Lara Percival

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  • Into Week 28 – Aubergine

    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

    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

    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

    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.

  • 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.