Here are 7 tips to set you and baby up for breastfeeding success:

1. Learn the basics

Sign up to take a prenatal breastfeeding class. The ideal timing is around the beginning of your third trimester. Ask your friends for class recommendations because there are many types of prenatal breastfeeding classes available. Do you want to attend a large community class in person? Or are you more interested in a virtual class you can join from your living room? 

In addition to learning the basics of breastfeeding, a prenatal breastfeeding class will also teach you how to troubleshoot common issues. 

If possible, bring your partner or support person to the class with you. Not only will they learn the basics of breastfeeding alongside you, but taking the class together also sets you up to be a team and to be on the same page. 

Related: Top 50 breastfeeding tips, according to lactation experts

2. Talk to your partner about your breastfeeding goals

The best plans involve teamwork! After your prenatal breastfeeding class, sit down and talk about your breastfeeding goals and feeding logistics. Consider how night feedings will be managed, when to introduce a bottle, when your partner is returning to work, who will wash the bottles/pump parts, who will make meals, and how you will both find time to rest. One common challenge that many new parents share is managing sleep deprivation. They are often surprised by how much time is spent feeding the baby. Creating a plan in advance that incorporates your goals will make those early weeks much more manageable. 

3. Purchase the essentials

Good news! You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to breastfeed, but there are a few breastfeeding essentials you’ll want to have on hand before baby arrives. 

First and foremost, I recommend a high-quality double electric breast pump. The ideal time to order your pump is after you’ve taken your prenatal breastfeeding class, and before the baby arrives. You want to give yourself time to sanitize the parts, assemble it and familiarize yourself with how to operate it. 

Related: 13 pumping essentials every mama needs to know about

The Affordable Care Act requires that your medical insurance company provide you with a breast pump. You can order your pump by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card, or by going directly to a pump provider like The Lactation Network and submitting your insurance information. 

You’ll also want bottles with slow-flow nipples, a breastfeeding pillow, breastmilk storage bags and hydrogel pads or nipple cream for sore nipples. Consider setting up a breastfeeding station with a large water bottle and easy-to-grab snacks. 

4. Find your community

The first few weeks with a newborn can be exhausting and feel isolating. Planning ahead allows you to lean on others when you need them the most. 

Look for breastfeeding support groups in your community, join new parent groups online, find the local parks where new parents hang out and research local baby classes to attend once you and your little one are ready to venture out. 

Being part of these communities will help lower your anxiety, give you a place to ask for advice and support, and may lead to lifelong friendships.

5. Connect with an IBCLC

You’ve assembled your team: your OB or midwife, pediatrician, and possibly even a birth and or postpartum doula. 

But did you know that studies show parents who work with IBCLCs, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, are more than four times as likely to exclusively breastfeed their infant at one month and nearly three times more likely to do so at three months? 

Connecting with a lactation consultant prenatally is an important step you can take to set yourself up for breastfeeding success. IBCLCs are highly skilled medical specialists who are trained in breastfeeding education and support. They are an essential member of your healthcare team, triaging your breastfeeding challenges and providing you with care plans to help you reach your feeding goals. 

Related: Baby Feeding Tips

Before your baby arrives, schedule a prenatal consultation with a local IBCLC. (The prenatal consultation, as well as lactation consultations once the baby arrives may be covered by your insurance! Insurance coverage varies, so consider contacting your insurance company in advance to confirm coverage before your appointment.

In the prenatal breastfeeding consultation, your lactation consultant will take a medical history, discuss your breastfeeding goals, answer your breastfeeding questions, review your feeding equipment, provide local resources and create a general plan for when the baby arrives. 

Once your baby is here, you’ll meet with your consultant again to assess feeding, evaluate challenges, ask questions and create a more customized plan. Your lactation consultant will become a trusted and indispensable member of your team, caring for you and your baby from first latch to weaning. 

6. Collect resources and make connections

In the time remaining, consider building on your knowledge of breastfeeding by following IBCLCs on social media, watching videos on how to assemble and use the pump you chose, and browsing online breastfeeding communities. 

Connect with other pregnant families in person and online. Using social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and apps like MeetUp and Peanut, you can meet parents who have babies around your age, live in your community, or share common interests. Interested in a park date with little ones? There are sure to be other local families who are too! Getting out of the house, making new friends, and having plans to look forward to will help manage stress and make your days more enjoyable. 

Related: What pregnant moms really need to register for? Way more postpartum support

7. Enjoy this time

In the commotion of all of these exciting preparations, remember to set aside time to relax and take care of yourself before your baby is here. Consider taking a “babymoon,” a special time for you and your partner to connect. If you’re not up for taking a big trip (understandable!) book a relaxing weekend in a local hotel, or plan a day trip to a special spot. If staying home feels better, set aside time to read a good book, go to a movie, get a prenatal massage, or meet a friend for lunch. 

Breastfeeding may be smooth sailing when your baby arrives, or you may face challenges, but remind yourself that you’ve taken meaningful steps to ensure that you’re well-prepared. You have a team beside you, and they are ready to support you every step of the way of your feeding journey.

Getting the Covid vaccine or booster shot in pregnancy is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your baby and yourself from serious illness. That’s for a couple reasons: Pregnancy is considered a high-risk state for Covid infection; and there is no plan to create a vaccine for infants under 6 months of age. (And, at the time of writing, the vaccine authorization for kids ages 6 months to 4 years has been delayed yet again.) 

Vaccination in pregnancy can offer protection against Covid for both mother and baby—no matter when it’s received. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) stress that pregnant women get vaccinated as soon as possible, i.e., right now. 

Research has shown that the mRNA vaccines are safe and effective for pregnant people, and yet just 67% of pregnant people in the U.S. have gotten the shots, according to CDC data.

But new research may provide more information on when the placenta most efficiently transfers vaccine-provided antibody protection to the developing baby.

Research shows vaccination in pregnancy leads to strong antibody protection in babies

A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that vaccination with two doses of an mRNA vaccine during pregnancy resulted in antibody levels in infants that lasted until they were 6 months old at much higher rates than in babies born to unvaccinated, Covid-infected mothers.

