Pregnancy weight gain

*Check whether the maternity ward has a list of the items you will need.

Items for hospital stay

In a normal, uncomplicated labour and delivery, the use of medication is not always necessary. Your own resources are often enough.

As labour starts, a mother’s mood changes and she becomes less aware of what is happening outside her body, and more aware of what is happening inside her body.

Instructor’s credentials, for example, midwife, physiotherapist.

Instructor’s specialised training in childbirth education.

Physical changes

The fertilised egg divides into two identical cells – then four, then eight, then 16, and then many billions, and 266 days later – your baby.

Your pregnancy: weeks 36-40. It’s time for the final preparations before the big day.

Read more about weeks 32 to 35 of your pregnancy below.

Read more about weeks 18-22 of your pregnancy below.

Pregnant women will tell you they experience almost irrepressible cravings for certain foods – salty, sweet, spicy or fatty foods. Some think it’s the body signaling what the growing baby needs.

Your pregnancy: weeks 28-31. The changes in your body continue to take place as you enter your third trimester! As baby prepares for its future exit: its eyelids are uncovered and eyelash

Clothing

The following signs of labour may occur in any order.
1. Progressive contractions

Physical changes

Ideally, you should assess your health and fitness. You may need to make some changes to your lifestyle

Before exercising, during or before pregnancy, it is advisable to eat high fibre, high carbohydrate snacks, such as an apple, dried fruit, banana or whole wheat muffin, as your metabolic functions