6 months, 1 week today

River is moving more and more! I was over at my parents and told my mom her grandson was moving. So she handed me a paper plate and set it on my stomach. We waited for a bit, then saw the plate move! It was really cool. We're still working on a middle name for our baby boy. I like Kiernan; Sandy doesn't. I like Aiden; Sandy doesn't know how he feels about it. lol. Argh pick something, dad!

So I told Sandy his son was moving, and Sandy laid his cheek against my belly. River heard his dad talking and started kicking! Sandy got socked in the face! lol. Oh he was soooo happy to feel his son moving.

I'm still swimming and moving around well, even though I'm feeling more like a planet. I still pee quite frequently, and when River moves a certain way, there's an almost sharp quiver in my bladder that makes me feel like I haven't gone to the bathroom in hours when really I have very little urine in there.

We've currently moved into the add-on apartment on the house in which we were renting a room. Stuff is everywhere. As soon as we get some storage containers, we should be ok.. for the most part. I just can't believe all of this was in one room!

Week 24
(counting from first day of last menstrual period)
Around 22 Weeks After Conception

Please keep in mind that this information is approximate. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary. If you have any questions, please check with your care provider.

Fetal Development:

The baby gains about 6 ounces this week as the body begins to fill out. This weight is in muscle,bone mass and the growing organs and tissues. The weight could top 1 1/3 pounds by the end of the week. Multiples: Week 24 is usually considered the point of viability, meaning that if your babies are born now, they have a chance for survival. They would, however, be in intensive care for many months.

Maternal Changes:

Between weeks 24 and 28, your care provider may order aglucose tolerance test to determine if you have gestational diabetes. Your uterus is 1 1/2 to 2 inches above the navel. Multiples: Watch your vaginal discharge and report any changes to your caregiver. Preterm labor may start by infection that ascends from the vagina. Visit week 25 for Preterm Labor Warning Signs. Your doctor may want to do a check of your cervix sometime soon so that if you develop preterm labor symptoms, s/he will have a baseline for comparison.

Ideas for Dad:

Take lots of pictures of Mom. Even though she may not like it at the time, she will treasure the photos later. They will make a wonderful keepsake, and maybe she'll pose for you a la Demi Moore in Vanity Fair!

Week 25
(counting from first day of last menstrual period)
Around 23 Weeks After Conception

Please keep in mind that this information is approximate. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary. If you have any questions, please check with your care provider.

Fetal Development:

The structures of the spine - 33 rings, 150 joints and 1000ligaments - begin to form. The blood vessels of the lungs are developing and the nostrils begin to open. Busy week! Maternal Changes: You may be feeling like a "Soccer Mom" now that your uterus is the size of a soccer ball. Your growing uterus places pressure on your back and pelvis and may cause periodic shooting pains in your lower back and legs. When you experience this, rest, change your position, take a warm bath or apply ice to the sore area.

Preterm Labor Warning Signs:

Do you know the warning signs of preterm labor? The March of Dimes advises that you never ignore any of these symptoms: Menstrual-like cramps (constant or occasional) Low, dull backache (constant or occasional) Pelvic pressure (feels like the baby is pushing down) Abdominal cramping (with or without diarrhea) Increase or change in mucous vaginal discharge Uterine contractions every 10 minutes or more often (may be painless) Be sure to discuss with your caregiver what you should do in the event you experience these warning signs before the 37th week of pregnancy.

Ideas for Dad:

Now is a good time to start thinking about your work schedule when your baby arrives. If you want to take a leave, check with your employer about your options. Your company may qualify for the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Most companies still do not pay for maternity/paternity leave, some do but do not announce that information unless you ask, while other companies have a whole range of benefits. You may have other options available such as telecommuting (working from home), job sharing and/or flexible work schedules. Start your research now and do some soul-searching about how much time off you wish to have.