week 21
What is happening to my baby?
Your baby’s gut is starting to function and he or she is swallowing the amniotic fluid while moving around actively. The baby’s eyelid is fully formed by now. At this stage, the baby is approximately 18 cm and weighs 300gm.
What is happening to me?
Your will notice that your abdominal distension is much more obvious. The top of your uterus is about an inch above your belly button. Skin changes such as stretch marks on breast and abdomen could probably be seen. In addition, you legs may be swollen especially at the end of a long day. You also will start to notice your baby moving inside.
Premature labour occurs in approximately about 10% of pregnancy. You should look out for symptoms such as regular contractions, gush of fluid from your vagina which may be your water bag has broken, lower abdominal pain similar to menstrual cramps and vaginal bleeding. Contractions are more easily felt while lying or sitting down when you are relax. To time your contractions, place your hand on your belly, when your abdomen tightens, starting timing the beginning of the contractions till it ends. If you are having frequent abdominal contractions or other symptoms mentioned above please contact your doctor immediately. If your doctor have diagnosed you to have preterm contractions ask him about a test called Actum Partus.
What should I plan this week?
- Plan to set up the nursery room with your partner
- Review your pregnancy journal
- Consider going for a short romantic getaway with your partner
Tips of the week
Tips on planning the nursery:
- Decide whether the baby is going to sleep with you or have her or his own room
- What activities will be done in the room i.e changing or feeding
- Decide what budget is available for the room
- Look for ideas in books, magazines or internet that you like for your baby’s nursery
- Choose the theme of the room i.e colour, wall paper, furniture and decorations
- If you decide to paint the room ensure that your choose a suitable safe paint
- Ensure there is a lot of space for storage to put your baby’s things
- Remember to place night lights in the room
- Remember baby safety (baby proofing)
Health matters
You could read further on the following information:
- General information on premature labour
- Care of premature baby
- Dealing with premature birth
- Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes
Your baby’s gut is starting to function and he or she is swallowing the amniotic fluid while moving around actively. The baby’s eyelid is fully formed by now. At this stage, the baby is approximately 18 cm and weighs 300gm.
What is happening to me?
Your will notice that your abdominal distension is much more obvious. The top of your uterus is about an inch above your belly button. Skin changes such as stretch marks on breast and abdomen could probably be seen. In addition, you legs may be swollen especially at the end of a long day. You also will start to notice your baby moving inside.
Premature labour occurs in approximately about 10% of pregnancy. You should look out for symptoms such as regular contractions, gush of fluid from your vagina which may be your water bag has broken, lower abdominal pain similar to menstrual cramps and vaginal bleeding. Contractions are more easily felt while lying or sitting down when you are relax. To time your contractions, place your hand on your belly, when your abdomen tightens, starting timing the beginning of the contractions till it ends. If you are having frequent abdominal contractions or other symptoms mentioned above please contact your doctor immediately. If your doctor have diagnosed you to have preterm contractions ask him about a test called Actum Partus.
What should I plan this week?
- Plan to set up the nursery room with your partner
- Review your pregnancy journal
- Consider going for a short romantic getaway with your partner
Tips of the week
Tips on planning the nursery:
- Decide whether the baby is going to sleep with you or have her or his own room
- What activities will be done in the room i.e changing or feeding
- Decide what budget is available for the room
- Look for ideas in books, magazines or internet that you like for your baby’s nursery
- Choose the theme of the room i.e colour, wall paper, furniture and decorations
- If you decide to paint the room ensure that your choose a suitable safe paint
- Ensure there is a lot of space for storage to put your baby’s things
- Remember to place night lights in the room
- Remember baby safety (baby proofing)
Health matters
You could read further on the following information:
