Effects of Pregnancy on the Mother’s Body
As the pregnancy progresses into the second trimester, the mother’s body goes through various changes to accommodate the growing baby. These changes can have several effects on the mother’s physical well-being.
Increased Urination: The growing fetus exerts pressure on the bladder, resulting in an increased need to urinate. This frequent urge to urinate can be quite bothersome for the mother.
Constipation and Acid Reflux: The pressure placed on the abdomen can also lead to constipation and acid reflux. These uncomfortable side effects can cause discomfort and digestive issues for the mother.
Skin Itching: As the stomach expands and stretches to accommodate the growing baby, the skin on the stomach may start to itch. This itching sensation can be attributed to the stretching of the skin.
Aching Ligaments: The ligaments in the lower abdomen may begin to ache as they adjust and accommodate the growing uterus. This can cause discomfort and sometimes even pain for the mother.
Lower Back Pain: Another common effect of the growing baby on the mother is lower back pain. As the baby grows, it puts strain on the mother’s back, leading to discomfort and sometimes even backache.
Overall, the growing baby exerts various pressures and changes on the mother’s body during pregnancy. While these effects can be uncomfortable, they are a normal part of the pregnancy journey.
Fetal Development Weeks 13 to 28
During the second trimester of pregnancy, there is significant growth and development in the fetus. Starting at around one inch in length, the fetus rapidly grows to approximately 16 inches by the end of week 28. At this stage, the baby weighs between two and three pounds. As the weeks progress, the fetus becomes more active, exhibiting the ability to turn from side to side and kick.
Notable changes can be observed during this period. The fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and distinct fingerprints and toeprints begin to form. To protect the delicate skin, a creamy white substance called vernix develops. At this stage, the baby’s skin is wrinkly and red, and it is covered in soft hair known as lanugo. Additionally, the eyelids start to open, and the eyebrows and eyelashes begin to grow. Hair may also start to grow on the baby’s head.