Your Baby's Development
Even though fat is beginning to accumulate on your baby's body,
the skin still hangs loosely, giving your baby a wrinkled
appearance. Your baby's daily workout routine includes moving
the muscles in the fingers, toes, arms, and legs regularly. As a
result, you may feel more forceful movements.
By now your baby weighs a little more than 1 pound (454 grams).
If preterm labor and delivery were to occur this week, a baby could
survive with expert
medical care
, but might have mild to severe disabilities. With increasing
research and knowledge in the field of fetal medicine, the
long-term prognosis for premature babies (
preemies
) improves every year.
Your Body
The closer you get to your delivery date, the more trouble you
may have
sleeping
. Anxiety, frequent urination, heartburn, leg cramps, and general
discomfort can translate into a short night's sleep for a
pregnant woman. But your baby's health and your own depend on
you getting adequate rest. Try a warm bath, soothing music, a
relaxing book, or a cup of herbal tea to put you in the mood to
snooze.
Many doctors recommend that pregnant women sleep on their sides,
not their backs or stomachs, so that blood flow to the placenta is
not restricted. If you find this uncomfortable, try placing a
pillow between your knees to relieve the pressure of your weight
while lying on your side.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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