1. The Sixth Month (23 to 27 weeks)
By Katie Belt

2. What To Expect at This Months Checkup
Weight and blood pressure
Fetal heartbeat
Height of fundus
Size of uterus and position of fetus
Feet and hands for swelling
Discussing symptoms

3. What You May Be Feeling Physically Emotionally
Achiness in the lower abdomen and along sides
Heartburn
Headaches
Constipation
Bleeding gums
Leg cramps
Backache
Emotionally
Fewer mood swings
Continued absentmindedness
Beginning of boredom
Anxiety about future

4. What You May Be Concerned About
Pain and Numbness In The Hands
Very normal and is a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The hands become swollen during pregnancy with the resultant pressure causing numbness, tingling, burning and pain.
Clumsiness
Temporary clumsiness is caused by loosening of the joints and the retention of water, both make your grasp on objects less firm and secure.
Baby Kicking
The babies activity is related to what you’ve been doing.
When you’re on the go all day, your baby is likely to be pacified by the rhythm of your routine and not notice the kicking. But as soon as you slow down the baby is bound to start acting up.

5. More Things To Be Concerned About
Leg Cramps
Very common among pregnant women and have ways of preventing and alleviating them.
Itchy Abdomen
Pregnant bellies are itchy bellies, they become progressively itchier as the months pass and this skin is stretched across the abdomen.
Belly Button
As the swelling uterus pushes forward, the belly button also pushes forward. It is most likely to revert back in but will be wider than it was before pregnancy.

6. And More Things To Be Concerned About
Preeclampsia or Toxemia
Only occurs in 5 to 10 percent of pregnancies and half of these cases are among women who came into pregnancy with high blood pressure.
Staying On The Job
Walking up to an hour or two daily is harmless and can beneficial.
Studies suggest strenuous activity after the 28th week may increase the risk of premature birth, high blood pressure, and low birth weight of the baby.
Women who work at jobs requiring more than four hours in a row a day on their feet should take a leave of absence by the 24th week.
The Pain of Childbirth
Woman who fear pain the most and those who expect it the lease have a harder time during labor and delivery than women who are realistic in their expectations.
Things to do to be prepared: Get educated, get moving, put pain in perspective, don’t plan on doing it alone, and be ready to accept pain relief if needed.

7. Benefits of Taking A Childbirth Class:
Learn accurate and balanced information about normal labor and delivery as well as possible complications.
Learn specially designed techniques of relaxation, distraction, muscle control and breathing.
Form relationship between the mother and coach.
Spend time with other expectant couples.
Increase involvement of the father-to-be in pregnancy.
Weekly chance to ask questions that come up between prenatal visits.