Category: Our Journey To You

Into Week 32 – Chinese Cabbage

Your baby now weighs the same as a Chinese cabbage 1.7kg and measures 42.4cm (head to heel)…

YOUR GROWING BABY

You’re gaining about 450g (1lb) a week and roughly half of that goes straight to your baby. During the next seven weeks your baby will gain between a third and a half of birth weight whilst fattening up for survival outside the womb.

Your baby is practising all the skills needed to survive outside the womb, from swallowing and breathing to sucking and kicking. The digestive system is fully functioning. Toenails, fingernails, and real hair have formed and the skin is becoming soft and smooth.

Your baby’s movements may change as the amount of space inside the uterus decreases. But there should still be a regular pattern of movement. If you notice any change, or lessening of your baby’s movements you should go straight to the maternity unit, as this could be a sign your baby is in trouble.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOU

To accommodate your baby’s growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you became pregnant.

Your uterus is pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach increasing the likelihood of shortness of breath and heartburn.

Braxton Hicks contractions are likely to be more noticeable now and will continue to increase in both frequency and strength until real labour begins. You will feel a painless, tightening sensation, starting at the top of the uterus and spreading downwards, which can last anything from15 seconds up to two minutes. They are irregular and will stop if you change position.

NEED TO KNOW

Things for you to consider during week 32 of your pregnancy:

To help relieve any discomfort caused by shortness of breath and heartburn, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller, more frequent meals.

Practise some deep breathing or relaxation techniques in preparation for labour and birth.

If you haven’t already made a birth plan, think about doing one now. It will help you decide how you would like your labour and birth to be managed.

Delivery of larger items of baby equipment, such as a pram or car seat, can take a number of weeks so if you haven’t placed an order yet, you should do it now. Check that the items can be delivered in time for your baby’s arrival.

Practise putting the car seat into the car so that you know how it works before the baby arrives.

26th April 2017
Into Week 31 – Coconut
Your baby is now the weight of a coconut 1.5kg and measures 41.1cm (head to heel)…

Your growing baby

Your baby’s body is entering another growth spurt as much needed fat accumulates under the skin. The constant bouts of activity are an excellent sign of a healthy baby, but these somersaults and kicks may be keeping you awake at night.

The eyes continue to develop and the pupils can now dilate in reaction to the light that filters in through the wall of the uterus. The eyelids are likely to be open during the time your baby is awake and closed when its asleep.

What’s happening to you

You may be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions every so often. These contractions are the result of your uterine muscles tightening. They last for about thirty seconds and should be quite infrequent and painless at this stage.

Frequent painful contractions, however, could be a sign of early labour so seek advice from your midwife or doctor.

You may have recently noticed some leaking of colostrum, your baby’s first milk, from your nipples. If so, try placing nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. Don’t worry if you don’t see colostrum at this stage, your breasts will still be producing it.

Clumsiness is quite normal at this stage in pregnancy. Caused by an increase in weight, a change in your posture and a lack of concentration, amongst other things, you will need to tread carefully to make sure that you don’t fall. Avoid slippy shoes, or walking around in socks, and take extra care on any slippery surfaces.

Need to know

Things for you to consider during week 31 of your pregnancy:
- If you notice your baby is moving less or there is a change in the pattern of movement, it could be the first sign that your baby is unwell. Contact your midwife or local maternity unit immediately.
- Find out more about breastfeeding. Even if you are uncertain about how you wish to feed your baby, or haven’t breastfed a previous baby, talk to your midwife about the benefits of breastfeeding and what you need to know. Attending antenatal classes will give you loads of useful information.
- Make a list of everything you need for the baby so that you can see what you still need to get.
- If you are not having a home birth, start thinking about what you will want to pack in your labour bag.
- Check what birthing equipment, such as TENS machines, birthing balls and birth pools, the maternity unit supplies and what you can take in yourself.
19th April 2017
Into Week 30 – Cabbage

Your growing baby

Your baby is about the weight of a cabbage 1.3kg and measures 39.9cm (head to heel).

