Lara Percival

Tag: week 23

  • 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.

  • 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.