Watch Me Grow: Month Seven
What the mother looks like:
- Ankles swell; legs are often tired
- Mom may feel unsteady because baby's weight pulls her forward
Feels Like:
- Mom is feeling many conflicts now: she can't wait to see the baby but she may fear the delivery itself
- Mom needs to empty bladder often
- Hiccoughing by baby is an almost daily event
Special Concerns:
- A nap during the day is helpful for mom
- Slowly rocking in a rocking chair is good exercise for the calf muscles and swollen ankles
- Perfect time to begin Childbirth Classes
What the baby looks like:
- Baby begins to make grasping motions
- Layer of fat is developing under the skin to insulate baby at birth
- Baby is now about eleven inches long and weighs about three pounds
Feels Like:
- Baby is CROWDED
- Eyelids slowly open and a new sense is awakened
- Hearing continues to develop; parent's voices are comforting
Special Concerns:
- At week 26, baby has over a 50 percent chance of surviving outside the womb with intensive medical care
