PREGNANCY WEEK 23
Although your baby’s head and body are more in proportion than previously, he still has a larger head and will have a proportionally big head even when he is born. His lips have developed and, if you were to have scan at this stage, you might be able to see him sucking his thumb.
His tongue is formed and his taste buds are developed enough to differentiate between salty, sweet and bitter tastes, though he isn’t eating anything yet. The tooth buds in his gums are forming; these will eventually develop into his milk teeth, which won’t be seen for at least a few months after birth. He continues to practice moving, getting his exercise by kicking, moving from side to side and turning over.
Y0u may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting or standing in one place for long periods. Also, try to exercise regularly to increase circulation.
You may be tempted to skimp on liquids to combat swelling, but you need to drink plenty of water because staying hydrated actually helps prevent fluid retention. While a certain amount of edema in your lower extremities is normal during pregnancy, excessive swelling may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Be sure to call your midwife or doctor if you have severe or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes.
