Try to make daily walks , which you now simply need, last at least two hours. Walking in the fresh air is a wonderful prevention of varicose veins, which so often torments all pregnant women. (But do not worry too much, varicosis is gaining momentum the stronger, the longer the gestation period, but after childbirth it will go to waste). In addition, it improves the supply of crumbs with oxygen, which helps to prevent hypoxia.
In order to reduce the discomfort in the legs, which you may feel, try not to spend a lot of time standing up. If you sit, raise your legs to the ottoman or small chair. At the time of sleep, you can put a pillow under your feet. Also very useful will be the procedure of washing feet with cool water from the ankle to the knee. Also pay attention to what position you occupy when you sit. During pregnancy, it is strictly forbidden to sit with your foot on your leg. The fact is that this position contributes to the progression of varicose veins, due to the fact that the vessels are jammed. By the way, in order to reduce the risk of varicose veins, buy special anti-varicose stockings or tights in the pharmacy. (Only when buying, take into account the degree of pressure on the veins - it is better to consult a doctor).
Do not forget about vitamins! Drink as special vitamin complexes specially designed for pregnant women, and eat foods rich in vitamins. After all, now the need for minerals and vitamins grows two or three times!
During this period, the baby begins to grow rapidly and gain weight, so your tummy is gradually becoming rounded. That's why it's worth switching to more loose clothes that will not press on the stomach and will be made of natural fabrics. As for underwear - ideally it should be made of cotton. And do not get upset because of weight gain - during pregnancy this is absolutely normal phenomenon, it should be so. But after pregnancy, you can regain your original appearance again with various training and proper nutrition.
How does the baby develop between the seventeenth and twentieth week of pregnancy?
The seventeenth week. This week, the crumb will open his eyes for the first time. Now he can open them for periods of wakefulness and close them for periods of sleep. If you hold an ultrasound, you can see that the child is smiling and is very active sucking a finger.
The eighteenth week. The immune system is actively formed. The baby's body begins to produce protective proteins - immunoglobulin and interferon. In order not to be allergic, it is better to refrain from using citrus, coffee, chocolate and other products that are allergens.
Nineteenth week. All the endocrine glands that regulate the metabolism and growth of the child have already begun their work. The spleen began to function.
The twentieth week. Gradually, tender baby hair begins to appear on the baby's body. They are especially dense on the head. Approximate growth of crumbs - 20-25 cm, weight - 200 g.