What's growing
Capillaries form in skin
About 35 cm. Skin is pink as blood vessels form. Baby's nostrils begin to open.
Source: Moore, Persaud & Torchia, The Developing Human, 11th ed. (2020)
What's changing in you
Sciatica may flare
The growing uterus may press the sciatic nerve. Side-lying with knees stacked often helps more than stretching.
Source: Bø et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine 50(10), 2016 — Pelvic floor & exercise in pregnancy
General info — not personalized medical advice.
Maternal brain
Maternal preoccupation peaks slowly
Winnicott described 'primary maternal preoccupation' beginning before birth. You are not distracted — you are tuning.
Source: Stern, The Motherhood Constellation (Basic Books, 1995)
You & baby
Map the kicks
Same time of day, same response. Repetition builds recognition for both of you.
Source: Cranley, Nursing Research 30(5), 1981 — Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale
For your partner
Co-feel a kick
Late-evening, after dinner, hand on a quiet belly. The first felt kick deepens partner attachment measurably.
Source: Feldman, Hormones and Behavior 77, 2016 — The neurobiology of human attachments
Move with care
Diaphragm + pelvic floor breath
Inhale: ribs out, pelvic floor descends. Exhale: ribs in, gentle lift. They move together (Bø 2016).
Source: Bø et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine 50(10), 2016 — Pelvic floor & exercise in pregnancy
General info — not personalized medical advice.
Eat for two brains
Snacks with protein + fat + fiber
Stable blood sugar reduces fatigue, mood swings, and gestational-diabetes risk.
Source: ACOG Practice Bulletin 190 — Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (2018)
General info — not personalized medical advice.
60-second prompt
What's one thing you're already good at?
Patience. Repair. Listening. Name it without modesty.
Source: Lieberman et al., Psychological Science 18(5), 2007 — Affect labeling
Developed and curated by perinatal psychologists, family & couples counsellors, doulas, perinatal health & fitness specialists, and IBCLCs / lactation consultants. Educational — not a substitute for medical care.