With so much going on inside, it’s no wonder you tire easily. At six months, here’s what’s happening:

• You will continue to gain three to four pounds a month. You may develop stretch marks on your stomach, hips, and breasts. Some women tend to get stretch marks more easily. The best way to avoid them is proper nutrition, exercise, and fluids. Creams may help soothe an itchy tummy, but are not proven to prevent or relieve stretch marks.

• You can feel your uterus, now located above your navel.

• The muscles in your uterus will begin preparing for labor by tightening and relaxing periodically (Braxton–Hicks contractions). If you have four or more contractions in one hour, call your health care professional.

• Your appetite is good and nausea is rare. Heartburn may follow heavy, greasy, or spicy meals.

• You look healthy; your skin may have that special glow.

• You may notice a change in your sex drive from week to week.

As the calendar creeps toward his big day, your little guy continues to get ready.

• He is big enough to be felt when your abdomen is examined.

• His skin is wrinkled and red.

• Fingerprints are forming.

• His eyes are almost developed and his eyelids can open and close.

• He can kick, open and close his eyes, and even hiccup.

• He may react to noises from outside.

• He is about 15 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds.

Your health care professional will check the following:

• Your feet and hands for swelling

• Abdomen, for baby's position and size

• Blood pressure

• Weight

• Urine

• Height of the fundus

• Fetal heart tones

• Blood tests (as needed)

At childbirth education classes, you’ll learn what to expect during labor and delivery. Your partner or support person should attend. He or she will learn how to coach you through the birthing process. Knowing what to expect can ease your fears and teach you ways of dealing with the demands of childbirth. A tour of the hospital may be included, or you can ask to take a tour.

Other special classes also may be available in your area to prepare you for labor and birth. Classes may include Lamaze, breastfeeding classes, infant-care class, and infant CPR. Ask your health care professional, check your birth facility, or ask when you enroll in childbirth classes.

Lamaze is the most common method of preparing for childbirth. It includes relaxation techniques, such as different breathing patterns, to relieve pain. This method teaches you to respond to labor contractions by relaxing your body. Your partner or support person will learn how to assist you during labor and delivery. Lamaze classes typically begin in the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, but signing up earlier is recommended.

For individual attention and group interaction, look for a small class size. Consider attending a trial session before signing up. Ask couples who have taken the Lamaze class if the approach was right for them. If your pregnancy is high-risk and your activities are limited, you and your partner might consider a private class. Ask your health care professional for help choosing the right class for you.

Explore all of the birthing options available at your hospital. Ask your health care professional about hospital policies and discuss your birthing preferences, including whether medication or anesthetic will be used.

Any discussion of what happens during pregnancy, labor, and delivery should include special situations that may arise. Some babies are born by Cesarean delivery, an operation in which the baby is delivered through the abdomen. Some babies are born early (prematurely) or are low in weight at birth. Other conditions may occur that require special attention for you or your baby. Ask your health care professional about special situations. Your goal is to be certain that trained professionals and specialized equipment are available, if needed, to provide the finest possible care and support. It’s a good idea to include your support person in these discussions, so he or she is available to help in the event of complications.

Start gathering items you’ll need for your baby's first weeks. If you plan to register for gifts, now is a good time to visit the stores. It will appear as if a new baby requires an incredible amount of gear, but essentials include:

• Diapers
• Plain dry diaper wipes
• Diaper-rash ointment
• A nasal aspirator
• Bottles/nipples
• A breastfeeding pump
• Nursing pads
• Onesies and tee-shirts
• A coming-home outfit and additional outfits
• Knit caps (to keep that sweet little noggin warm)
• Socks
• Receiving blankets
• Sleepers
• Baby bath towels and washcloths
• Burp cloths
• A changing pad and diaper bag
• A pacifier (if you decide to use one)

You’ll need four to six of each clothing item. In addition, you’ll need a car seat to take your baby home in, and sleeping arrangements for your baby (a bassinet or crib). Ask friends and relatives who have recently had a baby if you might borrow things their little ones have outgrown.

Now is a good time to check with your health care professional and insurance professional about typical length of hospital stay. Does your insurance coverage have limits on length of stay? Find out if your policy covers home nurse visits, lactation consultants, breast pumps, or other maternity-related services.

If you're employed outside the home, you'll need to decide how long you'll work before your baby is born. This decision depends on several factors, including the nature of your job, how you feel, your health care professional's recommendation and the policies of your employer. If all agree and you are healthy, you can continue working until you're ready to give birth.