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You are showing more now, with obvious swelling in your lower abdomen. Mid-pregnancy
aches and pains are starting—lower abdominal achiness caused by the stretching
of ligaments as your abdomen enlarges, leg cramps, mild welling of the feet and
ankles and backache. Heartburn, indigestion and constipation continue, as well as
hemorrhoids. Your uterus, now about the size of a cantaloupe, can now be felt just
below your navel. Speaking of navel, don’t be surprised if it pops out by the
end of the month. Temporary red marks, caused by dilated blood vessels, may appear
on your face shoulders and arms. Your breathing will become deeper and you may
perspire more than usual because of a more active thyroid gland. By the end of the
month, you will begin to feel fetal movement, if you haven’t
already—from “quickening” to gentle nudges.
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Your baby can hear sounds by the end of this month—your voice and heart, as
well as outside sounds. It will cover its ears with its hands if a loud sound is
made near you. The skin is developing and transparent, appearing red because of
the blood vessels below it. A creamy white protective coating, called vernix,
begins to develop. Soft downy hair called “lanugo” begins to cover the
body. Hair on the head, eyelashes and eyebrows are filling in. The rapid growth
spurt is tapering off, but reflexes are developing. The baby can now stretch,
yawn and make facial expressions. The baby is moving often, twisting, turning,
wiggling, punching and kicking. The baby is now 8 to 12 inches long and weighs
1/2 to 1 pound.
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Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also
performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the
uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of
the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing.
Fetal heart monitoring is performed. You will have a routine mid-pregnancy
ultrasound, to assess the baby’s growth and development. If the baby
is in the right position, its gender may be determined.
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Better start looking into childbirth classes, if you haven’t already
done so. Now is also the time to start playing around with baby names. Look
through your family history and read books. Remember to look at combinations
for both boys and girls.
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