Welcome to the midway point! Hopefully, the next 20 weeks will just fly by and you will be able to hold your little one in no time! You are likely busy with nursery plans and preparations for the baby- so spend some time catching up on what is the latest in greatest in baby gear. Remember that the best thing for your baby is one on one interaction. So no matter how cool or advanced the toy is, don’t forget to get down on the floor and play with your child.
What you may be experiencing
Most moms will be showing at least a little bit by this point. Your uterus reaches up to your belly button, so you may be able to notice a tell tale bump in the area. Your doctor may begin to measure your fundal height with either their fingers or a tape measure, to check the baby’s growth. Your doctor may also switch from a Doppler to a stethoscope, as the heartbeat is now easier to hear. In fact, your partner may be able to hear your babies heartbeat if they press their ear to your bare stomach.
If you haven’t already gotten one, you may be getting ready for the “big” ultrasound. Knowing that your baby is healthy (and the gender if you wish) is a major concern for most moms and it is a great relief to be able to see your little one and know that everything is ok.
On the symptom front- heartburn and constipation may continue to plague you in the weeks ahead.
Your Baby
This week the reproductive organs are busy at work preparing for later in life. If your baby is female the uterus is now formed, and eggs are beginning to develop in her ovaries. In fact, she will be born with all of her eggs! Your baby is now covered in a waxy substance called vernix- which will help protect their delicate skin from increased exposure to amniotic fluid. Most of it will be gone by the time your baby makes its way into the world.
Concerns or points of interest
It is around this time that blood pressure can become a problem for some moms. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure at every visit to look for abnormally high readings. This could be a sign of pre-eclampsia which can be detrimental to both mom and baby. In between visits, it is important to look for symptoms such as sudden swelling of the limbs or face, blurred visions, or headaches. If you experience any of them, notify your doctor immediately!