Are you shuffling instead of walking? This is a good thing!

At 31 weeks, your body produces relaxin, a hormone naturally secreted by the corpus luteum in the ovary. During pregnancy, relaxin is also released from the placenta and uterine lining. The relaxin hormone loosens the ligaments in your pelvis, allowing it to stretch when your little one leaves your body during childbirth. And it's responsible for your gorgeous waddling!

By week 32, most of your symptoms are directly related to the amount of space your little one now occupies inside of you. Here is a list of some things you may be experiencing.

Outie belly button: If you had an “innie” belly button before pregnancy it is possible that it has turned into an “outie” with your expanding middle!

Larger feet: hormones causing your ligaments to relax are not limited to your abdomen. Some individuals have reported noticing their shoe-size increase with pregnancy. This may be a temporary change, or your new normal. Either way- time to go shoe shopping!

Stretch marks, itchy or dry skin, and/or unwanted hair growth: as your baby continues to grow and your body grows to accommodate, your skin may experience stretching, leaving marks and causing discomfort. You may also notice hair growing in places it didn’t grow previously, or growing more aggressively than it did before. You can utilize lotions and creams to soothe irritated skin; but stretch marks are largely genetic and not something you should feel guilty for not “preventing”.  Unwanted hair growth can be shaved or plucked. Waxing may not be advisable during pregnancy and should be explored as an option with caution. 

Swelling, or edema, in your ankles and/or feet: some swelling is normal and expected during pregnancy, especially if you are on your feet all day, but it’s best to keep an eye on any sudden changes. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing swelling, as this could be a warning sign of a dangerous complication called preeclampsia. 

Sweating: increased perspiration can be a result of hormonal changes, or the additional weight and pressure on your body as you carry your growing baby. Stay hydrated to replace any fluids lost. 

Heartburn: as your baby continues to grow and press on internal organs, your digestive system is likely to feel the impact of cramped quarters. This, paired with continuing hormone fluctuations can result in heartburn or indigestion. Talk to your medical care provider about options for relief if you’re feeling too uncomfortable.

Braxton Hicks: also referred to as “practice contractions” Braxton Hicks are your body’s way of preparing for giving birth. They are generally painless, or uncomfortable at most– like subtle period cramps. If you are experiencing severe pain, or the cramping does not stop– seek medical attention.

Tingling, numbness, or pain in your hands and wrists: possible warning signs for carpal tunnel syndrome, keep an eye on any numbness or pain in your hands and wrists and be sure your doctor is aware so they can rule out any concerns.

Bleeding and/or swollen gums: increased blood volume can make ruptures in sensitive places like the nasal membranes and gum line more likely. Dental health is critical during pregnancy, so you should continue to brush and floss– but take care to do so gently!

Frequent nighttime wakings: between getting up to use the bathroom, leg cramps, shortness of breath, and even heartburn– you may be struggling to get a decent amount of sleep during the night. 

Backaches and/or leg cramps: increased blood volume and stress from increasing weight can put pressure on your muscles, causing cramps. Dehydration or low calcium may also be to blame, so check your prenatal vitamin to be sure you are getting enough!

Crazy dreams: the stress of anticipating your baby’s arrival and the poor sleep of the third trimester can result in interrupted sleep. While the cause of the more vivid dreams in pregnancy is unknown it may have something to do with that interrupted sleep. Not sleeping as deeply may allow you to remember your dreams more easily. easily. 

Nurturing Nature: Tips for establishing a successful nursing relationship.

The many benefits of breastfeeding are well documented. There is plenty of incentive for most women to try nursing, from both a health and a financial standpoint. Statistics show that most women do at least give nursing a try. However, by three months in, the number of women who continue to nurse drops substantially. 

There are various reasons that contribute to this, from emotional struggles to a return to the workplace.

Any amount of breast milk benefits your baby, but the AAP recommends nursing for the first year. If successful and long-term nursing is your goal, there are several things you can do to encourage and establish a good nursing relationship. Preparing yourself now can have lasting benefits, and make the challenges of learning to breastfeed a little easier to handle.

Learning More About Breastfeeding

Educate yourself about nursing. There are many good books on the subject that include useful information on establishing supply, various holds to use, and some of the challenges you may face. La Leche League is an international organization that operates local chapters offering meetings and support to nursing moms. There are also online groups and forums dedicated to nursing mothers, where women can connect with others who can offer advice and support. One of the biggest challenges for women learning to nurse is not knowing what is normal, and feeling overwhelmed as a result. Connecting with other mothers, whether they are your close friends or women you only know through a computer screen, can be the secret to success.

Closer to home, it is important to include your partner in your plans. Share your feelings and concerns with them and ask if they have any of their own questions. Their support will be essential in those early days, when it seems that your baby needs constant care and nourishment. Allowing them to be involved, even before your baby arrives, will help to ease the transition when they see you go from not only being their partner, but also the mother of their child.

Finally, take advantage of any support offered by your hospital. Most facilities have lactation consultants available for all new mothers. These are professionals who are trained to assist in establishing breastfeeding. They can come to you during your hospital stay to help you get started. This is usually a service included in the cost of your care. If you have concerns once you are home, many LCs offer house calls for a fee.

Remember that you are learning a new skill, and helping your newborn to learn a new skill at the same time. We don't expect babies to be born walking and talking; these things take time and effort to learn. The same can be said for nursing. With preparation and support, the learning process can be enjoyable and fulfilling.