You are already used to the idea that there are now two of you. You have experienced the most difficult moments - early toxicosis, mood swings, strange food addictions. You will not be scared by weight gain or stretch marks. You can finally begin to enjoy your fortune. About how the baby develops in the second trimester of pregnancy and how you are changing, read below.
13th week
What changed?
Your body adapts to new levels of hormones. Symptoms of the first trimester begin to pass. This can happen gradually or quickly and abruptly: nausea, fatigue and the need to go to the toilet often. Your mood also begins to stabilize. Pregnancy ceases to be difficult to bear.
How your child develops
The intestine of your child is currently undergoing great changes. Nutrients, getting through the umbilical cord, now move in the baby's stomach. To meet the needs of a growing fetus, the placenta grows too fast. The fruit weighs about one 15 grams, while the placenta weighs from half to one kilogram. Also this week the child develops vocal cords, which, of course, will be widely used after his birth!
What should you plan for this week
In the second trimester of pregnancy, many women feel increased libido. It's time to think about sex during pregnancy and see if it's safe. Many people do not know that the baby is protected in the womb by an amniotic fluid. Thus, you can safely enjoy sex. But you must give it up if there is a risk of premature birth, spontaneous miscarriage, amniotic fluid loss or you have vaginal bleeding, placenta previa. It is also important that your partner does not have sexually transmitted diseases.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
Do your legs become numb when you sit for a long time? No wonder: the growing uterus began to exert pressure on the veins, so that the blood flows from the heart to the legs and can cause swelling or numbness. To stimulate blood circulation, raise your legs to a height of about 30 cm above the floor and gently do circular motions. Lower your legs and repeat the exercise five times, each time raising your speed. Then do the same exercise with the other foot.
14th week
Great news! With the disappearance of the symptoms of the first trimester, you feel more energetic and lively. Very rarely toxicosis lasts more than 13 weeks. Enjoy!
What changed?
Your pregnancy can begin to be visible (if you have not already been there). This is because the uterus moves upward from the pelvis to the center of the abdomen. You can even feel the lower part of the uterus if you press the stomach just above the pubic bone. What does it mean? Right now you have to start buying clothes for pregnant women - soon you will need it.
How your child develops
At this time the development of the baby will continue and strengthen. More parts of the body become more proportional. The liver begins to produce bile, and the spleen - red blood cells. The development of your child's brain allows him to use facial muscles: he can make grimaces, frown or screw up his eyes. He can even suck his thumb. Since in the second trimester of pregnancy the most important stage of fetal development is completed, the risk of miscarriage is sharply reduced.
What should you plan for this week
During this period of pregnancy, mood can change very easily. On the one hand, you can feel joy in connection with pregnancy, at the same time you can be overwhelmed with emotions. You ask yourself, many questions: "Will I be a good mother?", "How can we cope with this financially?", "Will my child be healthy?" Try not to worry in advance. Just think: so many people managed to solve these problems - and you can do it.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
Do you have swollen feet? This may seem illogical, but increasing water intake (up to 10 glasses per day) can reduce the swelling of the entire body. Good hydration improves the circulation of fluid in the body and prevents it from being stored in one place.
15 week
What could be better? Until you were tormented by early signs of pregnancy, you could not even move freely. Now the energy in you has increased. Weight is not so great, you can afford a lot. It is at this time that many women feel a surge of energy that they will never feel after.
What changed?
The average weight gain at this moment of pregnancy is about 2 kg. You can gain weight a little more or a little less, which is perfectly normal. But if it is much less or much more, you can contact your doctor for a special diet. If you notice that you have red, swollen gums, that it hurts you to brush your teeth - it's not just that. This is a sign that hormones are produced incorrectly, which leads to inflammation of the gums. In contrast to the normal level of hormones, their sudden leap in the gums responds in different ways.
How your child develops
Your baby's skin is so thin that you can see through it blood vessels. The ears of the child grow and already look quite normal. The child's eyes are located closer to the nose. The bones begin to strengthen enough to make the skeleton of the child already visible on X-rays. Ultrasound pictures show that children of this age can already suck a thumb.
What should you plan for this week
During follow-up visits, the doctor will examine the height of the uterus. This is the distance between the pubic bone and the lower part of the uterus. Many doctors in accordance with these measurements determine the growth of the fetus. This can give an indication of the placement of the child. An ultrasound examination or gynecological examination can confirm this assumption.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
Many pregnant women have trouble sleeping. It is best to start sleeping on your right side. This is a healthy and most comfortable position. Sleep on the back causes the pressure of the uterus on blood vessels that supply blood to the lower part of your body, which is also bad for the baby. In the following months of pregnancy, sleep on your back also does not follow - you will find it difficult to breathe. Sleep on the abdomen is the cause of squeezing the uterus and should be avoided.
