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WEEKS
25 – 28
This
is a crucial period in your pregnancy as at the
end of 28 weeks, the foetus is said to be "viable."
It means that the baby if born after this period
can survive, although it may need some intensive
care.
Common
Complaints
The complaints you
might have during this period are the same as
that during weeks 21 – 24 But the only difference
might be that they are increased in their intensity
and are more troublesome.Their causes and treatment
has been discussed in that section as the size
of the uterus and your body needs and the foetal
needs are constantly on the rise.
Apart from these, you may also experience:
- Pain and numbness
in the hand.
- Pain and needle
sensations in the extremity.
- Headache.
- Increased leg
cramps.
Foetus
/ Your Baby Within:
Picture:
The brain,
lungs and all other systems are maturing. The
baby might show some respiratory movements taking
in amniotic fluid instead of air.Fat accumulation
starts occurring beneath the skin. The baby may
sometimes even suck its thumb in utero. This may
at times lead blister formation. Your baby may
be able to see light through the abdomen and respond
to it.All the systems/ organs are formed completely.
Only maturation of individual system is remaining
now.
You may be looking flushed in your face and healthy.
This is due to increase in your blood circulation. Your breasts, which have enlarged, may
start secreting milk in very small quantities.This may be the time that apprehension
regarding motherhood, baby’s health and other aspects of pregnancy may crop up. Some
of you may even be anxious for your pregnancy to get over. But you will have to wait for
some time now.
Visit
To Your Doctor:  The
usual protocol is followed during your visits
to your doctor.Apart from that, few repeat tests
like Hemoglobin level and VDRL may be asked for.
Your doctor may also do a glucose challenge to
find out if you have the potential to be diabetic. . If
you have not yet received your 2nd
tetanus toxoid injection, you may receive it now.Your
weight gain is around 7 – 8 kgs and increasing
at the rate of 1 pound / week or 2 kg/month.The
medicine (Iron and Calcium) given to you earlier
will be continued.
Important
Instructions:
Few important
tips to be noted are as follows:
Breast Care :
Its best done now, as doing it once the baby is
born, will mean keeping the baby away from breast
feeding.If you have cracked nipples or inverted
nipples, inform your doctor so those necessary
corrective steps can be taken.Some of you will
small breast may wonder if there would be adequate
milk secretion for the baby’s need. Don’t worry!
Leave it to Mother Nature. Large breasts needn’t
necessarily secrete more milk and vice-versa.
Sibling rivalry :
If you already have children and you are pregnant,
then you have to be extra careful regarding the
acceptance of the new one by the elder siblings.
If not properly primed and educated before birth,
you may find that you have a problem on your hands.
This priming has to be done during the pregnancy
itself. You may explain to your little ones about
an expected new arrival (brother or sister). Once
you start appreciating the foetal movements you
can show and make your young ones feel the same,
so that they appreciate a new life within you.Of
course, sometimes, you may be confronted with
awkward questions. You might try and instill in
them a sense of responsibility and make them feel
important. You may also tell them that their help
will be absolutely needed for the proper up-bringing
of the new one so that the new one turns out to
be just as good as they are.
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