Things are usually going so smoothly at the sixth month of pregnancy that Kelly Kasper, M.D., assistant professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Indiana University Health, likes to call it the "coasting" month. "Your baby is big enough that you feel movement every day and your annoying symptoms from the first trimester are gone, but your belly isn't big enough yet to cause you discomfort," she explains. As for how to harness this relative calm, Dr. Kasper suggests that it's a great time to register at a baby store and attend to other projects that might be more difficult to pull off in the months ahead. Just be sure to get help as needed—and skip any heavy lifting!
Your Baby
Things to Start Thinking About
Staying comfortable: You probably said goodbye to your skinny jeans months ago and have accepted that maternity-cut shirts are pretty much a must. But what about your footwear? For one more pregnancy-friendly adjustment to your wardrobe, Lizellen La Follette, M.D., OB-GYN at Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae, Calif., advises moms-to-be to invest in supportive shoes. "Get wide comfortable shoes, preferably with a flat heel," she recommends. Putting your feet up throughout the day can also help reduce swelling.
Hospital Pre-Registration: Filling out pre-registration forms at the hospital where you will deliver can save everyone a lot of time and hassle. Your doctor might have the forms available in the office, or call the hospital's delivery wing to stop by and fill out the paperwork in person. (Bring your insurance cards and emergency information with you.) Many hospitals have special days when pregnant moms can come in to pre-register and get a tour of the facilities.
LOOK AHEAD: Month 7
