Today's offical-ish weigh in puts me up 4 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight.
Max has been VERY active this week. He seems to wake up fairly early. He moves before I eat. He moves after I eat. He moves at bedtime. He pretty much seems to move whenever he feels like it. :) I'm glad he is enjoying himself in there.
Now that I have seen photos of my cousin's son (at 1 day old) it makes the whole purpose of the pregnancy seem a lot more real. It isn't just about puking unexpectedly and having trouble rolling over at night. At the end of all this there will be a baby... It is nice to have a reminder about what this is all about. Plus baby Alfie looked totally cute!
http://www.maternityandbabyshoppingmart.com/pregnancy_week_24.html
Your Baby's Growth and Development
During pregnancy week 24 your baby weighs roughly one pound or more. By now your baby resembles a tiny but perfect human being in most cases. During pregnancy week 24 and beyond your baby's central nervous system continues to develop, as do your baby's lungs. Your baby's lungs are starting to form tiny branches and will eventually produce a substance called surfactant, necessary for full respiration after delivery.
The amniotic fluid in your uterus will increase in volume starting around 24 weeks pregnancy, and will continue to do so until right before delivery. Most of the time a woman's uterus holds roughly 2 pints of amniotic fluid. Did you know amniotic fluid actually changes consistency during pregnancy? During early pregnancy your amniotic fluid more closely resembles plasma, whereas near delivery your amniotic fluid contains multiple substances including fetal urine and lanugo covering your baby.
Most babies swallow and excrete a small volume of amniotic fluid during pregnancy. This is perfectly normal and perhaps prepares your baby for actual breathing after delivery.
Changes In Your Body
By now your uterus may rest as much as 2inches above your navel. Many women start touching their bellies more frequently now as they notice their belly growing larger and larger. You may also notice that other people acquire a fondness for touching your belly.
While normal, this does bother some women. For some reason people are fascinated by pregnancy, and take every opportunity they can to rub pregnant women's bellies, with or without asking. If you don't mind, let them. If it makes you uncomfortable, place your own hand there first or tell people you are too ticklish. This will send a message without you feeling uncomfortable or being rude.
Some people just feel pregnant women are lucky and want to rub your belly for a little luck. It certainly is worth a try.
You'll also notice that people have a tendency to comment on your belly size every chance they get. Whether they notice your belly is too "large" or too "small" for dates don't be offended. This happens all the time. Just take everything in stride and have faith your belly size is just right for your baby.
Counting Your Babies Kicks
When babies first start moving about strongly enough that you feel their movements, you'll notice for the most part they are quite random. Eventually however, especially toward your third trimester you will notice your baby tends to kick more at certain times of the day than others.
Babies go through normal patterns of sleep and wakefulness during the day, and their kicking reflects this. Many times during the third trimester a doctor will recommend you start counting fetal kicks during the day to ensure your baby is healthy and thriving.
How do you do this? You only have to do this once a day. Normally you can do these easily by sitting quietly for a short period and counting the amount of time it takes you to feel ten or more movements for your baby. Typically this should happen within a two hour time frame. Some women drink juice to facilitate this process. Most babies' respond to sweet drinks or changes in schedule.
(if that is true then Max should be using a different schedule today since I got almost no sleep and feel like a zombie...)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
23 Weeks and 1 Day...
So it turns out my knack of not putting on weight is a continuing trend. I put on 4 pounds while on the cruise but lost 3 of those pounds this week. So I am up a total of 3 pounds so far. Max himself weighs about a pound. He has been very active over the last few days and seems to wake up whenever I wake up in the morning. Or when Mark wakes up in the morning. Whichever one comes first. I'm ok with him waking up when I wake up. Not so much when he wakes up with Mark 2 hours before I have to get up and get ready. :) Hopefully we can all sleep in on Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Almost 23 weeks...
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
The baby bump is now quite huge! I went from having a bit of a waist at the wedding to having a huge bump. Mark took me shopping for some new dress shoes that slide on since putting on regular shoes is already sometimes a difficult task. Plus you know how I love to buy new shoes!
