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You're gaining weight more quickly now. As you get heavier, your
legs and feet may start to feel the strain. Your
legs may begin to swell a bit at the end of the day. This is
quite normal, though if you notice a sudden increase in swelling,
tell your doctor - swelling is one of the symptoms of pre-eclampsia.
Although you probably still feel well and full of energy, you may
find that you need a bit more rest - especially if you are working
or caring for other children.
Your increasing size can put a strain on your spine, leading to
backache.
As your baby grows bigger so does the size of your womb, and it
may now be putting pressure on your other organs, causing digestive
problems like indigestion and heartburn.
It may also put pressure on your bladder* making you want to pee
more often or causing cystitis.
Your lungs are having to work harder, and this can make you breathless.
Some women find that they start having very vivid dreams
- often about the baby - around this time. Some women find these
dreams very disturbing, but remember that nightmares are usually
caused by indigestion rather than premonitions! This said, dreams
in pregnancy may be one of the ways in which your mind is coming
to terms with the enormous changes that pregnancy brings. They may
also reflect (and probably wildly exaggerate!) unspoken worries.
It may help to acknowledge these and have a good talk with your
partner, a friend or your midwife.
Click here to find out about other minor
discomforts
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Your baby is now about 30cm long. His eyes will open around week
26, and he can begin to distinguish between light and dark. His
skin, which up to now has been thin and transparent, is starting
to thicken up. His eyebrows and eyelashes are well developed and,
by the end of this stage, his face looks pretty much as it will
look when he is born. Your baby is still practising breathing and
swallowing. Sometimes he may get hiccups, which you can feel as
little jerks.
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Many antenatal classes* are designed to start when women are around
27-28 weeks pregnant. If you're going to classes, use what you learn
to discuss your wishes for your labour with your birth partner and
to start preparing your birth plan. Classes can also provide a good
opportunity for talking over any worries
you have with other pregnant women - and for making new friends.
Start planning what
you need to get for the baby. Shopping may be less fun in a
few weeks' time when you're more heavily pregnant and tire more
easily. If your budget is tight, borrow from friends or family and/or
find out where you can buy secondhand
baby equipment and clothes.
In the UK, you will have another antenatal appointment around week
28. If you haven't already been given your MAT
B1 certificate, you should get it now and pass it on to your
employer.
You may have another blood
test to check for anaemia.
If your blood is Rhesus negative, it will also be checked to see
if you've developed Rhesus
antibodies.
All pregnancies are different, so don't worry if you're not experiencing
everything exactly as it says here.
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