Quick updates: We did a test last doctors appointment that would measure the chances of the baby having any spinal defects, like spina bifida, and the chances of our baby having anything are 1 in 10,000, so great odds! I have been sick on and off all week, and went to the doc to make sure everything is alright, and the baby is doing just fine! I have only gained a pound over the last 2.5 weeks, which the doctor said is just fine!
If you see words in italics, it is me putting my 2 cents in!
See the big picture
How your baby's growing:
How your baby's growing:
Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long about the length of a bell pepper or a deli pickle and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position and fully formed, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. She can actually hear you talking now. You don't need to abandon your potty mouth just yet, but you might want to start thinking about it! A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl (most likely!), her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound. Other highlights this week: This week is also the beginning of ossification. And while that sounds like some long and involved paperwork you'll have to fill out, it's really a fancy medical term for the hardening of your baby's miniature bones. And that's a good thing.See what your baby looks like this week.
How your life's changing:
Hungry? (ALWAYS!!!) An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow. (I don't even fit into some of Brian's t-shirts already!! I am huge!Sadness!) Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual (mine is normally on the low side, so the doctors will continue to watch me). Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon (Ours is April 6th! Can't wait!). This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying (everyone jokes that I am carrying twins since my belly is so big already, I always ask the techs to find the second one). During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album! (Brian will be here for this one and is very excited. The last one he got to see was at 11 weeks.)
No comments:
Post a Comment