How your baby is growing this week
Spaghetti squash size — 11 inches. Grip is strong enough to grab the umbilical cord. Sense of touch is online. Lips and eyelids more distinct. Developing a sleep/wake pattern you may start to notice.
What your partner is going through
Feet swelling (edema) from fluid retention and increased blood volume — worse in the evening and in warm weather. Rings may not fit. Carpal tunnel tingling in hands is common from fluid pressing on nerves.
What to focus on this week, dad
- 01Life insurance: you got quotes at week 16 — if you skipped that task, it's in your catch-up queue. If the application is still open, finish it now: underwriting takes 4-8 weeks, and a 20-30 year term at 10-12x income runs about $30-50/month for a healthy 30-something
- 02Babymoon logistics: if you are planning one, book it for Week 24-28. Airlines restrict flying after 36 weeks. Drive-distance destinations are lower risk. No Zika zones
Connect with your partner
Plan a babymoon weekend — even a local hotel overnight. This is your last easy window for couple time. After Week 30, travel gets uncomfortable. After birth, alone time vanishes.
Source: Mayo Clinic
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