Week 16
Some women do not start scrupulously monitoring their weight at the time of pregnancy, after they learn that weight gain in this situation is justified. The trick is to take a new shape of your body and not think about the kilos that you gain every day. You need to understand that weight gain is for you and your child a sign of good health.
What changed?
Not only does your stomach begin to grow. Also, the mucous membrane of the nose begins to swell. This is the influence of the hormone, which increases the flow of blood to this area. As a result - the accumulation of mucus and even bleeding from the nose. Unfortunately, nasal obstruction can only worsen in the coming weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe you any medications or antihistamine drops, but they are not very effective in this case. If you really suffer, you can use a spray from a solution of ordinary salt.
How your child develops
Tiny bones in the fetal ears are already in place, which helps the child to hear your voice when you are talking or singing. Studies have shown that after birth, children learn melodies that they sang with them when they were still in the womb. In addition, the spine (including the back muscles) is stronger now - strong enough to give the child more opportunities to straighten the head and neck.
What should you plan for this week
Soon you will go to the next medical examination. Your doctor may prescribe several tests: ultrasound, an analysis to determine the level of alpha-fetoprotein, and in some cases, depending on the age and health status - amniocentesis. Your doctor can talk to you about developing a baby in the second trimester of pregnancy, about premature birth or about schoolwork at young mothers.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
During the period from 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, you can feel the baby's first movements. If this is your first pregnancy, it can take 20 weeks before you feel like the baby is moving. The first movements are often described as jerks. You already felt something similar, not realizing that it was your child. The frequency of fetal movements, as well as the time of day in which they appear, is a separate issue.
17th week
Everyone is already starting to see that you are pregnant - and your friends, colleagues, and even strangers can be tempted to touch your stomach. Of course, if you do not have anything against it. However, if it bothers you, tell them about it.
What changed?
For most women in the second trimester, nausea ends, and a wolfish appetite comes to him. Do not be surprised if you suddenly feel that you are terribly hungry, although you just ate. In this case, you respond to the signals sent by your child, which grows more and more requires food. Despite the fact that you feel relieved after three months - be careful. You only need 300 extra calories (600 for twins) per day. Instead of three large meals, try eating small portions several times throughout the day.
How your child develops
The skeleton of your child changes, it becomes more bony, and the umbilical cord, which becomes the life-ring for the placenta, becomes thicker and stronger. The child begins to move joints, begin to develop sweat glands.
What should you plan for this week
Often young couples are wondering whether they will be able to ensure the future of the child. Small planning can partially facilitate the exercise of parental care. You can open a savings account for your daughter or son. This may not cover all the costs of education at the university, but by the age of 18 some amount will still accumulate.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
Do you begin to notice clumsiness? A growing abdomen means that the center of gravity is shifting, so that you can sometimes feel insecure. Try to avoid situations where you can slip and fall. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce the risk - abdominal injuries can be dangerous for you and your child. When driving, you must use seat belts.
18 weeks
At any time you can feel the movements of your child. This is a very interesting, beautiful feeling. But sometimes you begin to feel pain in the lower back.
What changed?
During this period of pregnancy, you may feel pain in your back. This is because the uterus is growing (now it is the size of a melon), the center of gravity moves: the lower back is pushed forward, and the stomach protrudes. When you sit, you can reduce back pain by putting your feet on the bandwagon. Even when you put one foot on a low stool, it can ease the strain on your spine.
How your child develops
Blood vessels of the child are still visible through the skin, his ears are already in place, although they still barely stand out from the head. If you have a girl, her womb and fallopian tubes are formed in the right place. If you have a boy, his genitals can be seen on ultrasound. Many children, however, turn away during ultrasound and it's just hard to guess their gender.
What should you plan for this week
It's a good time to look for a childbirth school. The best are usually set for volunteers, so do not delay. Schools are different from each other. In some classes classes are held for several weeks, but there are places where training takes one day. Classes can be held at the hospital where you are going to give birth, but you can choose another school. Consult your doctor or friends about this issue.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
Many women can not without daytime sleep. If you do not work, and you have children - sleep when they are sleeping. If children are older and do not sleep during the day, try to take them something to be able to take a little nap. If you work, try to squeeze in your day a few minutes to take a nap. If you have an office, close the door for 15 minutes. Some women fall asleep in the conference room.
Week 19
Do you think that you are fat? In the coming weeks, you will gain weight even faster.
What changed?
Something does not allow you to sleep at night - tingling in the legs, cramps. They pass up and down along the legs, and, unfortunately, are very common in the second trimester of pregnancy. Nobody knows for sure what causes them. It is likely that the muscles of the legs get tired of the additional burden. It is believed that this can even be related to nutrition. When you feel tingling - straighten your legs and gently pull your ankles and toes in the direction of the shin.