The formation of white fat cells under the skin is causing your baby to have surges of energy and you may find that it ends up lying in a strange position.

This ‘transverse lie’ position is quite normal at this stage. Your baby is floating in about a pint and a half of amniotic fluid and will move into different positions before reaching its final position with the head down, ready to be born.

Your baby’s sleeping and waking cycles are quite defined but may not coincide with your own! Be prepared for some strong kicks under the ribs and pressure on your pelvic floor.

While the eyesight is still developing and is not yet very acute, your baby is able to discern objects quite close to its face. All five senses are now functional.

Pregnancy week 30 – What’s happening to you

Tiredness is likely to be an issue as your sleep is being disrupted several times a night. Your growing baby is putting a lot of demands on your body, so be kind to yourself and rest whenever you can and try to get more sleep by going to bed earlier, or staying in bed later or, if you can manage it, both.

You may experience breathlessness because your baby is putting pressure on your diaphragm and lungs, making it uncomfortable to take deep breaths. Try sitting and standing as straight as possible and taking slow, deep breaths. At night sleep with pillows propping you up. If breathlessness causes you concern you should see your GP.

The mood swings of early pregnancy may reappear or appear for the first time. The changes in your body, hormonal surges and lack of sleep can all play a part in this.

Need to know
Things for you to consider during week 30 of your pregnancy
If extreme tiredness is accompanied by other symptoms such weakness, breathlessness or fainting you could be suffering from iron-deficiency anaemia so tell your midwife or GP how you are feeling

You may be worrying about the approaching labour and your role as a new parent. One in ten expectant mothers suffer from depression during pregnancy so talk to your GP or midwife if you are struggling with low mood or feelings of anxiety.

If you have a low household income you may be entitled to a Sure Start grant to help buy things for the baby (if this is your first child).

12th April 2017

Your growing baby

Your baby is the size of a butternut squash and weighs around 1.2kg and measures 38.6cm (head to heel).The size of your baby’s head is now in proportion with the rest of the body. The brain is getting faster and more powerful and is building up the connections between nerve cells and is now controlling your baby’s breathing and body temperature.

Your baby is becoming more sensitive to light, sound, taste and smell.

Your baby’s adrenal glands are helping to make oestriol. This is thought to stimulate the production of prolactin, which is responsible for the production of milk. This means that even babies born early will be able to breastfeed from their mothers.

Pregnancy week 29 – What’s happening to you

Heartburn and constipation may be more of a problem. Excess progesterone is the cause of these conditions as this hormone has the effect of relaxing smooth muscle tissue throughout the body. This relaxation slows digestion and in turn causes heartburn and constipation.

It is very common for piles (haemorrhoids) to develop in your rectal area during pregnancy. They can be itchy and uncomfortable. Fortunately these swollen blood vessels disappear soon after your baby is born.

You are more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in this trimester.

This is because the muscle tone of the bladder has been reduced, which means your urine flow slows down which gives bacteria longer to multiply in the bladder. It’s very important to consult your GP or midwife if you experience any symptoms such as pain when passing urine, back pain and flu-like symptoms. Left untreated a UTI can lead to kidney infection, which can increase the chance of premature labour.

Need to know

Things for you to consider during week 29 of your pregnancy

Eat a high fibre diet and drink plenty of water to relieve constipation.

Doing pelvic floor exercises will help to prevent haemorrhoids by improving the circulation to this area.

If you have haemorrhoids and you find they are itchy or painful talk to your pharmacist who can advise you on an ointment to use which is suitable in pregnancy.

Buy some breast pads as your breasts may start to leak colostrum (your baby’s first food).

Help to prevent UTIs by drinking plenty of water and don’t go for long periods without emptying your bladder.

