Your baby is now 8 and three quarters inches long and weighs about 1 and a half pounds. From her face to her feet, she truly looks like a fully formed child. She’s still small and thin, but her body is well-proportioned.
Although her lungs are still weak and immature, all of her other vital organs are ready for prime time. Her heart is strong, and her brain is buzzing. She can curl her fingers into a fist, and she continues to touch her face, the umbilical cord, and everything else within reach. At week 25, she’s even starting to get permanent teeth, although you won’t be able to see them for another six years.
Your belly is really starting to bulge, and you may be feeling more uncomfortable than you were before. Your back may ache, and you may have trouble getting enough sleep, especially if your baby thinks 3 a.m. is the perfect time to try out for the Ziegfeld Follies.
Here are some tips to help get your much-needed sleep:
- Stay physically active during the day.
- Sleep on your left side. (This is good for both comfort and circulation.)
- Try putting a pillow between your legs and another one under your abdomen.
- Ask your partner to rub your back or neck before bedtime.
- Listen to soothing music at bedtime.
- Grab an afternoon nap.
If you still can’t get enough sleep, talk to your doctor about other options.
References
Campbell, Stuart, MD. Watch Me Grow. St. Martins Griffin.
Curtis, Glade, MD. Your Pregnancy Week by Week, 5th edition. Da Capo Press.
American Academy of Family Physicians. Pregnancy Calendar. http://kidshealth.org/
University of Michigan Health System. Trouble sleeping during pregnancy. 2004. http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/wha/wha_insomprg_crs.htm.
© HealthDay