We continue with our particular calendar of pregnancy with the sixth month. This month includes weeks 23 to 26 of gestation and is the end of the second trimester that is usually, as we said before, the most comfortable for the future mother. The changes continue to happen for both her and the baby. Let's explain some of them.
Changes in mom's body
The baby's movements are increasingly noticeable and the hiccups can even be noticed in funny rhythmic movements of the belly. The larger the baby, of course, the more it will look and notice, so it will be in the following weeks when the moving belly can be videotaped.
The breasts continue to grow and the gums may soften slightly and bleed. The heart works with more intensity than normal by pumping more blood than usual and the uterus demands an amount of blood five times greater than what was needed before pregnancy.
The skin changes color and may appear stained. This happens because the increase in estrogen affects melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin (which is responsible for pigmenting the skin).
This increase in pigment can cause areas where the skin is darker, for example freckles or birthmarks, to change color. A darker area may also appear on the forehead, nose, mouth and chin, which is known as chloasma or "pregnancy mask."
It is also likely to suffer from digestive problems since high levels of progesterone slow down digestion and therefore food is longer in the stomach. To alleviate this phenomenon it is recommended to eat little and frequently, because heavy meals will result in heavy digestions.
In case of constipation (also produced by progesterone, which slows the intestinal action) it is advised to consume a lot of fruit, vegetables and other foods rich in fiber and drink plenty of water.
Iron supplements can also cause constipation and even hemorrhoids. In this case, if the pregnant woman really needs the supplement, she should check with her doctor to change the pills she takes.
Changes in the baby in the sixth month of pregnancy
At 24 weeks the baby is about 21 cm long (from the crown to the back) and weighs about 630 g. Your skin is still thin, but it is no longer translucent. Now it is reddish and somewhat wrinkled, as there are still some layers of fat to form. It is more or less in this month when the baby finally opens his eyes.
In the uterus you have space to do what you want, because it is surrounded by about 500 ml of amniotic fluid. You can kick, suck your thumb, open and close your mouth and respond to movement or loud noises.
His brain waves are very similar to those of a newborn. Cells that control conscious thinking develop and the baby is much more sensitive to sounds and movements. It is even believed that he may have developed a cycle of sleep and wakefulness.
Your lungs are the most immature organs (logical, because you do not need them until birth). They are filled with amniotic fluid and there are still several weeks until the alveoli have fully developed.
The couple and shopping
In the sixth month the belly is already quite evident, so it is almost certain that the couple begins to see that the thing is serious (if it had not yet been done to the idea) and that it is already much less for the Birth of your baby.
Involving the couple in the processes of pregnancy, testing, belly movements and shopping can be good strategies to approach that baby who does not notice or feel inside.
About purchases planned this may be a good time to carry them out. Unfortunately today many children are born early (who does not have a friend or friend who was seven months old) and childbirth can catch us by surprise without things at home.
Nor is it necessary that many things are needed, nor that it is essential to have everything bought, but it is better to have things a little “tied” so as not to be thinking about buying this or that thing.
For the superstitious: it is said that riding and dressing the crib before the baby is born gives bad luck. I do not know if it is true (nor do I really believe it much), but of course, at the time they tell you one does not pay attention to the fact that then the thing is twisted.
O'Sullivan's test
In the 24th week of pregnancy (usually between 24 and 28), the so-called O'Sullivan test is carried out to detect possible gestational diabetes.
Is about an analytical in which they determine the level of blood glucose. To do it they make you drink a liquid (glucose) and they prick you an hour later to see how your body tolerates that glucose load.
If the result is within normal limits, the pregnant woman's body is considered to have good control of glucose levels. If any alteration is found, a new, more complete test is performed to confirm the possible gestational diabetes.
The woman diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy requires special control to avoid complications for her and the baby.
In a few days we will offer everything that happens during the seventh month of pregnancy both in the formation of the baby and in the mother.
Photos | Flickr (helgasms!), Flickr (jessicafm)
In Babies and more | Pregnancy month by month: fifth month, Pregnancy calendar: from week 21 to week 24, Pregnancy calendar: from week 25 to week 28
