The fetus is coated in a white greasy substance called vernix caseosa, which is able to protect its pores and skin from the amniotic fluid in utero. During this trimester, the mom’s breasts will begin to supply a yellowish, nutrient-rich substance called colostrum, which can feed her baby during its first few days of life. Other adjustments happen in the mom’s physique. We’ll look on the modifications that happen in the course of the third trimester subsequent. Week 27 marks the top of the second trimester. Some ladies additionally develop stretch marks — thin pink or brown lines on their stomach which often fade soon after the child is born. If born at this level, the child could survive, however would face potentially critical problems. If she does have gestational diabetes, she may have to control her blood sugar with eating regimen and may have insulin injections. Often, pregnant ladies seem to “glow.” Although many women are really suffused with the joy of pregnancy, the glow is often on account of increased blood flow to the face. Some mothers are more liable to bladder infections as a consequence of hormonal adjustments. Another common drawback is edema, swelling of the ankles and toes resulting from fluid retention.
Severe swelling in the hands and face may very well be a sign of a probably harmful condition called pre-eclampsia, which prevents the placenta from getting enough blood. Placenta previa may additionally develop into obvious during this time. She can also develop varicose veins, which are prompted when valves malfunction and permit blood to pool within the legs. Tests accomplished throughout this trimester include an Alpha-Fetaprotein (AFP) or triple test — a blood test that detects ranges of alpha-fetoprotein (a protein produced within the fetus’s liver) to determine Down syndrome or spina bifida. Its tiny coronary heart pumps about 25 quarts of blood every day. She might expertise hemorrhoids and insomnia. During this interval, the mom might begin to experience “quickening” — feeling her tiny fetus kick. Between weeks 16 and 20, the fetus begins to listen to and should even be able to listen to the sound of its mom’s voice. Sometime throughout the third trimester, the muscles of the mother’s uterus start contracting.
The pressure of the growing uterus on her diaphragm might also make her really feel wanting breath. The doctor will in all probability also measure the fundus — the distance between the highest of the mom’s pubic bone and the highest of her uterus. These Braxton-Hicks contractions are follow to assist the mother’s physique prepare for labor. The fetus’ scalp is sprouting tiny hair buds, its skeleton is hardening, and tens of millions of tiny neurons in its brain assist its muscles transfer. This fat will help its body regulate temperature as soon as it is born. Its lungs produce a substance referred to as surfactant, which will allow the air sacs to inflate for respiration once it is born. A nice hair called lanugo covers its body. In men, estrogen is made from testosterone by an enzyme called aromatose. Frequent or painful contractions might be a sign of premature labor. For a lot of girls, the second trimester is a particular enchancment. It’s now about 15 inches lengthy and weighs between two and three pounds. By now, the fetus has grown to about 14 inches lengthy, and weighs about 2 pounds.
By week 15, the fetus is round five inches long and weighs about two ounces. At week 20 — halfway by means of the pregnancy — the fetus is about six inches lengthy and weighs about 10 ounces. At this stage in the pregnancy, the fetus weighs simply over 4 pounds and measures 15 to 17 inches long. Although the mother may not be capable of really feel it but, the fetus now kicks and strikes. It may have a full head of hair as well as fingernails and toenails. As the nausea recedes and exhaustion abates, many girls really feel better and have more energy — and appetite — during this period. You’ll be able to really feel the distinction from Season 2 to the place they at the moment are,” he mentioned. By week 32, the fetus can move its eyes again and forth and inform the difference between light and dark. Intriguingly, the stress needn’t be negative; pleased events also can spark the situation.