If someone’s told you to “do your Kegels” when you’re pregnant, don’t hit play on that autopilot just yet. Because when it comes to prepping for birth, the story isn’t quite what we’ve all been told.

What’s wrong with “just Kegels”?

“Kegels” are those squeeze-and-lift exercises you do when you’re at a red light, brushing your teeth, or standing in line. They’re great for strengthening the pelvic floor when you need hold-and-lift (like fixing leakage or postpartum support). nhs.uk+1
But - here’s the thing - birthing is not about clenching. It’s about opening, releasing, and allowing. Evidence shows that when your pelvic floor doesn’t relax enough, it may result in a longer pushing phase, more tearing, or more discomfort. PubMed+1

So what should your pelvic floor be doing pre-birth?

• Relaxation + release: Your body needs to know how to let go.

• Balance + strength + flexibility: One without the others is a recipe for tension.

• Movement patterns that mimic birth:

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If you’re 39 weeks pregnant, you are officially at the point where everyone is texting you, “Baby here yet?” while you’re just trying to get comfortable for more than 3 minutes at a time.

Let’s talk about what’s really happening in your body this week — the things most people skip!

Your Body Is Preparing Behind the Scenes

Even without contractions, your cervix may be:
• Softening (ripening)
• Thinning (effacing)
• Starting to open (dilating)

This is driven by hormones like relaxin, which also loosens the hips — hello pelvic pressure!

Try this:

•  Gentle birth ball movements
•  Pelvic tilts
•  Upright positions
  They can help your baby move into an ideal position for birth.

Emotional Swings Are Totally Normal

One minute: “I’m READY!”
Next minute: crying because someone ate your last snack 

That’s oxytocin rising — the hormone that triggers labor.
But stress can slow it down, so focus on calm energy.

Quick affirmation:
 “My body knows exactly what to do.”

Weird Sym...

If you’re pregnant and thinking, “I want to breastfeed, but I have literally NO idea where to start…”—you’re not alone.

Most first-time moms feel unsure (or overwhelmed) when it comes to breastfeeding. And while it’s something your body is designed to do, the truth is—it doesn’t always come naturally.

But guess what?
With the right guidance and prep (yes, even before baby arrives), you can feel way more confident, calm, and ready. Let’s dive into what you really need to know before baby latches for the first time.

🤯 The Biggest Breastfeeding Myth That Sets New Moms Up to Fail

Let’s get this out of the way first:

❌ “Breastfeeding is natural, so it’ll just happen naturally.”

I hear this all the time—and it’s one of the biggest mindset traps out there.

Here’s the truth:
✔️ Breastfeeding is a learned skill—for both you and your baby.

Just like birth, walking, or talking—it takes time, practice, and support.
So if it doesn’t “click” on day one? You’re not failing. Y...

You’ve made it to 29 weeks pregnant—cue the applause! 👏🏽
But while you’re busy being told to “rest” and “nest,” there are some real changes happening in your body and brain right now that no one’s talking about. Let’s fix that.

🤯 Baby’s Brain = Major Growth Mode

By week 29, your baby’s brain is developing rapidly. Think: folds forming, temperature regulation kicking in, and stronger muscle control. This is why those kicks suddenly feel...wild.

💡 Pro Tip: Start noticing patterns, not just how often the baby kicks. You’ll thank yourself later when monitoring movement becomes more important.

⚡️ Lightning Crotch is a Thing

That sudden zapping feeling in your pelvis? Totally normal. Baby’s dropping lower and irritating some nerves in the process.

🔥 Quick Relief Ideas:

• Prenatal yoga

• Gentle pelvic tilts

• Warm compress on your lower pelvis

🧠 Wait… Why Can’t I Think Straight?

“Pregnancy brain” is real, but it’s not about being forgetful—it’s about matern...

 So, you’ve made it to the third trimester—cue the celebration!  But between “get your sleep now” and “baby’s the size of an eggplant,” are people actually telling you what’s happening in your body (and what to do about it)?

Let’s fix that. Here's what no one talks about—but every pregnant mama should know at 28 weeks.

1. The Real Symptoms to Watch

Normal:

• Braxton Hicks (aka warm-up contractions)

• Blurry vision (yep, hormones can affect your eyes!)

• Leaky boobs (colostrum may start early!)

• Shortness of breath + insomnia

 Not Normal:

• Sudden swelling in your face/hands

• Persistent headaches or blurry vision with floaters

• Severe pain or bleeding

If you’re unsure, always call your provider. No shame in being cautious!

2. Your Body is Prepping for Birth Now

Here’s the deal: labor isn’t something that magically happens at 40 weeks. Your body is training already—and how you support it now matters.

