ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the weeks during which the baby's increased movements make the presence more real, drawing the parents to focus inward. It addresses the issues parents face as they enter the phase of pregnancy during which the baby becomes more active and could survive if born after 24 weeks gestation. It can be difficult for parents to focus on the future beyond surviving the pregnancy. It is normal to need more reassurance and to utilize more health care. Fetal testing provides an ideal opportunity to discuss the baby's competencies and how the reciprocal relationship is developing to enhance the parents' innate knowledge about the health of the baby. Parents can be asked who this new unborn baby is to them, and reminded that this is a sibling who needs their attention now. Parental worries can be put to work for them and assist in maternal-infant attachment. The biophysical profile provides results based on known healthy parameters for the baby.
