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OB Education & Class Registration |
Photo Tour
Pregnancy: 21-24 Weeks
Changes Your Body Will Experience
- More definite fetal movement
- Lower abdominal achiness which is related to the stretching of ligaments
- Good appetite
- Leg cramps
- Backache
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Slight whitish vaginal discharge called "leukorrhea" (This discharge should not cause itching or burning, if it does, call your doctor).
- Varicose veins and or hemorrhoids
- Mild swelling of ankles and feet
- Skin pigmentation changes on the abdomen or face
Comfort Measures
Heartburn
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Eliminate fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, spearmint and peppermint gum and processed meats
- Never use over the counter medication or home remedies without your doctor's approval.
Constipation/Hemorrhoids
- Increase fluids (water, juice)
- Increase walking or other exercise that has been approved by your doctor
- Eat dried fruit (raisins, prunes, and apricots)
- Never use stool softeners or laxatives without checking with your doctor first.
- Don't strain at the toilet.
- Try witch hazel soaks for hemorrhoid relief.
Ankle Swelling
- Elevate feet and legs whenever possible
- Drink lots of water
- Do ankle circles
- Do not stand or sit for long periods of time without changing your position frequently. Avoid crossing your legs.
Leg Cramps
- valuate your calcium intake (food and supplements) and discuss with your doctor.
- Don't massage your leg; instead flex your ankle and toes toward your nose.
Emotional Changes You May Experience
- Fewer mood swings
- Some anxiety about labor and taking care of a new baby
- Tired of being pregnant
Be Alert to Warning Signs
Call your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Cramping and/or low back pain or ache
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe swelling of ankles, fingers or face
- Visual changes - seeing 'spots' or 'floaters'
- Excessive or sudden weight gain (more than 2-pounds/week)
- Difficulty accepting the pregnancy
- Disruptive marital conflict
An issue rarely mentioned, but equally as important is partner/spouse abuse. It occurs in families of all racial, economic, educational and religious backgrounds. Physical and mental abuse often begins, or becomes worse, during pregnancy. For additional information or help, call us at 949/764-BABY (2229). Your telephone calls are confidential.
How Is My Baby Growing?
By the end of the 6th month the fetus is 12-13 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds. Its skin is thin and shiny, with no underlying fat. The eyelids begin to part and the eyes open.
Call 949/764-BABY (2229) for questions before during and after your pregnancy.
For questions about classes call 949/764-5940 or email OBEducation@hoaghospital.org.
Things to Do Now
Have you registered for your Prepared Childbirth classes? If not, call 949/764-5940 or e-mail OBEducation@hoaghospital.org.
Start making a list of the items you'll need for the baby's layette.
Practice good posture and body mechanics. When lifting, keep your feet apart, tuck buttocks in and bend at the knees using your arms and legs to lift instead of your back.
Make sure bra and shoes provide proper support.
Discuss your feelings and thoughts.
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