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Week 16 Welcome to Week 16 of the Kidandparent Show.
Great news ! You may soon be able to feel your baby move. In this week's show, we will
talk about foetal movements. We will also talk about preeclampsia and how to prevent
it.
Changes Taking Place in Mother Have you started showing ? You are definitely
rounder and added few kgs on the weighing scale. This is good news for a healty pregnancy.[Rounder
You]. You must keep it up. You might feel occasional abodominal or back pain. Take adequate
rest and breaks between your work to support your back.
How is Baby Doing ? Your baby begins to react to any action or
pressure applied on your stomach. He is very sensitive to light and fat is forming under
his skin. He can hold his head erect. The facial muscles are more developed and his
expressions become more prominent. His heart continues pumping blood. Hair starts growing
on his head. The umbilical cord is firmly attached to his stomach. It is difficult to
identify the colour of his hair and eyeballs as they can change in a few months after birth.
Eyebrows, eyelashes and toe nails are growing at this stage.
Can I travel by air during pregnancy ? Travelling by air is considered safe in a
normal pregnancy. The second trimester is probably the best time to travel as most of
you have gotten over the early pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness. Travelling during the
thrid trimester is permitted on airlines upto the 28th-36th week depending on airline policy.
You may need a doctor's certificate for travelling in many cases. If your pregnancy is complicated
by medical problems, consult your doctor before travelling.
It is advisable to keep your toes and wrists moving during a long flight to help the blood
circulation and avoid edema.
Feeling Baby Movements You may start feeling your baby's movements
from this week onwards ! This is called quickening. You experience light and fluttery movements
at first. You have heard her heartbeat through the doppler but to feel her moving inside
you is too exciting for words. The first natural movement might just go unnoticed
as it is like a mild tapping or fluttering of a butterfly. The first-time mom may not
notice this for a few more weeks. In fact lots of first-time moms misread the first
flutters as gas or cramps. As time goes by and the movements of baby become stronger
day by day, you might feel the movements better. Usually a first-time mom takes 2-4 weeks more
to feel the long awaited movements. You try harder and harder to detect the one movement
and finally like a flash, you feel one and then another and this goes on filling your
heart with joy. Glowing skin is a very real thing for pregnant
women. While you're pregnant, the amount of blood in your body will increase by 50%. The
extra blood ends up showing through the skin in many areas, particularly the cheeks
What is Preeclampsia ? Preeclampsia is a state of high blood pressure
and increased protein levels in the urine. During every visit, your blood pressure will
be checked. Normal range of blood pressure in Indian women is between 90/ 60 mm of Hg
to 120/ 80 mm of Hg. If your blood pressure is 140/ 90 mm of Hg or higher, this indicates
high blood pressure.High blood pressure that develops usually after 20th week of pregnancy
is known as gestational hypertension. Here are some signs of pre-eclampsia.
Signs of Preeclampsia 1. Severe lingering headache.
2. Vision changes wtih blurred or double vision. 3. Severe abdominal pain.
4. Sudden weight gain. 5. Puffiness and swelling on face.
Tips to Prevent Preeclampsia 1. Attend your monthly check ups with your
doctor regularly. 2. Do not eat fried food and junk food.
3. Take adequate rest. Sleep for eight hours. 4. Drink plenty of water.
Baby sit a friend's baby and learn a bit about caring for a newborn.
Words of Wisdom Have a nice week with this wonderful thought
by Ruth Morgan ! Pregnant women!They had that preciousness
which they imposed wherever they went, compelling attention, constantly reminding you that they
carried the future inside, its contours already drawn, but veiled, private, an inner secret.
-- Ruth Morgan