Pregnancy calendar - week #23

Pregnant mothers - week #23

Eat up!

'Grocery shopping just ain't what it used to be' - The lament of a pregnant woman.

Yes, you knew it was going to happen, but just didn't know when. That insatiable hunger only felt by a human harboring another human. Your appetite is going mad!

Luckily, this is one time in your life where you can just go for it. Still hungry after that salad, lasagna, garlic bread, more salad, more lasagna and gelato? Go ahead; making a baby is hard work, and your body needs the nourishment. That being said, we do hope you're not filling up on over-processed junk food. Sure, indulge sometimes, but your baby prefers baked potatoes to potato chips. And orange juice to orange soda. You get the idea.

During your next rendezvous with your doctor or midwife, he or she will most likely palpate your abdomen. This is basically just feeling the size, shape, and position of your baby. You'll most likely find out if your baby is facing up, down, or moving all around. They will also check fundal height. This measurement is taken from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus.

And we hope you're sleeping well, dear. There's definitely a chance that your sleep schedule has changed. You're probably nervous. Your bladder is feeling small (ok, tiny.) That dinner is causing terrible heartburn. You feel short of breath.

There are some things you can do to try to improve sleep during pregnancy:

• Find a comfortable position. This may include getting a pregnancy pillow, or trial and error
• Cut caffeine
• Avoid eating during the 2 hours before sleep
• Incorporate exercise and relaxion techniques into your day
• To relieve a nighttime leg cramp, press your feet firmly against the wall. You could also try standing up on one foot.

If you have any other ideas for getting great sleep during pregnancy, let us know!

Baby and fetal development - week #23

And one, and two, and punch,and kick...

Baby is not only growing taller, but also wider. Fat deposits are beginning to accumulate on your little tot's body. He isn't a bouncing, chubby baby just yet though--his skin is still loose. After more fat accumulates, baby will fill out more.

He is also moving about in your uterus. You're probably very aware of these kicks (or punches) at this point. Not to worry, it's just baby getting his workout. After all, it's quite an exciting time to be a fetus. Can you blame him for wanting to move around?

Baby is also developing the REM cycle of sleep. We know the REM stage of sleep to be the one when dreams occur. For baby, it'll still be awhile before dreams of lollipops and sailboats flood the mind.

Baby has grown both in size and development recently. If you were to deliver now, prematurely, there is a chance he could survive. The quality of the medical care would sharply affect his chances of survival. Because there have been so many medical advances in fetal medicine in recent years, being a premature baby doesn't carry the sentence it used to. Delivery at this point could definitely yield some disabilities, but things keep improving.

In week 23, baby weighs a little over a pound.

Pregnant dads - week #23

Furry friends.

If you have pets, perhaps you've wondered what will happen after baby arrives. There are a few things you can do to make this transition into co-habitation (we mean baby and pet) smoother.

• Schedule an appointment with your vet. It's very important that your cat, dog, or other pet is vaccinated and in good health.
• Pets are usually starved for attention when a new baby comes. Ease them into it by slightly decreasing play time, walks, etc.
• Set physical boundaries. Let your pet know in uncertain terms that some areas are off limits.
• Start using a different scented laundry soap for baby's things: clothing, blanket, etc. Have your pets sniff these to get used to the new scent. When baby arrives, it won't be such a shock.

Watch closely the first few days after baby arrives home. Being prepared is the key here!