MONTH FIVE

Week Nineteen

Your Baby
From week nineteen your baby should weigh around 225 grams, and their teeth have begun to form. They will begin to develop what is known as vernix caseosa on their skin, which is like a white cheesy substance that protects your baby's skin from the fluid that surrounds it. They will start to become aware of sounds outside of the uterus such as your voice and music, and should there be a loud, unexpected noise, you may even notice them get a little fright.

You
You may notice some dryness or itching in your skin - some women even develop rashes. You may find the use of a moisturiser or lotion beneficial during this period. Ensure that you are eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water to help alleviate these symptoms. Your breasts may begin secreting a substance known as colostrum from this time, which occurs in preparation for nursing.

Week Twenty

Your Baby
Vernix has now completely formed all over your baby to protect it from the amniotic fluid. Your baby is now falling into a regular schedule of sleeping, turning, sucking and kicking - similar to that of a newborn. As your baby has now doubled in size and formed into their correct relative proportions, now is the time to have a foetal anomaly scan which may highlight any problems.

You Congratulations - you are now half way though your pregnancy! Your uterus is now sitting in line with your navel and you may notice it flatten out or even pop up. Your 'outtie' will go back to normal following the birth. You may also notice the line down your abdomen (linea nigra) darken. Now is a good time to consider booking into childbirth classes.

Week Twenty-one

Your Baby
The period of rapid growth is coming to an end and your baby should be moving around a lot more by this stage. Their heart grows stronger and you may start to feel a little kick in your abdomen. Help calm them down by talking to them or gently rubbing your bump.

You
As your skin continues to stretch across your tummy it may begin to itch. Apply an oil or moisturiser to help alleviate this - it may even help with the stretch marks!

Week Twenty-two

Your Baby
At around 21 centimetres land weighing 355 grams, your baby's eyelids and eyebrows are now formed, although their eyes will still be fused shut. Their brain has begun to develop rapidly.

You
You may now be experiencing some backache as the uterus moves above your belly button and you continue to gain weight. Make sure you avoid heels where possible and avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Take the opportunity to put your feel up - try to elevate them above your hip height if possible.

Week Twenty-three

Your Baby
Your baby's arms and legs are now well developed and they are now able to grip with their hands. If you baby is a little boy, his scrotum will now be well formed, and if you are having a little girls then her ovaries will already contain millions of eggs.

You
With a little room to move still you may be able to see some of your baby's activities when looking at your abdomen. With an approximate weight gain of 2-3kg, you may now be feeling quite heavy and you may experience some swelling in the ankles and feet. Some women do experience mood swings during this time and it is important to try and be good to yourself when you are feeling this way.

CHOOSING A BIRTHING VENUE

Choosing a caregiver and place of birth may be one of the biggest decisions you make. Some women prefer the comfort and freedom of home, while others prefer the medical backup (if needed) a hospital provides.

Home Birth
The demand for home birth is increasing, however the cost for this type of care can sometimes be restrictive. Home births are common for women who find the need for privacy and intimacy is most important, or for women who want to be in greater control of every element of their environment. People who do choose a home birth often accept more responsibility than those who choose to deliver at a hospital or birth centre. People who choose to birth at home hire a midwife or homebirth practitioner.

Birth Centre
Some mothers describe a birth centre as being midway between a home birth and a hospital/medicalised birth. Many birth centres are now within hospital grounds so that backup care is there if needed. Most birth centres focus on natural birthing methods, using intervention as a last resort if medically required. Many have facilities that aren't normally available on the labour ward of a big hospital such as birthing pools.

Hospital Labour Ward

Major changes have happened in the last decade within the hospital maternity system. Fathers and other caregivers are now allowed to attend or even stay over in the same room. The value of continuous labour support cannot be underestimated. There is a growing number of professionally trained midwives present in hospitals to assist you throughout your entire labour. Remember, your doctor may only be in attendance in the final minutes of giving birth.

In most cases, babies are no longer removed from the mother's side as soon as she gives birth and pain relief drugs are not forced on the mother. Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed as soon as possible after birth and many hospitals are remodelling to give a more home-like relaxed feel. You are dependant on your care provider to tell you all about the hospital's policies and procedures. Call them yourself to go through your birth plan in case some of your wishes conflict with their policies.

Remember that it is up to you to gather the information that will enable you to choose how you give birth and best facilitate the stress free occasion that most women want.

Month Six