Lara Percival

Category: Our Journey To You

  • Into Week 24 – Cauliflower

    Into Week 24 – Cauliflower

    Your growing baby

    Your baby now weighs about the same as a cauliflower (670g) and measures 34.6cm (head to heel).
    Your baby’s skin is smoothing out and becoming pinker so it looks more like a newborn. The nipples are forming and the hair is continuing to grow. It is now possible to detect its colour.

    The nostrils have cleared, having been plugged until this time. This allows your baby to take practice breaths with the amniotic fluid. Sleep cycles have developed and you will start to notice your baby’s sleep pattern.

    Your baby has become quite dextrous and can grasp its feet and make a fist.

    The umbilical cord is thick and resilient now. It has a single vein and two arteries running through it, which are encased in a firm jelly-like substance that prevents it from kinking and knotting.

    Pregnancy week 25 – What’s happening to you

    Your uterus is now the size of a football so you may be feeling a little awkward moving around. The skin over your abdomen is stretching so it is likely to have become itchy. Moisturise regularly and use hypo-allergenic toiletries that won’t dry out the skin.

    It’s important to continue with some light exercise as long as you are feeling well. Never exercise if you feel at all dizzy or short of breath.

    If you are feeling pain in the pelvic area, you may be experiencing SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction). This is caused by a misalignment or stiffness of your pelvic joints, which causes pain at either the back or the front of your pelvis. The pain can be severe, making it hard to get around. You may notice it more when you are walking or going up stairs, turning over in bed or getting out of the car. It is important to get this diagnosed as soon as possible so that the pain can be controlled. Try to remain active but avoid things such a heavy lifting and carrying, standing and sitting for long periods, which will make the pain worse.

    Need to know

    Things for you to consider during week 25 of your pregnancy

    If SPD is a problem then you should make an appointment to see a physiotherapist who may prescribe a course of therapy and exercises or suggest using crutches to get around or that you wear a pelvic support belt.

    Avoid contact sports and do not lie flat on your back when exercising because the weight of your bump presses on the main blood vessel can cause you to feel faint.

    Continue to drink lots of water.

    Play gentle music and read stories out loud so your baby can hear your voice.

    This is a good time for you to be considering possible baby names.

  • Let Me Sleep Little One

    Let Me Sleep Little One

    Just recently you just won’t stop kicking around night. You are just never comfortable no matter what position I choose to lay in. Had about 4 hours sleep the last couple of night. It’s great that you’re so full of life, but don’t tire yourself out before you get here. 

    I’m exhausted. Please let Mummy sleep. 

  • Into Week 23 – Cantaloupe Melon

    Into Week 23 – Cantaloupe Melon

    Your growing baby

    Your baby is about the size of a small cantaloupe melon (600g) and measures 30cm (head to heel).
    Baby is now gaining approximately 90g each week. The brain is growing and developing at a fast rate. At this stage your baby is starting to fill out and the deep wrinkles on the skin are gradually disappearing. The skin is becoming a little less translucent as pigment starts to deposit.

    The lungs are now forming the branches of the respiratory system as well as surfactant cells. These cells produce a substance that will help the tiny alveoli or air sacs, to inflate after birth.

    Your baby’s face is now completely formed and has eyebrows, lashes and hair. But, because there is no pigment yet, all the hair is white

    It may feel that your baby is moving constantly at times and hiccups could be causing its little body to jolt. Your baby can hear all sorts of noises now, both inside and outside the uterus.

    Pregnancy week 24 – What’s happening to you

    Your uterus has risen above your belly button and you may start to experience indigestion and heartburn as your growing abdomen puts pressure on your digestive system.

    Pregnancy hormones decreases tear production, which causes dry eyes and irritation. You may also find that your vision has become slightly blurred. This is because hormones have caused an increase in the curvature of your eye, which changes your vision. These changes are temporary and will disappear once the baby is born.

    You may notice that your skin, especially over your bump, is itchy. This is caused by pregnancy hormones and the increased volume of blood in the body. Wearing loose clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton, and taking cool baths or showers can help.

