Week 23
Welcome to week 23. Your baby is approximately a pound and 8 inches long and is now 21 weeks. You have probably gained approximately 12-15 pounds at this point and your uterus is about 1.5" above your belly button.
Your baby is really looking like an infant now as it's face and body change. The pancreas is developed now and will help to control baby's sugar levels. If you have diabetis, the pancreas is especially important to your baby as his levels of insulin will be affected by yours.
Tips for Mom
You and your baby are unique and no pregnancy you have will be identical. Your doctor or midwife will be keeping a close eye on your development to make sure you are growing at a good rate as baby is developing. It is not uncommon for women to hear that they are too big or too little, from their friends and even complete strangers. Remember that your pregnancy is as unique as you are! Your doctor will let you know if these things are an issue in your pregnancy.
Sometime soon, if you haven't already, you will be tested for gestational diabetis. Diabetis is caused by a lack of insulin, which metabolizes sugar. Diabetis can be a serious issue in pregnancy as it can cause heart problems, gastrointestinal problems or a very large baby. While it is an issue that should be monitored, it can usually be easily controlled through either a controlled diet or insulin shots. A one hour test is done in which you drink a sugary liquid and have blood drawn an hour later. If the test comes back as having failed, you will then be scheduled for a 3 hour test. Again, you will be asked to drink a sugary liquid and then you will have to remain the doctors office for three hours, having your blood taken at 1, 2 and 3 hour marks. Be prepared to spend that amount of time there if you have to take the 3 hour test. You will NOT be allowed to leave. Doctors offices all give the tests differently in that some will tell you that you can not eat for 12 hours before your test while others will say that eating is fine. Check with the nurse ahead of time to know exactly what to expect.
Recently a new trend has started in belly casting, painting your stomach or professional pregnancy pictures bearing your stomach and showing it off. Be proud of your growing belly! If this is your first child, your life is changing from just a role as a woman to role of a mother. Your belly is a symbol of what is to come. Your belly is a sign of a new life about to be born.
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