The study, from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), looked at women who were either vaccinated with two doses of an mRNA vaccine or infected with the virus between week 20 to 32 of pregnancy. 

They found that antibody levels (titers) were higher in the cord blood of vaccinated mothers at delivery. At 2 months of age, 98% of the infants born had detectable IgG antibody levels in their blood. At 6 months, 57% of the infants still had detectable levels of IgG, as compared with just 8% of infants born to unvaccinated, infected mothers.

A recent CDC study found that babies under 6 months old born to mothers who had received two doses of an mRNA vaccine during pregnancy were 61% less likely to be hospitalized due to Covid infection than those born to mothers who were not vaccinated.

“While it’s still unclear just how high the titer needs to be to completely protect an infant from COVID, we know anti-spike IgG levels correlate with protection from serious illness,” says Andrea Edlow, MD, MSc, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist at MGH, director of the Edlow Lab in the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology and co-senior author of the JAMA study, to ScienceDaily. “The durability of the antibody response here shows vaccination not only provides lasting protection for mothers but also antibodies that persist in a majority of infants to at least six months of age.” 

But when those vaccinations were administered also matters.

When should you get the Covid vaccine or booster in pregnancy?

A 2021 study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology on 1,359 vaccinated pregnant women found that while antibody levels were detected at delivery regardless of vaccination timing, those vaccinated in the early third trimester had slightly higher antibody levels both in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood. Those who had only received one shot before delivery had the lowest levels of antibodies—though they did still have detectable levels.

Completing a full round of vaccination at any time during pregnancy before giving birth is the most important factor. But if you’re already fully vaccinated before becoming pregnant and looking to time your Covid booster shot in pregnancy to offer the most benefits to your infant once born, it seems that weeks 20 to 32 of pregnancy are when Shook, et al. (2022) pinpoint as an optimal time to receive the vaccine in pregnancy. 

That equates to between the end of the second trimester and the beginning of the third trimester. In that window, antibody transfer via the placenta seems to reach peak levels.

“Individuals vaccinated or infected at 20 to 32 weeks’ gestation were enrolled because previous studies have demonstrated superior transplacental transfer of antibodies during this window compared with vaccination closer to delivery,” Shook, et al. (2022) write. 

What if you’re pregnant and already had Covid?

Previous Covid infection conferred some benefit when combined with vaccination. Yang, et al. (2021) showed that antibody levels in women who had recovered from a previous Covid infection and had been vaccinated in early pregnancy were comparable to those who were uninfected but received the vaccine in the early third trimester. 

Those who were eligible for a booster and received one in the third trimester had the highest antibody levels of all groups. 

A note from Motherly

The bottom line? It’s important to receive both doses of the mRNA vaccine in pregnancy before giving birth in order to pass on antibody protection to your infant, and it’s best to do so sooner than later. If you have the option to time your booster dose, try to do so between weeks 20 to 32, when placental transfer is most effective. 

“Pregnant women are at extremely high risk for serious complications from COVID,” says Galit Alter, PhD, core member of the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, and co-senior author of the JAMA study, to ScienceDaily. “And given the lag in development of COVID-19 vaccines for infants, these data should motivate mothers to get vaccinated and even boosted during pregnancy to empower their babies’ defenses against COVID.” 

Sources

Shook LL, Atyeo CG, Yonker LM, et al. Durability of Anti-Spike Antibodies in Infants After Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination or Natural Infection. JAMA. Published online February 07, 2022. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.1206

Yang YJ, Murphy EA, Singh S, Sukhu AC, Wolfe I, Adurty S, Eng D, Yee J, Mohammed I, Zhao Z, Riley LE. Association of Gestational Age at Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination, History of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection, and a Vaccine Booster Dose With Maternal and Umbilical Cord Antibody Levels at Delivery. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2021 Dec 28:10-97.

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This is my third pregnancy, a joyous, exciting time—except when it comes to my sex drive. My libido has tanked, and it’s beyond frustrating.

Why can’t I get lost in kissing my husband anymore? Why am I not turned on by the same things that always worked before? We’ve tried every trick we could think of, from mood lighting and relaxing baths to date nights and new lingerie. And my husband already does his fair share, if not more, of work around the house and with the kids, so my lack of desire has nothing to do with resentment or feeling under-appreciated.

If anything, I feel more loved than ever when I’m pregnant.

It’s just that tiny spark in my gut, the tingling in my lady bits, the longing for sex—it’s nowhere to be found.

I’m now 36 weeks pregnant, and except for a few random bursts of sexual desire (mostly in the second trimester), my husband and I have spent the majority of this pregnancy abstinent.

Low libido is normal throughout pregnancy

Pregnancy sex, or lack thereof, is not something often discussed by my friends. So, I was surprised to learn that not wanting to get it on is actually very normal. 

A 2020 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that pregnancy influences the sexual desire of both partners. 

Men have higher levels of sexual desire than their pregnant partners throughout pregnancy, and pregnant women have the least amount of sexual desire in their first trimester.

This makes sense, as the first trimester is a wild ride of increasing hormones, morning sickness, extreme fatigue and other symptoms that don’t exactly coincide with feeling romantic or sexy for me.

Low libido may continue into the third trimester

“Women in the third trimester of their pregnancy put aside their sexual appetite and that of their partners, and concentrate on the wellbeing of their newborn baby,” states a 2019 study in Aten Primaria.  

In my third trimester, I’ve experienced a return of heartburn, fatigue and dizziness, as well as aches and pains in my back, head and pelvic area. I can’t even roll over in bed without groaning in pain, so you can imagine how far sex is from my mind. I want to want sex… I just don’t.

The simplest explanation for this lack of desire? Pregnancy is weird! In my first trimester, I had a huge aversion to coffee, to the point where I couldn’t even be in the house if my husband was brewing a cup in the kitchen. The smell was enough to have me gagging—even though I normally drink it multiple times a day. 

Sexual desire is kind of the same thing. Although I typically love some adults-only time after our 4- and 3-year-olds have gone to bed, now I can’t stomach the thought of it. It has nothing to do with my husband—it’s just one of those things I’ve learned to deal with.