Antenatal Session 2

Your Mummy and I are fresh out of our second antenatal session where we learned about what Mummy could do to relieve the pain when you finally decide to come into the world. Exciting times.

On another note, I have progressed with your room and there are only a few jobs left to do, and then I will get in contact with your uncle Jason and get him to bring over your bed and other furniture so I can paint them for you.

We went to Brands Hatch race circuit to see the touring cars, we went with Daddy and Mummy’s good friends Brad and Floss. They brought you some presents: some ear defenders for when your born so you can come with us and a vest that your going to look very cute wearing. On our drive down, Daddy has his rock music on and you were kicking along to Black Betty, glad you like your rock music.

Antenatal Session 1

You Dad and I attended our first antenatal session yesterday evening. You Dad was kind enough to pick me up from work so I didn’t need to get the bus home, but neither of us like your Dad’s too stiff suspension, especially over those speedbumps and potholes. You kick like mad and roll yourself into a tight ball. You definitely prefer your Mum’s car. Much more comfortable ride, but louder exhaust.

The first session taught us more about what signs to look out for when going into labour, and how to manage it. I feel comforted that the pain will be manageable, either by me or given at the hospital. Either way between us we will get you out safely.

Dad’s been busy painting your nursery. We hope you like Star Wars as much as we do.

Into Week 28 – Aubergine

Your growing baby

Your baby is around the weight of an aubergine 1.1kg and measures 37.6cm (head to heel).Your baby’s eyes are blinking and they can sense light filtering in from the womb. The brain is continuing to develop billions of neurons in preparation for the outside world. The major organ systems such as the brain, lungs and liver are having the finishing touches applied to them and body fat is up to three percent.

Crucially, the lungs are now capable of breathing air because if birth occurs now your baby has a good chance of survival, although medical intervention, including oxygen, assistance with breathing, surfactant replacement therapy and naso-gastric feeding would be needed.

Inside the uterus the formation of tiny capillaries is ensuring that your baby’s skin has a healthy pink glow.

Antibodies are being soaked up from your blood to strengthen your baby’s immune system and prepare for fighting disease after birth.

Pregnancy week 28 – What’s happening to you

Your baby’s movements should have developed a regular pattern by this stage. If you notice any change in the movements you should contact your midwife or the hospital immediately as it could be a sign that your baby is in distress. It’s important to seek advice as soon as you feel any changes rather than wait until the next day.

You will probably be visiting the midwife or doctor every two weeks now.

Usually you will be offered bloods test to recheck your iron level and an antibody screen. If you have risk factors for diabetes you will be a glucose tolerance test to look for diabetes in pregnancy – a condition called gestational diabetes.

Also, if you have Rhesus negative blood you will be offered an injection of Rh immunoglobulin to prevent your body from developing antibodies that might attack your baby’s blood.

Around 28 weeks pregnant some women experience restless leg syndrome, a restless feeling in their lower legs when relaxing. It is not known why some pregnant women experience this but it is relatively common.

Need to know

Things for you to consider during week 28 of your pregnancy

Always contact the hospital immediately if your baby is moving less than usual, or not at all.

Your blood will be tested for anaemia this week.

If your blood group is Rhesus-negative you may be offered an injection of anti-D this week.

Stretching and massaging your legs will help to ease discomfort. Cut out caffeine as this is known to make restless leg symptoms worse.

You will be offered a whooping cough vaccine between now and 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Into Week 27 – Cucumber

Your growing baby

Your baby is 36.6cm from head to heel (about the length of an average cucumber) and weighs around 875g.You will begin to notice from its movements that your baby is beginning to sleep and wake at more regular intervals. You may also feel hiccupping for a few minutes at a time. Bouts of hiccups are common from now on but they are nothing to worry about because they won’t cause your baby any distress.

The brain tissue continues to develop and your baby is becoming very active mentally. Some experts even believe that babies begin to dream around now – although no one knows what they may be dreaming about! Your baby may have begun to suck its fingers or thumb.

