- Your Baby: The Inside Story
Your baby is growing taller and fatter by the day. This week, the baby measures over 16.7 inches tall and weighs about 2 pounds 7 ounces (1250 g).
The baby is filling out with layers of fat and everything is growing and maturing. Over the next three months, the baby will double in size, so this is when the baby will have a big growth spurt!
As your baby grows and has less room to move about, you may feel a change in activity as your baby's movements become smaller. The kind of movement isn't as important as the frequency. Talk to your doctor for instruction on how to monitor your baby's movements.
- Your Body: Problems Sleeping?
For some women, falling -- and staying -- asleep at night can be a real challenge. Leg cramps, anxiety, extra weight, and occasional kicking all contribute to sleepless nights. Here are some suggestions to make nighttime dreamy:
- Sleep positions. Many pregnant women find it more comfortable to sleep on their side at this stage of pregnancy. This helps to take pressure off your back. Side sleeping also helps relieve pressure from your uterus on the main vein that brings the blood back to the heart from your legs and your feet. Try putting a pillow between your legs and under your abdomen for support.
- Relaxation Techniques. It's common to think a lot about labor and delivery, and all the new things that will be happening. This can also keep you awake. Try using some of the tips on breathing and relaxation from your childbirth classes. Not only will it serve as good practice, but it will also help you to relax and get some sleep.
- On a Different Note: The Ins and Outs of Preeclampsia
Six to eight percent of all pregnant women develop pre-eclampsia. Preeclampsia is when a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy. If left untreated, this condition can lead to complications in you and your baby. To ensure that you and your little one stay safe and healthy, try to learn all you need can about preeclampsia.
Symptoms of preeclampsia can include:
- Swelling of the hands and face or eyes (edema)
- Sudden weight gain over 1 to 2 days or more than 2 pounds (0.9 kg) a week
Note that some swelling of the feet and ankles is considered normal during pregnancy.
Symptoms of severe preeclampsia include:
- Headache that does not go away
- Trouble breathing
- Belly pain on the right side, below the ribs. Pain may also be felt in the right shoulder, and can be confused with heartburn, gallbladder pain, a stomach virus, or kicking by the baby
- Decreased urine output, not urinating very often
- Nausea and vomiting (a worrisome sign)
- Vision changes, including temporary blindness, seeing flashing lights or spots, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of preeclampsia during your pregnancy.
- Weekly Tip
If you'll be having a baby shower, now is the time to register for all the itty-bitty clothes and baby necessities you've ever dreamed of - stroller, bouncy seat, car seat, high chair, bathtub, play mat, and more. Start by asking friends and family with kids for suggestions. Then view items online or stroll down the aisles of a few of your favorite stores to see the real thing and choose where you want to register.