Try this daily:

• Light stretching + p

  ...

You’re 27 Weeks Pregnant! Now What?

Welcome to week 27 of pregnancy — the official start of the third trimester. 🎉 At this point, your baby is busy growing, your body is shifting in new (and sometimes strange) ways, and you might be feeling the pressure to "get everything ready." But let’s be real — most first-time moms feel a little unsure right now.

So here’s your real talk guide to what’s going on in your body, your baby’s development, and how to actually start preparing for labor and breastfeeding.

 Baby at 27 Weeks: Brain Power Incoming!

At 27 weeks, your baby is about the size of a head of cauliflower — around 15 inches long and 2 pounds in weight. But the most exciting change? Brain development.

• Baby’s brain is building billions of neural connections

• REM sleep (and even dreaming) begins this week

• Baby can now recognize your voice — talk and sing away!

These changes are laying the foundation for learning, bonding, and early attachment. It’s the perfec...

You’re 26 Weeks Pregnant — Here’s What You Really Need to Know

If you’re 26 weeks pregnant and wondering if that sudden belly pop or weird rib ache is normal… you’re not alone. This week isn’t just another milestone — it’s a major turning point in your pregnancy.

Let’s dive into the unexpected truths, expert tips, and must-do actions to make this week count.

 Baby’s Development at 26 Weeks (It’s WILD)

At 26 weeks, your baby is about the size of a head of kale or a long zucchini doing flips in a water balloon (yep, that’s the vibe).

What’s happening inside:

• Blinking & eyelashes! Your baby can now blink and even react to light.

• Lung development: Tiny branches and surfactant are forming to help your baby breathe air after birth.

• Amniotic fluid breathing: Yep, your little one is practicing those first big breaths.

Your Body at 26 Weeks: Symptoms You Weren’t Ready For

This is when your body really starts shifting to prepare for labor and postpartum.

Here ar...

💬 Feeling Bigger, Breathless, and a Bit Emotional? Welcome to 24 Weeks Pregnant!

You're officially six months in, and this week is a BIG milestone — viability week! That means your baby would now have a chance of survival if born early. 🙌 And while you're not planning on that, it's still a powerful reminder of how far you’ve come, mama.

In this week’s guide, we’re sharing evidence-based, week-by-week pregnancy tips that go beyond the generic info — because you deserve the full picture.

👶 Baby at 24 Weeks: What’s Going On Inside?

• Size: About 1.3 pounds and the length of an ear of corn 🌽

• What’s developing: Lungs are maturing, taste buds are forming, and your baby’s face is fully formed!

• Kicks are stronger now, and you may even notice a little routine — like baby being more active at night (because of course 😅).

🤰 Your Body at 24 Weeks: Real Symptoms, Real Talk

• Round Ligament Pain: That sharp, stretchy feeling in your lower belly? Totally normal as your

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If you’re 23 weeks pregnant, congrats!

You’re more than halfway through your pregnancy journey, and whether you’re feeling like a glowing goddess or a tired hot mess (both are valid!), this week brings some big changes for both you and baby.

Let’s break it down.

🤰 What’s Happening to Your Body at 23 Weeks?

At 23 weeks, your uterus is around the size of a soccer ball and sitting above your belly button. You might start feeling:

• More consistent baby movements (those fluttery kicks are now full-on jabs!)

• Round ligament pain

• Increased appetite

• Slight swelling in your feet or hands

• A stronger need for support garments or belly bands

💡 Doula Tip: A belly support band can make a huge difference in easing lower back and ligament pain. Trust me—you’ll thank yourself.

👶 Baby Development This Week

Your baby is about 11 inches long and just over a pound. Their lungs are developing rapidly (though not quite ready for the outside world just yet), and thei...

You’ve made it to 30 weeks—welcome to the final stretch!
By now, your belly is big, your sleep might be trash, and you’re probably realizing just how real this whole “having a baby” thing is getting. But what exactly should you expect this week? And what do most pregnancy apps leave out?

Here’s the truth about what’s going on at 30 weeks pregnant—and how to prepare for what’s ahead.

💛 What’s Happening in Your Body at 30 Weeks Pregnant

At 30 weeks, your uterus is about 4 inches above your belly button, and baby is roughly 3 pounds and 16 inches long—about the size of a cabbage! But the real action? It’s happening behind the scenes.

You may be noticing:

• Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions that are normal but can be annoying!)

• Pelvic pressure or back pain (thank your growing uterus and loosening ligaments)

• Shortness of breath, vivid dreams, or even tingly hands (hello, pregnancy carpal tunnel)

Your body is already starting to prep for la...