The third trimester is approaching and marked by impatience. Despite the fact that the end of pregnancy is already close, it seems that it lasts longer than expected.
21 weeks pregnant
Mother
The growing uterus presses on the large veins in the abdominal cavity and the blood slows down its circulation, which contributes to thrombosis in the lower extremities. If swelling bothers you, your legs turn red and hurt, see a doctor. Sometimes thrombosis requires inpatient treatment. A slight swelling of the legs and slight fatigue can be removed by resting with legs raised above the body, other methods will be suggested by a specialist.
Child
The baby perceives salty, sweet, sour and bitter tastes. The body effectively removes fluid from a small organism, but the organic residues collected in the intestine will come out only after birth in the form of meconium. The mode of activity and sleep is clearly set. The length this week is 18 cm, weight up to 300 g.
22 weeks pregnant
Mother
The abdomen is rounded, the uterus is 2 cm above the navel, and the height from the pubic symphysis is more than 22 cm. The doctor may recommend reduced activity or bed rest, perhaps he suspects the risk of preterm labor. Find positive aspects in your vacation, do not forget about walking in the fresh air.
Child
The child weighs about 350 g, the total length is 25 cm or 19 cm from the top of the head to the coccyx. Noise can wake your baby up, so try to avoid loud places while he sleeps. Eyelashes grow. The bone marrow produces enough white blood cells to fight infection. The liver destroys bilirubin, resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells, the child receives part of the bilirubin from the mother through the placenta.
The ability to process bilirubin is also useful after birth, due to this process the physiological jaundice of newborns disappears within a few days. The baby has a high forehead, a sharp chin, a formed earlobe, a vertical furrow has appeared between the nose and lip.
23 weeks pregnant
Mother
The weight of the expectant mother increased by 6 kg. The uterus begins to put pressure on the bladder, forcing mommy to visit the toilet more often. All concerns related to the condition of the fetus or their own health are discussed with the doctor.
Child
The child gradually gains subcutaneous fat, weight is about 450 g, height with legs is 30 cm. The baby sleeps almost 20 hours a day. The nervous system is developed quite well, the child feels pain from this week.
24 weeks pregnant
Mother
The amniotic fluid has increased to 500 ml, it protects the fetus from injury and creates an environment in which it is easy for him to move. The uterus puts pressure on various organs and nerve connections, hence problems with the spine, frequent urination, constipation and heartburn. If you are concerned about constipation, and the diet does not help, the doctor will help you choose a mild drug, such as lactulose.
Child
Although all the organs of the baby are formed, it depends on nutrition through the placenta, it takes care of the baby, supplying him with oxygen and all the necessary substances for further development. The fetus weighs a little more than 500 g, the coccyx-parietal size is 21 cm, it is already a bit crowded in the uterus.
25 weeks pregnant
Mother
At this stage, an important test awaits you – TSH or glucose tolerance test. Blood is taken from a vein several times and sugar concentration is measured, this allows you to assess the risk of developing gestational diabetes or to establish its presence.
Child
The baby deliberately touches the handles of his legs, the inner wall of the uterus. Capillaries form under the skin, so the skin becomes pink. The process of fat accumulation, muscle development is in full swing. The length of the baby was 22 cm, weight 700 g.
26 weeks pregnant
Mother
2/3 of the pregnancy has passed. Congratulations! Have you noticed yellowish discharge from your chest? It’s hard to believe, but this is your baby’s future food – colostrum. The lack of colostrum at this time is not a cause for concern, it will appear later.
Child
The child opens his eyes, he does not like bright light and turns away from him or covers his face with his hands. Your little treasure has grown to 23 cm and weighs about 900 g. Thanks to modern technology, children born at this time survive.
27 weeks pregnant
Mother
The uterus has reached the size of a pumpkin. The production of the first milk is being established. Stretching the pelvic floor muscles can cause urinary incontinence, Kegel exercise improves muscle condition.
Child
The length of the child in full growth is 34 cm. Eyebrows and eyelashes are clearly visible, the head is covered with the first hairs. The child blinks his eyes, the retina transmits a signal to the brain when light enters.