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Pregnancy:
Second Trimester
Your fourth month:
Your baby, now we ighing about 6 ounces, is growing very fast and
is about 8 to 10 inches long by the end of this month. The umbilical
cord continues to grow and thicken in order to carry enough blood
and nourishment. Morning sickness, fatigue, and many other things
that might have bothered you during the first 3 months might disappear
as your body adapts to the growing baby.
You will begin to put on weight now. You should gain 3 to 4 pounds,
and the majority of it will be gained during these next three months.
The recognized average total gain throughout pregnancy is approximately
25-35 pounds, although you may gain slightly more or less. Maternity
clothes and a maternity bra may now be more comfortable.
You may start to feel the baby`s movement now. Don`t worry if you
can`t, But if there is still no movement by the beginning of your
five month see your doctor. ......................
Your fifth month:
By the end of this month, your baby will weigh about 1 pound and
be about 12 inches long. The doctor will now be able to hear the
baby's heartbeat and you will begin to feel more definite movements.
This month you may gain 3 or 4 pounds and begin to breathe deeper
and more frequently.
Eyes, eyelids, and ears are now fully developed. A fine hair, known
as lanugo covers your baby's body.
Your baby will be able to hear your heart beating. Sounds from
outside the uterus will also be audible, although they will be slightly
muffled. Your baby will respond to music and speech.
You will be seeing your doctor about every four weeks during this
trimester. She will listen to your baby`s heartbeat, see the baby's
development and determine the baby's age. Your urine and blood pressure
will be tested every visit.
Your sixth month:
You are now carrying a fully formed miniature baby except that the
skin is wrinkled and red and there is practically no fat under the
skin. The baby still needs to grow, being now only about 14 inches
long and weighing only about 1 1/2 pounds. By the end of this trimester,
your baby may be sucking his/her thumb and can cry. Subcutaneous
fat is building up under his skin, and eyelids have opened, allowing
the fetus to develop focus. Brain tissue is also increasing at this
time. If your baby has hair on his head, it may be growing as well.
By the end of the fifth month, the begining of this month you will
have an ultrasound scan also known as a sonogram. This is a test
that uses sound waves to draw a picture of your baby inside your
uterus. From this test you will be able to see your baby`s movement
and see his?her heart beating and evaluate the size and development
of your baby. Your doctor may also be able to determine your baby's
sex at this time, although results have been known to be inaccurate.
A few symptoms you may experience during the second trimester:
Swelling of the hands and feet
Backache
Nosebleeds
High blood pressure
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