I put on 4 pounds on the cruise but then lost 2 after returning to non-cruise eating so I am now 4 pounds above my pre-pregnancy weight. This is about 10 pounds below most folks at this stage but my doctor isn't concerned so I'm not going to fret about it. And I figure this means I can eat all the turkey and cheesy pie I want at Thanksgiving dinner.
The baby is very active now. He woke up with Mark this morning (at 5am) and is usually fairly active about an hour after I eat. Midway through the cruise Mark was able to feel him move for the first time. Nik has asked if he can take the baby out to see him. Julian is hoping he will be able to feel the baby moving but it hasn't happened yet.
In sad news Mark has declared that his son cannot be named after Colin Firth, so we are going to have to come up with a new middle name to go with Maximillian. I'd like a C name so I'm recommending Clive until I come up with something I like more. :)
I got the test results back and although they were not perfectly normal they were within a normal range so that means no toxemia. Yay for that!!!
And here is the 23 weeks scoop:
http://www.maternityandbabyshoppingmart.com/pregnancy_week_23.html
Your Baby's Growth and Development
By pregnancy week 23 your baby is measuring in at a hefty one pound... that is huge considering how small your baby was just a few short months ago. Keep in mind your baby was less than one ounce and is now fully weighable on most ordinary scales! Most babies are also between eight and eleven inches long by pregnancy week 23.
During pregnancy 23 weeks your baby is quite capable of hearing loud noises outside the womb. You may notice your baby shift in response to your voice or that of your partner. Don't be surprised if your baby is still flopping around quite a bit inside your tummy. This is very normal during the second trimester when your baby still has plenty of room to shift around.
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/23weeks/
Your baby now weighs a little over one pound/ 500 grams and measures about 11.4 inches/ 29 centimetres from crown to heel. Her hearing is well established and she can make out a distorted version of your voice, the beating of your heart and your stomach rumblings. Loud noises often heard in utero, such as the barking of a dog next door or the roar of a vacuum cleaner, probably won't bother your child when she hears them outside the womb.
Numerous studies seem to indicate that the unborn prefer classical music, especially Vivaldi. Play The Four Seasons for your child and pay attention to her movements. Does she quieten down during adagio sections and speed up for the allegro portions? You may have a budding conductor in your womb. In addition to advances in your baby's hearing, her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. She's swallowing but she normally won't pass her first stool (called meconium) until after birth.
If your baby were to be born now, she would have a small chance of survival (about 16 per cent) with the right care. Every day in the womb makes a difference at this stage. If she was born at 24 weeks her chance of survival would rise to 44 per cent. As for you, you may feel clumsy now that your centre of gravity has shifted. Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and your belly button, once an 'innie', may now stick out. Don't worry. It'll revert to its pre-baby state soon after you give birth.
The baby bump is now quite huge! I went from having a bit of a waist at the wedding to having a huge bump. Mark took me shopping for some new dress shoes that slide on since putting on regular shoes is already sometimes a difficult task. Plus you know how I love to buy new shoes!
I put on 4 pounds on the cruise but then lost 2 after returning to non-cruise eating so I am now 4 pounds above my pre-pregnancy weight. This is about 10 pounds below most folks at this stage but my doctor isn't concerned so I'm not going to fret about it. And I figure this means I can eat all the turkey and cheesy pie I want at Thanksgiving dinner.
The baby is very active now. He woke up with Mark this morning (at 5am) and is usually fairly active about an hour after I eat. Midway through the cruise Mark was able to feel him move for the first time. Nik has asked if he can take the baby out to see him. Julian is hoping he will be able to feel the baby moving but it hasn't happened yet.
In sad news Mark has declared that his son cannot be named after Colin Firth, so we are going to have to come up with a new middle name to go with Maximillian. I'd like a C name so I'm recommending Clive until I come up with something I like more. :)
I got the test results back and although they were not perfectly normal they were within a normal range so that means no toxemia. Yay for that!!!
