You may be feeling very protective of your belly and baby. The belly almost acts as a beacon to other people, making them aware that you're pregnant. It's not unusual to feel quite vulnerable, for example in a jostling crowd or when you're out shopping. When this happens, make it clear to people that you're pregnant and, hopefully, they'll give you more space and give up their seat, if necessary.
When you're driving, you may find you're doing so even more carefully than normal, or becoming a very nervous or critical passenger. You may become more irritated than usual by people who you feel are driving without concern for your safety.
This protective instinct is a natural part of becoming a mother. It's the desire to protect and nurture your child, even before yourself. Rest assured, though, that your baby is in the safest possible environment inside your uterus. Your body is providing your baby with warmth, food, and oxygen. The baby is cushioned and protected by the amniotic fluid in which he floats, and this acts as a buffer to any shoving or bumping by crowds of people.
In pregnancy some women develop a form of diabetes known as gestational diabetes, which disappears when the baby is born. It may be suspected if you have signs such as fatigue and thirst and is confirmed by testing urine for glucose. If it's found, you'll be advised to have an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24 and 28 weeks. You'll be tested earlier if you have a BMI over 35, a close relative with diabetes, or had diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
The idea of hypnoBirthing – giving birth in such a relaxed state that you barely feel pain-sounds too good to be true. But the research extolling its benefits is impressive. Several studies have shown that self-hypnosis helps women feel less anxious about labor and birth. They also tend to require minimal pain relief and medical intervention: many women succeed in giving birth at home.
HypnoBirthing is a great idea but it's important that you are taught the various relaxation and visualization techniques and practice them regularly during pregnancy.
Excerpted from Pregnancy Day by Day.
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
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