Mom's feelings & symptoms

Month 5

Many women and couples worry that sexual activity may somehow harm the baby or harm the mother. In fact, there is no evidence that either is true in a healthy pregnancy. The baby is well protected by the muscle walls of the uterus and the sac of fluid the baby is floating in, cushions against any trauma. A protective mucus plug seals the cervix.

Later in pregnancy, it may be obvious that positions need to be adjusted for comfort during intercourse. The pregnant woman should not have the weight of another adult against her growing belly. This type of pressure should be avoided. The woman on top position or side by side may be more comfortable during pregnancy. Your own comfort is usually a good guide for sex during pregnancy.

Feeling the baby move for the first time is called quickening – it makes the magic of pregnancy become very real. The attachment and bonding process is well underway. Remember, the kind of movements you feel be gentle butterflies at first. As the baby grows, the movements will feel like stronger bumps, turns and kicks. During the course of a day, the baby will have very active periods alternating with quieter spells when the baby is resting.

It's normal to develop new moles or for existing moles to get bigger and darker. Sometimes this needs an evaluation by a dermatologist. Do not assume that any mole with a significant or rapidly changed appearance is “normal” or just due to the pregnancy. Moles are on the skin and easy to examine so if you see changes – check it out.

Common skin changes in pregnancy

• darkening of the pigmentation on the inside of your upper thighs
• a splotchy darkening of parts of your face called melasma or “mask of pregnancy” – avoid the sun exposure to your face, it makes this condition worse.
• stretch marks
• spider veins
• inflamed palms
• itchy, dry skin
• pimples or breakouts

Routine blood pressure checks
Raised blood pressure in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) affects about 7 out of every 100 women. This generally occurs after the 20th week. Your blood pressure and weight will be checked during each of your prenatal check-ups, in part to monitor for any signs of this condition. Warning signs of pre-eclampsia may include: sudden weight gain of more than two pounds in one week, swelling of the face and fingers, eyesight problems and severe or new onset of headaches.

At this point in a healthy pregnancy, the average weight gain is about one pound per week.