Luckily, after I was cleared by my OB-GYN to have sex after my first two kids were born, my sex drive came back naturally. I’m hoping the same will happen after this baby is born. It’s amazing what a glass of wine and feeling like yourself again can do.

How to keep intimacy alive during pregnancy

In the meantime, my husband and I have learned to get creative in the romance department to break up the long dry spell.

Intimacy is important, even if sex is currently off the table. 

Try massage.

I wore my new lingerie and relaxed in a comfortable position next to him, and he rubbed my shoulders and feet while we watched a rom-com. It was a way for me to enjoy physical touch in a way that made me feel closer to my husband—instead of anxious and frustrated like sex had been making me feel.

Shower together.

This started as a way for my husband to help me relax by washing my hair, and we quickly realized how intimate it was to soap each other up. Although my body felt strange, heavy and painful most of the time, the heat of the shower relieves some of the pressure I feel, making it an enjoyable experience.

Focus on date nights.

We’ve jumped into trying new restaurants and shopping centers, gone to musicals and surprised each other with flowers and chocolate. When we can’t go out, we’ll wait until the kids go to bed, light some candles, and slow dance in the living room to soft music. It’s so much easier to forget about the mundanity of daily living or the stresses of the kids when we’re simply swaying in each other’s arms.

At the end of the day, our relationship is about support, trust and intimacy—sex is an added bonus.

Sources

Fernández-Carrasco FJ, Rodríguez-Díaz L, González-Mey U, Vázquez-Lara JM, Gómez-Salgado J, Parrón-Carreño T. Changes in Sexual Desire in Women and Their Partners during Pregnancy. J Clin Med. 2020;9(2):526. Published 2020 Feb 14. doi:10.3390/jcm9020526

Panea Pizarro I, Domínguez Martin AT, Barragán Prieto V, Martos Sánchez A, López Espuela F. Comportamiento y actitud frente a la sexualidad de la mujer embarazada durante el último trimestre. Estudio fenomenológico [Behaviour and attitudes towards the sexuality of the pregnant woman during the last trimester. Phenomenological study]. Aten Primaria. 2019;51(3):127-134. doi:10.1016/j.aprim.2018.02.003

You probably have labor and delivery on your mind, too. At this point, exactly how that will all play out can feel like a big question mark. Still, taking this chance to prepare will help you feel confident when that big moment arrives. With bite-sized classes specially created for this moment in your pregnancy, you can get the support you need without getting caught up in too many details.

Here’s what you need to know about pregnancy classes to support you and your baby during the third trimester:

What should I expect during the third trimester of pregnancy?

During the third trimester, your baby is rapidly gaining weight, practicing breathing and getting ready for birth. As you approach your due date, most babies turn head down for labor and you won’t experience the sensation of as many “kicks and flips” due to them running low on space. Just like your baby’s activity slows, you may feel less energetic as the weeks go by—other than perhaps feeling an urge to “nest” or prepare your home for your baby’s arrival.

Heartburn, insomnia and back aches are also common. However, if you notice a sudden change with your body—including swollen feet or a serious headache—contact your healthcare provider right away. 

By now, you should be familiar and comfortable with your provider who you may see every other week and then every week as you get close to your due date. In addition to checking on your baby and your health during these visits, a birth plan should also be a topic of conversation. With the tools, explanations and resources, Motherly’s digital Third Trimester classes are designed to help you feel empowered as you get closer and closer to *birth day.*

What should I learn about during the third trimester of pregnancy?

1. Common physical symptoms during the third trimester

As you close in on giving birth, your body is gearing up for the task ahead. That can look (and feel) like some major and occasionally uncomfortable changes. In Motherly’s Your Body in the Third Trimester Class, Pediatric Nurse and Certified Doula Diana Spalding covers what to know about changes to your body and upcoming doctors appointments.

2. What to know about Group B Strep

Between weeks 35 and 37 of pregnancy, your health care provider will likely perform a Group B Strep (GBS) test by swapping your vagina and rectum. GBS is a commonly found bacteria that is harmless to you, but can be serious for a baby if it is passed to them during delivery. The good news is that this hazard can be effectively avoided with antibiotics during labor. 

3. What to know about pregnancy sex

As your body changes through pregnancy, there can be some new questions and concerns about intimacy. Although every person and every couple’s experiences will vary during pregnancy, this can be a very sensuous time. In Motherly’s Sex + Relationships During Pregnancy Class, you will get insight and support for your love life. 

4. What is coming next

As you look toward the home stretch, it’s time to start thinking about your birth plan. Part of that is considering common possibilities, such as a cesarean birth. And then, of course, there is what comes after birth: the postpartum phase! With Motherly’s Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Bundle, you’ll get 28 lessons to help with this profound life transition. 

What should I know about online pregnancy classes from Motherly?

The classes are self-paced

When you purchase a digital class from Motherly, it’s yours to watch, pause, rewind and rewatch as many times as you want. By having the freedom to use these classes on your own terms and own time, you can maximize what you learn—and feel more empowered in the process.

The content comes directly from experts

Our expert-driven, woman-centered classes allow you to learn from leading health, fitness and wellness professionals—no matter where you are located. 

You can discover what works for you

Every pregnancy experience is different. With a selection of classes to suit your goals and lifestyle, you can feel empowered to make the decisions that are right for you. Our classes provide expert guidance and support to help you feel confident.

What are Motherly’s Third Trimester Classes?

$Free

1. Your Body in the Third Trimester

The home stretch and so many questions! This quick class is designed to help answer many of your questions about sleep, nutrition and tips on preparing your body for the amazing transformation to come.

Learn more

$10.00

2. Cesarean Birth Class

One in three births are C-sections, and it’s important to be empowered about this (beautiful) type of birth. We will walk you through planned and unplanned C-sections and will share tools that can help with your recovery.

Learn more

$25.00

3. About Diastasi Recti

Diastasis Recti is a term many women are no where near familiar with pre-pregnancy, yet many experience it during and post-pregnancy. Some that experience it don’t even know they have it, and certainly don’t know how to repair their muscles

Learn more

$25.00

4. The Motherly Birth Class

Including 12 video lessons and a detailed workbook, this is the birth class made for mamas. Community-inspired, expert-driven and woman-centered, this class celebrates the wonder of your amazing body and your baby while giving you the tools you need for an empowering birth experience.

