Rebecca’s Birth Services : Rebecca Schulz, CPM  918.513.1100  [email protected]  TulsaMidwifeRebecca.com
1 Trimester: 10-13 Weeks of Pregnancy
st
At 10 weeks, baby measures about 1.2 inches long and weighs around 0.14 ounce, about the size of a
prune. Baby starts opening and closing her fingers and curling her toes. Most of her critical systems are fully
formed, and she is about to enter the growth and maturation stage, in which her organs and tissues will grow and
develop rapidly. Baby’s kidneys begin to create urine, the liver begins to secret bile, and the pancreas begins to
produce insulin. Tooth buds, hair follicles and nail beds are forming, and the brain is rapidly developing.
Her body length will almost double in the next three weeks. At 12 weeks, her eyes and ears are moving
into their normal positions on her head. Although her ears won’t be fully developed until about 24 weeks, it is
believed that babies can sense sounds at this point through vibration receptors on their skin.
Baby is at less risk for congenital abnormalities at this point, and the risk of miscarriage also reduces by
65%. By the end of 13 weeks, Baby measures about 3 inches long and weighs around ½-2/3 ounce, about the size
of a peach!
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Fatigue, morning sickness, and nausea. Remedies for morning sickness and nausea include: supplement
50mg of Vitamin B6 daily, magnesium supplementation, lemon water, eating crackers or toast before
getting out of bed in the morning, and peppermint or ginger tea.
The need to urinate frequently. You uterus has not risen above the pubic bone, and puts pressure on the
bladder. This will get better in a few weeks.
Mood swings, due to hormonal changes. These will even out in the next few weeks.
A dark line may appear down the center of your belly, called the linea nigra
Eat small portions frequently, with a protein source with each meal and snack, in order to keep blood sugar more
stable. Blood sugar swings and waiting too long between eating can aggravate nausea and cause dizziness. Nausea
will get better in the next few weeks.
Date
Notes:
Weeks
Blood Pressure
Fundal Height
Baby’s heart rate
Baby’s position
Rebecca’s Birth Services : Rebecca Schulz, CPM  918.513.1100  [email protected]  TulsaMidwifeRebecca.com
2 Trimester: 14-17 Weeks of Pregnancy
nd
Baby measures about 3.4 inches long and weighs around 1.5 ounces, about the size of a lemon. He is
developing vocal chords and teeth and already has fingerprints. Baby’s neck is fully formed and can support head
movements. Baby starts to suck his thumb and wiggle his toes. Baby’s skin starts to grow lanugo, a thin, peachfuzz-like hair, all over his body. Lanugo helps with temperature control and also protects the skin.
At 15 weeks, Baby measures about 4 inches long and weighs around 2.5 ounces and, about the size of an
orange. Baby’s arms and legs are completely developed. Baby’s joints and bones are getting stronger. He can now
bend, flex, and twist his hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes. His nervous system is operating, and muscles are
responding to stimulation from his brain, making movements more coordinated and less jerky. You may be able to
feel baby moving at this point, or it may take a few more weeks! Baby starts to practice the movements of
breathing. Your placenta is also now completely formed.
By 17 weeks, Baby measures around 5.1 inches long and weighs about 5 ounces, about the size of a bell
pepper. Your baby’s head, while still larger for body size, is beginning to look more proportionate. His eyes are still
closed, though much larger, and eyebrows and eyelashes are longer. This is a period of rapid growth. He has tiny
fingernails and toenails. His heart is pumping as much as 25qts each day. He can hear sounds outside your body
and his lungs are beginning to exhale amniotic fluid.
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Cravings for certain kinds of food or food combinations
Constipation, due to increased levels of progesterone which cause muscles of the intestines to slow.
Pressure of uterus also can affects or inhibit bowel function. Drink enough water and focus on a fiber rich
diet of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Now that morning sickness has likely subsided, focus on maintaining a good diet of around 2200 calories,
with about 80g of protein per day. Eat a variety of different kinds and colors of vegetables and leafy greens. Be
certain you are getting enough calcium, as your baby’s bones are developing and hardening at this point.