And here is the 23 weeks scoop:
http://www.maternityandbabyshoppingmart.com/pregnancy_week_23.html
Your Baby's Growth and Development
By pregnancy week 23 your baby is measuring in at a hefty one pound... that is huge considering how small your baby was just a few short months ago. Keep in mind your baby was less than one ounce and is now fully weighable on most ordinary scales! Most babies are also between eight and eleven inches long by pregnancy week 23.
During pregnancy 23 weeks your baby is quite capable of hearing loud noises outside the womb. You may notice your baby shift in response to your voice or that of your partner. Don't be surprised if your baby is still flopping around quite a bit inside your tummy. This is very normal during the second trimester when your baby still has plenty of room to shift around.
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/23weeks/
Your baby now weighs a little over one pound/ 500 grams and measures about 11.4 inches/ 29 centimetres from crown to heel. Her hearing is well established and she can make out a distorted version of your voice, the beating of your heart and your stomach rumblings. Loud noises often heard in utero, such as the barking of a dog next door or the roar of a vacuum cleaner, probably won't bother your child when she hears them outside the womb.
Numerous studies seem to indicate that the unborn prefer classical music, especially Vivaldi. Play The Four Seasons for your child and pay attention to her movements. Does she quieten down during adagio sections and speed up for the allegro portions? You may have a budding conductor in your womb. In addition to advances in your baby's hearing, her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. She's swallowing but she normally won't pass her first stool (called meconium) until after birth.
If your baby were to be born now, she would have a small chance of survival (about 16 per cent) with the right care. Every day in the womb makes a difference at this stage. If she was born at 24 weeks her chance of survival would rise to 44 per cent. As for you, you may feel clumsy now that your centre of gravity has shifted. Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and your belly button, once an 'innie', may now stick out. Don't worry. It'll revert to its pre-baby state soon after you give birth.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
21 Weeks
So today I weighed myself and I am up 2 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. After the cruise I am going to have to do a better job of watching what I eat to make sure I don't put the pounds on too fast. For right now, 2 pounds at 21 weeks is just fine. It is normal to have gained 10-15 pounds by now but we are trying to keep my total weight gain at 15 pounds. Up to this point I haven't had to try to keep the weight off. I have been eating whatever I wanted and not gaining weight. Looks like those days might be over...
I had a checkup yesterday. I feel fine and my blood pressure is fine and Max has a good heartbeat. This was the first time I had a doctor measure to see what my fundal height is. She didn't tell me the result but I would assume I'm on track since everything else reads at 21 weeks. This doctor also confirmed that the last doctor was crazy and I can gain weight without worrying (but not too much!) and that I should not be following the Atkins Diet!!! My headaches are a worry so we are looking into what might be causing them. Basically eliminating major issues and seeing if this is just my "normal" migraines coming back again. I woke up with a throbbing head but I was able to get back to sleep for about an hour and that helped a lot.
I'm clearly showing now since strangers are now asking me when I am due and if it is a boy or a girl. So far Max seems to be mostly sticking out in the front so from behind I don't look pregnant. We'll see if that continues or not...
Here's the scoop on 21 weeks... We'll be on the cruise for week 22.