Learn more

We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy. You’ve got this.

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But new research challenges this long-held belief. In a study of 8,352 pregnant women published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation, results indicate that excessive weight gain during pregnancy is not a significant risk factor for developing gestational diabetes, regardless of your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). 

This study took a unique perspective in that it looked at weight gain up until pregnant women took the oral glucose test used to screen for gestational diabetes. In previous studies examining the relationship between gestational diabetes and pregnancy weight gain, researchers typically looked at overall weight gain over the entire pregnancy—which may have contributed to a skewed picture of the cause-and-effect relationship. 

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which your body can’t make enough insulin or use it effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar (glucose) in your blood enter your body’s cells so that it can be used as energy. When glucose cannot enter your cells, it builds up in your blood, leading to high blood sugar. 

While type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where you don’t make enough insulin, type 2 diabetes may occur when your cells stop responding to insulin, which results in insulin resistance and chronically elevated blood sugar levels.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes can develop in pregnancy in women who did not already have diabetes before becoming pregnant. It’s a condition in which your body can’t make enough insulin to meet your needs. 

When you’re pregnant, glucose becomes the baby’s primary source of food, which alters how your body handles both glucose and insulin. As the placenta grows, it creates more hormones to support the pregnancy—but these hormones also have a simultaneous anti-insulin effect. All pregnant women have some level of insulin resistance in late pregnancy, and some women may already have diabetes or be mildly insulin resistant before getting pregnant. 

Diabetes of any type can damage your blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys, and heart. When you are pregnant, gestational diabetes can also cause high blood pressure, preeclampsia, birth defects, babies with large birth weight and complications that can result in preterm birth, or the likelihood of needing a C-section.

The relationship between gestational diabetes and pregnancy weight gain

For decades, experts pointed to a correlation between excessive weight gain in pregnancy and the onset of gestational diabetes, but this retrospective study may suggest otherwise.

For the purposes of the study, excessive weight gain is defined as weight gain above the 90th percentile of women in the same BMI category before and during pregnancy, or exceeding the upper range of the pregnancy weight gain guidelines from the Institute of Medicine.

The study’s authors found that the 1,129 women in the study who did develop gestational diabetes gained less weight than women who did not develop diabetes, even when they started out with a higher prepregnancy BMI. Additionally, there were no differences in weight gain during their first trimester and before their gestational diabetes screening. 

“The amount of gestational weight gain in the first trimester and before gestational diabetes screening did not change the risk of developing gestational diabetes,” wrote Tai-Ho Hung, MD, PhD, director of maternal fetal medicine in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and colleagues in the study. However, the researchers state that excessive gestational weight gain may still be correlated with other pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia.

The researchers also stated that further studies of gestational diabetes are needed to confirm their findings.

Gaining weight during pregnancy is healthy and normal

Gaining weight during pregnancy—even a significant amount of weight—is a normal and healthy part of the process.

Factors that may contribute to pregnancy weight gain include:

• The development of the baby and the placenta
• An increase in maternal blood volume and extracellular fluid
• Growth of the pregnant uterus 
• Enlargement of the mother’s breasts  
• An increase in maternal fat stores 

As always, it is best to follow through with your healthcare provider’s recommendations and to get regular physicals, even after pregnancy.

Between 2% and 10% of mothers develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. A mama with gestational diabetes during one pregnancy is more likely to have it again during a future pregnancy—or go on to develop another type of diabetes after pregnancy. The American Diabetes Association recommends that women with a history of gestational diabetes should have lifelong screening for the development of type 1 and type 2 at least every 3 years. 

Kaisu Luiro-Helve, MD, PhD, at the University of Helsinki in Finland explained at the European Congress of Endocrinology that, “Type 1 diabetes is not just a disease of the young. Type 1 usually occurs within 10 years of gestational diabetes, and that is the time when we need to stay alert and perhaps conduct another oral glucose tolerance test. Do not forget about these women after delivery.”

Sources:

Chuang YC, et al. The association between weight gain at different stages of pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Journal of Diabetes Investigation. 20 Aug 2021; doi:10.1111/jdi.13648

Luiro-Helve K, et al. Abstract #1479. Presented at European Congress of Endocrinology; May 22-26, 2021 (virtual meeting).

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Unless you’ve been pregnant before, you’ve likely never heard of GBS. A type of bacteria that colonizes the reproductive or urinary tract, GBS is not a sexually transmitted infection, nor is overgrowth related to a hygiene issue. Medical experts don’t actually know why some women have this bacteria and others don’t, but it is incredibly common, affecting as many as 20% to 30% of pregnant women.

And though we don’t know what causes GBS, testing for the presence of the bacteria during pregnancy—and undergoing treatment if you test positive—is something to be taken seriously. The risks to your infant can be dire. In the U.S., GBS infection is the leading cause of meningitis and blood infections within the first three months of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that infections caused by GBS in pregnant women are linked to 150,000 preventable stillbirths and infant deaths worldwide each year. 

That’s a scary statistic that no one wants to think about, but knowing more about the risks associated with GBS and understanding your treatment plan can help you make the safest decision for your little one.

What is GBS?

Group B strep (GBS) is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines and can move down to colonize the reproductive or urinary tract. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 4 pregnant women in the U.S. carry GBS in their body. 

What causes GBS?

Experts aren’t entirely sure. GBS colonization can come and go, and most people with the bacteria show zero symptoms or signs of infection. Rarely, people with GBS colonization may have symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

Risk factors associated with GBS include: 

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Engaging in male-female oral sex
• Having recent or frequent sex
• Using tampons
• Infrequent hand-washing
• Being less than 20 years old

How is the GBS test performed?

The test for GBS is performed by swabbing the vagina and rectum. It’s relatively quick. Test results are typically returned within 48 hours. The confusing thing about GBS is that you can test positive for GBS temporarily, intermittently or persistently—it all depends on timing. 

That’s why the test is performed late into pregnancy—to hopefully get the most accurate picture of GBS status. But testing positive for GBS doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll develop a GBS infection—or that your baby will. Nonetheless, it’s still safer to treat it as such.

