Pregnancy, birth and postpartum

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.

Skin changes during pregnancy and after birth

To the blog post

Checklist for your hospital bag - what you really need

To the blog post

Inflamed, sore nipples when breastfeeding - what helps?

To the blog post

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.

Do you have any further questions about pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period? Our midwife Charlotte offers a digital consultation via WhatsApp twice a month.

You can find further information and the current dates here:

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.

To the blog post

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