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By: ePregnancy

Your body is a wonderland…
It’s a wonderland alright -- a wonderland of aches.  Don’t misunderstand: we agree with you that pregnancy is a beautiful thing. But honestly, at this point, you are probably more than willing to endure the pain of labor just to free yourself from the belly that is weighing you down. Don’t feel guilty that you aren’t constantly glowing with the miracle of life; it’s completely kosher to feel snarky about your condition right now. 

Even though you know the snark is okay, if you haven’t felt the maternal instinct kick in, you may be starting to sweat a little. There is a common expectation that as soon as you become pregnant, you will be awash with maternal instincts and that there will be an instant, Gorilla Glue-like bond to your little bean. The fact is, this just isn’t always the case, especially if your pregnancy was unplanned. So try to relax -- we have every confidence that you aren’t going to drive around with the tot in your lap a la Miss Spears, and you certainly aren’t going down Medea's path.

We talked to the dads in week 24 about circumcision -- and if you are having a boy, it's definitely been on your mind. Here is the one thing you'll need to know when making your decision:

It's purely personal. There is evidence on both sides of the debate: some say it's medically and hygienically necessary, others say the opposite.  If you want to, consult your doctor, family and even religious counselor to get the most complete picture possible. Do research on your own. Consider your own feelings on the subject. When you boil it all down, to circumcise or not is a personal decision that you and your partner will arrive at together, and whatever decision you make, it's the right one for your family.

Due Dialect: Unmentionables
There are a few essentials that you'll soon become acquainted with. Here's the lowdown on what you'll be wearing under there once Baby arrives:

• Mesh underwear -- Unfortunately, it's not as sexy as you think. After delivery, the hospital or birthing center will provide you with mesh undies. They basically serve to hold your pads (no tampons allowed!) and ice packs without irritating any of your sore areas.
  
  
• Maternity underwear -- If you've been a thong devotee, you'll have to set that aside for a little while. After giving birth, you'll simply be too sore to wear something like that. You don't have to go all-out granny panty, just wear something that gives a little coverage and won't irritate your tender parts.
  
  
• Nursing bra -- You'll want to have one of these with you when you check into the hospital, and the key word here is "soft." Most moms we know prefer something 100% cotton knit, all the way down to the straps (the elastic straps were itchy).
  
  
• Nursing pads -- Ladies, there is going to be some leakage happening. Nursing pads will help you to just go with the flow.

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