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ORIGINAL POST:
WEEK 17
Mother:
Your weight gain might vary, but an average weight gain at this point is between 5-10 pounds. Your breasts alone may each gain 6-7 oz. Weight gain depends on many factors, but so long as you are eating healthy and continuing to exercise your body should adjust its weight gain to your needs. If you were underweight at the beginning of your pregnancy you may need to gain a little extra. As your ligaments stretch you may experience pains in your back and stomach. Your cardiovascular system is working overtime and this may cause you to feel faint when you stand up suddenly, this is not harmful, just remember to pace yourself.
Baby:
You baby's hearing is improving and loud noises outside the womb may startle him. He can control his movement now. When your doctor hunts for a heartbeat many babies run from the machine. The noise from that machine is comparable to that of a helicopter over your house. The baby now weighs more than the placenta. Your baby's skin is beginning to store fat; this fat helps to keep a healthy body temperature after he is born. The average temperature of the amniotic fluid is 99.6 degrees. The baby's taste buds are forming and he can taste bitter and sweet.
WEEK 18
Mother:
At each of your prenatal visits your doctor takes a urine sample to test it for sugar and protein. This helps them check to see if you have any symptoms of Gestational Diabetes. This can be treated by a special diet and working with your doctor. To prevent bladder infections always use the restroom when you first feel the urge and wipe from front to back, and wash regularly. Many women are looking into childbirth classes at this point. These can be very helpful to calm your nerves and prepare you for what lies ahead.
Baby:
Your baby weighs around a half a pound; a white substance now covers your baby's skin to protect it. His bones are getting stronger Meconium, the baby's early bowel movement, is accumulating in his bowels. It is interesting to note there is no direct exchange of blood between you and the baby; the placenta transfers the needed nutrients from you to the baby.
WEEK 19
Mother:
Many women report itchy skin, lotion and drinking plenty of water can help ease the incessant itching. Your shoes might be getting tight, not just from the swelling, but actual ligaments loosen during pregnancy. Strangely enough your feet might not go back to their original size. The dark area around the nipple of your breasts may be getting larger, this can last a year or so after pregnancy. *You should contact your doctor if you notice a prolonged period of time in which there is no fetal movement from the baby* As they baby grows a rule of thumb is that you should feel baby move 5-6 times at least each hour. If you notice the baby has not moved for while, sit down, change positions and see if you can feel your baby move. If you do not feel anything for an hour, contact your doctor.
Baby:
Your baby sleeps most of the day (about 17-18 hours), this pattern continues when he is born. His hands are very developed, his toes are little less formed, but they will catch up. The beginnings of permanent teeth are forming behind the buds for baby teeth. If your baby has spinal bifida, or other central nervous system disorders they can be seen in an ultrasound.
WEEK 20
Mother:
Week 20 is considered halfway! This is also when most caregivers issue an ultrasound to determine the gender of the baby. Remember there is no guarantee that the ultrasound is 100% accurate. You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge; this is normal so long as it is not a strange color or fowl smell. For some women their vision changes during pregnancy, contacts may become uncomfortable due to the overall increase of fluid in your body. These vision changes should be minor and most often will correct themselves after the birth of the baby. Because the baby is growing, your uterus is also growing. This can crowd other organs, making it seem difficult to breath. Women with longer torsos usually are more comfortable, as there is more room for everything else to go as your uterus expands. Make sure to keep your iron levels high, as anemia can cause breathlessness as well.
Baby:
Baby weighs about 10 oz. now, almost as much as the amniotic fluid. Your baby's sense of smell has developed. If your child is a girl her uterus and vagina are now developing. An average heartbeat for a baby is around 120-160 beats per minute. Some say that if the heart rate is on the faster side, it is a girl. This has proved very inaccurate though.
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