Date
Notes:
Weeks
Blood Pressure
Fundal Height
Baby’s heart rate
Baby’s position
Rebecca’s Birth Services : Rebecca Schulz, CPM  918.513.1100  [email protected]  TulsaMidwifeRebecca.com
2 Trimester: 18-21 Weeks of Pregnancy
nd
Baby measures about 5.6 inches long and weighs around 6.7 ounces, about the size of a sweet potato. At
19 weeks, a whitish coat-- vernix caseosa begins to cover your baby, protecting her skin during its long immersion
in amniotic fluid.
This is a crucial stage for the development of her senses. Your baby can now hear and recognize your
voice. Your baby's swallowing more this week, several ounces of amniotic fluid each day, which is good practice
for her digestive system. Baby also has working taste buds. By 21 weeks, Baby measures about 10.5 inches long
and weighs around 12.5 ounces, the size of a pomegranate.
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Breathlessness. As your uterus expands, it pushes against your lungs.
Leg cramps. Be sure to do stretches, drink plenty of water, and take a liquid calcium-magnesium
supplement nightly to help relax your muscles.
Heartburn and/or indigestion, as baby starts to crowd your digestive system: avoid Tums and other forms
of calcium carbonate. Instead, papaya enzymes, aloe juice, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda can help.
Mild swelling in your ankles or wrists (causing the tingling sensations or pain of carpal tunnel). Put your
feet up in the evenings and try gentle stretches or a wrist brace for wrist pain.
Insomnia. Try a warm bath (with Epsom salt if you have some), essential oils, dim lighting, deep breathing,
and relaxation techniques.
Make sure you're getting enough iron. Your baby needs it to make red blood cells, among other things.
Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, leafy green vegetables and iron-fortified cereals. Pay
attention to if you feel tired, dizzy, or short of breath. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard.
Think about whether you want to get the 20 week anatomy scan ultrasound. It checks for any
abnormalities we need to be aware of as we prepare for your homebirth. Certain issues like congenital heart
defects may make hospital birth a safer option for your baby. If you have insurance, most cover an ultrasound
which I can refer you for at Servant Medical Imagining in Broken Arrow. If you do not have insurance or your
insurance will not cover an ultrasound, the cash price at Servant is $175 and the cash price at Ultrasound
Unlimited in Edmond is $125.
Date
Notes:
Weeks
Blood Pressure
Fundal Height
Baby’s heart rate
Baby’s position
Rebecca’s Birth Services : Rebecca Schulz, CPM  918.513.1100  [email protected]  TulsaMidwifeRebecca.com
2 Trimester: 22-25 Weeks of Pregnancy
nd
Baby measures about 11 inches long and weighs around 15 ounces, about the size of a grapefruit. Your
baby now looks like a miniature newborn. His lips are becoming more distinct and his eyes have developed. Baby’s
eyebrows and eyelids are in place. His pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily. The first
signs of teeth are even showing below his gum line. Baby is probably sleeping in cycles -- about 12 to 14 hours per
day.
By 25 weeks, Baby measures about 13.5 inches long and weighs around 1.75 pounds, about the size of a
head of cauliflower.
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Your breasts may start to produce colostrum, the rich first milk, full of protein and antibodies, which your
baby will need in her first few days (don’t worry if you don’t notice any colostrum, it doesn’t mean your
body isn’t producing any!)
Increased vaginal discharge due to hormonal changes
Round ligament pain or spasms. This is the ligament that supports your uterus, and it may hurt as it
stretches to accommodate your growing belly. Liquid calcium magnesium, bending at the knees instead of
the waist when lifting heavy items, use of a belly support band, and chiropractic care will help.
Make sure you're getting enough iron. Your blood volume increases by about 40% this month, which can
cause what is known as pregnancy anemia. We will be checking your iron levels among other labs which we do
between 24-28 weeks. If your iron levels are low, we will have to recheck them during the 3 rd trimester. Look over
the lab work information sheets in your notebook and familiarize yourself with the various tests we will do.
