Week 24 of Pregnancy (Trimester 2 of Preganancy)

Hooray – we started our holiday this week! A week in the Canary Islands, with a couple of friends and their 2 year-old daughter, Em. Lots of warm sunshine, no stress and no cooking. What could be better for an expectant mum?

We booked this holiday soon after we found out about the baby. We wanted to take some time away when we could spend a block of quality time with Rosie before the baby arrives. Just to let her know that she is special and we love her. Between weeks 20-27 are the best time to go on holiday during pregnancy, and most airlines won’t allow you travel after 36 weeks. It is important to check that your holiday insurance provider is aware of your pregnant status.

As it turned out, it was also a good experience for her to have Em around, as it gave her an opportunity to see what little ones are all about (and for us to see how she coped!). Of course there was the advantage that at the end of the day Em went to bed in another apartment, but I was really proud to see how patient, gentle and responsible Rosie was. She actually seemed to enjoy having Em around, even when she was being really demanding.

While the sun was warm, the water was cold, so I didn’t get any swimming in this week. I haven’t been doing much in the way of exercise, other than the walk from the apartment to the beach. Only a couple of hours a day in the sun, as I am not sure the baby likes it – he seems to wriggle an awful lot, even though I have a full swim-suit on, not a bikini.

The fetus is growing lengthwise but has not yet laid down deposits of fat. Because of this, he is still rather thin and his skin is quite wrinkled. Arms and legs have the required amount of muscle, and are moving about vigorously. Palms and fingertips are developing little creases and his eyelids will soon separate so that baby can open his eyes.