Day 134 baby development and maternal changes

A: It can screen for most structural malformations, but not all (such as small heart defects, functional problems, metabolic diseases). The overall detection rate is about 60-80%, depending on the type of malformation and the hospital’s level; low risk is not the same as zero risk.

A: Yes, the check looks at facial structures (cleft lip, cleft palate, etc.). Some hospitals provide 3D/4D photos (possibly charged extra). A poor baby position may prevent seeing them, needing movement or a rescheduled re-check.

A: GDM is usually screened at weeks 24-28. Look ahead now: cut sugary drinks, eat fruit 200-350g a day in portions, mix coarse grains into staples, control refined carbs, and walk after meals. Don’t blindly diet and starve yourself — a balanced, portioned approach is steadier.

A: The pregnancy is exactly half done! The focus is regular prenatal visits, balanced weight control, consistent exercise and a good mood. You can use a "halfway ceremony" to record your feelings and write the baby a letter, both as a keepsake and to help you relax.

A: The three measurements at 20 weeks are BPD (biparietal diameter) about 46mm, AC (abdominal circumference) about 150mm, and FL (femur length) about 31mm. If the three are in step, the head, abdomen and legs are developing well; a single slight deviation isn’t necessarily abnormal — go by the doctor’s overall assessment.

A: For a standard BMI, about 0.4-0.5kg a week in the second trimester, with a cumulative gain of roughly 4-6kg by week 20 being common. Watch the trend — you can use a weight-gain calculator to manage it by BMI — and ask your doctor if it’s too fast or too slow.

A: Most first-time mothers feel movement at 18-22 weeks; by this week you should be able to feel it (like bubbles or a small fish bubbling). If you still feel none at all, have the week-20 ultrasound confirm; afterwards you can gradually learn to count movements.

A: Yes; the second trimester is a good window. Choose a therapist with pregnancy-massage qualifications, use the side-lying position, avoid direct pressure on the abdomen and the acupoints near the ankles, and avoid deep leg massage (clot risk).

A: ACOG advises about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise accumulated weekly (walking, prenatal yoga, swimming), split over 5 days at about 30 minutes a day. Avoid intense exercise and pressure on the abdomen; stop and seek care for pain or bleeding.

A: It’s recommended. The CDC and ACOG recommend that pregnant women receive the inactivated flu vaccine: pregnant women are at higher risk of severe flu, the vaccine protects mother and baby, and it is safe at every stage. During flu season (September to April) you can get vaccinated; tell them you’re pregnant.

A: If there’s no placenta praevia, bleeding or cervical insufficiency, gentle sex is fine using positions that don’t press on the belly and with gentle movements. Pause if you feel unwell or the doctor advises against it; see a doctor for post-sex bleeding or pain.

A: The forward centre of gravity and relaxed ligaments make lumbar pain common. Avoid standing or sitting too long, wear low supportive shoes, sleep on your side with a pregnancy pillow, do prenatal yoga and pelvic-floor exercises, and apply local heat. Severe pain on one side, or with bleeding or fever, needs medical attention.

A: Mild oedema after long standing or sitting is common; raise your legs, lie on your left side, walk to promote return flow, and limit salt. If the swelling spreads up the calf and doesn’t ease with rest, or comes with headache or vision changes, have your blood pressure checked to rule out preeclampsia.

A: Eat more fiber-rich fruit and vegetables, drink 1.5-2L of water daily, walk after meals, and toilet on a regular schedule. In serious cases consult a doctor for a pregnancy-safe laxative.

A: Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish and eggs, high-mercury large fish, unpasteurised dairy, alcohol, caffeine over 200mg/day, and excess liver.

A: Flying is more comfortable in the second trimester; most airlines don’t require a certificate before 32 weeks and need one after 32 weeks (most prohibit flying after 36 weeks). Choose an aisle seat, stay hydrated, and use compression stockings; ask your doctor first if you have bleeding, pain or placenta problems.

A: ACOG recommends about 1000mg calcium and 27mg iron in the second trimester. Give priority to food sources; if prenatal checks show a deficiency, add supplements on the doctor’s advice, taking iron apart from calcium for better absorption.

A: Higher oestrogen increases white discharge; milky-white, clear and odourless is normal. Yellow-green, foul-smelling, itchy discharge or large amounts of watery leakage needs medical attention; wear cotton underwear and don’t douche.

A: About 50-90% of pregnant women get them, related to genetics and the speed of weight gain. Steady weight gain, moisturising massage and moderate exercise can reduce them, but they can’t be fully avoided; most fade after delivery.

A: Occasional brief tightening is usually a sensitive uterus or ligament tugging and is common if it resolves on its own. If it becomes regular (every 10 minutes), or comes with pain/bleeding/leakage, seek medical attention.