PREGNANCY WEEK 17
| This is a period of rapid growth as the fat begins to form underneath the baby's skin. Baby and placenta are about equal in size now. The tiny heart is pumping as much as 25 quarts of blood a day. The reflexes are probably in place now as the baby sucks, swallow and blinks.
As your bay’s brain continues to develop he makes more and more connections, both between the cells in his brain and between his brain and body. His skeleton continues to harden, though there will still be more cartilage in it than in an adult as the bones need to stay more flexible. |
Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby. You'll also want to be sure to buckle up when you are in a car - keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, drawn snugly across your hips, and also use the shoulder harness, which should fit snugly between your breasts.
You may also notice your eyes becoming drier. Using over-the-counter lubricating drops may help. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, try wearing them for shorter stretches of time. If you still have discomfort, switch to glasses until after you give birth.
If you are going somewhere hot and sunny remember that you may feel the heat more than usual when you are pregnant. Staying out of the sun, especially when it is at its hottest between midday and two in the afternoon, can help you keep cool. Make sure you drink plenty of bottled water to prevent dehydrating.