For your glucose test: Remember to eat a full meal including protein, complex carbs, vegetables, and fruit
1.5 hours before the appointment we scheduled to draw your labs! Don’t eat or drink anything except water until
after your blood is drawn.
Date
Notes:
Weeks
Blood Pressure
Fundal Height
Baby’s heart rate
Baby’s position
Rebecca’s Birth Services : Rebecca Schulz, CPM  918.513.1100  [email protected]  TulsaMidwifeRebecca.com
3 Trimester: 26-29 Weeks of Pregnancy
rd
Baby measures about 13.7 inches long and weighs around 2 pounds, about the size of a head of iceberg
lettuce. Baby now responds to touch. Baby now has a sense of equilibrium -- she now knows which way is up and
which is down. She is growing more fat and more hair and now has eyelashes. She is practicing inhaling and
exhaling with her rapidly developing lungs. At this point, Baby is also showing brain activity, although her brain
will continue getting more complex as she grows. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and
closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers.
At 27 weeks, Baby measures about 14 inches long and weighs around 2.5 pounds. With more brain tissue
developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Some experts believe that babies begin to dream by week 28.
Baby is practicing inhaling and exhaling with his rapidly developing lungs. During this week it is very common for
your baby to begin having short spells of the hiccups.
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Toning contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These are your uterus preparing for the
hard work of labor. You will feel a tightening sensation in your lower back or uterus. They may be
uncomfortable, but should not be painful. If they become regular and painful, or you have more than 4
per hour, let me know.
Leg cramps, backaches, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Seeing a chiropractor experienced in the Webster
technique can greatly relieve back pain, pubic pain, and any other achiness.
Swelling in your feet and ankles can be normal, although greatly reduced by eating clean foods, avoiding
sugar and carbs, and exercising daily-- but watch for swelling in your hands or face, and visual disturbances. Your
sense of balance may change as your stomach grows bigger. Be careful when doing activities that may cause you
to lose your balance. Try to eat foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids to help your baby’s brain development, such as
fish and fish oil, flax seeds and flax oil, chia seeds, and walnuts.
If we haven’t drawn your labs yet, remember to eat a full meal including protein, complex carbs,
vegetables, and fruit 1.5 hours before the appointment we scheduled to draw your labs! Don’t eat or drink
anything except water until after your blood is drawn.
Date
Notes:
Weeks
Blood Pressure
Fundal Height
Baby’s heart rate
Baby’s position
Rebecca’s Birth Services : Rebecca Schulz, CPM  918.513.1100  [email protected]  TulsaMidwifeRebecca.com
3 Trimester: 30-33 Weeks of Pregnancy
rd
Baby measures about 16 inches and weighs around 3.5 pounds, about the size of a head of cabbage.
Baby’s growth in terms of length will soon slow down, but will continue to gain weight until he's born. Your baby's
lungs and digestive tract are almost fully developed. He continues to open and shut her eyes and can bat his
eyelashes. He can probably tell light from dark. If you shine a light at your stomach, your baby may move his head
to follow the light or even reach out to touch the moving glow. Baby’s skin is getting smoother, and he's now
strong enough to grasp a finger!
By 33 weeks, Baby measures about 17.5 inches long and weighs around 4.5 pounds, about the size of a
pineapple.
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Trouble sleeping. Warm baths (with Epsom salt if you have any), drinking hot tea in the evenings
(especially chamomile, rooibos, or peppermint), breathing deeply, liquid calcium magnesium, and
essential oils may help you sleep better.
Vivid dreams
Start preparing for your labor and birth by spending time practicing relaxation techniques every day. This
can be a great time for Dad to connect with baby and help you learn to relax your body by giving massages and
foot rubs while talking about any fears or special wishes either one of you has regarding labor. Don’t forget that
the birth is not the end.. it’s merely the beginning of a very different and new chapter in life with a new baby!
Spend time reading good parenting books and prepare for breastfeeding, if that’s what you plan to do.
