All about baby
Your baby is now taking on a more normal flesh colour and a less wrinkled appearance. The lanugo – fine hairs on your baby’s skin - will also start to disappear.
The nostrils are now open and lungs continue to develop, though they are still full of amniotic fluid. Apart from the lungs, all your baby's major organs are functioning. The brain has grown larger and impulses to the brain are travelling faster, meaning that she can learn new skills.
As there is still enough room to move about, your baby continues to be very active. You’ll also notice slower, more deliberate movements as your baby pulls its arms and legs up towards its chest, trying to find a comfortable position. Your midwife or doctor may check at this stage to see which position your baby is lying in.
- Measures about 25cm crown to rump
- Weighs in at around 2lbs 4oz
Over to you
You’ll probably be seeing your doctor or midwife for ante-natal check ups every two weeks from about now until 36 weeks. As well as ensuring that your baby is growing healthily, this will also give you a great opportunity to ask (and complain) about that increasing list of pregnancy discomforts…
Your growing bump is quite a weight now and may be causing you back pain, discomfort when sleeping, a frequent need to wee and even difficulty getting out of the bath or a deep chair. As your muscles and ligaments stretch to support your growing uterus, you may feel a stabbing pain in your side. Your growing uterus presses on nerves, which can restrict circulation in your legs, leading to cramp. And just when you could do without the hassle, you may notice that you’re becoming quite comically clumsy and forgetful – it’s all to do with those hormones again.
In the know
If your nesting instincts have gone into overdrive, it's a good time to finish off DIY jobs and prepare the nursery as your energy levels are up and you’re not yet too big to stay active. After all, it will be a while before you’ve got the time or the inclination once your baby arrives!
When you’re planning out the nursery, make sure your baby's crib is placed away from drafts and air vents and situated so you can see inside it when you peek in from the door. It should also be at least a few feet from windows and well away from shelves, decorative wall hangings and surfaces where a lamp and baby monitor will sit. It’s also a good idea to shield radiators, fit a black out blind and cover plug sockets to protect inquisitive little fingers.
Before you whip out the paint brushes, here are a few safety tips to consider when embarking on any DIY project - particularly when you’re pregnant:
- Stick to low-solvent finishes and non-toxic paint strippers
- Lower your exposure to paint fumes and chemicals by wrapping rollers and brushes in cellophane when you're finished for the day. This also saves washing brushes until after the job's done
- Old houses covered in layers of paint are likely to have paint containing lead, which is harmful to breathe when removed. If you’re doing it yourself, wear a high-quality facemask designed to filter out airborne contaminants. Better still, hire someone else to do it
- Take care when climbing ladders, since your centre of gravity and balance have probably changed
- As you renovate, keep windows at least partially open and keep the fresh air circulating through the house by using a fan
- Don't overdo it! Choosing colour schemes, issuing instructions and inspecting work might just be all you have the energy for right now.
Go to next week's article: Pregnancy Week 29
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.
