Prenatal vitamins are a staple of modern pregnancy. But a report out Monday in the journal Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin suggests they don’t make much difference in preventing complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.

Gummy Prenatal Vitamins These soft and chewable prenatal vitamins serve as a delicious treat that can help provide you with many of the nutrients you need during pregnancy. Particularly during the first trimester, gummy prenatal vitamins can help women who battle the onset of nausea and constipation.

As for prenatal vitamins overall, data do not show a direct link between taking them and lowering miscarriage risk.

A woman who was average weight before getting pregnant should gain 25 to 35 pounds after becoming pregnant. Underweight women should gain 28 to 40 pounds. And overweight women may need to gain only 15 to 25 pounds during pregnancy.

On a trimester basis in a woman with normal pre-pregnancy weight: First trimester: 1-4.5 pounds. Second trimester: 1-2 pounds per week. Third trimester: 1-2 pounds per week.

What if I am gaining too much weight?

1. Eat the appropriate portion size and avoid second helpings.
2. Choose low-fat dairy products.
3. Exercise; consider walking or swimming on most if not all days.
4. Use low-fat cooking methods.
5. Limit sweets and high-calorie snacks.
6. Limit sweet and sugary drinks.

While the majority of the pounds will make their appearance during the second and third trimester, there’s some initial weight gain that will happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In fact, on average, people gain 1 to 4 pounds in the first trimester — but it can vary.

New research shows that low gestational weight gain early in the pregnancy is correlated with having a baby of a certain sex. The less weight a woman gains during pregnancy, the less likely she is to have a boy, an analysis of CDC data found.

Compared to girls, boys had 27 percent higher odds of preterm birth between 20 and 24 weeks’ gestation; 24 percent greater risk for birth between 30 and 33 weeks; and 17 percent higher odds for delivery at 34 to 36 weeks, the study found.

The myths

• Morning sickness. You may have heard that the severity of morning sickness is a clue about your baby’s sex.
• Skin condition. Some people believe that a girl baby will steal the mother’s beauty.
• Cravings. With boys, you crave salty and savory foods like pickles and potato chips.
• Heart rate.
• Carrying.

It’s a boy if:

• You didn’t experience morning sickness in early pregnancy.
• Your baby’s heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute.
• You are carrying the extra weight out front.
• Your belly looks like a basketball.
• Your areolas have darkened considerably.
• You are carrying low.
• You are craving salty or sour foods.

According to the theory, the placement of your developing placenta – which must be determined in a very precise way – can reveal your baby’s sex. If your placenta is forming on the right side of your uterus, the baby is most likely a boy, the theory claims. If it’s forming on the left side, it’s probably a girl.

When and how can I find out my baby’s sex? If you have a prenatal blood test (NIPT), you may be able to find out your baby’s sex as early as 11 weeks of pregnancy. Ultrasounds may reveal sex organs by 14 weeks, but they aren’t considered fully accurate until 18 weeks.

The veins in your breasts and abdomen might start becoming more prominent. Your baby’s eyelids are beginning to close, and facial features become more distinct. You’ll likely start to get some relief from morning sickness in the coming week or two. Your abdomen may start to ache from its expanding size.

Early pregnancy symptoms (at 10 weeks) That’s the start of the second trimester, when most of your first trimester symptoms will start to ease off. Right now, your signs of pregnancy could include: extreme tiredness. nausea – find out about morning sickness remedies.