All about baby
At half way through gestation, your baby is just the size to fit into your cupped hand. But from now on, your baby's growth rate begins to slow down to allow the lungs, digestive and immune systems to mature.
A white, waxy-looking substance called vernix now protects your baby's skin. It is made of sebum (the oil of the skin) and skin cells which drop off your baby’s body. Without vernix, the baby's skin would be deeply wrinkled from its constant exposure to amniotic fluid.
Muscular and nervous systems are now developed enough so that the baby can start stretching its limbs. If you are carrying a girl, she has six million eggs in her ovaries, her uterus is formed and she's beginning to develop a vagina.
- Measures about 16cm crown to rump
- Weighs in at around 10oz
Over to you
Another pregnancy landmark – you’re officially half way through! Even more exciting is that you may have an ultrasound scan this week, which you’ve probably been looking forward to for what seems like ages. This is your opportunity to get pictures of your newborn, and even a chance to find out whether you're expecting a girl or a boy - depending on whether or not you want to keep it a surprise and whether your baby chooses to co-operate by letting you see!
From now, you’ll gain weight steadily. Most women gain between one to three stone, though more is not unusual. As your uterus pushes your abdomen, your tummy button may flatten or pop out until after the birth. High levels of oestrogen and progesterone are now circulating in your body, which soften and swell your cervix in preparation for childbirth.
A dark line from your navel to your pubic bone, called the linea nigra, may appear now, although it will fade gradually after you give birth. No-one knows exactly why this line appears, but one theory is that it's there to help guide your newborn baby to its first source of food.
In the know
Antenatal classes
Thinking about taking part in some antenatal classes? Now's a good time to do some research about what's available in your area, to ensure you find the right approach for you.
Antenatal classes can be a very useful way of preparing yourself and your partner for the experience of labour and birth. They’re an excellent opportunity for you to get valuable information from a birthing expert who'll help you to realistically understand what's up ahead. Plus, you'll be given advice for relaxation during labour so your body can work with a lower level of stress hormones.
You’ll also find out more about your pain relief options and possible methods of medical intervention during labour and birth - both of which are well worth knowing about in advance, so that you can make informed choices when the time comes.
Many women find antenatal classes a great opportunity to meet other mums-to-be in their area. They can be a ready made circle of friends to get together with once babies arrive - you might even bump into a few familiar faces in hospital! And lets not forget dads-to-be who get the chance to meet other men in the same situation.
Various kinds of antenatal classes are offered free by the NHS or for a fee by charitable organisations such as the National Childbirth Trust NCT. Courses may involve between three and six sessions of different lengths in the afternoon or evening, or a course might take place over a weekend. You can find out which antenatal classes are available free in your area from your midwife, GP or health visitor. To find out more about NCT classes, call the National Childbirth Trust on 0300 33 00 770 or visit their website www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com
Go to next week's article: Pregnancy Week 21
Please note that the contents of this section are for information only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute to your doctor's advice. For medical care and advice, you should consult your doctor on a regular basis. If you have any problem which concerns you, consult your doctor immediately.
