During the 6th and 7th month of pregnancy, I always kept fetal/prenatal education in my mind.
During these two months, important work continues to taking place in the baby’s brain. Beginning the 6th month, her brain continues to grow, eventually it will contain some 100 billion never cells. These nerve cells connect to one another, guided by special substances in the brain, and they will eventually make more connections than there stars in the sky.
In the 7th month, her brain’s sections begin to take on their lifelong roles, such as memory and speech. (from American Baby’s As Your Baby Grows, Volume 16, Number 2, 2007)
Her hearing also continues to develop. By the end of second trimester or the beginning of the third, the ability to hear is quite well developed in the fetus, which means she is able to hear most external sounds or noises.
During this perid, I paid great attention to fetal movements, doing my best to understand the message sent by my baby via her movements. To me, this is so far the only way my baby communicates with me, telling me her needs, likes and dislikes.
Fetal movements also tell me the pattern of her daily activity and rest. According to her pattern, I adjust my timing to interact/communicate with her, since I don’t want my stimulations to hamper her developments.
Like I always believe (see Fetal education in 4th month), the essence of prenatal/fetal education is not to “educate”, but rather to “interact”, or “make contact”. There is plenty of time for teaching facts or imparting information later.
Right now the most important thing is providing the best prenatal environment to help her to grow, nurture her brain development, and build parent-baby bonding, all of which are extremely important to her future personality, psychological development, intellectual and behavioral development.
Message 3: I like rubbing and patting
Since I felt my baby’s first movement, I have been noticing she likes rubbing and patting. When she is agitated, anxious, or restless, rubbing and patting always calm her down, or moderate her movements.
Along with rubbing and patting, sometimes I talk to her, telling her what I am doing, my best wishes for her, how happy to welcome her, and etc; sometimes I let the music on, enjoying the soothing Mozart melody with her; sometimes I dance my fingers on the tummy along with the rhythm of the music; and sometime I draw circles or 8-shape lines on my tummy. She seems to like all these combinations, being tranquil and peaceful, only poke my tummy once a while.
There are only two exceptions: when she is inflamed by my mood and when she is hungry. As to the former situation, if I don’t calm down myself, she is stired up, even rubbing and patting are not good enough. (thus why I learn to control my own emotions, see Maternal emotions & fetal movements)
I learned about the second situation through personal experience too. About 2 months ago, one morning at 5am, I felt her increased movements in my tummy. At that time, I didn’t quite understand the meanings of her movements yet. I gently rubbed and patted my tummy, as usual, hoping she would go back to sleep.
But she kept rolling and knocking, and became more and more irritated. I put my hand onto my tummy, trying to figure out what was happening. Suddenly, I felt something bubbling up between my fingers, and then disappearing immediately.
That was quite interesting! I thought it must be her little fist. After I got up and ate a bowl of cream of wheat, she quickly stopped attacking and returned to sleep.
Related posts:
Understanding fetal movements, part 1
Understanding fetal movements, part 2
Understanding fetal movements, part 4
Today is close to the end of my 6th month of gestation. After 3 months, my baby will arrive to this world. I am both excited and anxious. What I need to buy to prepare for her arrival?
With this question in mind, I logged in Yahoo Answers, a community site, and posted my first question: what I need to prepare for my unborn baby?
Within few hours, I received 6 answers. They all give me very good idea. One expectant mother gave me a link from Target.com, which includes a comprehensive list of all the things needed for newborns. I think this list is very helpful. Here is the checklist：
Baby Room:
• Crib
• Crib Mattress
• Mattress Pads (2)
• Waterproof Crib Pad
• Fitted Crib Sheets (3-4)
• Crib Bedding Set (2)
• Blankets (3-4)
• Dresser or Armoire
• Changing Table (3-4)
• Baby Monitor
• Hangers
• Organizer Baskets
• Glider or Rocker
• Nursing Pillows
• Lamp with Low-Watt Bulb
• Mobile
• Hamper
Baby Wear:
• Bodysuits (7-8)
• Gowns (5-7)
• Sleep ‘n’ Plays (3-4)
• Booties/Socks (4-5 pair)
• Caps (2-4)
• Receiving Blankets (3-6)
• Seasonal Outerwear
• Clothing the Next Size Up
Baby Gear:
• Infant or Convertible Car Seats
• Car Shade
• Diaper Bag
• Stroller or Travel System
• Infant Carrier or Sling
• Umbrella Stroller
• Play Yard
• Swing
• Highchair
Baby Care:
• Bottles (5-8)
• Bottle Warmer
• Bottle Brush
• Dishwasher Basket
• Extra Nipples
• Pacifiers (3-5)
• Breast Pump
• Nursing Accessories (pads, cream, storage bags)
• Bibs (4-5)
• Burp Cloths (12)
• Diapers/Wipes
• Diaper Rash Cream
• Infant Bathtub
• Baby Shampoo and Wash
• Baby Washcloths (2-3)
• Hooded Baby Towels or Robes (2-3)
• Grooming Kit
• Thermometer
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