Your baby appears to be quite thin on early scans. Fat reserves are not yet laid down underneath the skin, which can seem quite thin and almost transparent. An ultrasound image also highlights the underlying bony skeleton, enhancing this effect.
From 18-20 weeks most doctors' offices or hospitals offer a detailed ultrasound scan, which is termed an "anatomy" scan. The scan is used to check the baby's overall development and examine his organs and body systems (see Your 20-week Scan) to check for signs of problems. For most women and their partners, this scan will reassure them that all is progressing well with the baby's development.
The scan can take some time to perform because of the detailed measurements and investigations taking place. The sonographer can only do the checks when the baby is in the correct position-this can be a challenge, given that the baby is likely to be moving around a lot. If the position of your baby makes it difficult to do all the checks, you may be asked to walk around for a little while and then return, or even to come back in a week or two for another attempt.
Water is a great environment to work out in during pregnancy: the added support for your belly and extra resistance will enable you to maintain your fitness.
When standing, the water should be just above your waist-too deep and you will not be stable enough and too shallow and you won't get enough support from the water.
You are likely to find pregnancy water aerobics classes at your local gym, but here are a few simple exercises you can do yourself:
Excerpted from Pregnancy Day by Day.
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
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