How your child develops
Legs and hands do not match the proportions. Neurons bind the brain and muscles, the cartilage in the body turns into bones. Your child also gets a gain of adipose tissue. Lubricant protects the child's sensitive skin from water. If you have a girl, 6 million eggs have already been formed in her ovaries.
What should you plan for this week
When using herbs for medicinal purposes, consult a doctor. Many herbs, which seem to be completely safe, can stimulate the muscles of the uterus and cause miscarriages. There are only two herbs that help in the fight against nausea and can be safely used during pregnancy - it's ginger and mint.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
You may notice some changes in your skin - dark spots are caused by a periodic increase in pigment. The color change that appears on the upper lip, cheeks and forehead is called the "pregnancy mask". The dark line, going from the navel to the pubic bone, becomes more noticeable every week. This is all likely to disappear after birth. Until then, one needs to protect the skin from the sun, which increases the pigmentation changes. When you go outside, hide your body. Wear a hat and use sunscreen.
Week 20
Do you want to know who will be born - a boy or a girl? Now you have the opportunity to find out.
What changed?
Congratulations, you are halfway to the birth! Since then, your stomach will grow at a rapid pace, and your pregnancy has already become apparent to everyone. At each visit, the doctor will be assessed the increase in the volume of the uterus (in centimeters for each week). This is an important indicator of the evaluation of the fetus and its growth.
How your child develops
During the first 20 weeks, when the child is sitting, picking up his legs, it is difficult to measure his height. Until now, only its length from the head to the buttocks has been measured. After 20 weeks, the baby is measured from head to toe. Today your child moves more freely, which is useful for his digestive system. Black viscous meconium is produced - a waste of digestion of a child. This sticky substance accumulates in the intestine. You will see him on the first dirty diapers. Some babies are emptied even in the womb or directly during childbirth.
What should you plan for this week
In the second trimester, ultrasound should be scheduled between 18 and 22 weeks. The doctor has the opportunity to see if everything is all right, and you, if you want, can find out the sex of the child. If you are carrying a girl, her uterus is already fully formed, and in her tiny ovaries there are already 7 million ready-made eggs! Before birth, this number will be reduced to two million. If the fetus is a boy, then his testicles are already in the abdominal cavity and wait until the scrotum is formed. Although the external genital organs neither the girl nor the boy has yet, but on ultrasound you can find out the sex of your child.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to keep up with additional blood production for the baby and the placenta. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. The bird and mollusks also contain iron. Sources of iron are also some plant products, such as legumes, soy products, spinach, prunes, raisins, and iron-enriched grains.
Week 21
What changed?
More than half of pregnant women have stretch marks on their skin. Pink, red, purple, and sometimes almost black stripes appear in places where the skin is stretched. Unfortunately, there are no proven ways to prevent stretch marks, but it will not be superfluous to lubricate the skin with moisturizers, such as cocoa butter. Even if this does not help with stretch marks, it can soften the dry itch of the skin. Fortunately, stretch marks disappear after the birth of a child.
How your child develops
During this period of pregnancy, the child drinks at least 20 ml per day. amniotic fluid. Thus, it moisturizes and nourishes the skin, and is also practiced in the processes of swallowing and digestion. Your child has already developed taste buds, so the taste of amniotic fluid differs for him every day, depending on what you eat. The researchers found that children who are already accustomed to certain tastes in utero, prefer food with the same taste at birth.
What should you plan for this week
Time to think about childbirth. The birth of a child is one of the best experiences in your life. You want to devote more time to thinking about the expectations and wishes associated with this special day. Keep a journal that records all your thoughts and plans for the future. The journal will help you determine what is most important and formulate your thoughts. Creating a birth plan can help you communicate your wishes clearly to people who will support you during childbirth.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
Urinary tract infections often occur during pregnancy. A growing uterus can block the drainage of urine from the bladder, causing an infection. Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to kidney infection. You can reduce the likelihood of this by drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day, emptying the bladder before and after intercourse and clothing cotton underwear.
Week 22
What changed?
Like most women expecting a baby, you find that your legs are fuller and your shoes are getting tougher. Legs swell due to pregnancy, but there is another reason. Relaxin is a hormone that relaxes the surrounding ligaments and pelvic joints, which makes the birth process easier. This hormone also relaxes the ligament of the legs. When the ligaments of the legs are relaxed, the bones become slightly wider, which increases the size of the leg.