If you test negative for GBS, nothing further needs to be done. 

What are the risks of having a GBS infection?

In pregnancy (and during normal life), GBS can cause urinary tract infections, but many people who have it are asymptomatic. “However, if these bacteria are present in the vagina, and the baby comes in contact with them during birth, they can make the baby sick with a serious infection. This can lead to pneumonia, sepsis and even meningitis—an infection of the fluid in the brain and spinal cord,” writes midwife Diana Spalding, MS, CNM, in “The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama.”

These risks, though severe, are relatively rare with treatment. According to statistics from the CDC, if you test positive for GBS and receive treatment, there’s a 1 in 4,000 chance of delivering a baby who will develop an infection related to GBS. If you test positive but do not receive treatment, that number jumps to 1 in 200.

Related: The new mama’s guide to pregnancy symptoms

“In a previous era, GBS infections had a 50% mortality rate, which is why there are strict guidelines in place to screen and treat GBS,” writes Spalding. “The guidelines have resulted in a dramatic reduction in the rate of infant infection since the 1990s.” 

Now, it’s estimated that just 4% to 6% of babies who develop GBS disease may die (that’s 4 to 6 out of every 100). Babies at greater risk of infection and serious disease from GBS are typically those born preterm or with low birth weight.

While this is still very scary, Sarah Bjorkman, MD, OB-GYN and Motherly’s Maternal Health Advisor, affirms that neonatal infection with GBS is very rare, and more importantly, it can be prevented. “In the 1990s, before we started routine screening and treatment for GBS, it was the number one cause of early-onset sepsis,” she says in “The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama.” “However, this is no longer the case as rates have dropped by more than 80% with screening and treatment. This is amazing! Antibiotics work, great evidence supports their use, and it could save their baby’s life. ACOG, AAP, ACNM and the CDC all recommend GBS prophylaxis/treatment, and so do I.”

What happens if I test positive for GBS?

Guidelines from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the CDC recommend giving pregnant women antibiotics through an IV during labor to prevent early-onset GBS infection in newborns. If you test positive for GBS and go into labor, you’ll want to head to the hospital right away so that you can start antibiotics, which work best when begun 4 hours before delivery.

“The drug of choice is penicillin, but if you are allergic, additional tests will be done to the bacteria to find another antibiotic that will work,” Spalding notes in “The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama.”

Related: Yes, you CAN get pregnant with PCOS. A fertility expert shares how.

Taking antibiotics before you’re in labor won’t help, unfortunately, as the bacteria can grow back quickly. Antibiotics have to be circulating at the time of labor in order to fend off the colonization. 

If you’ve already given birth to a baby who was infected with GBS, you will automatically receive antibiotics during your next labor, because your risks for developing an infection again may be higher. 

How will taking antibiotics in labor change my birth plan?

Thankfully, taking antibiotics in labor shouldn’t drastically change your birth plan. If you’re planning on delivering at a hospital or birth center, you’ll have an IV placed in your arm to receive an antibiotic drip.

This shouldn’t greatly limit your movement. Antibiotics are only administered every four hours until birth, and only take about 15 to 30 minutes to run (this usually ends up being only once or twice for most people). During that time, you may have some limited mobility during labor, but you can still likely walk and move around or even be in a bath or birthing tub. You can ask to be saline-locked in the hours between IV usage so that you’re detached from the IV pole. 

If you were planning on a home birth and you require antibiotics during labor, whether you are still able to deliver at home depends on your state. Many states don’t allow home birth midwives to administer an IV, but be sure to clarify this with your provider beforehand.

What if I’m having a scheduled C-section?

“Women who are having planned C-sections do not need to be treated for GBS but are usually tested,” Spalding writes. “If your water breaks or you go into labor before your scheduled Cesarean birth, it may become necessary to start treatment.” This is because if your membranes are no longer intact, your infant could have some exposure to the bacteria. 

Related: Your guide to C-section recovery: Timeline, tips and what to expect as you heal

What if I deliver before I can get tested for GBS?

If your water breaks or you deliver before you’ve had access to a GBS test, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you tell a medical care provider right away that you have not yet had a GBS test. If you know you were positive for GBS in a previous pregnancy, also be sure to share this information. 

Can I retest for GBS before labor?

No. Retesting is not recommended, because if you test positive the first time, it’s assumed that you have had a colonization and require antibiotics to reduce your risk of passing on an infection to the infant during birth. Even if you retook the test and your results were negative the second time, you’d still be treated as if you were positive. 

In this regard, the information regarding GBS screening is not foolproof—and can seem a bit murky. While the test itself has a high rate of accuracy, it’s a simple fact that GBS colonization may come and go in people’s bodies. Because your GBS status can change after you have your screening, this may mean that some women are unnecessarily treated, and it may conversely mean that some cases are not detected. 

Will taking antibiotics in labor harm my baby’s microbiome?

It’s possible. This is largely a case in which the benefits outweigh the risks, but it’s good to know the risks. “Providing antibiotics can affect the body’s microbiome at a time when babies need to be exposed to healthy microbes to jump-start their immune systems,” writes Spalding. “There’s also the risk of widespread antibiotic use creating bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.” Like any treatment, it’s not without its potential for unwanted side effects.

One study demonstrated that infants whose mothers received IV antibiotics in labor had lower levels of Bifidobacterium, a type of beneficial bacteria. The long-term effects on this seem to be less pronounced if antibiotics are used for less than 24 hours (which is the case in many births). If antibiotics are used for more than 24 hours during labor, an association has been shown with an increase in childhood eczema by age 2, though more research is needed to confirm this.

Related: How to treat eczema in kids, according to a dermatologist

While yes, taking antibiotics could have a negative effect on your baby’s developing immune system, those same antibiotics can also be life-saving. An infant’s risk of developing GBS infection drops by 80% when antibiotics are used during labor. The risk to their developing microbiome seems to be lowest if you are able to use antibiotics for less than 24 hours. 

There are also ways to rebuild your baby’s microbiome after birth. Skin to skin contact and breastfeeding can both be beneficial in seeding your infant with good bacteria. Breastfeeding for at least three months may mitigate the risk. If you do test positive for GBS and receive antibiotic treatment, talk to your obstetric care provider and your child’s pediatrician about giving your baby infant probiotics once born, in addition to breastfeeding. 

