Your baby

Measuring around 25cm from crown to rump and weighing about two pounds, four ounces, your baby is now taking on a more normal flesh colour and a less wrinkled appearance. The lanugo – fine hairs on your baby’s skin - will also start to disappear, although some patches may remain after birth.

Your baby's nostrils are now open and his lungs are developing air sacs, though they are still full of amniotic fluid. Apart from the lungs, all your baby's major organs are functioning. Your baby's brain has grown larger and impulses to the brain are travelling faster, so he can learn more quickly.

As your baby grows bigger, there will be less space in your uterus for him to do full body rolls and turns. You’ll still notice plenty of sharp kicks though! You’ll also notice slower, more deliberate movements as your baby pulls his arms and legs up towards the chest, trying to find a comfortable position. Your doctors may check at this stage to see which position your baby is lying in.

Your progress

It’s likely that you’ll be seeing your doctor or midwife for ante-natal check ups every two weeks from about now until 36 weeks. As well as ensuring that your baby is growing healthily, this will also give you a great opportunity to ask (and complain) about that increasing list of pregnancy discomforts…

Your growing bump is quite a weight now and may be causing you back pain, discomfort when sleeping, a frequent need to wee and even difficulty getting out of the bath or a deep chair. As your muscles and ligaments stretch to support your growing uterus, you may feel a stabbing pain in your side. Your growing uterus presses on nerves, which can restrict circulation in your legs, leading to cramp. And just when you could do without the hassle, you may notice that you’re becoming quite comically clumsy and forgetful – it’s all to do with those hormones again.

What to think about

Back pain comes in a lot of varieties in pregnancy. It can be achy, sharp, shooting and in the upper back, lower back or crosswise. This can be caused by the hormone relaxin, as your ligaments soften and stretch. And during the last half of pregnancy, weight gain and balance changes can make your muscles really feel the strain.

Most back pain can be helped and even prevented with proper posture. Maintaining good alignment is key. By the end of your pregnancy, the weight of your baby and belly may pull you forward, and you may lean backward to compensate without realising you're doing so.

Whenever you get a chance, check your posture in a mirror. Lengthen and straighten your spine from your neck to your tailbone. Try stretching yourself upward as though your head were being pulled upward by a string while keeping your shoulders straight and even. Next, tuck in your bottom, drop and hold back your shoulders, then pull your stomach muscles inward so that the weight of your baby is supported.

Practical Backache Aids

You don't have to take pregnancy back pain lying down. There are some practical measures you can take to strengthen your back muscles and help reduce your discomfort. Here's a list:

Yoga. Prenatal yoga is a good way to learn how to move with proper alignment. Find a studio in your area that has a teacher with specific antenatal teaching experience.

Good sitting posture. Practice sitting with proper alignment, especially if you're at a desk job all day. Bring in a small, firm cushion to tuck into the small of your back, and try propping your feet up with a foot rest to keep your ankles from swelling.

Comfortable computing. If you work in an office, make sure that your computer screen is level with your line of vision and you face the screen at a direct and natural angle so that you're not craning forward or straining your back.

Back support while driving. If you spend a lot of time in the car, a beaded "cabbie" seat cushion with back support can give you a continuous rolling massage.

Proper shoes. Make sure your shoes fit well and offer arch support. High heels can increase the pressure on your knees and joints, and also make you more likely to fall.

Lift correctly. Avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects to prevent ligament strain. If you have to lift something, bend from your knees and keep your back as straight as possible.

Stretching like a cat. Ease off tension with a cat stretch in a hands-and knees position, or straighten your back by pressing it against the wall as if sitting in an imaginary chair.

An exercise ball. At home, sit on an exercise ball instead of slouching on the couch to watch television. This will take strain off your back and pelvis while promoting flexibility in your hip ligaments.

Water therapy. Swimming takes pressure off your spine and ligaments. It can also give you more flexibility, strength and endurance for efficient labour and recovery.

Soaking. After a long day, a nice hot bath can also be your back's best friend. However, during the first trimester you should avoid soaking in water above 102 degrees.

Better sleeping positions. If you sleep on your side, prop up your top leg with pillows so that your top hip and knee are even. Use a firm pillow to support the curve of your neck.

Massage. Antenatal massage can offer a great relief. Ask your midwife or antenatal instructor, friends and colleagues for recommendations.

Special belly support. Support ‘belly bras’ are designed to help redistribute pressure on specific areas of your back to a wider area. Make sure you buy one that's specifically designed for use during pregnancy, as opposed to a weight lifting belt.