    Always tell you GP if the itching becomes severe, especially at night and if it is affecting the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, as this could be a sign of obstetric cholestasis, a rare pregnancy liver disease.

    Need to know

    Things for you to consider during week 24 of your pregnancy

    As your baby is now so good at picking up sounds, get your partner to talk to it so that it becomes familiar with the sound of your partner’s voice. You may notice after a while that you can feel a change in your baby’s movements when it hears your partner’s voice.

    Eating, smaller, more frequent meals and taking a walk after you’ve eaten will help to ease heartburn.

    You should have booked any antenatal classes by now.

    If dry eyes are causing you a problem ask your GP about lubricating drops.

  • Growing Strong 

    So we’re in week 23 and Mummy is getting kicked very regularly now, you seem to want to come out and meet us. 

    I am rubbing tummy butter on Mummy’s tummy every night before we settle and go to sleep, and I managed to feel you kick my hand the other night. You are getting stronger and bigger with every passing day. 
    In other news I am very close to starting your bedroom and we have decided on a Star Wars theme. Star Wars is one of Mummy and Daddy’s favourite films, and when you grow old enough we are sure you will enjoy the films as much as we do. 

  • Into Week 23 – Large Mango

    Into Week 23 – Large Mango

    Your growing baby

    Your baby is about the size of a large mango 29cms (head to heel) and weighs around 500g.

    You may now be able to see movements under the skin as your baby squirms around. The sense of movement is now quite well developed and you may find that your baby will react if you dance to music.

    The ears are now remarkably sensitive and your baby can hear everyday noises from outside the womb.

    After birth you may be surprised to discover that your baby is totally at home with the noise of your dog barking or the sound of the vacuum cleaner. This is because it has had several months to become accustomed to these sounds.

    Blood vessels in the lungs are continuing to prepare for breathing after birth. Your baby’s heartbeat can now be heard through a normal stethoscope.

    Pregnancy week 23 – What’s happening to you

    At 23 weeks pregnant a little discomfort may creep into your pregnancy and you might notice that your ankles and feet swell up a little during the day especially in summer.

    This oedema or water retention is caused by a combination of changes to your blood chemistry and sluggish circulation in your legs.

    After delivery this excess water will be excreted from your body in the form of urine and sweat, but to relieve the symptoms before birth remember to elevate your legs whenever possible and lie on your side in bed.

    Avoid sitting or standing in one position for any lengthy period. Try to keep exercising as this increases the circulation and if possible, wear maternity support tights and low-heeled sensible shoes.

    Some women suffer Carpel Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy. This is tingling and/or pain in the hand and wrist which is caused by pressure on a major nerve in the hand – usually due to swelling from water retention.

    The problem usually resolves within a few months of giving birth, and in the meantime there are self-help measures, such as wearing a wrist splint at night, that you can take. Ask your health professional for advice.

    Need to know

    Things for you to consider during week 23 of your pregnancy

    Don’t reduce your fluid intake in the hope that any swelling will go down. In fact, the opposite is true, you need to drink more water and stay well hydrated to prevent fluid retention.

    Always take a bottle of water with you so that you can keep your fluid levels up when you are out and about.

    If you are finding it hard to get comfortable at night, try putting a pillow between your legs and another under your bump.

  • Into Week 22 – Papaya

    Into Week 22 – Papaya

    Your growing baby

    Your baby is about the size of a papaya 28cms (head to heel) and weighs around 430g.

    Facial features continue to become more distinct and the lips are now fully formed. Canine and incisor tooth buds have appeared just below the gums in preparation for emerging as milk teeth a few months after birth. The eyes have formed but the irises show no sign of pigmentation yet.

    Oxygen and nutrients are being distributed around your baby’s body by the blood from the umbilical cord, flowing at a speed of four miles an hour.

    Organ systems in the body are more functional and specialised and the pancreas continues to develop steadily.

    Your baby’s skin is covered with deep wrinkles, which will gradually disappear as more fat is laid down. Fine hairs still cover the body to help keep your baby warm before a fat layer takes over the job.

