Changes in You

By now, your belly is filling out and your uterus is a little bigger than a grapefruit. Don't worry about gaining weight-it's an important way of monitoring the health of your developing baby. As long as you're eating healthily and not dieting, your weight and your baby's health should be fine. The following guidelines will tell you how much weight you should gain based on your pre-pregnancy weight:

Pre-pregnancy weight            Acceptable Weight Gain

Underweight ..............................................30-40 lbs.

Normal Weight ..........................................25-35 lbs.

Overweight ............................................... 15-25 lbs.

Wondering where all that weight goes? Here's a breakdown for a 31-lb.weight gain:

Blood Volume Increase ..................................5 lbs.

Maternal Fat and Protein Stores .....................8 lbs.

Placenta .........................................................2 lbs.

Amniotic Fluid ................................................3 lbs.

Breast Enlargement ........................................3 lbs.

Baby ...............................................................8 lbs.

Uterus Weight Gain .........................................2 lbs.

Changes in Your Baby

The last two weeks of the embryonic period are a time of facial organ system and neuromuscular development. The head is rounded, the eyes are open and eyelids are developing. The mouth, tongue and palate are complete, and the outside ear is distinct as well. The gastrointestinal system (stomach, intestines and rectum) and genitourinary (kidneys, bladder and urethra to the outside) systems undergo significant changes. Prior to this time, the rectum and urethra formed one tube that ended in a blind pouch! Now the beginnings of all essential internal and external structures are present. The tail is disappearing, and your baby is beginning to look like a baby!

Insurance for Baby & You

Having a baby isn't cheap. Most insurance plans cover a percentage, but you must cover the rest-out of pocket. The best thing you and your partner can do is to become informed. Don't just read the materials. Talk to your employer or insurance company to find out what is and is not covered.

Try to obtain a detailed account from your insurance provider on coverage of obstetric care, such as regular doctor's visits, lab work, prenatal testing, and ultrasounds. Inquire about coverage for unexpected complications during pregnancy, which may require specialists, extensive tests, medical procedures, and medications.

Look into your company's policy on disability benefits for early or extended maternity leave, should it be necessary. Consider the birth and hospital stays. Are there restrictions on types of anesthesia, medications, and room selection? Then review coverage for the care of your newborn, and ask for a description of "well-baby" care.

Finally, talk to your employer about maternity benefits, such as paid leave, or unpaid leave under the Family Leave Act. If you are planning a job change, you may want to wait until after your baby is born. Pregnancy is considered a "pre-existing condition," and your new employer's insurance company may not cover the costs.

Having a complete understanding of your coverage is the best way to alleviate any concerns.

Dad's Corner

While everyone is getting excited about the arrival of your baby, you may be worrying about the finances. Will you have enough money to raise a child? If this is not your first child, will you have enough money for another one? These concerns are normal. Talk to other dads for support. Ask them how they manage on their salaries. Discuss with your partner what the plan will be after the baby is born. Will she be staying home? Working part-time or full time? And if so, how soon after the birth will she go back to work? If you are single parent, then you must have a set plan in place. Look around now for a single parent support group. It will be a great source of information and help. Addressing your financial concerns now will help you feel more secure once the baby arrives.