Your growing baby can strain your body. Be sure to rest often. Here’s how your body is changing this month:

• You’re gaining weight more quickly because your baby's greatest growth period is beginning.

• Your uterus is moving closer to your rib cage, and you may notice kicking against your ribs. Your abdomen can be seen moving as your baby moves.

• Lightheadedness can occur if you get up too fast.

• You may feel awkward and tire more easily.

• Your feet, hands, and ankles may swell if you have been standing for a while.

• Your breasts may leak enough to require padding in your bra.

• The fine, soft hair called lanugo is beginning to disappear. Hair on the head is beginning to grow. Eyebrows and eyelashes also are present.

• Her brain and nervous system are growing quickly.

• Her heartbeat might be heard by another person placing an ear on your abdomen.

• The baby’s lungs are beginning to function.

• If you have a boy, his testicles begin to move down into the scrotum.

• Sleeping and waking times are well defined.

• You may notice she is kicking and stretching more frequently.

• She may suck her thumb.

• She is about 16 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds.

Your health care professional will check the following:

• Blood glucose screening to test for gestational diabetes

• Blood pressure

• Weight

• Urine

• Height of the fundus

• Fetal heart tones

• Abdomen, for baby's position and size

• Blood test if you are Rh negative

The safety of travel during pregnancy generally depends on whether your pregnancy is high-risk, the stage of your pregnancy, and your personal comfort needs. If you are not sure whether travel is safe for you, ask your health care professional.

If you do travel during your pregnancy, take these precautions:

• Avoid the leg cramps and swelling that come from sitting for a long time and lessen the risk of blood clots during car or bus trips by planning to stop every hour to walk around. As a rule of thumb, limit your travel to five or six hours each day.

• Ask for an aisle seat if you're traveling by plane or train so you can get up and walk around, but wear your seat belt at all times when seated.

• Continue to use your car seat belt throughout your pregnancy. Fasten the waist restraint low, below your abdomen. The shoulder belt should go across the center of your chest — between your breasts. Take a copy of your medical records on any long-distance trips.

• Drink extra fluids and take time to eat regular meals.

• Wear comfortable shoes, support stockings, and clothing that doesn't bind.

• Make sure you check with your doctor if you plan to travel very late in your pregnancy. Going into labor while away from home can be a problem.

Many pregnant women need extra sleep, but find it difficult to get. If shortness of breath interferes with your sleep, lie on your left side (to improve blood flow) with your head and shoulders propped up with pillows. Place a pillow under your belly and another between your legs. Ask your partner or a relative to help with chores so you can rest.

A brisk walk outdoors followed by warm milk and a warm sponge bath or shower may help you relax and sleep more easily. If none of these suggestions work, you might try sleeping while sitting up in a recliner. Don't take any sleeping medicine without consulting your health care professional first.