Mom's development

Month 6

The pressure of your growing baby on your bladder may cause more frequent urination. Sleeping may require some position changes and strategic use of pillows as your growing baby and belly add new challenges to finding the coziest sleeping position. Most physicians recommend that you avoid laying flat on your back because the weight of the uterus presses on major arteries and veins that bring the blood supply to your pelvis and lower extremities.

The change in your center of gravity will undoubtedly cause lower back discomfort/pain. The weight that you carry in front of your abdomen pulls on the lower spine. This puts a strain on your lower spine, and typically women throw back their shoulders to adjust for the lower back strain. This adds a new problem, upper back strain! Be careful about your posture, take care when lifting (or better yet, let someone else do the lifting – after all, you’re pregnant!), and wear shoes that are flat-soled and comfortable. For those with lots of back discomfort, there are special garments that help support a pregnant belly and reduce the stress on the spine. Talk to your clinician to see if this is something that might help you.

Your uterus also puts the squeeze on your stomach, potentially causing heartburn. If this happens, stomach contents back up your esophagus, creating a burning sensation. If this happens regularly, ask your physician about taking an acid reliever, like chewable calcium carbonate tablets (TUMS) – this also provides a little extra calcium.