How can I lower my chances of testing positive for GBS?

If you’re wondering whether you can prevent GBS colonization from happening in the first place, there are certain traditional remedies many women use to try to prevent and treat GBS. “This includes taking garlic, yogurt, tea tree oil, and more. Unfortunately, at this time the research around these methods is fairly limited, so we don’t know for certain that they will work,” writes Spalding. They may end up working for some women, but not for others. 

There’s also some research around using oral probiotics in pregnancy (though results are mixed) and anecdotal evidence on using vaginal probiotics (as a suppository) in the third trimester leading up to the GBS test. Ask your obstetric care provider and/or a naturopath trained in herbal medicine and supplements for more information on this front. Dr. Romm also provides more resources on this.

Is there a vaccine for GBS?

Not yet. Experts from the WHO are now calling for a maternal vaccine to be taken in early pregnancy to prevent the disease. While some are in development, none are ready for distribution yet. In a recent report, WHO experts say that an effective vaccine offered to even 70% of pregnant people would prevent 50,000 deaths and 170,000 preterm births. 

“The idea for a maternal Group B strep vaccine was suggested about four decades ago, but it is only in the last decade that more progress has been made, with now several promising candidates,” WHO report author Joy Lawn, director of the Maternal Adolescent Reproductive & Child Health Center at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, tells Gizmodo. “And as we have learnt with Covid, it is good to have more than one.” 

A note from Motherly

While it’s important to protect the health of your baby’s microbiome, using antibiotics in labor if you are GBS positive can protect against serious GBS infection—and prevent dire consequences. It’s also helpful to know that studies show that the negative microbiome effects are relatively short-term, and can be mitigated with breastfeeding and using infant probiotics for at least the first three to six months of life. If you have more questions or concerns about the GBS test and treatment, talk to your obstetric care provider.

Sources:

Aloisio I, Mazzola G, Corvaglia LT, et al. Influence of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis against group B Streptococcus on the early newborn gut composition and evaluation of the anti-Streptococcus activity of Bifidobacterium strains. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 98, 6051–6060 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-014-5712-9

Azad MB, Konya T, Persaud RR, et al. Impact of maternal intrapartum antibiotics, method of birth and breastfeeding on gut microbiota during the first year of life: a prospective cohort study. BJOG. 2016;123(6):983-993. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.13601

​​Farr A, Sustr V, Kiss H, et al. Oral probiotics to reduce vaginal group B streptococcal colonization in late pregnancy. Sci Rep 10, 19745 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-76896-4

Ho M, Chang YY, Chang WC, et al. Oral Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 to reduce Group B Streptococcus colonization in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;55(4):515-518. doi:10.1016/j.tjog.2016.06.003

Martín V, Cárdenas N, Ocaña S, et al. Rectal and Vaginal Eradication of Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) in Pregnant Women by Using Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 9145, A Target-specific Probiotic Strain. Nutrients. 2019;11(4):810. Published 2019 Apr 10. doi:10.3390/nu11040810

Wohl DL, Curry WJ, Mauger D, Miller J, Tyrie K. Intrapartum antibiotics and childhood atopic dermatitis. J Am Board Fam Med. 2015;28(1):82-89. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2015.01.140017

A version of this article was published in November 2021. It has been updated.

While it looks different for everyone, there are a few early signs of labor to look out for. As I share in The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama, “Remember that you do not have to figure out on your own if you’re in labor. Your provider has a way for you to reach them at any time, so they can help guide you through this: when to leave for your birthing place, if applicable, and what to do to best take care of yourself and your baby in the meantime.”

We also cover signs that labor is approaching in The Motherly Birth Class, an online class that may be covered by your health insurance plan or HSA/FSA benefits.

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As for you how are feeling right now: Never hesitate to reach out to your provider if you’re unsure—yes, even at 2 am, and especially if you are earlier than 37 weeks pregnant, which could mean you’re experiencing preterm labor.

What are the early signs of labor?

Here are the 5 most common early signs of labor you might be curious about.

1. Is nesting an early sign of labor?

In the days or hours leading up to labor, some may get a serious boost of energy. Just like a mama bird getting her nest ready for her hatchlings, you may find yourself busy getting things ready for your little chickadee. Remember to schedule in plenty of rest, fluids and snacks so you have energy for birth. And be careful, no climbing ladders to dust the top of the ceiling fan, please.

2. Is losing your mucus plug an early sign of labor?

During pregnancy, a small glob of mucus sits in your cervix to help protect the baby from bacteria. As your cervix starts to get softer in preparation for labor, the mucus plug may fall out (it looks like when you blow your nose when you have a cold).

Some women lose their mucus plug weeks before they give birth, while others only lose it when they are actively in labor—so while it’s not a tell-tale sign that your baby is coming soon, it is a good sign that things are at least moving in the right direction. This early sign of labor is sometimes called the “bloody show” because it can have a streak of blood in it. It’s most likely totally normal, but never hesitate to call your provider if you need to be reassured! And if you see more than a teaspoon worth of blood, call.

Related: Try these 4 yoga poses to induce labor—safely

3. Is diarrhea an early sign of labor?

A hormone called prostaglandin is released in your body as it prepares to go into labor. Prostaglandin helps to make your cervix softer and looser (so it can dilate), but it also makes your bowels looser—in other words, you might have diarrhea, and/or more frequent trips to the bathroom. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and juice.

4. Will your water break in early labor?

We’ve all seen the movies where a woman is minding her own business when suddenly her water breaks, and the entire world seemingly grinds to a halt. While it is a REALLY exciting moment, it’s usually not that dramatic. In fact, only about 10% experience their water breaking before labor starts—it usually breaks during labor.

When your water breaks, it may be a big gush of fluid or it may be a small but steady trickle. If your water breaks at home call your doctor or midwife to give them a heads up and discuss the plan. Then, remember TACO:

• Time: What time did your water break?
• Amount: How much fluid came out?
• Color: Ideally it will be clear. If it’s green or brown, call your provider right away
• Odor: Amniotic fluid does not have much of a smell to it. Anything yucky smelling could indicate a problem, so again, call your provider

Note: It’s super rare, but occasionally an emergency called a prolapsed cord can occur. If your water breaks and you think you feel the umbilical cord in your vagina, get in an elbows-and-knees position and call 911 right away.

