30 weeks

Week Thirty

• Did you know your baby is nearly three pounds now?
• her head is getting larger to accommodate a period of rapid brain growth. Don't forget to continue to "teach" your baby in the womb by exposing to music, literature, and simply talking to him.
• A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her. As she grows and fills your uterus, the amount of amniotic fluid will decrease. Funny, you certainly won't feel any lighter!
• She spends more and more time practicing opening and closing eyelids. Her eyes can move from side to side, following a light source. She may even reach out to touch the light.
• Early lanugo is beginning to disappear that served to protect your baby's skin from the water in the womb. Your little one's own hair may begin to appear.
• Toenails are entering their final growth stage.
• Bone marrow is now in charge of red blood cell production. These red blood cells will continue to service your child's body by transporting oxygen and removing the wastes (carbon monoxide and other gases).
• Your baby has the capability now to produce tears -- yes, within the womb.
• By the end of this week, your baby is now 15.7 inches (39.9cm) long and weighs 2.91 pounds (1319gm).

29 weeks

we had the best ultrasound last week it was at the hospital the tech decribed everything to us.

I had to have this ultrasound as they were worried baby would be small.
Melody was 29 weeks by her leg measurement.
32 weeks head and 31 stomach so she is fine and healthy.
So everything seems to be fine.
Also dicussed the birth plan and had the anti d shot as well.

Week Twenty-Nine

• Your baby's head is in proportion with body now. She appears more like a newborn each and every day!
• Fat continues to accumulate under the skin -- only now preparing for entering the *real world*.
• Your baby's brain can control primitive breathing and body temperatures.
• Her eyes can move in their sockets. Soon she will be able to follow a blinking light.
• Your baby is increasingly sensitive to changes in light, sound, taste, and smell! Various studies show that your baby may indicate preferences (or disdain) for particular tastes or odors at this stage
• She is also moving from side to side, but probably still is head up. In the next few weeks, she will move to the head down birthing position. At times you may feel as if she is performing somersaults for a circus act!
• Her length is now approximately 15.2 inches (38.6cm) and weight is 2.54 pounds (1153gm)

28 weeks

Wow this is the last week of my second trimester.

Only 12 weeks to go now.
I have been a little unwell the last week I think I have overdone it a few times. I forget I can't do everything I used to do I need to rest more often.
My blood pressure was really high last Thursday but I had been really unwell the night before.
I go to the hospital this Wednesday and then back on Friday for ultrasound.
This visit is for the Anti D (hopefully)

Week Twenty-Eight

• Eyebrows and eyelashes are now very noticeable!
• Hair on baby's head is growing longer. Some babies are born with almost none at all, while others appear to be ready for their first haircut!
• Eyes are completely formed now. Quite a view from inside!
• Your baby's body is getting plump and rounded. Most of that increase is muscle tissue and bone. Fat will be added during the third trimester.
• Muscle tone is improving. Preparation for the Olympics feels like it is taking place in your womb!
• Lungs are capable of breathing now (but baby would still struggle and require medical attention if born now)
• Talk to your baby often, reading stories, singing songs and more. He or she can recognize your voice now and will often calm to it later on!
• Your baby weighs in now at 2.2 pounds (1005gm) and is 14.8 inches (37.6cm).

27 weeks

I got the results back I am fine my sugar is normal.

But now as the blood pressure is the best it ever has been they now think baby will be small!
That I would be happy about.
My kids are normally almost 10 pounds.
So now I have to have an Ultrasound every two weeks so they watch the size.
They really like to scare you don't they?
Melody is really kicking now yesterday she really kicked outside the body so much so that my shirt lifted.
She didn't mind her first flight on Thursday but on Monday's flight it was a bit rougher and she didn't stay still as all.

SO I have an ultrasound on August 1st at the hospital but I will see my local doctor this week and get her to refer me to the local place I have always used and have it done before my next appointment at the hospital. Which is now every two weeks!

Week Twenty-Seven

• Your little one's brain continues its rapid growth. Don't forget to share music, conversation, and even books with your baby!
• Response to sound grows more consistent toward the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to the ear is complete. Your baby's hearing continues to develop, he or she may start to recognize your voice as well as your partner's.
• Lungs continue to grow and prepare for functioning outside of the womb. Each day in the womb greatly increases survival rates!
• He also continues to take small breaths and although he's only breathing in water and not air, it's still good practice for when he's born.
• Eyelids are now open more. Your baby can distinguish between light and dark.
• Retinas have formed.
• Your baby will grow over � inch this week alone! You may suspect this phenominal growth rate repeats in the preteen years!
• Average size is now 14.4 inches (36.6cm) and 1.9 pound (875gm).

26 weeks

had a sugar test last week and since they haven't called me back that should mean that I am ok.
I go back on Wednesday for the Anti D injection so I will know for sure then.

Week Twenty-Six

• Your baby may weigh about two pounds now (average is 1.7 pound, 760gm) and is 14 inches (35.6cm) in length
• To support the fetus's growing body, the spine is getting stronger and more supple. Though no longer than the span of the average adult hand, it is now made up of 150 joints, 33 rings, and some 1,000 ligaments.
• Air sacs in the lungs form now.
• Lungs begin to secrete a greasy substance called surfactant. Without surfactant the fetal lungs would stick together and couldn't expand after the baby is born.
• Although they've been sealed shut for the last few months, your baby's eyes are opening and beginning to blink this week. Depending on ethnicity, some babies will be born with blue or gray-blue eyes (which may change color in the first 6 months of life) and some will be born with brown or dark eyes.
• Retinas begin to form.
• Brain wave activity for hearing and sight begins to be detectable.
• Fetal brain scans show response to touch. If you shine a light on your abdomen, your baby will turn his head, which according to researchers, means his optic nerve is working

Introducing our daughter

Melody Joy Kara Styles in 4d

Didn't really want to show her face but great pictures of her hand.
Very proud of her hand even when we looked at her feet the hand was there.

25 weeks

Well I have been to hospital since my last post. Baby is healthy.

My sugars were up so I have to go back this week for a full sugar test so Friday will be spent at the hospital get this test done.
I then I also have to go back the following week for my Anti D shot. I just love having a different blood group to my husband.
Baby is kicking around now most of the time.
Have the four D scan on Wednesday so will post photos on Thursday for that.

Week Twenty-Five

• The structures of the spine begin to form -- joints, ligaments and rings. These will protect the all important spinal cord which serves as the information transmitter for your child's body.
• Blood vessels of the lungs develop.
• Your baby's nostrils begin to open. There is a study out of Belfast that suggests babies at this stage have the capability of scent preferences!
• The nerves around the mouth and lip area are showing more sensitivity now. When baby is rooting for food later on, these will be valuable!
• His swallowing reflexes are developing.
• Dexterity is improving. Your baby can make a fist and would clasp objects placed in palm.
• Your child has now obtained an approximate length of 13.6 inches (34.6cm) and weighs 1.46 pound (660gm)