Wednesday, December 5, 2012

23 weeks pregnant

You are now 23 weeks pregnant, or in your 24th week if that's how you prefer to count it.

How your baby's growing

Within your baby's lungs, blood vessels are developing in preparation for breathing. Your baby is also swallowing regularly, though he won't do his first poo until after he's born. Around now, your baby can start to hear. Sounds going on inside your body, such as your beating heart and your gurgling tummy, are the clearest for him at first.

How your life's changing

You may notice some bleeding when you brush your teeth. This is a common pregnancy complaint, along with nosebleeds. Pregnancy hormones can make your gums swell and become inflamed, which can lead to bleeding, especially when you clean your teeth. 

What to do? Brush and floss regularly but gently and try some natural remedies for soothing bleeding gums. Good dental hygiene during pregnancy will help you keep gum disease at bay. 

As your bump grows, you may like to spend some time focusing on your unborn baby and making the most of your pregnant curves. It's perfectly safe for you or your husband to massage your bump, as long as you use gentle strokes that glide over the contours of your body. 

It's a lovely way for you both to feel close to your baby, and you may even feel little kicks in response to the massage strokes. 

What you need to know

Pregnancy tip: exercise helps you sleep

"When I started having trouble sleeping, I asked my friends for their ideas. One suggested I take a half-hour walk during the day. It really helped me sleep better and it felt great to have a bit of time to myself." 
Kerry 

Read more tips and share your own in your BabyCenter Birth Club! Register for free and meet other mums who are due in the same month as you. 

Community conversation

Find out more about confinement from mums who are planning to do it or who have done it. You'll find them in our community group

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