All about baby
Your baby now embarks on a major growth spurt until 29 weeks. He or she's getting longer all the time and significantly heavier as white fat is deposited under the skin.
This week is also an important landmark for lung development. Air sacs (alveoli) will have developed in the lungs and surfactant will start to be secreted, which is vital for your baby to breathe independently.
Your baby is now at its most active, as it is still small enough to move freely in the amniotic fluid. Your baby is also very responsive to external stimuli. As well as touch and sound, your baby will be very aware of surroundings, and already distinguishing light from dark.
- Measures about 23cm crown to rump
- Weighs in at around 12oz
Over to you
It feels great to be entering the final trimester - two down, one to go! But with this also comes discomforts such as back pain, pressure in your pelvis, leg cramps and headaches. And getting a descent night's sleep might be harder than ever; if this is you, try a pillow between your knees and one behind your back to help you to rest more comfortably on your side.
Your centre of balance has already altered dramatically. You may feel like you are going to tip over because of the weight you're carrying out in front. But try not to arch your back to compensate as, you’ve guessed it, this will make your back ache even worse.
By now you may not be the only one who can feel your baby kick. As baby movements become stronger, your partner may enjoy feeling the tiny nudges and ripples on your abdomen. But if you're getting fed up with everyone touching your bump, a polite but firm 'hands off!' might be in order – after all, it’s not public property!
In the know
Dental problems and swollen gums are very common during the last three months of pregnancy. This is due to increased blood supply and levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones softening gums, making them more likely to bleed and become infected.
If you haven't been to the dentist in the last three months, now's the time to make an appointment. Treatment is free while you're pregnant - your midwife should have given you a signed form to send off for an NHS Maternity Exemption Certificate earlier on in your pregnancy - and there’s still time to have any necessary work done before your baby is born.
Keep your teeth in tip top condition and prevent inflamed gums by:
- Brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day
- Flossing carefully at least once a day
- Rinsing with mouthwash or warm salt water to help soothe gums
- Getting plenty of calcium, protein and vitamins B, C and D to help keep your teeth and gums healthy
- Avoiding too many sugary foods, the main culprits of tooth decay
- Visiting your dentist and dental hygienist for advise about oral health
Go to next week's article: Pregnancy Week 27
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.
