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23 Weeks Pregnant
 The Baby This week your baby has reached a nice milestone: he is a foot long (30.5 cm). A complete human being who weighs over a pound (500 grams), happily does somersaults and plays in his safe, warm, cozy nest.You two can make contact with him. If you press on your abdomen and push it slightly to the side, he will definitely respond. Also, if he kicks and you react he will certainly continue, he will let you feel that he's there. You can talk to him and sing for him because you know that he can recognize your voices already. The sex organs are developing quickly now. If you have a son his little penis can be seen easily now. If you are having a daughter then there are millions of egg cells stored in her ovaries. Not all of these will stay -- after her birth she has about three hundred thousand left. Your baby can also ‘breathe.' He inhales amniotic fluid that flows through his lungs and this is a beautiful exercise for 'real' breathing. The alveoli expand a bit and contract a bit the same way they will do with oxygen after the birth.
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Some expectant mothers wear a bell on their tummy. Thus, the baby becomes familiar with a happy tinkling sound along with the noise of the bowels and the beating of his mother's heart. |
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 MotherBeing pregnant takes a lot of energy. Some women are extra fit during their pregnancy and can take on much more than usual. Other women rest and sleep more, but in general they are reasonably in balance. A small group of pregnant women, however, are sick, tired and listless during their whole pregnancy. These women may be scared of the birth - but on the other hand all the discomfort comes to an end once the baby is born.No matter how you feel, always listen to your body. Try to discover your energy level and act accordingly. If you have enough energy, go for a bike ride or a nice walk or do those cleaning chores. Tomorrow it can be completely different. If you feel like you have too little energy or you are frustrated that you can't finish your work, don't panic. Give yourself permission to step back! You're pregnant - give yourself a break. So there!
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Did you know that the energy you need so that your child can grow is comparable with two extra hours of work per day? It's no wonder that after an ordinary eight-hour work day you are so tired, because it has used up ten hours of energy. |
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If you are a vegetarian, there's no reason to change that now that you're pregnant. But it can also be that you suddenly get a craving for tender steak, fried chicken or a hamburger. Give in to it, in spite of your principles, because obviously your baby is asking for it. If you stick to your principles then add extra grains, broad beans, nuts, green beans and soy products to your diet. That's because you need sufficient good vegetable protein sources. During your check-ups discuss, if necessary, getting extra iron and vitamin B12 if you suspect that you could be anemic. |
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Other pregnancy cravings are fine and if you have the feeling that you are getting a bit too heavy, know that the extra fat layer is necessary for the period after the delivery. Your body puts on extra fat faster now to ensure that you go through the breastfeeding period well. Under no circumstances should you try to slim down now, because then your baby will receive dangerous waste products by means of your bloodstream and the placenta. Not such a good idea. |
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 Father
As an expectant father, it's important that you remain closely involved with the progress of the pregnancy. Try to go to the pregnancy check-ups and classes as frequently as possible, talk with each other about your memories from your own childhood, your expectations of being a father and try to forget about your work problems. Your partner will love going to baby specialty stores to look at all of that fun and exciting baby stuff close up. No matter how much you might hate shopping, put your distaste aside and go along with her. It is not only worth the effort to compare the prices and quality of baby articles, but it puts you in the mood as well and helps you get used to the idea of buying clothes and everything that's necessary once the baby is there. Make up the list of baby items you want and need together and discuss which articles you can borrow, rent or buy second hand. Which type of diaper will you use, do you need any stuff to support breastfeeding, which baby sling, car seat, and stroller do you want? Will the baby sleep in your bed, in a bassinet next to your bed, or a crib attached to your bed or in your room, or are you going to build a nursery down the hall that your partner will visit throughout the night to nurse the baby? Preparing together like this for the upcoming baby makes you feel more involved later. It is good for your relationship because these are the last months that you will spend together with just the two of you. You have to control your curiosity for a few more months but in your head you can already look forward to proudly wearing the baby in a baby carrier soon. |
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