Starting with this initial third-trimester visit, your visits to the doctor might start to step up to twice monthly. Your provider will probably want to know whether you've been experiencing any Braxton-Hicks contractions, and he will cover the warning signs of preterm labor and what you should do if you experience them. (Read more on preterm labor in Appendix A.) If you're unsure about what type of childbirth class you'd like to take, you might want to bring your questions to your provider for his take. Just remember, the decision is ultimately up to you and your partner.

Why are people always touching me, and how can I get them to stop?

People are fascinated with the life force of pregnancy, and you're radiating it big time. Most people will ask permission before touching, but to stop the belly rubbers who strike without warning, take a step back or turn away. Hopefully, they'll get the hint.

Women who are Rh-negative will need treatment this month with Rh immune globulin (RhIg; RhoGAM). An injection is typically given at about week 28 to protect the fetus from developing hemolytic disease — a condition in which the mother's antibodies attack the fetal red blood cells.