    Pregnancy week 22 – What’s happening to you

    Stretch marks may start to appear on your abdomen. More than half of pregnant women will develop stretch marks. These occur if the natural elasticity of the skin becomes over-stretched. They appear as reddish lines, often on the breasts, stomach and thighs.

    There is little you can do to prevent them, although not putting on too much weight will help. Moisturising your skin will keep it supple. Once you have had your baby the lines will fade and become less noticeable.

    People will probably be forever touching your bump by now and giving you advice on your size or lack of it! Try not to worry about this well-meaning advice as all babies and their mothers will grow at their own rate. If you are worried about your size, always talk to your health professional.

    Need to know

    Things for you to consider during week 22 of your pregnancy

    Start to think about when you want your maternity leave to begin. You will need to let your employer know 15 weeks before your baby is due.

    Your partner will also need to tell their employer when they want to take paternity leave 15 weeks before the baby is due.

    Becoming forgetful? 

    Forgetfulness, sometimes called ‘pregnancy brain’ or ‘maternal amnesia’ is very common in pregnancy. Research has shown that the brain really does function differently during pregnancy, but pregnancy hormones and lack of sleep also have a part to play in this very common condition.

  • Into Week 21 – Beyond Fruit

    Your growing baby

    Your baby is about 27cms (head to heel) and weighs around 360g
    Those little butterfly feelings that you weren’t quite convinced were baby acrobatics now leave you in no doubt as they develop into kicks and thumps! Your baby may now have a definite pattern of activity, which you are becoming familiar with.

    Facial features are becoming more recognisable as eyebrows and eyelashes are growing. If your baby is a girl her vagina will also be forming.

    Each day several ounces of amniotic fluid are being gulped into your baby’s mouth and the newly developed taste buds will be put to work. This fluid will provide hydration and nutrition and the swallowing action is great practice for life after birth.

    It has become apparent in recent studies that babies show a liking for tastes they have experienced through the amniotic fluid while still in their mother’s womb.

    Pregnancy week 21 – What’s happening to you

    Although you are still feeling good and not too uncomfortable, at 21 weeks pregnant some changes may occur.

    Varicose veins could begin to develop if your family are prone to them so exercise regularly and elevate your legs and feet as often as possible. Unfortunately, these tend to get worse with each pregnancy and as you age. High progesterone levels in your body cause the vein wall to relax and bulge out.

    Spider-veins are something else that you may notice, especially around your ankles and sometimes on the face. These are fine, thin red vessels near the skin’s surface that resemble fine tree branches. Don’t worry, they are not painful and will probably disappear soon after the birth.

    Mild acne could be another minor problem. Increased production of oil is a side effect of pregnancy.

    Need to know

    Things for you to consider during week 21 of your pregnancy

    Be vigilant with your skincare routine and use oil-free make-up and avoid acne medication unless you have spoken to your GP first.

    Ask your midwife for the Mat B1 form at your next appointment.

  • 20 Week Scan

    …and here you are! Your first photo!


    Your Mummy and I went to the hospital today to make sure everything was going ok with your growth, and that you were happy inside Mummy, and I am pleased to tell you that you are all healthy. 

    We took away 3 photos of your scan, one for us, one for Grandad Ernie and Nanny Flo, and of course one for Nanny Helen. 

    Your Mummy and I were really happy to see you looking back at us via the scan, and made things feel very real that soon we will be holding you in our arms and introducing you to your new play mate our little black cat Nismo.

  • Into Week 20 – Banana

    Into Week 20 – Banana

    Your baby is about the size of a banana 16.5 cm (head to bottom) 26cm (head to heel) and weighs around 300g…

    Your growing baby

    Your baby is becoming more and more active. You may notice this more during the evening and you may actually be able to see some of its movements when you are relaxed.

    Vernix is still being produced and secreted on the skin. Your baby is now busy producing meconium, the tarry black substance which will become the first bowel movement after birth. Meconium is a harmless mixture of amniotic fluid, digestive secretions and dead skin cells, which accumulates in the baby’s bowels and is excreted in the first nappy.