http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/pregnancy/calendar/week/21
Your baby's blood circulation is completely functional. The umbilical cord system continues to grow and thicken as blood travels with considerable force through the body to nurture the baby. The placenta is now almost equal in size to the baby. Your baby will be getting much larger during the second half of your pregnancy. Your baby's crown-to-rump length at this time is 7.2 inches and she weighs approximately 10.5 ounces. Your growing baby is about the size of a large banana. You should be able to feel your uterus about a half of an inch above your navel. Your weight gain so far will be around 10 to 15 pounds. As your baby begins to lay down more fat, your weight will also increase. During the next 10 weeks, you will gain about half of the total gain for your entire pregnancy. Strangers can now tell that you are pregnant! You might notice an increase in appetite because you need 500 more calories a day to support your charged up metabolism. It is best to avoid processed foods or foods high in fat, calories or sugar. Some women also get strong cravings for foods. If you notice a craving for something unhealthy, you should contact your doctor. Cravings unusal things is known as pica. Some women crave cigarette ashes, charcoal, beer and other non-food items during this time. Your baby's different organs and systems are maturing. The fetal digestive system is functioning in a simple way and your baby can swallow amniotic fluid. After your baby swallows the amniotic fluid, she is able to absorb water and sugars from the fluid and then the waste is passed as far as the large bowel. Your baby swallows the amniotic fluid in order to prepare itslef for life outside of the womb. Some babies consume as much as 17 ounces of amniotic fluid in a 24-hour period. Your baby already has a high number of red blood cells and the white blood cells are begining to be produced. Taste buds are being formed on your baby's tongue this week also. Don't be surprised if your legs and feet become swollen throughout the day. You should try to get off of your feet some throughout the day and prop your legs up. If you notice a substantial amount of swelling, you should contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.
http://www.momswhothink.com/pregnancy-weeks/21-weeks-pregnant.html
Welcome to week 21 of pregnancy! At your prenatal appointment your provider has probably been measuring the height of your uterus (fundal height) since it appeared above your pubic bone. After about 20 weeks, this measurement generally correlates with your dates. Fundal height measurements assess growth from visit to visit. Ultrasound would be performed for any inconsistency in fundal height. After about 36 weeks the measurement for fundal height becomes less accurate as your baby settles into your pelvis.
As your pregnancy progresses, you’re carrying more weight. Because this is pregnancy weight, it changes your center of gravity. You may feel clumsier, and lose your balance much easier. Be careful! Take extra precautions to make sure your steps are sure and steady. This is the time you start taking things slower, for yours and your baby’s safety.
Weight gain is on many pregnant women’s minds; make sure you discuss this with your doctor. While you don’t want to obsess, you also don’t want to let your weight get out of control….risking complications. Weight gain is also a way for your doctor to decide if you are measuring right for your due date, and can monitor your baby’s growth.
You may be finding yourself out of breath more often; this is caused by your uterus pushing against your diaphragm, leaving less space for your lungs.
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/21weeks
The fetus now weighs about three-quarters of a pound/ 360 grams. Up until now she has been measured from crown to rump but from this point on the measurement will be from crown to heel. And from crown to heel she is approximately 10.5 inches/ 27 centimetres long. The eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed and the fingernails cover the fingertips.
I had a checkup yesterday. I feel fine and my blood pressure is fine and Max has a good heartbeat. This was the first time I had a doctor measure to see what my fundal height is. She didn't tell me the result but I would assume I'm on track since everything else reads at 21 weeks. This doctor also confirmed that the last doctor was crazy and I can gain weight without worrying (but not too much!) and that I should not be following the Atkins Diet!!! My headaches are a worry so we are looking into what might be causing them. Basically eliminating major issues and seeing if this is just my "normal" migraines coming back again. I woke up with a throbbing head but I was able to get back to sleep for about an hour and that helped a lot.
I'm clearly showing now since strangers are now asking me when I am due and if it is a boy or a girl. So far Max seems to be mostly sticking out in the front so from behind I don't look pregnant. We'll see if that continues or not...
Here's the scoop on 21 weeks... We'll be on the cruise for week 22.
