You're hitting your stride as the wooziness and uncertainties of the first three months fade away, and the discomforts of late pregnancy still lie relatively far ahead.

Feeling better and having more energy, you may be ready to conquer the world (or at least the nursery). For many women, the starter's pistol on motherhood goes off right when they feel baby's first pokes and prods. The palpable presence of your child may trigger a series of mothering emotions — protectiveness, nurturing, nesting — and complete and total impatience with anyone who poses a potential threat to the well-being of you and your child.