5. Cramping & contractions in early labor

Ultimately, labor is about contractions—your uterus is a big (awesome) muscle that contracts to help dilate the cervix, and ease the baby down and out.

Early labor is when your cervix dilates from zero to six centimeters

Early labor is usually the longest part of labor, especially for first-time births. It often starts with mild contractions that feel a lot like menstrual cramps. They’ll probably be irregular (anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes apart, and short (about 45 seconds). Contractions will gradually become more frequent, longer and more intense. Many women describe a tightening sensation that starts in their lower back and moves towards their belly.

When you start to have contractions that aren’t going away, call your provider to give them a heads up. There is a good chance they’ll encourage you to stay home during early labor. You’ll be more comfortable there, and your risk of medical interventions decreases by staying home longer.

In active labor, your cervix will dilate from six to eight centimeters

During active labor, contractions are more regular (about every three to four minutes), last longer (about 60 seconds), and are much more intense—they now require all of your attention, and can cause a fair amount of discomfort. Many describe a downward pressure, along with some degree of pain, but this varies for everyone!

You’ll likely head to your birthing place during active labor.

If you’re in active labor, the general rule is 4-1-1.

You’re in active labor when contractions are four minutes apart, lasting one minute each, and this has been going on for one hour. But again, call your provider so they can help with the plan.

And then… well then you become a mama.

Related: Experts share 6 tips on how to prepare for your first birth

A version of this story was originally published on Oct. 18, 2021. It has been updated.

It turns out that in addition to being a cute little “hello!” from your little one, baby kicks serve a very important purpose in fetal development.

The fascinating science behind those adorable baby kicks

Researchers have proven you aren’t just unsteady on your feet: Those little baby kicks really are incredibly forceful.

According to a report published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, researchers from the Imperial College London were able to determine how strong fetus’ kicks are by modeling the movements captured with imaging technology.

Using this original process, they found fetuses kick with up to 6.5 lbs. of force at just 20 weeks gestation—meaning those little legs you see on the anatomy ultrasound are strong enough to give a ball a good kick!

10 weeks later, the babies hit their peak gestational fitness with up to 10.5 lbs. of force in their leg movements. Although babies do keep getting stronger from there, they start running out of space. By 35 weeks, the force drops off again to 3.8 lbs.

“This increasing trend with gestational age is important because changes in fetal movement patterns in late pregnancy have been linked to poor fetal outcomes and musculoskeletal malformations,” the researchers say in their conclusion, adding they hope that confirming this link will inspire “future research in tissue engineering and mechanobiology.”

Not only are those kicks strong, but they are purposeful: Those little exercises are helping babies develop their neuromuscular systems to prepare them for the outside world. (Even if they can’t hold their head up at birth.)

In the earlier days of moving and grooving, Niamh Nowlan, a bioengineer at Imperial College London, says the movements are likely just reflexes rather than actions ordered by the baby’s brain. But as the weeks go on, babies begin to get deliberate about when, why and how they move.

“The baby needs to move [in the womb] to be healthy after birth, particularly for their bones and joints,” Nowlan tells Live Science, explaining fetal movement is linked to lower rates of congenital disorders such as shortened joints and thin bones.

Fetal kicks are a sign of health

On your end, the kicks and jabs are also good signs that the baby is doing well in there, which is why many prenatal health practitioners recommend tracking your baby’s kicks once a day. However, from her experience with her own two babies, Nowlan says the actual sensation of a baby kicking can differ from pregnancy to pregnancy.

“I could always tell where my son’s feet were, whereas that wasn’t really the case for my first,” she explains. Because the feeling can vary for a variety of reasons, Nowlan and her team are conducting research on a wearable fetal movement monitor that they developed, which could bring peace of mind to expectant parents.

Today those not-so-little kicks may be keeping you up at night, but soon enough they will be supporting a crawling, walking and running kiddo—so that pre-season training goes a long way.

This post was originally published on February 15, 2018. It has been updated.

Getting ready for your little one’s big debut? Check out some of our favorite new mama must-haves in the Motherly Shop!

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9 safe and simple pregnancy exercises for each trimester

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), exercising while pregnant increases the likelihood of a vaginal delivery while lowering your risk of negative side effects like excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders.

As your navigate all the changes over the next 10 months, exercise can help you get back to your body. Try these simple, safe and effective exercises for every trimester.

First-trimester pregnancy exercises

Squats

As an exercise that targets your glutes, quads, and hamstrings, squats are great to start in your first trimester—and keep doing throughout your pregnancy. Squatting during labor expands your pelvic outlet, allowing more room for your baby to descend.

To start, stand in front of a couch or chair, or use a wall if you feel comfortable and balanced. Keep your knees shoulder-width apart and try to squat down until your knees reach a 90-degree angle before slowly righting yourself again, focusing your attention on your glutes and legs. Repeat 10-15 times per set.

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Bicep curls

Babies might not seem heavy, but when you’re holding them for hours at a time, it takes a surprising amount of arm strength. In order to build that muscle now and avoid soreness later, use bicep curls to tone your arms.

Grab dumbbells you can comfortably hold for multiple reps (somewhere in the 3 to 5 lbs range). Stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips with your knees slightly bent.

Take a few seconds to bring the dumbbells toward your shoulders as you bend your elbows, then slowly lower the weights again. Repeat 10 to 15 times and build up to multiple sets per day.

Melting heart pose

The first trimester tends to be a rollercoaster for many, with symptoms such as headaches and round-the-clock nausea that can make you feel exhausted. To counteract this, look for yoga positions that emphasize relaxation, such as corpse pose, bridge pose, or melting heart pose.

To practice melting heart pose, or Anahatasana, get on your hands and knees, then walk your hands forward until your arms are almost fully outstretched while keeping your chin tilted up. Try to push your heart close to the floor as you keep your hips above your knees. You can place a yoga block on the ground under your forehead and rest your head there if it’s comfortable. Breathe, holding the pose for three to five minutes.