The liver and immune system are quite weak and the lungs are still immature, but they are capable of functioning. If your baby were to be born this week it would have an 90% chance of surviving. But a large amount of help from medical practitioners would be needed, and an incubator would be required for quite some time to come.

What’s happening to you

Along with an aching back you may find that you have developed piles (haemorrhoids) or varicose veins and that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. This is because these muscles are carrying the extra weight of your expanding uterus, which is also putting pressure on the veins that return blood from your legs to your heart, as well as on the nerves leading to your legs.

Unfortunately, any cramping is likely to get worse as your pregnancy progresses. You will probably find that leg cramps happen more often at night, but they can also happen during the day.

When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give you some relief. Straighten your leg and then gently flex your toes back toward your shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.

You may notice your abdomen tightening so that it becomes hard and then relaxing again. These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions and are ‘practice’ contractions as your body get ready for the real thing.

Need to know

Things for you to consider during week 27 of your pregnancy

If you are planning a holiday after this week and you want to travel by plane, the airline may need a letter from your doctor saying that you are fit to fly.

Travel insurance can be difficult during the later weeks of pregnancy, so you may have to shop around.

Remember that you should take your hand held maternity record with you when you go abraod in case you need medical attention while you are away.

If you are considering long haul destinations, seek advice from your GP before booking as some countries pose a risk of infectious diseases, such as Zika, which can have a serious impact in pregnancy.

Your third trimester starts next week, so if you haven’t got your antenatal classes organised, now is the time to sign up. These classes are really important, as they will help to prepare you for labour, birth and parenthood.

Into Week 26 – Red Cabbage

Your growing baby

Your baby’s weight is now close to that of a red cabbage 760g and measures 35.6cm (head to heel.)
Your baby’s pulse quickens as a reaction to sound now and because the hearing is so good you may even become aware of your baby moving in time to music.

Your baby’s eyes are now beginning to open. The iris still doesn’t have much pigmentation, but this will develop over the next few months. Even then, the colour of your baby’s eyes at birth are not necessarily the colour they will eventually be, as the iris can continue to change colour for up to three years after birth.

Small amounts of amniotic fluid are continuing to be inhaled and exhaled, which is essential for the development of the lungs. These ‘breathing’ movements are also good practice for taking that first gulp of air. The alveoli (air sacs) start to secrete surfactant, which keeps the lung tissue from sticking together.

If you’re having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into the scrotum, a journey that will take about two or three days.

Pregnancy week 26 – What’s happening to you

Your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it’s probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant (typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)

Be aware of the small possibility of pre-eclampsia, which is a serious disorder characterised by high blood pressure, fluid retention and protein in your urine. Other associated symptoms are sensitivity to light (or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen and vomiting.

If your lower back aches you can thank both your growing uterus and hormonal changes. Your uterus has shifted your centre of gravity, stretched out and weakened your abdominal muscles, causing the lower back muscles to take more of the strain when you lift or carry. Hormonal changes have loosened your joints and ligaments. Also, the extra weight you’re carrying means more work generally for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel tired and achy by the end of the day.

Need to know

Things for you to consider during week 26 of your pregnancy

Avoid standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting as this can all put a strain on your back.

A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief to a sore and aching back. Some women find cool compresses more comforting.

Keeping active will help to prevent your back muscles from becoming stiff. Try swimming, which is an excellent form of exercise in pregnancy.

Make sure that you continue to eat well and get plenty of rest.

Now that you are two-thirds of the way through pregnancy, if you haven’t started, you should start planning the nursery and make a list of all the equipment you will need.

We See You

I was laying in the bath yesterday and you were kicking like mad, which you seem to do a lot at the moment.

I called your Dad up to see what you were doing, and as he settled to see what you were up you, to gave a big double kick which was really clear to see, and it made us both look at each other and smile.

Seems like you are going to be a strong girl. Not too long to wait now.