Week 23
Mum:
During your appointments your gynecologist will feel the position of your baby. A measurement of your baby’s average size will also be taken during each visit.
Braxton Hicks: What are they? Even in the non-pregnant state, the uterine muscle rhythmically contracts and relaxes. Such contractions and relaxations continue during pregnancy and become more noticeable as the pregnancy advances. Such cycles are known as Braxton Hicks contractions and are felt as tightenings in your lower abdomen. They are never (very) painful and are erratic in frequency. You might experience them more after a busy day, after exercise or after making love. It is important to drink lots of fluids, this will help settle the uterus and keep your body hydrated. Such contractions may last from 15 seconds to one minute. You have to notify your gynecologist you if you experience more than four in one hour of if they intensity changes and become more painful. The good news about Braxton Hicks is that this means that the process of ripening your cervix has begun, and this in turn might mean an easier labour for you!
Baby:
Your baby’s lungs have begun to develop surfactant, a substance that will help your baby’s lungs to expand following birth. The finger nails are almost fully formed and the lanugo darkens. The journey continues as your baby continues preparing for the process of delivery. He or she is totally unaffected by the Braxton hicks.
Dad:
You cannot actually feel the Braxton Hicks yourself however if you press your hand against the uterus you may feel them as well as the baby’s movements.