Second-trimester pregnancy exercises

Bird-dog

With the arrival of the second trimester, you’re likely to develop increased back pain as your baby begins to grow. Good posture will help to alleviate back aches—and you can work on strengthening your core with an exercise called bird-dog.

While on your hands and knees, slowly extend your left leg while stretching out your right arm and holding for several seconds when you’re fully extended. Engage your core and continue to breathe. Alternate between your opposite arm and legs and try for 15 reps.

Bridge pose

The middle of your pregnancy is really when stretching and strengthening exercises start to become more important as you begin to gain weight, shift your center of gravity and probably develop some soreness as your muscles become more stretched out.

One especially helpful pose is bridge pose. To do bridge pose, lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. You may need to place a folded blanket under your shoulders for comfort. Then, walk your heels in toward your hips until your hands can touch the back of them (or even just get close). Push your tailbone toward the pubis and lift your buttocks off the floor while keeping your thighs and inner feet parallel. Lengthen the tailbone and lift your chin away from the sternum. Firm your outer arms and broaden your shoulder blades to hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds.

Pilé squats

The pilé squat is similar to a normal squat, but it is done with more of a rotation that strengthens your quadriceps, hamstrings, and butt while improving your balance.

To do a pilé, stand next to the back of a kitchen chair with your hand resting upon the chair. Your feet should be parallel and hip-distance apart. Pull your belly button up and in while keeping your toes and knees turned out to about 45 degrees. Bend your knees, lowering your torso while keeping your back as straight as if you were against a wall.

Third-trimester pregnancy exercises

Curl and lift

Think bicep curls, but with more sitting to help ward off that third trimester fatigue.

To do a curl and lift, sit on a sturdy chair with your feet on the floor and your back straight. Start with your arms straight down at your sides and hold a weight in each hand with your palms turned toward your body.

Then, bend your elbows to form a 90-degree angle and lift the weights to shoulder height. To release, slowly lower your arms to your sides before returning to the starting position. Repeat for 15 reps.

Supported V-sits

To do a supported V-sit, you’ll need a balance trainer since you might not be able to do the position without assistance.

Lean your back against the balance trainer with feet flat on the floor and your arms extended in front of you. Begin by lifting one foot off the floor until it’s parallel with the floor. Hold it in that position for several seconds before returning to the starting position. Work up to 10 repetitions and then alternate your legs to build strength on both sides.

Standard wall push-up

During the third trimester, aim to focus on low-weight or bodyweight-only strength exercises. A standard wall push-up allows you to control your balance more easily and is adjustable to your strength level.

To begin, start with your feet and legs together as you face a wall. To adjust the strength needed for the wall push up, adjust the distance between you and the wall. (The closer you are, the easier it will be!) Your palms will lay flat against the wall at about shoulder level.

Then, you can bend your elbows as you lean your body towards the wall. Keep your back straight as you lower yourself and then push back into the starting position. Aim for 10 to 15 reps.

Exercises to avoid in pregnancy

Although you should always speak with your doctor about your exercise plan, ACOG has cited walking, stationary cycling, aerobic exercises, dancing, stretching, water aerobics, and resistance exercises during pregnancy as extensively studied and found to be both safe and beneficial.

It’s important to note that any exercises you’ll be doing should only be making you feel good. If you’re experiencing dizziness or pain in places such as your abdomen, chest, or head, stop your exercise and contact your doctor. You should avoid any exercise that causes trauma to the abdomen, any exercise that keeps you lying on your back for too long, and any exercise that can easily cause you to lose your balance. Additionally, pregnant people should not scuba dive as the fetus’s pulmonary circulation cannot filter bubble formation.

And if you didn’t exercise before pregnancy, it’s not too late to start. Just make sure you ease into it and don’t push yourself too hard. Pregnant people should stay well hydrated, wear loose-fitting clothing, and avoid high heat and humidity.

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Here are 5 things your astonishing little baby is up to during the third trimester:

1. Getting chunky

Your baby’s limbs are pretty well formed at this point, so now he’s busy packing on the ounces. During the last few weeks of pregnancy, baby is gaining about 1/2 pound a week. The fact he’s developing will help keep him warm, and of course be readily available for pinching (oh, those rolls)!

2. Practicing his breathing

Your baby is getting all the oxygen he needs through the umbilical cord and placenta, but he is still hard at work learning how to breathe so he can transition easily when he comes into the world. At the moment of birth, a baby’s circulatory system changes dramatically, enabling them to breathe air like we do. That first breath=breathtaking indeed.

Related: What partner should know: the third trimester

3. Opening his eyes

Babies can begin to see light in the second trimester—but starting at around 28 weeks, they are able to open their eyes and blink. If you shine a flashlight on your belly you may get a wiggle from your little guy—baby’s first game! Interesting fact: Unborn babies’ eye pigment is still developing, and continues to do so after birth. So while many babies are born with blue eyes, most of them won’t continue to have blue eyes as they grow up.

4. Tasting… & peeing

Your baby can actually start to taste the foods you eat in the amniotic fluid. So while you’re enjoying your favorite foods, your baby is learning to love them too. (Want your baby to develop a love for kale? This recipe might help!)

This next part isn’t as cute to think about, but it’s oh-so-amazing and important (and he’s actually been practicing this trick for some time now). Drum roll… he’s peeing! He swallows some amniotic fluid, digests it and then urinates. Just think of it as good practice for ALL THE DIAPERS in his (and your) very near future.

5. Listening to you (& loving it)

Your baby has been able to hear for a while now (since about 18 weeks). But by the third trimester, his listening skills have improved a lot, and he can now hear AND RESPOND to you. In fact, a study found that when moms sang the word “la,” their babies actually opened and closed their mouths along with them—unreal, right?! So don’t be shy: Talk, read and sing to your baby to your heart’s content. It won’t be long now until you’ll be doing it for real.

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The home stretch and so many questions! This quick class is designed to help answer many of your questions about sleep, nutrition and tips on preparing your body for the amazing transformation to come.

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A version of this story was published June 24, 2021. It has been updated.