http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/pregnancy/calendar/week/21
Your baby's blood circulation is completely functional. The umbilical cord system continues to grow and thicken as blood travels with considerable force through the body to nurture the baby. The placenta is now almost equal in size to the baby. Your baby will be getting much larger during the second half of your pregnancy. Your baby's crown-to-rump length at this time is 7.2 inches and she weighs approximately 10.5 ounces. Your growing baby is about the size of a large banana. You should be able to feel your uterus about a half of an inch above your navel. Your weight gain so far will be around 10 to 15 pounds. As your baby begins to lay down more fat, your weight will also increase. During the next 10 weeks, you will gain about half of the total gain for your entire pregnancy. Strangers can now tell that you are pregnant! You might notice an increase in appetite because you need 500 more calories a day to support your charged up metabolism. It is best to avoid processed foods or foods high in fat, calories or sugar. Some women also get strong cravings for foods. If you notice a craving for something unhealthy, you should contact your doctor. Cravings unusal things is known as pica. Some women crave cigarette ashes, charcoal, beer and other non-food items during this time. Your baby's different organs and systems are maturing. The fetal digestive system is functioning in a simple way and your baby can swallow amniotic fluid. After your baby swallows the amniotic fluid, she is able to absorb water and sugars from the fluid and then the waste is passed as far as the large bowel. Your baby swallows the amniotic fluid in order to prepare itslef for life outside of the womb. Some babies consume as much as 17 ounces of amniotic fluid in a 24-hour period. Your baby already has a high number of red blood cells and the white blood cells are begining to be produced. Taste buds are being formed on your baby's tongue this week also. Don't be surprised if your legs and feet become swollen throughout the day. You should try to get off of your feet some throughout the day and prop your legs up. If you notice a substantial amount of swelling, you should contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.
http://www.momswhothink.com/pregnancy-weeks/21-weeks-pregnant.html
Welcome to week 21 of pregnancy! At your prenatal appointment your provider has probably been measuring the height of your uterus (fundal height) since it appeared above your pubic bone. After about 20 weeks, this measurement generally correlates with your dates. Fundal height measurements assess growth from visit to visit. Ultrasound would be performed for any inconsistency in fundal height. After about 36 weeks the measurement for fundal height becomes less accurate as your baby settles into your pelvis.
As your pregnancy progresses, you’re carrying more weight. Because this is pregnancy weight, it changes your center of gravity. You may feel clumsier, and lose your balance much easier. Be careful! Take extra precautions to make sure your steps are sure and steady. This is the time you start taking things slower, for yours and your baby’s safety.
Weight gain is on many pregnant women’s minds; make sure you discuss this with your doctor. While you don’t want to obsess, you also don’t want to let your weight get out of control….risking complications. Weight gain is also a way for your doctor to decide if you are measuring right for your due date, and can monitor your baby’s growth.
You may be finding yourself out of breath more often; this is caused by your uterus pushing against your diaphragm, leaving less space for your lungs.
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/21weeks
The fetus now weighs about three-quarters of a pound/ 360 grams. Up until now she has been measured from crown to rump but from this point on the measurement will be from crown to heel. And from crown to heel she is approximately 10.5 inches/ 27 centimetres long. The eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed and the fingernails cover the fingertips.
Your baby can now hear your conversations. If you talk, read, or sing to your baby, expect her to hear you. Some studies have found that newborns will suck more vigorously when read to from a book they heard frequently in utero. If you want to try, pick a book now and read it out loud. Make sure you won't mind reading it over and over once the baby is here. It may be your baby's favourite bedtime story for a long time after birth.
And here is a preview for week 22... Eyebrows!
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/stages/0122/
Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn. His lips are becoming more distinct and his eyes have developed; though the iris still lacks pigment, his eyebrows and eyelids are in place. His pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily and the first signs of teeth are showing beneath his gum line. Before you know it, your baby will be smiling at you.
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/22weeks/
The baby now weighs almost one pound / 430 grams, measures nearly 11 inches/ just over 27 centimetres long from crown to heel, and is proportioned like a newborn, albeit a thinner version since her baby fat hasn't yet developed. Although she's getting heavier every day, her skin still appears wrinkled because she needs to gain more weight. The lips are distinct and the eyes are formed, though the iris (the coloured part of the eye) still lacks pigment. The pancreas, essential in the production of hormones, is developing steadily.
Even this early, the first signs of teeth appear in the form of tooth buds beneath the gum line. Before you know it, your baby will be born, and soon after, her first teeth will come through. You've probably gained between 12 and 15 pounds / 5.4 and 6.8 kilograms. Starting now, you'll begin to put on weight more steadily, averaging about half a pound / 225 grams per week. You may crave certain foods.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
20 weeks -- Halfway!
