CHANGES IN BABY: WEEKS 13 TO 28
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A PEACH. TEETH AND TINY RIBS ARE FORMING.
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A LEMON AND WEIGHS 45 GRAMS. SEX WILL BECOME APPARENT SOON.
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF AN ORANGE AND SCALP HAIR PATTERN IS FORMING.
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF AN AVOCADO, ABLE TO FORM FACIAL EXPRESSIONS, PLAY WITH UMBILICAL CORD AND CAN HEAR THE SOUND OF YOUR HEART AND VOICE.
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A SWEET POTATO AND WEIGHS ABOUT 200 RAMS. YOU MAY BECOME AWARE OF QUICKENING MOVEMENTS.
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A MANGO AND IN GIRLS, THE UTERUS AND VAGINA ARE FORMING.
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A PAPAYA. YOU MAY FEEL HICCUPS AS SMALL RHYTHMIC TWITCHES AND MAY ALSO EXPERIENCE BRAXTON HICKS CONTRACTIONS.
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF AN AUBERGINE AND IF BORN AT THIS STAGE MIGHT SURVIVE. THE EYES BLINK, HAVE EYELASHES AND CAN SEE LIGHT.
CHECKLIST
ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT A NUCHAL SCAN
This is usually done at 11-13 weeks to identify the higher risks for genetic defects e.g. Down’s syndrome.
SIGN UP FOR ANTENATAL CLASSES
Regular six-week antenatal courses are recommended from around 26 weeks (antenatal weekend courses from 20 weeks).
It’s important to have your partner attend the antenatal classes with you so that he understands what is happening during labour and is able to assist you during the birth.
CONSIDER A BASIC CPR COURSE
Make sure you and family members who will be caring for your baby are familiar with basic CPR for babies.
ASK ABOUT PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH) VACCINATION
Mothers can be vaccinated before pregnancy or after giving birth. Make sure that all caregivers who will be in contact with your newborn have been vaccinated.
START STOCKING UP
Start buying nappies, especially if you see them at discount prices. Remember not to buy too many newborn nappies, as your baby will outgrow them quickly.
HAVE TESTS AS RECOMMENDED:
- Blood tests: A complete blood count is taken to check for
- anaemia.
- Antibody test: Blood group, german measles immunity,
- Down’s syndrome screening, etc.
- Amniocentesis: If required, amniotic fluid is tested between 15
- and 20 weeks.
- Iron levels: It is important to have your iron levels tested.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
- Your weight gain should be approximately 1.4 – 1.8 kg for every month of pregnancy
- Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen to prevent permanent hyperpigmentation
- Prevent stretch marks with daily use of a moisturiser or stretch mark cream to keep your skin supple
- Alleviate cramps by upping your fluid intake, taking a magnesium supplement or having a massage
- Fingers may swell. Remove rings to prevent them becoming too tight
TIPS AND ADVICE
Congratulations, by week 20 you will have reached the halfway mark of your pregnancy!
Diet
• Eating brain foods such as bananas, apples and oats will help boost your memory
• Remember to drink plenty of fluids during the day.
Relationships
• Discuss how your baby will change your routines and affect your relationship.
. Plan how best to support each other
• Buy a book or visit websites that list baby names to find one you both like
Exercise
• To stay supple and ward off aches and pains, do some daily stretching exercises, or find a qualified trainer in an activity geared for pregnant women (yoga, pilates or aqua aerobics)
• Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine
• Avoid contact sports or activities that may cause you to lose your balance
• Rest frequently and stop if you feel any pain
Relaxation
• Mediclinic antenatal classes will advise you on what to expect during the birth and about any medical procedures that may be required
• Studies show that playing relaxing music for your developing baby during pregnancy contributes positively to bonding and reduces stress (do not place headphones directly against your body)
Sleep
Make sure you get plenty of rest and sleep, including naps. If lying flat causes you to feel dizzy, try lying on your left side.
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