2nd trimester: Week 25

Mom to Mom

"I really liked having an obstetrician who'd given birth herself. I felt she knew exactly what I was going through and understood all of my concerns. When I asked if I could have an epidural, she said, 'Sure. I really enjoyed mine!'"--Sylvia Eastwold, Montgomery, AL

Shopping

The right workout wear is almost as important as the workouts themselves. Comfort is key, so avoid garments that are 100 percent nylon or polyester; they can make you feel overheated. Cotton-and-Lycra blends are comfortable alternatives, but synthetics made especially to wick sweat away from your skin, such as Dri-Fit and Coolmax, are even better at keeping you cool and dry.

Exercise

Tread lightly as your pregnancy progresses. Your balance is increasingly precarious, so consider skipping--or at least take extra care during--exercises that require hopping or quick changes of direction, such as jogging and step aerobics.

Relationships

If your busy schedules haven't allowed for much time together, book a lunch date with your spouse. Resolve to spend only the first five minutes talking about the baby, and then move on to other topics.

Siblings

To lay the groundwork for the new baby's arrival, show your child his baby pictures and tell him how he acted when he was small. You can say that he cried a lot because he couldn't talk, and Mommy and Daddy had to pay a lot of attention to him. Emphasize that though the baby will take up a lot of your time early on, he'll eventually be a big kid just like his brother.

Family Bonds

Twins

If you're on bed rest, you're not alone: Many women expecting twins find their daily activities restricted in the second half of the pregnancy. Clarify with your doctor exactly what you can and cannot do. Some women need only a few hours off their feet during the day; others need more rest.

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