As baby grows, your muscles and ligaments stretch to support this new weight. The result can be a new set of aches and pains as your body adjusts to the load.

Your Body Changes

Feeling like you're turning inside out? Your “innie” may have already become an “outtie” as the skin of your belly (and accompanying button) is stretching, tightening, and most likely itching like crazy. A good moisturizing cream can relieve the itching and keep your skin hydrated, although it won't prevent or eliminate striae gravidarum (or stretch marks). Whether or not you develop stretch marks is largely a matter of genetics, although factors such as excessive weight gain and multiples' gestations increase your odds of having them.

The red, purple, or whitish striae are created by the excess collagen your body produces in response to rapid stretching of the skin. They may appear on your abdomen, breasts, or on any other blossoming body part right now. Don't be too alarmed, since striae typically fade to virtually invisible silver lines after pregnancy. If you do feel self-conscious, there are options for postpartum treatment of severe cases (see Chapter 20).

What You Feel Like

The band of ligaments supporting your uterus is carrying an increasingly heavy load. You might start to feel occasional discomfort in your lower abdomen, inner thighs, and hips called round ligament pain. Pelvic tilt exercises are useful for keeping pelvic muscles toned and for relieving pain.

The pelvic tilt can be performed while standing against a wall, although it might be more comfortable done four-on-the-floor style. Keep your head aligned with your spine, pull in your abdomen, tighten your buttocks, and tilt your pelvis forward. Your back will naturally arch up. Hold the position for three seconds, then relax. Remember to keep your back straight in this neutral position. Repeat the tilt three to five times, eventually working up to ten repetitions.

Pelvic tilts can tone your perineum and ease pregnancy aches and pains.

Pregnancy hormones, the root of discomfort, are also contributing to the lower back pain you could be experiencing. Progesterone and relaxin, the hormone responsible for softening your pelvic ligaments for delivery, are also loosening up your lower back ligaments and disks, and combined with the weight of your growing belly your back is feeling the strain. Women who are having twins or more are especially prone to lower back pain, which occurs in up to 50 percent of all pregnant women.

A few tips to help you ease your aches and pains:

Stand tall. Perfect posture can go a long way toward easing back pain. Try to keep your center of gravity in your spine and pelvis rather than out in your belly, which can give you a swayback.

Sit up straight. Use good posture when you're sitting as well, and choose a chair with good lower back support. You can purchase a special ergonomic support pad for your chair back, but a small pillow can do the trick just as easily.

Avoid twists and turns. With your back so loose, a sudden move as simple as quickly turning at the waist to get out of bed may strain your back. Use your arms as support for a slow takeoff when rising from a chair.

Practice your pickups. If you have small children who still need to be lifted occasionally, it's essential to use correct form. To avoid injury, bend and use your leg muscles to lift weight rather than bending from the waist and lifting with your back.

Warm up. A warm pad on your back, hips, or other sore spots can help relieve pain.

Sensible shoes. Avoid high heels! They will place further stress on your spine, and they're anything but comfy these days.

Foot rest. Use a low stool or step to rest your feet when sitting. If you must stand for long periods, alternate resting each foot on a step.

Massage. You now have a medical excuse to indulge in a regular back rub from your significant other. A licensed massage therapist who is experienced in prenatal massage would also be helpful.

Fluff and stuff. Sleep on your side with a pillow placed between your legs. This will align your spine and improve your sleeping posture. A full-sized body pillow can help support your back as well as belly.

Exercise. If you aren't doing them already, some stretching and flexibility exercises may be in order. Check with your health care provider for approval and recommendations; if the pain is troublesome enough or if you have a history of back problems, she may suggest a physical therapist to work with.

Feeling hot and bothered? Pregnancy-induced changes in your metabolism and added weight can have you cranking the AC. Dress comfortably, cool off in the shower or tub, and invest in an extra fan if you don't have air conditioning.

Other symptoms you may start or continue to experience this month include:

Nausea

Fatigue

Frequent urination

Tender and/or swollen breasts

Bleeding gums

Excess mucus and saliva

Increase in normal vaginal discharge

Mild shortness of breath

Lightheadedness or dizziness

Headaches

Gas, heartburn, and/or constipation

Skin and hair changes