How my baby’s growing

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she’s more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about the size of a large papaya), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby’s increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won’t faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

How mommy’s life’s changing

You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you’ll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting — or standing — in one place for long periods. Also, try to exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning) and roomy, comfortable shoes. You may be tempted to skimp on liquids to combat swelling, but you need to drink plenty of water because staying hydrated actually helps prevent fluid retention. While a certain amount of edema in your lower extremities is normal during pregnancy, excessive swelling may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia.

BABY STATS:

How Far Along?

23 weeks

How Big Is The Little One?

My baby is now the size of a large papaya

Total Weight Gain / Loss?

I have gained 3 pounds total this entire pregnancy after a 27 pound loss during 1st trimester

Maternity Clothes?

I can still wear my regular clothing. I have started to wear a few pair of my maternity jeans, but they are too big.

Sleep?

What sleep?  I have insomnia.  I fall asleep around midnight and wake up at 2 am and am up until 5 am most nights.

Best Moment of the Week?

The best moment this week was at my repeat late anatomy scan.  I got to see that precious little face, hear the fast little heartbeat, and the doctor and sonographer were able to get what they needed finally !

Symptoms?

I am experiencing round ligament pain and also still suffering with sore breasts.

Food Cravings?

I still do not have much of an appetite.

Food Aversions?

Salty or super sweet foods.

Gender?

Baby Girl !

Labor Signs?

None

What I Miss?

Nothing at present except sleep

What I Am Looking Forward To?

Holding my child in my arms and looking into her face

Bump?

Last week, I finally got a little bit of a pop.   I officially have a bump !  I still do not look pregnant but I will take it!

Navel In/Out?

In

Baby / Mommy Purchases?

I ordered four nursing gowns from Zulily and Maternity Shape Wear to wear under body hugging dresses.