You might have already discussed your pregnancy phase with your experienced female friends at your workplace. While your office friends and the internet may have given you enough knowledge about the subject, here are some important points that you should know when you are 13 to 25 weeks pregnant.
Weeks 13 to 16
In this stage, your baby grows from being the size of a plum to that of a lemon, peach and finally an avocado. You may notice that your belly starts protruding and you will love to flaunt your maternity wear collection at your workplace and make your friends go green with envy.
Your baby starts developing unique facial features and fingers apart from growing a long neck. You can hear his heartbeat clearly when you go for an ultrasound. Your baby’s arms, legs and nervous system start to develop rapidly.
Tips for this phase
- Take your partner with you while listening to your baby’s heartbeat for the first time; it will give you both memories to cherish for a lifetime
- Check with your doctor about the prenatal tests that you can opt for
- Start walking, but consult your doctor before opting for other exercises
Weeks 17 to 20
In this stage, your baby, who was in the size of an avocado gradually grows to become the size of an apple, orange, onion and finally a pomegranate. Your baby’s weight increases, and the metabolic functions are in place. The heart, lungs, circulatory, nervous systems start functioning while your baby starts growing hair and eyelashes.
He will start expressing more and will develop sensitive taste buds. His skin is developing and is transparent. A thick coating called vernix develops to cover the skin. Your baby can move well and responds to all kinds of sounds.
Tips for this phase
- Don’t sit for long hours in front of your laptop; go for frequent breaks
- Move your positions slowly and carefully
- Undertake whatever tests you can to ensure that your baby is growing well
- Take appropriate medications as per your gynaecologist’s advice
Weeks 21 to 25
From the size of a pomegranate, your baby grows to the size of a mango, jicama, grapefruit, coconut and finally papaya during this phase. Your baby’s skin is well protected, and he keeps on growing bigger and bigger. The eyelids and eyebrows are fully developed while your baby’s muscle strength improves.
His immunity improves as his body starts producing white blood cells. His skin becomes opaque and your partner can clearly hear your baby’s heartbeat when he puts an ear against your belly, at this stage.
Tips for this phase
- You can enroll in classes near you which will include lectures, discussions and exercises related to childbirth , if interested
- Check for frequent vaginal discharges and rule out the chances of infections, if any. Talk to your doctor about this
- Check for gestational diabetes, if your doctor recommends it
