What to expect when you're expecting (91 page)

Skin color changes on abdomen and/or face

A protruding navel

Faster pulse (heart rate)

Easier—or more difficult—orgasm

Emotionally

A growing sense of reality about the pregnancy

Fewer mood swings, though you’ll likely still be weepy and irritable occasionally

Continued absentmindedness

Yet another checkup, and by this time you probably know the drill. This month, you can expect your practitioner to check the following, though there may be variations depending on your particular needs and your practitioner’s style of practice:

Weight and blood pressure

Urine, for sugar and protein

Fetal heartbeat

Size and shape of uterus, by external palpation (feeling from the outside)

Height of fundus (top of uterus)

Feet and hands for swelling, and legs for varicose veins

Symptoms you have been experiencing, especially unusual ones