Baby & Pregnancy
Here you will find information and tips from our midwife Charlotte and our family sleep expert Lina on the topics of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, baby sleep and baby care as well as all weeks of pregnancy at a glance
PREGNANCY
SMALL PERSON, BIG CHANGE
The 40 weeks of pregnancy are an incredibly exciting time full of changes, emotional highs and lows and the anticipation of the new family member. During pregnancy, the body adapts to provide the best possible care for the little one in the belly.
In our overview you can see how your baby develops, grows and gains weight from month to month. The baby's growth, but also the hormonal changes, can repeatedly lead to nausea, mood swings and skin changes.
BIRTH PREPARATION
THE COUNTDOWN IS RUNNING
If you are already in the last weeks of your pregnancy, the birth is really just around the corner - how exciting! The last few days can be a mixture of anticipation, nervousness and also a little impatience because you want to finally hold your baby in your arms.
You may already feel that your body is slowly preparing for birth: your stomach may have dropped and you may be feeling the first practice contractions. It's high time to pack your hospital bag and make the final preparations before the birth.
CONFINEMENT
GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER AND CUDDLING TIME
After birth, the period of confinement begins, also called the postpartum phase – a phase of physical and emotional recovery after birth.
Your body has accomplished an incredible feat and now needs one thing above all else: rest. It needs to recover from the strain of childbirth, the uterus shrinks, wounds heal, and your hormone levels slowly return to normal. Between happiness, exhaustion, and the new challenges with the baby, you will experience a real rollercoaster of emotions.
Overview of pregnancy months
In the first month, a lot happens in secret, because most people don't even know they are pregnant. A few days after ovulation, the fertilized egg begins to implant itself in the uterus. At first, your baby is tiny, about the size of a poppy seed, and weighs almost nothing.
Now it really starts! Your baby is growing quickly and at the end of the month is about the size of a blueberry, about 1-2 cm long and weighs around 1 gram. Arms and legs are starting to develop and the little heart is already starting to beat.
The first critical phase is almost over. Your baby is now about 5-6 cm tall, about the size of a lime, and weighs about 14 grams. Organs and muscles are formed and the face is slowly taking on the first human features.
Now it gets exciting, because for most people, their stomach starts to grow during this time! Your baby is now about 10 cm tall, about as long as a kiwi, and weighs around 100 grams. It can now yawn, swallow and even frown, crazy, right?
At half-time, the baby becomes more and more active. At around 25 cm, comparable to a banana, and weighing around 300 grams, it can now kick and move around a lot. With a bit of luck, you will already be able to feel the first movements.
Your baby's skin is now noticeably thicker and less transparent. It is now about 30 cm tall, about as long as a corn cob, and weighs around 600 grams. The senses are developing further and your baby is reacting to sounds.
This month your baby will gain weight and grow rapidly. At around 35 cm, the size of an eggplant, and weighing around 1000 grams, it is slowly preparing for birth. It can now even open its eyes!
The final spurt begins! Your baby is now about 40 cm tall, comparable to a large zucchini, and weighs about 1500 to 2000 grams. The movements are now noticeably stronger and more regular.
Your baby is now gaining weight again and is now about 45 cm tall, about the size of a butternut squash, and weighs around 2500 grams. It is preparing to turn into the birth position.
Yay, you've reached the finish line! Your baby is now fully developed, about 50 cm tall - comparable to a pumpkin - and weighs between 3000 and 3500 grams. It can start at any time!
- Week 1 - 4
- Week 5 - 8
- Week 9 - 12
- Week 13 - 16
- Week 17 - 20
- Week 21 - 24
- Week 25 - 28
- Week 29 - 32
- Week 33 - 36
- Week 37 - 40
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period
What does “ET” actually stand for?
The abbreviation “ET” stands for “calculated date”. In reality, however, only about 4% of all babies are born on their calculated date, did you know that? Most babies are born in the 10 days around the due date.
How is the due date calculated?
With a regular cycle of 28 days, the due date is calculated as follows: [first day of the last menstrual period + 9 months + 7 days] or [first day of the last menstrual period + 7 days − 3 months + 1 year]
In addition to the calculation method, the ET can also be determined by the gynecologist with the first ultrasound based on the length between the crown and the rump.
