A peek into the mirror will tell you that you have become rounder and there is a certain softness about your appearance.
For those who are wearing contact lenses or glasses, the dryness in the eyes might feel more bothersome. However, lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can help to soothe the eyes. Wearing a sunglass with EPF (Eye Protection Factor) of 10 will also help.
Stretch marks are caused when collagen fibres in the middle layer of skin i.e. the dermis, tend to stretch and tear to accommodate an enlarging shape and body size.. Unfortunately, there is no remedy for stretch marks, no matter what the labels of creams or lotions may brag about.
Montgomery's Tubercles secrete an oily lubricant which will nourish your nipples and keep them supple. Go slow on rubbing your breasts while having a bath.
Try chewing gum or sucking on mint to tackle excessive saliva secretion.
Try to detect the triggers of your headache. Triggers can be as common as caffeine, chocolate, stepping into bright light, not drinking enough water and low blood sugar levels due to not eating frequently enough. If you need to have a pain killer then do so only after consulting your doctor.
Your baby's changes this week
- Your baby's fingerprints and footprints are formed now, which will be unique identifications for the baby.
- Your baby is gaining around 170 grams per week at this stage and weighs around 680 grams this week.
- Baby's eyelashes and eyebrows are growing this week.
- Your baby's senses of taste, touch, sight, and hearing are maturing so, by birth your baby will be able to respond to feeding stimulus.
Growing bones, fat and muscles are responsible for the baby's weight gain.
Hints of the week
The glucose screening for gestation diabetes is generally done between week 24 and week 28 of pregnancy.
Make it a habit to keep your legs elevated when you can, to avoid blood pooling and congestion.
Some pregnant women may notice small bumps (like goose-bumps) on the perimeter of the areolas called Montgomery tubercles. They help lubricate your nipples which will be welcome when baby latches on to nurse.