.Stress hormones crossing the placentaStudies have shown that when a woman is in an extreme state of stress, the hormone cortisol can pass to the amniotic fluid in which the fetus is living.Researchers say that babies who were exposed to the highest levels

Researchers in Sweden have developed a test which could help predict if pregnant women will need to give birth via caesarean, reports the BBC.Scientists have established that when high levels of lactic acid are measured in the amniotic fluid, it

through the amniotic fluid.Experts are forever telling us to talk and sing to our bumps and it’s known that babies can hear what’s going on out here in the word from the second trimester. The Ritmo takes this to the next level, claiming to customise

be complete. This will enable your baby to start swallowing amniotic fluid shortly.Over the course of this week your baby is already kicking and punching in the amniotic fluid, although it'll probably be at least another six weeks before you're able to feel

– a thick white coating whose job it is to protect her skin from the amniotic fluid that she’s floating in.Today my midwifery-led ante-natal classes started at the hospital. There is to be one per week for four weeks. Every one was there with a partner

are doing.Weight gain when expecting more than one babyNot only does carrying an extra baby itself add to your weight gain, there is also likely to be additional amniotic fluid and placenta to factor in. This extra weight is something else that, whilst

and punching while floating in the amniotic fluid.What’s happening with Mum?Your uterus is now rising from your pelvis and stretches up into the abdomen - the doctor will be able to feel it in an external examination. The uterus will stay in this position until

. Overheating – a risk for your babyThe first reason for caution is a potential risk to the developing fetus. Heat treatments like these, and even hot baths at home, could raise your core body temperature and even raise the temperature of the amniotic fluid

will have acted as the 'cork' to your uterus. It keeps the fetus and amniotic fluid in place in the womb.As the birth approaches, the cervix will gradually 'ripen' and this thick neck of the uterus begins to thin out (this is called effacement) to allow

Having eaten nothing but his own body hair, excreted bodily fluids and anything else floating around his amniotic fluid for nine months, your baby's got quite a challenge getting used to a new feeding regime once he's born. His First Nappy is really