Do I absolutely have to attend a birth preparation course?
No, a birth preparation course is not compulsory, but is recommended, especially during your first pregnancy, to inform you about important topics related to pregnancy, birth and the subsequent postpartum period and to prepare you and your partner for parenthood.
In the birth preparation courses in our Mainz office, the midwives, for example, discuss different techniques for breathing during birth or different birth positions. But
Questions about painkillers during childbirth, tips for initial equipment and information about the postpartum period and breastfeeding are also included.
Should I always carry my maternity record with me?
Yes, you should always have your maternity record with you so that in an emergency we always have all the information (such as blood type, week of pregnancy, illnesses, medications...) about you and your pregnancy.
How long does the postpartum period last and do you really have to stay in bed the whole time?
The postpartum period is the period from six to eight weeks after birth. During this phase, your body recovers from the changes caused by pregnancy and birth. The exact duration depends on the course of the birth, among other things, and can be different for everyone.
Basically, a midwife recommends at least: "One week in bed, one week at the bed and one week around the bed". During this time, you should plan plenty of rest and cuddle time for both your baby and yourself, not burden yourself with too many obligations and visits and pay attention to how your body feels.
Is it normal for breastfeeding to be so painful?
Nipples are one of the most sensitive parts of our body. That is why breastfeeding can be very painful and stressful for many mothers, especially in the beginning. In our team, we have had a lot of our own experience with breastfeeding and
would like to assure you that you are definitely not alone with this issue!
Feel free to check out our blog post on sore nipples – you might find helpful tips to develop a good routine or background information to better understand why it is sometimes more difficult than expected.
Baby care - everything you need for your first supplies
Checklist for the initial equipment
Are you wondering what you need to get for your baby in advance? Our answer: Not much! You can find our must-haves and tips in this blog post.
Newborn care tips
At the very beginning, your baby only needs a few care products. We have summarized what you should pay attention to when bathing your baby for the first time, when caring for the skin and when caring for the diaper area.
Baby care without phenoxyethanol and titanium dioxide
Both ingredients are repeatedly criticized, especially in connection with baby care products. Find out here why we use alternative ingredients to phenoxyethanol and titanium dioxide.
Tips & instructions for baby massage
Baby massages provide relaxation and promote your baby's body awareness. Here are a few practical tips to help you really enjoy these loving moments.
Checklist: Sustainable diaper bag
After your baby is born, the diaper bag will be your constant companion. Here you will find our best tips for a sustainable and minimalist diaper bag.
Sensitive skin in babies - good to know
Neurodermatitis in babies – what helps?
In Germany, 10-15% of all children are affected by neurodermatitis, most of whom have the first symptoms between the 3rd and 6th month...
Cradle cap or cradle cap - recognize & treat
Cradle cap and cradle cap, both skin diseases in infancy, which are often confused or even used synonymously due to their similar symptoms...
Baby acne - what to do if my baby suddenly has pimples?
If small red spots or pimples appear on the baby's delicate skin in the first few weeks of life, parents often wonder what they could be...
Diaper dermatitis - what helps with a sore baby bottom?
Is your baby's diaper area sore or is the skin around the bottom irritated and red? This is often a condition known as diaper dermatitis...
Umbilical Cord Care in Newborns
Umbilical cord care in newborns is an important topic for new parents, especially in the first two weeks after birth...
Baby sleep - Tips from a family sleep expert
When do babies start sleeping through the night?
Many parents wonder: When will my baby finally sleep through the night? The answer to this is not so simple, because babies' sleep goes through many phases and changes, and every child sleeps differently well or poorly...
Abendroutine mit Deinem Baby
A fixed evening routine with baby is an important part of everyday life for many parents. However, especially in the first few months, it can be quite a challenge...
Sleep Rhythm and Sleep Routine for Babies
The journey to good baby sleep starts early, requires a lot of patience, and plenty of routine. Good sleep is the foundation for your baby's healthy development – and that begins in the very first weeks...
Feedback
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⇢ med Balsam Mini for sore, inflamed nipples
⇢ Baby almond oil for small massage sessions
⇢ Baby wound cream for sore baby bottoms
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