23th week
LET'S GET MEASURED!
Size of baby: 24 - 29 cm
Baby's weight: 455 grams
Well, yes, turn on the radio today, danced and sing! Your baby now can feel your dance. Can you "see" it now moving slowly under your clothes. The blood vessels in lungs are in preparation for breathing and it now gets familiar with noises such as barking dogs or the noise from the vacuum cleaner, so that these don't bother it when it hears them outside the womb.
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
...You can this period decide whether to freeze your baby's stem cells for future medical use? We refer to the so-called stem cells from umbilical cord blood, which is a rich source of stem cells, i.e. the components of blood and immune system. These cells are collected after birth, they are frozen and stored in stem cell banks, for the event that the child (God forbid) may need to use them in the future to treat various diseases, such as leukaemia and sickle cell anaemia.
In the light of recent experiments on animals, many researchers argue that umbilical cord blood may be used in the future to also treat diabetes, spinal cord injuries, heart failure, stroke, and serious neurological diseases. Exempt are genetically based diseases that one can possibly develop later, as the use of its own cells is not considered adequate treatment. However, it is possible to use from another member of the family, like one's brother or sister, where there are some chances of tissues matching.
The first declarations of medicine are hopeful and optimistic, although studies are still ongoing. Storing frozen stem cells in private banks is an expensive process, but there are many parents who believe that it is worth the cost. In any case, get information from your doctor on public or private stem cell banks, and from mothers of your environment before you decide.
You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks, especially at the end of the day or during summer. Certainly, there is fluid retention in your body, which you will get rid of after the baby is born. Then, you'll notice that sweating and urination becomes more frequent. Try to exercise but also rest your feet, to improve blood circulation. Search the market for ...support stockings and of course, do not forget to wear comfortable (and stable) shoes!
Swelling in the legs, however, should not prevent you from consuming the amount of water you need on a daily basis, because your body needs to always be hydrated. The so-called "oedema" in the lower extremities that may have been created due to water retention is normal to some extent. If you notice though, excessive distension or a sudden swelling of the legs, call your doctor right away, since this may be the symptom of a very serious condition, called "eclampsia" that puts the baby at risk.
Advice
As you get closer to birth, it is reasonable to think about what will happen next! And when we say "next", we mean "next" in the far future, like how you can take care of the baby at home. On your own or together with your partner? Will your parents help? Or will you choose a nanny? Or even a baby care center? There are many options, each with its pros and cons. Have a look on the internet, but most of all ask other mommies what they did in your place! We're sure you'll reach the decision that suits you! But start preparing yourself from now!
Have a pleasant week... and make good choices!
Source
http://www.paidorama.com