Also, prepare for your home visit—typically at 34 weeks of pregnancy. This is when your midwife comes
to your house to make sure she can find it quickly in the dark if necessary. You will also need to have your birth kit
as well as a few other supplies from around the house ready to go.
Date
Notes:
Weeks
Blood Pressure
Fundal Height
Baby’s heart rate
Baby’s position
Rebecca’s Birth Services : Rebecca Schulz, CPM  918.513.1100  [email protected]  TulsaMidwifeRebecca.com
3 Trimester: 34-36 Weeks of Pregnancy
rd
Baby measures about 17.5 inches long and weighs around 5 pounds, about the size of a pineapple. Baby
may grow up to a full inch this week! Baby is keeping her eyes open while awake. Baby’s also starting to
coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Baby’s bones are hardening and major brain development is
also occurring.
Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out,
making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Although your baby's central nervous system is still
maturing, her lungs and digestive system are nearly fully developed by now. Baby can also recognize and react to
sounds and simple songs. She's also urinating about a pint a day.
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Your metabolic rate is rising rapidly, which may leave you feeling overheated.
Headaches, due to hormone fluctuations, stress or dehydration.
Edema (swelling due to water retention) in your feet, ankles, and hands, often worse in warm weather
and later in the day. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding sugar and carbs, and getting exercise daily will
help. You can also steep slices of cucumber, lemon, and ginger in distilled water to drink daily.
Forgetfulness and clumsiness, also known as baby brain. This is normal.
Dizziness. If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in
your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you
feel dizzy.
Tingling sensation, numbness, or pain in the pelvic region. This may be caused by the pelvic joints
loosening in preparation ready for labor. Regular chiropractic adjustments will help.
The need to urinate frequently. If the baby has dropped lower in your pelvis, this causes more pressure on
your bladder.
Promote good baby positioning for a more comfortable pregnancy and labor! By now, your baby is
probably head down in your uterus, though some continue to change position. Avoid reclining and instead lean
over a birth ball or the back or a chair to relax. This encourages baby to stay anterior (with its back against the
front of your belly)—a much better position for labor and birth.
Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and clear fluids to stay hydrated. Rest as much as you can and
elevate your legs when possible.
Date
Notes:
Weeks
Blood Pressure
Fundal Height
Baby’s heart rate
Baby’s position
Rebecca’s Birth Services : Rebecca Schulz, CPM  918.513.1100  [email protected]  TulsaMidwifeRebecca.com
3 Trimester: 37-38 Weeks of Pregnancy
rd
Baby measures about 19 inches and weighs around 6-7 pounds. He is gaining around ½ ounce each day.
Don’t give into cravings now that the end is in sight! Any sugar and carbs you eat do go toward baby’s weight—
and although fat squishes, you don’t want to deal with a baby much larger than your body intended to grow.
Baby’s head is about the same circumference as his abdomen. He may have a full inch of hair. Baby is
slowly shedding the white coating of vernix caseosa that acts as a protectant and moisturizer on her skin, but he
may still have some at birth. He can grasp firmly with her fingers. His organs have matured and are ready for life
outside the womb.
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The baby “drops” down into your pelvis
Pubic pain. As baby bumps against nerves in your pelvis, you might feel shooting sensations down your
legs and even inside your vagina.
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Mucus plug, a thick white discharge in your cervix that has been blocking bacteria from entering the
uterus. If it’s streaked with red or pink (bloody show), this can indicate you may go into labor within 2448hrs.
More frequent uterine contractions, cramps, or back pain
Leaking fluid, which may indicate your water has fully or partially ruptured. Often, heavy discharge at this
point can feel like leaking fluid, but don’t be afraid to let me know if you have any suspicions that it may
be your water!
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Although you are now full term and could go into labor anytime, it is much more common for women
(especially first-time moms) to go past their due date. Don’t focus on going into labor so much, and instead enjoy
these last few weeks of relative independence compared to what will come once Baby is here.
Keep eating lots of protein, healthy fat, and veggies. Avoid sugar and carbs. Now is a very important time
to boost you and your baby’s vitamin K levels in preparation for birth by eating lots of dark greens, such as kale,
spinach, chard, and collards. Alfalfa and nettle tea or tablets are excellent. Make sure you are drinking plenty of
water and clear fluids to stay hydrated. Rest as much as you can and elevate your legs when possible.