How your child develops
This week your child develops a sense of touch. The child can easily grasp the umbilical cord. He also develops vision. Your child can see bright and dark places better than before (even with his eyes closed). His eyebrows and eyelashes are already formed, on his small head even hair appears. At this stage of development of the fetus, they are devoid of pigment, which means that they are completely white.
What should you plan for this week
Many women are worried about premature birth, especially if there are pains in the lower abdomen, blunt pain in the back, pressure on the pelvic region. These symptoms can be quite normal or indicate premature birth. Most women do not have to worry, but if you get any of these signs - better consult a doctor.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
Make sure that the rings on the fingers do not "sit" too tightly. As the pregnancy progresses, the fingers become stout even more. If you have not already taken them off, do it until it's too late. If it's hard for you to part with an engagement ring or other important ring - you can hang it on a chain and carry it by the heart.
Week 23
What changed?
Are you surprised that the dark line passes down the center of the abdomen? This is the "black line", which is the result of the action of hormones. They are responsible for any discoloration that you notice on the body, including a darker halo around the nipples or a dark shade of freckles on the legs and hands. Some women have pigmented spots on the face, especially around the nose, cheeks, forehead and around the eyes. All this takes place within a few months after childbirth.
How your child develops
Your baby's skin is reddish due to the visible blood vessels (skin is very thin.) At the moment, the skin grows faster than the layer of fat. Your child, when born, will be pretty plump and smooth - with round cheeks and soft fingers.
What should you plan for this week
Your child needs more nutrients provided by your body. You need more vitamins and minerals. In the second half of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend taking iron to minimize the risk of anemia. Symptoms associated with anemia during pregnancy are excessive fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness. Immediately consult a doctor if the second or third trimester you will feel one of these symptoms.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
Talk to your child when you want. These conversations will help your child get used to your voice. After he is born, he easily recognizes your voice.
Week 24
What changed?
Many pregnant women (especially those who work with computers) suffer from tunnel syndrome of the wrist. This is due to the characteristic period of pregnancy and edema, which can compress the nerve in the hand. If you feel a tingling, numbness and pain in your wrist, hands and fingers - pay attention to it. Especially if these symptoms do not pass at night. Problems can worsen if you repeat certain movements, such as playing the piano or typing on the keyboard. Then make frequent stops and stretch your hands. Fortunately, after the birth of the child, the tunnel syndrome of the carpal tunnel passes.
How your child develops
Want to know how it will look like your child? His face, although very small, is already fully formed. So far, there is not a lot of fat on it. The baby's skin is still transparent, which means that you can see its internal organs, bones and blood vessels. The fruit at this stage of development is about 180 grams. in Week. Most of this weight is fat, the rest is still internal organs, bones and muscles. Your child now hears a lot: the sound of your exhaled air, gurgling in your stomach, your voice and the voices of people around you.
What should you plan for this week
During the period from 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor can recommend a test for glucose tolerance. The test is done to detect gestational diabetes, which affects 2-5% of pregnant women. With this disease, the body does not produce enough insulin to process the sugar. Gestational diabetes is manifested, in particular: the presence of sugar in the urine, unusual thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, nausea.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
If heartburn disturbs you, try eating small portions at short intervals several times a day. Many women admit that eating 5-6 small meals a day reduces the feeling of heartburn. In addition, it can reduce the feeling of hunger late at night.
Week 25
What changed?
Do you have a new problem that you are ashamed to talk about? Nobody likes to talk about it, but this illness affects more than half of pregnant women. It's about hemorrhoids. The enlarged uterus presses on the area of the small pelvis and can cause swelling of the veins in the walls of the anus. Constipation may even worsen, so try to provide yourself with a plentiful drink and products containing fiber. To relieve hemorrhoids, you can use tampons with witch hazel extract, local ice packs or warm baths. Fortunately, hemorrhoids usually disappear after childbirth.
How your child develops
Your baby's skin becomes more and more pink due to the tiny blood vessels that form under the skin and fill with blood. The vessels in the lungs will also appear at the end of this week, but at the 25th week of pregnancy the lungs are not yet fully formed. Although a surfactant is already produced - a substance that helps the baby's lungs expand after birth - they are not yet mature enough to breathe. This week the baby's nostrils begin to open, allowing him to practice breathing.
What should you plan for this week
Now you can already buy the things you need when the baby is born - strollers, car seats, diapers, etc. Large stores are convenient, but sometimes they are too crowded. Choose to shop in the middle of the week, when you do not have to squeeze through the crowd between the shelves.
What to do to make pregnancy healthy?
Some psychologists say that writing letters to a child or creating a collection of memorabilia during pregnancy contributes to becoming a mother. You and your child will cherish these memorable gifts in the years to come. Rely on your own ideas. So, for example, describe your feelings for your child, imagine a beautiful day with him, collect all photos of ultrasound.