Within the next three days, your baby’s brain begins to take on a wrinkled appearance because of its rapid growth. The wrinkling of the surface of the brain is normal and necessary. The wrinkles are called convolutions. A convoluted brain contains more brain cells than a smooth, nonconvoluted brain and is potentially more powerful.
Your baby will put on more than 1 pound (448 g) during this month. By the end of this week, baby’s crown-to-rump length will be about 11 inches (28 cm) - almost the size of a standard ruler.
Since the baby’s eyelids are now unfused, they can open wide and close. Much of the time, your baby’s eyes are open and the eyes are practicing 'looking' movements.
By now, most of the lanugo has disappeared except for patches on the back and shoulders. However, the white (as yet unpigmented) hair on your baby’s head is well developed.
From now on, your prenatal visits with your practitioner will take place every two weeks.
Traveling by air is generally not recommended from around this time in your pregnancy until after the birth.
You may experience some pain and tenderness in the rib area right below your breasts if the baby sits high in your uterus (pain is also due to frequent kicking).
When you sleep, you may notice some discomfort due to indigestion or to the pressure of the baby and your uterus on your ribs and diaphragm.
You have probably noticed that the whitish vaginal discharge has gotten heavier. This is normal. Contact your practitioner if the vaginal discharge is discolored or thick or is accompanied by symptoms of discomfort (pain, burning, itching), bleeding, or unusual odor.
For Your Comfort
You can relieve some of the rib area discomfort by lying down when you can and avoiding bending forward. The baby will begin to shift position and settle more into your pelvis as the pregnancy continues. |
For Your Comfort
Try shifting positions to release the pressure due to indigestion and avoid eating right before bedtime. Raising the head of the bed or having an extra pillow may help. |
