23 Weeks Pregnant

It can be almost as hard to get a good night's sleep when you're pregnant as it is when you're a new parent. In fact, according to one study, a whopping 78 percent of women experience sleep problems at some point, or many points, during pregnancy.

With all that’s going on in your body — and brain — it’s no wonder that a full night’s rest can be so elusive. If you find it hard to get comfortable, try sliding a pregnancy pillow between your legs and resting with your knees bent.

While you’re weeks away from meeting your baby, it’s time to start thinking about leave. Mothers usually take maternity leave from work to be their new baby, and fathers are increasingly taking advantage of paternity leave to do the same.

For parents who identify as LGBTQ+, navigating parental leave can be more complex. Connect with both HR and your supervisor to make sure you’re all on the same page and you’re familiar with the details.

Though you might not be thinking too much about breastfeeding yet, you could need nursing pads sooner than you think.

During pregnancy (usually around the third trimester, if at all), your breasts may leak a thin, yellowish fluid called colostrum — the nutritious pre-milk that will be your baby’s first food if you’re nursing — before your little bundle arrives.

Colostrum contains more protein but less fat and sugar than more mature breast milk, making it easier for baby to digest in the first few days after birth.

But nature gets a head start on milk production during pregnancy, which is why that pesky symptom might crop up in the coming weeks and months. Best to be prepared and stock up now so you're ready. If you don't need them while you're still expecting, you'll be all set once baby is born!

Now that it's being squished by your growing uterus, your bladder makes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria — and that can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your chances of developing a UTI during pregnancy.

Drink lots of water and cranberry juice (though the second remedy has mixed results), ideally one that doesn't contain added sugar.

Check your urine color — if it's dark, not straw-colored, you're not getting enough fluids and could be setting yourself up for a UTI.

Other tips: Don't hold it in — pee as soon as you feel the urge and can find a bathroom. Concentrate on completely emptying your bladder when you go to the bathroom, and try leaning forward when you pee. Wipe from front to back.

Lastly, clean your genitals and the areas surrounding them, particularly after having sex. Wear all-cotton underwear and take showers rather than baths whenever possible.

Now that you've passed your first trimester, are you thinking about getting your hair straightened or curled at the salon? You might want to proceed with some caution, especially with certain hair treatments during pregnancy.

There is the possibility that your hormone-infused locks will respond oddly to the chemicals — for example, you might end up with a ball of frizz instead of a crown of ringlets. There's also a slight chance that the substances can be absorbed through the scalp and into your bloodstream.

Highlights are considered safe by most practitioners, however, since the color isn’t applied as close to the scalp. So are milder treatments like all-vegetable dyes or ammonia-free blends, so chances are you’ll be able to create those auburn or gold tones with no problem.

But ask. An ultra-cautious practitioner or stylist may recommend against any chemical processing until after your baby is born.

You can't go wrong by filling your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables — whether they're organic or not.

Still, organic foods may have a few benefits, including fewer pesticides in organic produce than conventional fruits and vegetables (if there's any at all).

Organic foods are also free of artificial colorings, flavorings and preservatives. Organic produce does tend to be more expensive than conventional fruits and vegetables and can have a shorter shelf-life.

Remember, what's most important is choosing a wide variety of nutritious foods and fresh, ripe fruits and veggies in a range of colors. And no matter what kind of fruits and veggies you buy — conventional or organic — you'll need to wash your produce meticulously in cold water before eating it.

Everybody (and their pregnant neighbor) is doing it — but is Pilates the right exercise for you? Absolutely — and it's not a stretch!

This mind-body discipline focuses on strengthening your core and elongating your muscles, increasing tone, strength and flexibility — just what you need when you're exercising for two.

Just be sure not to try any of the moves on your own if you’re a novice. Best to practice them with a Pilates instructor, preferably one who specializes in prenatal exercises.