| After weeks of counting, it finally comes to that | | | | on, has a steady supply of gasoline at any time of |
| crucial third semester of your pregnancy. Like you, | | | | the day. |
| the primary concern of pregnant women during this | | | | 5. Join a club or clinic. Pregnancy is supposed to be a |
| period is premature birth. Medical experts said that | | | | joyful feeling. However, there are pregnant women |
| beginning 28 weeks, a fetus can survive outside the | | | | who experience mild to significant symptoms of |
| mother's womb should the lungs be developed | | | | depression. Seek a club or clinic nearest you so you |
| enough. However, premature birth, which is less than | | | | can relate to other pregnant women. Share thoughts |
| 37 weeks, poses a myriad of complications both to | | | | and tips on how to deal with pregnancy and what to |
| the mother and child. It could lead to miscarriage, | | | | expect especially if it's your first time. Make it a fun |
| chronic illness and fetal fracture among others. | | | | and learning session by bringing your husband or |
| The following are some useful tips to deal with your | | | | family members with you. You can also look for an |
| third semester pregnancy: | | | | online forum where you can freely discuss what you |
| 1. Always consult your doctor. Prenatal check-ups are | | | | feel and learn from other expectant moms like you. |
| a must. Your doctor will suggest the frequency of | | | | If doing these doesn't help, seek a therapist who can |
| the visit depending on laboratory results and you and | | | | help you. |
| your baby's condition. Your doctor will guide you also | | | | 6. Live a healthy lifestyle. Drug abuse is a definite |
| on what to expect as "that time" draws near. Ask | | | | no-no. Furthermore, studies show that about 25% of |
| about false labor, cramps and morning sickness. Yes, | | | | pregnant women are abused physically or emotionally |
| there are some who still experience morning sickness | | | | leading to premature birth or worst miscarriage. |
| during this period. | | | | Women should seek help from friends or relatives if |
| 2. Go on a diet. Seek your doctor's advice on the | | | | they are being abused and should avoid physical |
| right regimen for you. Avoid sweet and salty foods. | | | | abuse at all cost. There are various groups or |
| A wise mom would say that you should make the | | | | affiliations across the nation who can help you deal |
| baby eat more food outside from your womb rather | | | | with women abuse. Or you can call National Domestic |
| than inside. It is more painful to have to go through | | | | Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or |
| labor when the right time comes. Having the right diet | | | | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). |
| has its perks. You don't want the baby to come out | | | | You say to yourself, I live a healthy and positive |
| more than 9lbs! | | | | lifestyle. Nothing could possibly go wrong. |
| 3. Exercise. Just because you are pregnant doesn't | | | | Think again. |
| mean you are excused from it. Exercise reduces pain | | | | It's 8am in the office and the start of your third |
| and discomfort which is heightened during the third | | | | semester. You're still working, busy transitioning your |
| semester. Aside from light exercises, others do yoga. | | | | work load to a co-worker or boss, and seemed to |
| Try to look for the plan you're most comfortable | | | | have forgotten you're having a baby in a few |
| with so you can reduce those cramps, lower back | | | | months' time or anytime now. You're still busy |
| pains and heavy thighs. But don't overdo it as it may | | | | working like there's no tomorrow. |
| lead to premature birth. Seek a professional coach or | | | | Take a pause and rethink your priorities. |
| your doctor. | | | | Stress from work could also lead to unwanted results |
| 4. Make a birth plan. In life, we should always plan for | | | | and affect if not hinder the development of your |
| the inevitable. Make sure you've got everything | | | | baby. You and your baby need rest so sleep with the |
| covered. Make drills with your husband or anyone | | | | right amount of time. Avoid destructive emotional |
| involved so that the people around you will | | | | stress. Pregnancy is a delicate time and should be |
| remember the details from distant memory. | | | | cherished. |
| To-do-lists are sometimes torn apart or cannot be | | | | Remember, you've patiently counted for the days, |
| found during emergencies. It is crucial during this | | | | the weeks, and the months just to see and hold |
| period to post the hotline numbers of your doctor | | | | your baby in your arms. |
| and/or hospital for ambulance. Keep a bag ready at | | | | Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long |
| this point. You don't want your husband to pack your | | | | as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of |
| bag at the last minute. The last thing you need is a | | | | this article is included and all links must be Active |
| pair of thong underwear. If you live a far distance | | | | Linkable with no syntax changes. |
| from the hospital, make sure your car from this point | | | | |