During this period of the gestation, the uterus grows rapidly, due to the accelerated growth of the fetus and the progressive increase in amniotic liquid. The pregnancy becomes more evident, and the woman begins enjoying support and solidarity from those outside her family.
In addition to the symptoms already described for the previous month, the woman needs to urinate more frequently, since the bulkier uterus partially presses on the bladder. Additionally, heartburn and reflux become more frequent. To a great extent, this is a result of the increase in abdominal volume and pressure.
During gestation, eating habits necessarily change. It is advisable for the mother to eat more frequently, in smaller quantities and the food generally should be light. It is adviseable to exercise: walking and swimming are best and are easily tolerated. The heartbeat speeds up, and sometimes produces a sensation of breathlessness. The right amount of exercise varies in each particular case.
The mother feels the movements of the fetus more clearly, and sometimes has the sensation that the uterus itself is contracting. These contractions are irregular, of low intensity and painless.
