We've just passed the halfway point of the pregnancy and are still in a period of relative calm in which, little by little, Your body adapts to the baby's growth and many of the discomforts of the first few weeks stabilize.
Now your hormones are fairly stable, so the changes in your body are less abrupt than at the beginning of pregnancyAlthough new sensations typical of the second trimester may appear, such as small pelvic discomfort, sensation of hard belly or changes in the skin.
What is my baby like?
Your baby measures 19-20 cm and weighs about 350 grams. In some cases, the weight may be slightly closer to 400-450 grams, which is perfectly normal. Every pregnancy is unique, and measurements may vary slightly.
He continues to gain weight at the same rate as in previous weeks, about 85 grams per week, and Its appearance is much more proportionate. than before: the head stops being so large in relation to the body and acquires the silhouette of a small newborn.
In this phase its consolidation begins sleep and activity patternIt's common for him to be more active when you're calm or resting, and to calm down with your movements. His muscles develop, and that makes him... may their kicks be more vigorous, taking advantage of the length of the umbilical cord to move freely inside the amniotic sac.
Start performing rapid eye movements. There are already blink and startle responses.This indicates that their nerve and sensory pathways are still maturing. Although their eyelids are still pressed together, their eyes are internally training for future movements.
Her face looks very much like that of a newborn baby.It has eyebrows and eyelashes, although its eyelids are still closed. The eyebrows are still tiny tufts of very fine, light-colored hair, and the tear ducts continue to form.
Her skin is still very thin, wrinkled, and transparent, revealing underneath... blood capillariesIt gradually begins to accumulate. brown fata special type of fat that will help maintain body temperature after birth.
His respiratory system is still in the process of development. The bronchi and their branches, the bronchioles, increase in diameter, and a substance essential for lung function, the [unclear], has already begun to form. Surfactant, key to keeping the alveoli open when you breathe for the first time.
Interestingly, permanent teeth begin to form inside the gums. During these weeks, both baby teeth and future permanent teeth begin to form under the gums, although they will take years to erupt.
They start working touch receptors of our baby, which are spread all over their body. This allows them to stroke their own face, grab their feet, or suck their thumb, very important experiences for their neurological development.
The brain structures that regulate emotional responses, memory, and learningThe limbic system, like the brain, is undergoing rapid development. This brain growth is accompanied by the formation of new structures. Nerve endings and connections that will make it possible for you to increasingly feel the stimuli of the environment.
There are different theories that claim that the baby, after being born, is capable of recall some emotions who has lived inside the mother's womb. Likewise, It seems that the baby is very sensitive to changes in its mother's mood.Through hormonal changes and variations in heart and respiratory rate, the fetus could perceive if the mother is relaxed, nervous, or sad.
Although there are no conclusive studies on this topic, the experts' recommendation The goal is for the mother to be as calm as possible and to avoid states of significant stress or anxietyTechniques such as deep breathing, gentle exercise, emotional support, and rest periods are very useful tools to improve the well-being of both partners.
Testing
During this period, if the pregnancy is progressing normally, Important tests are not usually performed New. Many women have already had or are finishing the high-resolution morphology ultrasound, which can be performed around these weeks and which checks the anatomy of the fetus in detail.
You have a few weeks of peace of mind when it comes to visits to specialists. Take the opportunity to visit your midwife and inform yourself about the childbirth preparation groupswhere you will learn about the birth process, breastfeeding and newborn care, as well as share experiences with other pregnant women.
In addition, the midwife will continue to monitor your weight., you blood pressure and will hear the baby's heartbeatDuring the consultation, a Doppler device or electronic device is used to locate the fetal heartbeat, which is usually heard much faster than yours, between 120 and 160 beats per minute.
From this point on, in some cases The fetal heartbeat can be heard even with a stethoscope It's simple, although sometimes it's hard to locate due to the baby's movements and positions. Feeling the baby move daily remains the best indicator that everything is alright.
Symptom
The uterus already It goes above the height of the navelThe pregnancy is becoming quite noticeable. Many people will now realize you're pregnant, and it will be difficult for your condition to go unnoticed.
You'll probably have to start wearing loose clothing.Your waistline has practically disappeared, and any garment that constricts your abdomen will be very uncomfortable. Choosing soft, stretchy fabrics will help you feel more comfortable and avoid chafing or itching.
In these weeks it is common to notice skin changesSmall spider veins, reddish spots, or the first stretch marks due to stretching. Keep your skin well hydrated with creams or oils Specific treatments can improve elasticity and relieve the feeling of tightness, although they do not always completely prevent marks.
It's an ideal time to communicate with the babyTalk to him and, above all, stroke him. He will feel the touch through pressure and vibrations, and will often respond by calming down or changing his movements. But avoid firm strokes on the upper abdomen if it makes you uncomfortable.
You will clearly notice the baby movementsYour baby moves around a lot, and sometimes these movements are a bit rough. Don't worry, it's the best indicator that your baby is okay. Now that you understand how they move You need to be attentive and check on the baby several times a day. If you notice a significant decrease in fetal activity one day, it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider.
As the uterus grows, you may notice Braxton-Hicks contractionsYour belly will harden for a few seconds and then relax. These contractions are irregular, usually painless, and are part of the uterus's natural preparation for childbirth. If they become intense, painful, or very frequent, you should consult a doctor.
Some women also experience leg crampsThis is especially common at night, and some lower back discomfort can occur due to changes in the curvature of the spine. Stretching your legs before bed, maintaining good posture, wearing comfortable shoes, and doing gentle exercise can help reduce these discomforts.
Take care of your diet. During these quiet weeks we tend to have big appetite And it's important to continue taking care of ourselves. Opt for light, frequent meals, avoiding ultra-processed foods and excess sugar. This also helps prevent acidity, heavy digestion and maintaining a healthy weight gain.
As the second quarter progresses, they may appear palpitations and a feeling of more heat or small hot flushesYour heart is pumping more blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Drinking plenty of water, wearing cool clothing, and resting when you need to are simple steps that can make a big difference.
This stage of pregnancy combines obvious physical changes with fascinating fetal development: the baby's face is practically formed, its brain is becoming more active every day, and your bond with it is strengthened through caresses, words, and daily care.