Today marks 20 weeks of pregnancy and I finally weighed in at my pre-pregnancy weight. This means that over the next 20 weeks I actually need to pay attention to what I am eating to try to keep the weight gain down to about 15 pounds. The last few weeks the baby is really putting on weight, so I anticipate a pound a week for the last 15 weeks. So it is all a question of what happens between now and the start of December...
I'm sad to see that the baby is now being compared to the most evil of fruits... But here are the updates anyway...
http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-20-weeks_1109.bc
How your baby's growing:Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).
How your life's changing:You've made it to the halfway mark — Congratulations! The top of your uterus is at the level of your belly button now, and you've likely gained about 10 pounds. Expect to gain an average of about another pound each week from now on.
http://pregnancy.emedtv.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/20-weeks-pregnant.html
20 Weeks Pregnant: An Overview
You are now 20 weeks pregnant! By the end of this week you will be halfway through your pregnancy.
When you are 20 weeks pregnant, your baby measures about 5.6 to 6.4 inches and weighs about 9 ounces. It's amazing -- your baby can do so many things, but he or she is not yet 1 pound!
Your baby can hear sounds now, and it will cover its ears with its hands if a loud sound is made near you or "jump" if it is startled. Your baby will also be moving a lot -- twisting, turning, punching, and kicking. You still may not feel this movement, or it may feel just like butterflies or stomach rumblings.
http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/pregnancy_week_20.htm
How Big is the Baby at 20 Weeks Pregnant?
By pregnancy week 20 your baby is now almost 9 ounces and is between 5 1/2 and 6 1/2 inches long! The pregnancy week by week changes occurring at this stage are truly remarkable.
Your Baby's Growth and Development
By pregnancy 20 weeks your baby is now practicing breathing and swallowing on a regular basis. Your baby continues to grow and fill out, with the head becoming slightly more proportional to the rest of the body.
Your baby's skin is becoming more complex at the end of pregnancy week 20, forming different layers. The epidermis, or surface of your baby's skin now has four layers that contain ridges for fingertips. The layers that form in your baby's palms and feet will provide him with his own unique fingerprint later in life.
Your Growth and Development
By pregnancy 20 weeks time you are at the midpoint of your pregnancy, and onlookers are definitely starting to notice your bump! After pregnancy week 20 your uterus has likely reached your bellybutton. Growth typically starts to become more regular from this point in time on, so you should be noticing regular changes in your belly.
Remember that you are halfway through your pregnancy by 20 weeks pregnant, only 20 more weeks to go! Some ladies will deliver slightly sooner than 40 weeks, while others will delivery shortly after. A typical pregnancy usually lasts anywhere from 37-42 weeks. Where you fall in this spectrum will depend on a number of factors, including the accuracy of your due date, the health of your baby and even your genetics
http://pregnancy.about.com/od/pregnancycalendar/p/week20.htm
Mother:
You are half way through your pregnancy! Congratulations!Your belly button may pop out and stay that way as your uterus presses upwards. Some people will have trouble breathing as their lungs become cramped. This will usually continue until the baby "drops." In a first pregnancy this will generally occur 4-6 weeks before your birth and with subsequent pregnancies not until you are in labor. Once the baby "drops." You will have to urinate more frequently, hard to believe, eh? Remembering to do your pelvic tilts prior to laying down will hopefully allow you a few more minutes before the next bathroom break.
Baby:
Lanugo forms from sebum and skin cells to create vernix. This creamy white substance is believed to help protect the baby inutero. It will cling to the lanugo and in the creases. This is also something that can be seen sometimes after the birth. Rumor has it that nursery nurses use it for hand lotion, because of its smooth, protect quality.
You may be aware of sleep wake cycles in your little one. The weight is now up to 10 ounces (283 grams) and the baby measures about 25 cms total length, about 9.8 inches. Many moms have an ultrasound at week 20. It may be your first peek at baby.
