"I seem to get more and more fat under my skin and become less red."
24 Weeks Pregnant
The Baby Whatever happens around you with regard to changes, a move, busy job or vacation, your baby isn't bothered by any of it and just continues to grow. He gradually becomes a plump baby with more and more subcutaneous fat. His muscles are becoming stronger and his head is steadier on the rest of his body. His kicking becomes more powerful. He weighs more than one pound and by now his length is a little over a foot (32 centimeters).
Some pregnant women wonder how it is possible that their baby continues to sit and simply waits to be born until nine months have passed (with a few exceptions, of course). That happens through the functioning of the placenta. One of the most important tasks of the placenta is producing progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone in particular ensures that the uterus doesn't contract prematurely so that your child can continue to grow quietly. Estrogen stimulates the growth of the uterus and the production of new blood vessels. Only towards the end of the pregnancy does the quantity of progesterone decrease as a result of which labor can start. Besides fulfilling this important growth task the placenta does much more:
the placenta is a transit station for nutrients and oxygen from you to the baby.
the placenta eliminates waste products and carbon dioxide from the baby.
the placenta delivers antibodies from you to the baby so that the first months after birth he has some defenses in place.
the placenta stops pathogens and other detrimental substances from getting to your baby. (Unfortunately not all of them, because for example German measles, certain medicines, nicotine, and addictive substances can reach your baby).
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Rarely, there are problems with the placenta. If the placenta imbeds in the uterine wall over the cervix, this can lead to excessive bleeding.Obviously a baby can not be born through the placenta, so this condition known as "placenta previa" is one of the rare medically valid reasons for cesearean section.A "partial previa" refers to a placenta covering part of the cervix.A partial previa will normally move during the pregnancy so that vaginal birth is safe and normal.If your health care provider is concerned about a previa, she will monitor it throughout the pregnancy with ultrasound. If the previa is sufficiently close to the cervix as to be risky for vaginal birth, she may want to discuss the option of scheduling a cesearean birth a few weeks prior to your "due date" to try to prevent you from starting labor.Obviously, this is your choice and something you should research thoroughly.
If you have blood loss always go to your health care provider. He or she can assess what's wrong and take proper measures.
Mother Naturally you can't run a marathon right now. But exercise and light sports are the best way to build your stamina and keep your muscles supple. The healthier you feel the more your body is prepared for the big performance: the birth!
With all forms of exercise and gentle sports it is important to listen to your body. If you are completely spent after playing sports and stay tired, then you clearly have been overdoing it. Your uterus will tell you by hosting lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. Some pregnant women feel dizzy from doing certain exercises on their back. That happens because the weight of your uterus can press on the vein that supplies blood to the placenta. It's probably time to switch to prenatal swimming, exercise or yoga classes that understand pregnant anatomy, keep you off your back, and emphasize breathing, core body strength, and building stamina!
Do you have a tendency to wobble? Frequently that is a sign of weak abdomen- and pelvic floor muscles. Try to lift one leg: if you are only using your leg muscles and not your abdomen and buttock muscles then you will have a tendency to swing your hips. As a result, you receive more pull on your ligaments and joints than necessary. Because of your altered hormone levels, your joints are stretchier, in preparation for the birth.Different exercises will help strengthen and stretch your muscles and ligaments, helping your core body strength and overall comfort. Remember the 'vacuum cleaning' excercises: stretching diagonally towards your bent knees while lying on your back; using your hands to lift your back and belly while lying on your back; and tightening your muscles and then relaxing them when you're lying on your bed. Training your oblique abdominal muscles is really good right now. Cat-cow or pelvic tilt exercises will feel wonderful:on the floor or mat, make a table with hands and knees on the floor. Gently drop your abdomen towards the floor like a cow belly. Then slowly flatten your back and even arch it like a cat arching her back. This exercise not only feels great, it helps reorganize your internal organs, stretches your ligaments, and eases heartburn. Walking, bike riding and swimming are still great for you and your little one!
Pregnant women have the tendency to walk with a curved back. Consequence: pain and lower back complaints. One trick is to think about the fact that you want to keep your baby close to you. Then you automatically adapt your posture if you stand, walk or sit. There's no need to suck your belly in, let it hang loose and free, but try to keep your spine more vertical. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or serious concerns regarding back pain.
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Try to lift one leg: if you are only using your leg muscles and not your abdomen and buttock muscles then you will have a tendency to swing your hips. As a result, you receive more pull on your ligaments and joints than necessary. Because of your altered hormone levels, your joints are stretchier, in preparation for the birth.
