasts. That's why they feel so tender! About.com
  • The essential nutrients of pregnancy are protein, calcium and iron. During the next weeks of embryonic growth, it's critical to manage your diet so you're getting at least 60 grams of protein, 1000 milligrams of calcium, and 27 milligrams of iron. The Mayo Clinic
  • What have you noticed about your body's changing shape? Is your waist disappearing? The ligaments in your pelvis are loosening to allow your uterus to grow up and out of your pelvis. The Maternity Gallery
  • Take an early pregnancy class to understand what lifestyle choices help nurture the healthiest pregnancy. Check your local baby stores, yoga centers, gyms, or midwives' offices to find the best childbirth education classes in your town. Lamaze International
  • Do you know the exact date of your conception? Add 266 days to the day of your baby's conception. That is one of the most accurate ways to come up with your "due date". Due dates calculated by using your last menstrual period will not be accurate if you ovulate earlier or later than day 14 of your cycle. Transition To Parenthood
  • A due date based on your last menstrual period is really a guess at when baby will be born. Less than 6% of babies are actually born on their due date. Transition To Parenthood
  • Many babies take longer than 40 weeks to fully cook. Think about apples ripening on the tree. Do all ripen at the same time? Not at all! Some babies require just 38 weeks to fully develop while some will need 41 weeks or more. Medscape

Tips for Week 7

Tips for Week 9

BirthWatch Recommends:

From the Hips: A Comprehensive, Open-Minded, Uncensored, Totally Honest Guide to Pregnancy, Birth..

Honest, raw and what your intelligent girlfriends are talking about. It has a ton of practical advice given in a non-preachy, non-judgemental manner. If you're finding the "regular" pregnancy and childbirth preparation books just too smug, too one-sided, and too over-the-top, you'll appreciate this refreshing viewpoint.

See All Reading Recommendations For the First Trimester