Dad:
Take mom out to dinner to celebrate the half-way point in pregnancy. My husband adds that a gift for the baby is also a nice touch. This is particularly true if you're just finding out if your baby is a girl or a boy.
I'm sad to see that the baby is now being compared to the most evil of fruits... But here are the updates anyway...
http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-20-weeks_1109.bc
How your baby's growing:Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).
How your life's changing:You've made it to the halfway mark — Congratulations! The top of your uterus is at the level of your belly button now, and you've likely gained about 10 pounds. Expect to gain an average of about another pound each week from now on.
http://pregnancy.emedtv.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/20-weeks-pregnant.html
20 Weeks Pregnant: An Overview
You are now 20 weeks pregnant! By the end of this week you will be halfway through your pregnancy.
When you are 20 weeks pregnant, your baby measures about 5.6 to 6.4 inches and weighs about 9 ounces. It's amazing -- your baby can do so many things, but he or she is not yet 1 pound!
Your baby can hear sounds now, and it will cover its ears with its hands if a loud sound is made near you or "jump" if it is startled. Your baby will also be moving a lot -- twisting, turning, punching, and kicking. You still may not feel this movement, or it may feel just like butterflies or stomach rumblings.
http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/pregnancy_week_20.htm
How Big is the Baby at 20 Weeks Pregnant?
By pregnancy week 20 your baby is now almost 9 ounces and is between 5 1/2 and 6 1/2 inches long! The pregnancy week by week changes occurring at this stage are truly remarkable.
Your Baby's Growth and Development
By pregnancy 20 weeks your baby is now practicing breathing and swallowing on a regular basis. Your baby continues to grow and fill out, with the head becoming slightly more proportional to the rest of the body.
Your baby's skin is becoming more complex at the end of pregnancy week 20, forming different layers. The epidermis, or surface of your baby's skin now has four layers that contain ridges for fingertips. The layers that form in your baby's palms and feet will provide him with his own unique fingerprint later in life.
Your Growth and Development
By pregnancy 20 weeks time you are at the midpoint of your pregnancy, and onlookers are definitely starting to notice your bump! After pregnancy week 20 your uterus has likely reached your bellybutton. Growth typically starts to become more regular from this point in time on, so you should be noticing regular changes in your belly.
Remember that you are halfway through your pregnancy by 20 weeks pregnant, only 20 more weeks to go! Some ladies will deliver slightly sooner than 40 weeks, while others will delivery shortly after. A typical pregnancy usually lasts anywhere from 37-42 weeks. Where you fall in this spectrum will depend on a number of factors, including the accuracy of your due date, the health of your baby and even your genetics
http://pregnancy.about.com/od/pregnancycalendar/p/week20.htm
Mother:
You are half way through your pregnancy! Congratulations!Your belly button may pop out and stay that way as your uterus presses upwards. Some people will have trouble breathing as their lungs become cramped. This will usually continue until the baby "drops." In a first pregnancy this will generally occur 4-6 weeks before your birth and with subsequent pregnancies not until you are in labor. Once the baby "drops." You will have to urinate more frequently, hard to believe, eh? Remembering to do your pelvic tilts prior to laying down will hopefully allow you a few more minutes before the next bathroom break.
Baby:
Lanugo forms from sebum and skin cells to create vernix. This creamy white substance is believed to help protect the baby inutero. It will cling to the lanugo and in the creases. This is also something that can be seen sometimes after the birth. Rumor has it that nursery nurses use it for hand lotion, because of its smooth, protect quality.
You may be aware of sleep wake cycles in your little one. The weight is now up to 10 ounces (283 grams) and the baby measures about 25 cms total length, about 9.8 inches. Many moms have an ultrasound at week 20. It may be your first peek at baby.
Dad:
Take mom out to dinner to celebrate the half-way point in pregnancy. My husband adds that a gift for the baby is also a nice touch. This is particularly true if you're just finding out if your baby is a girl or a boy.
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