Date
Notes:
Weeks
Blood Pressure
Fundal Height
Baby’s heart rate
Baby’s position
Rebecca’s Birth Services : Rebecca Schulz, CPM  918.513.1100  [email protected]  TulsaMidwifeRebecca.com
3 Trimester: 39-40 Weeks of Pregnancy
rd
Baby measures about 20 inches long and weighs around 7-8 pounds. She is gaining about ½ ounce each
day. Baby may have an inch of hair. She continues to build a layer of fat to help control her body temperature
after birth.
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Diarrhea and nausea, much like morning sickness (thanks to hormones ramping back up)
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Mucus plug, a thick white discharge in your cervix that has been blocking bacteria from entering the
uterus. If it is streaked with red or pink (bloody show), this can indicate you may go into labor within 2448hrs.
More frequent uterine contractions, cramps, or back pain
Leaking fluid, which may indicate your water has fully or partially ruptured. Often, heavy discharge at this
point can feel like leaking fluid, but don’t be afraid to let me know if you have any suspicions that it may
be your water!
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Continue to enjoy the last few days or weeks of pregnancy instead of second-guessing every twinge as
possible labor signs. Try to schedule something fun to do at least every few days until 42 weeks so you have
something to look forward to if Baby keeps you waiting!
Rest as much as you can, because going into labor at midnight when you’re completely exhausted and just
want to sleep is no fun!
When early labor does come, do your absolutely best to take a nap instead of counting contractions.
Believe me, you will wake up when things get serious! Many homebirth transfers happen because moms exhaust
themselves in early labor instead of resting—by the time they get to transition and pushing, they are simply too
tired to continue at home.
Date
Notes:
Weeks
Blood Pressure
Fundal Height
Baby’s heart rate
Baby’s position
Rebecca’s Birth Services : Rebecca Schulz, CPM  918.513.1100  [email protected]  TulsaMidwifeRebecca.com
3 Trimester: 41-42 Weeks of Pregnancy
rd
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Mucus plug, a thick white discharge in your cervix that has been blocking bacteria from entering the
uterus. If it is streaked with red or pink (bloody show), this can indicate you may go into labor within 2448hrs.
More frequent uterine contractions, cramps, or back pain
Leaking fluid, which may indicate your water has fully or partially ruptured. Often, heavy discharge at this
point can feel like leaking fluid, but don’t be afraid to let me know if you have any suspicions that it may
be your water!
Like most women, you probably never thought you would still be pregnant at this point! I’m sorry.. I
really, truly am sorry and sympathize with you. This is really hard, and not knowing WHEN your baby is coming is
mentally and emotionally exhausting. Again, continue to do something fun every other day if not every day. Small
things like meeting up with a friend for brunch or getting a pedicure can help take your mind off of the fact that
you are still pregnant. Turn off your phone and stay off Facebook if well-meaning family and friends are getting to
you. Rest as much as you can, because going into labor at midnight when you’re completely exhausted and just
want to sleep is no fun!
Consider going to the chiropractor for a few adjustments—sometimes this can kick-start labor. Other natural
things which can help get labor started and are safe to do:
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Sex and nipple stimulation
Pressure points and acupuncture/massage
Spicy foods
Clary sage essential oil in a warm bath or applied to your belly
A couple of days after you hit 41 weeks, you will need to get an ultrasound called a Biophysical Profile. This
checks to make sure Baby is still doing well and that the placenta is still functioning the way it’s supposed to in
delivering nutrients and oxygen to Baby.
When early labor does come, do your absolutely best to take a nap instead of counting contractions. Believe
me, you will wake up when things get serious! Many homebirth transfers happen because moms exhaust
themselves in early labor instead of resting—by the time they get to transition and pushing, they are simply too
tired to continue at home.
Date
Notes:
Weeks
Blood Pressure
Fundal Height
Baby’s heart rate
Baby’s position