    Your baby is swallowing a lot now, which is good for the digestive system. Permanent second teeth are forming behind the milk teeth.

    The genitals are now fully formed. If your baby is a boy, his testicles have developed but they are still in the abdomen waiting for the scrotum to finish growing.

    What’s happening to you

    Now that you are halfway through your pregnancy the top of your uterus is beginning to push up against your lungs and to press your abdomen outwards. Your navel may pop out and stay that way until after the birth.

    It is important to make sure that you are having sufficient iron, as this is crucial for the production of haemoglobin in red blood cells. During pregnancy your blood volume increases so extra iron is also needed to support your baby and the placenta.

    Your hair is likely to be thicker and glossier and it will grow faster than usual. But for some mums-to-be, pregnancy hormones can make their hair greasier than usual.

    Need to know

    Things for you to consider during week 20 of your pregnancy:

    • Increase your iron intake by eating more red meat, prunes, green leafy vegetables and soya-based products.
    • Now is the time that you might think about childbirth classes for you and your partner. Your midwife or local maternity unit will be happy to help you with any information about the right kind of classes for you.
    • If you suffer from greasy hair wash it frequently using a mild shampoo.
    • Finding clothes that fit over your bump comfortably may be difficult now so, if you haven’t already bought some maternity wear, you may want to invest in a few basic items.

  • Into Week 19

    My jeans are starting to get tight, so much to your Dad’s dismay, I’ve been shopping for pregnancy trousers and dresses.

    Wanted to start sharing the app is telling me about you and I as we are growing. Enjoy!

    All About Us

    Your baby is about the size of a mango 15cm (head to bottom) and weighs about 240g…

    Your growing baby

    Vernix Caseosa is now covering the whole of your baby’s body. This is a greasy white substance made from a mixture of lanugo, dead skin cells and oil and is vital to protect your baby from the effects of the amniotic fluid. Without it your baby’s skin would have the prune-like appearance of having had a nine month bath! Some babies are born with vernix still on their skin, especially if they are premature.

    In the brain, nerve cells that have the job of specialising for the sensory systems of taste, touch, smell, sight and hearing are forming complex connections. At this stage sensory development is accelerating and your baby will be aware of many sounds and also any stress that you may be feeling.

    The arms and legs are now in the correct proportions, the kidneys continue producing urine and fine hair is growing on the scalp.

    What’s happening to you

    From now on your pregnancy bump will grow faster in the weeks to come. Your abdomen may ache and you may experience some stabbing pains in your side. The pains are caused by stretching of the abdominal ligaments that support your uterus to allow for the increased weight. These pains are quite normal but do contact your GP if they become persistent or severe.

    The extra oestrogen that is flowing around your body may be causing changes in your skin. Red palms and pigment patches called chloasma may appear as a butterfly-shaped mask across the face. This looks darker on fair skin and light on dark skin. You may also notice that your nipples darken as well as any freckles and scars on your skin.

    You may also notice a dark line running from your pubic bone up to your navel. Known as ‘linea nigra’, this is more prominent on darker skin. All this pigmentation is temporary and disappears soon after birth.

    Need to know

    Things for you to consider during week 19 of your pregnancy:

    • Consider doing some gentle yoga exercises. Yoga has the double benefit of being de-stressing and re-aligning your muscles.
    • Other activities you could try which are excellent during pregnancy include swimming, walking, stationary cycling, prenatal aerobics and aqua-fit classes. Your midwife may know of some existing classes in your area.
    • Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun than usual, so use a moisturiser that contains UVA protection and cover any exposed skin with a protection factor of at least 15 before going outside.
    • Pregnancy hormones can weaken your nails, so protect them from splitting and breaking by wearing gloves when doing household chores and gardening.
    • If your feet are uncomfortable check your shoe size. The hormone relaxing along with fluid retention can cause your feet to get larger so you may need a bigger shoe size.