What to expect when you're expecting (123 page)

Difficulty sleeping

Increasing “practice” (Braxton Hicks) contractions

Increasing clumsiness

Enlarged breasts

Colostrum, leaking from nipples (though this premilk substance may not appear until after delivery)

Emotionally

Increasing eagerness for the pregnancy to be over

Apprehension about labor and delivery

Increasing absentmindedness

Trepidation about becoming a parent, if it’s your first time

Excitement—at the realization that it won’t be long now

After the 32nd week, your practitioner may ask you to come in every two weeks so your progress and your baby’s can be more closely watched. You can expect the following to be checked, depending on your particular needs and your practitioner’s style of practice:

Weight and blood pressure

Urine, for sugar and protein

Fetal heartbeat

Height of fundus (top of uterus)