Pregnancy calendar - week #30

Pregnant mothers - week #30

You oughta be in pictures!

If you haven't already, we highly suggest getting your pregnant belly photographed. Before you know it, baby will be here and your bump will be gone. Most parents photograph their baby from the moment she is delivered, but often forget about the beautiful months of pregnancy. If you have the resources, go to a professional photographer to get some shots taken. Trust us, these pictures will be among your favorites.

As you get closer and closer to your due date, exercise remains important. Sure, we know you'd rather stretch out on the couch and crack open a pint of Cherry Garcia, but why not do your body good and walk for 20 minutes first? We love this idea because while you're not denying yourself the treat, you're still getting in a good dose of activity and exercise.

Braxton Hicks contractons are likely still occuring. These 'false' contractions are prepping your body for labor. Hey, your uterus has to gear up for the big day, just like you do!

If you haven't heard, cord blood banking is the new hot topic among pregnant families. Basically, the option is available for families to keep umbilical cord blood for it's medical purposes. This blood contains hematopoietic stem cells, which are useful in treating a number of illnesses.

You can also donate your cord blood to a cord blood bank. The bank then assumes control of the cord blood.

If you're interested in banking or donating your cord blood, it's important to throughly research the collection and use. Read this helpful guide on cord blood banking to help you in your decision.

Baby and fetal development - week #30

Hiccup!

Gone are the days of mere grams and ounces--baby is now weighing in at about 3 pounds! Baby is also developing more layers of fat under the skin. This will help him retain heat.

Baby is also busy practicing breathing. The diaphragm is getting a workout, preparing for inhaling and exhaling. Baby may even get his first case of the hiccups. To you, this will feel like a twitching in your uterus. They say that when you have the hiccups, someone is thinking about you. In this case it's true--mom and dad are always thinking about baby!

Also in week 30:

• Baby's bone marrow is now producing its own red blood cells
• The lanugo, or fine hairs that once covered baby's body, are being replaced by real hair
• The brain is developing millions of brain cells each day
• Baby is between 10.8 and 14.8 inches long

Pregnant dads - week #30

Showers: not just for women anymore?

Yeah, we know, even mentioning the words 'baby' and 'shower' in the same sentence probably makes you shudder. But have you considered having a couples baby shower? By inviting your favorite friends and their significant others, the idea suddenly becomes much more inviting. Look at it more as an excuse to get together with your buddies than a gabfest about babies, bonnets, and diapers. Sounds better already doesn't it? Yeahbaby has some fun and creative ideas to make your couples baby shower an occasion to remember.