| Week 24! |
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| We are at week 24, and in the 6th month of pregnancy! Our Baby: The end of week 23 is an important milestone: Your one-pounder would have a good chance of survival if born now--about 85 percent if given the right care. His body is well proportioned, although lacking in body fat, and the blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. About 50 percent of "early preemies" experience complications ranging from eye problems to intracranial hemorrhage (spontaneous bleeding in the brain); the rate drops steadily from the 24th week onward. Our baby weighs about 1 lb. 6oz and is about 11.5 inches from head to toe. Our baby's nostrils are open and the movements that are practice for breathing outside the womb have begun. The lungs are secreting surfactant, the substance that keeps the moist, interior surface of the lungs from sticking to itself. Our baby's visual and auditory systems are watching for light and listening to my heart beating and my stomach growling. Rapid eye movements are beginning! The eyes open and shut frequently, and baby's eyebrows and eyelashes are present. This eleven-inch wonder is moving a great deal these days. when I take a bath I get to watch my belly roll! Mom: I am feeling so much movement lately, it is soooo fun to feel little kicks and punches. A couple nights ago, Dad tried to feel the baby moving, but he couldn't yet, so he poked my tummy, the baby promptly kicked back in the exact same spot!!! He couldn't feel it, but I sure could! Sometimes I feel such pressure on my bladder that I think I am gonna pee my pants! I am sure it will only get "better" as baby gets bigger! Things are great and I feel good, except for the occasionaly backache and heartburn, but I can handle that! |
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