Internet's back up. We think it may be a router problem. We're getting RoadRunner (cable modem) on Saturday, so hopefully most of these Internet problems will disappear. Anyway, here's the development update.
My Symptoms
Not much new. I've been having more headaches. I notice that I get them when I get hungry, so I try to eat more often, but sometimes I just get them. Tylenol doesn't help much, but that's all I've got. I do miss my Imitrex. I'm still getting bigger. Last week I started gaining weight. It's ok though, because What to Expect says I can gain a pound a week. I don't think I've felt the baby yet. At least nothing I could be be remotely sure was the baby. Hopefully, soon. I'll give more of an update after Thursday's appointment.
The Baby
The crown-to-rump length of your baby by this week is 4.3 to 4.6 inches. Weight is about 2.8 ounces. Fine lanugo hair covers your baby's head. The umbilical cord is attached to the abdomen; this attachment has moved lower on teh body of the fetus. Fingernails are well formed. The legs are longer than the arms. Arms and legs are moving. You can see this movement during an ultrasound examination. You may also be able to feel your baby move at this point in your pregnancy. Many women describe feelings of movement as a "gas bubble" or "fluttering." Often, it's something you have noticed for a few days or more, but you didn't realize what you were feeling. Then it occurs to you: You're feeling the baby moving inside you!
The fetus is about 5 1/2 inches long and weighs 3 ounces. It can swallow! It has preliminary toenails and can move its eyes (though there’s not a lot to see in there).
At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, your baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, though, doubling her weight and adding inches to her length. Her lower limbs are much more developed now. Her head is more erect than it has been, and her eyes have moved toward the front of her head. Your baby's ears are close to their final position, too. Some of her more advanced body systems are working, including her circulatory system and urinary tract. Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day. (By the end of your pregnancy, this will increase to about 1,900 quarts.) The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her hair isn't recognizable yet. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails.
Your baby's nails are well formed, and some babies are even in need of having their nails trimmed at birth. The ears have also moved from the neck to the head. Your baby is emptying his or her bladder every 40-45 minutes. The limb movements are becoming more coordinated. Your baby is about 3 ounces (85 grams) and 6.3 inches (16 cms). The gender may be detectable by ultrasound.
The Mom
As your baby grows, your uterus and placenta are also growing. Six weeks ago, your uterus weighed about 5 ounces. Today it weighs about 8.75 ounces. The amount of amniotic fluid around the baby is also increasing. There is now about 7.5 uonces of fluid. You can easily feel your uterus about 3 inches below your bellybutton.
"By doze is stuffed ub!" Stuffy nose is common in pregnancy, and so are nosebleeds. That nose of yours is going through a lot right now (as is the rest of you). Progesterone and estrogen are coursing through your body at high rates, softening and swelling mucus membranes including those in the nose and in (hooray!!!) the cervix! Avoid nasal sprays and medications -- sometimes a humidifier in the room where you sleep can help.
Have people been telling you how wonderful you look? The "glow of pregnancy" is real, thanks to increased blood flow to the skin. You may be enjoying yourself more, too, now that your hormones have stabilized and nausea has eased up. You're also probably less anxious about something happening to your baby (the risk of miscarriage drops dramatically after the 14th week) which likely adds to your overall sense of well-being. Soon you'll experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy — feeling your baby move. While some women notice "quickening" as early as 16 weeks, most don't until about 18 weeks or more. If this is your first baby, don't be too anxious — you may not be aware of your baby's movements until 20 weeks or so. The earliest movements may feel like little flutters, gas bubbles, or even like popcorn popping. Over the following weeks they'll start to feel unmistakably like kicks.
You may begin to feel the baby move around this point. This is more likely to happen now if you are a multipara (someone who has had a previous child) or if you are very thin. Generally you will feel the baby move about one month earlier than you did in a previous pregnancy, mainly because you know what you are feeling. It is not uncommon for first time mothers to not recognize fetal movements until 22-24 weeks. These first movements are called "quickening." They can also be used in helping to determine your due date.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Weekend Update
I’m taking a moment to do my weekend update. It wasn’t a bad weekend, although, I think traveling while pregnant is not very fun.
Friday
I got a lot done at work. Yeah! Then I decided to take a short nap when I got home. Eric came in and decided to lay down with me at about 6:00 p.m. I got up at about 7:00 p.m. and Eric just kept sleeping. I took a nice bath and then the neighbors called. They were playing Putt Putt, so I decided to go join them. I tried to wake Eric up, but he was out. I played a game of miniature golf and went to get ice cream with them. I got home around 10:00 p.m. and had a brief conversation with my Father-In-Law. Eric was still out, so I went next door to hang out a little more and watch some TV. I came home and went to bed around midnight. Eric was still asleep.
Saturday
I woke Eric up at 8:00 a.m. to go into the office (14 hours of sleep!) I slept a little later, and got up around 9:30 a.m. I puttered around, not expecting Eric until around noon. He got home around 10:30 a.m. and I had to get our stuff together. We ended up leaving around 11:00 a.m., but had to stop at Wal-Mart to pick up Logan’s birthday gift and then get some lunch. By 12:00 we were on the road. We got into Gary & Christie’s around 4:00 p.m. (3 Indiana time). We had a really nice afternoon. The weather was great and we sat outside on their patio enjoying the company and the new water feature in the backyard. Eric’s uncle Leonard and aunt Vicki stopped by and Gary grilled us some ribs that were so yummy. When it started to get dark, Gary built a fire and we turned on the TV outside and watched a movie. It was like a drive in. I also used the Doppler and let them here a live show of the Little One. One other really cool thing is that they have offered to help us pay for our crib. It’s so awesome. I’d really been debating on getting what I really wanted or something cheaper online. Now that it won’t be quite so much for us out of pocket, I think we’ll really get what we want. It’s an investment because this crib will eventually become a full size bed and be used until the Little One goes to college.
Sunday
We got up and had some homemade biscuits and gravy for breakfast. After breakfast, Eric and I decided to head on down to Bloomington to Kyle & Leslie’s. The party for Logan really got under way at about 1:00 p.m. Indiana time. We ate and stayed for presents and cake, and then left at around 4:00 p.m. (Ohio time). We got home around 7:30 p.m. and I felt like I’d been hit with a truck. I was so achy and sore. I also got a headache Sunday morning that didn’t go away until about 10:00 a.m. today. I took a bath when I got home and just layed on the couch for the rest of the evening.
On an unrelated note. My Internet is down at home. I’m not sure why. I called today to order Road Runner, so we should have cable internet as soon as Saturday. It’s painful that I won’t be able to update from home, but we’ll survive. I’ll work on my weekly update for tomorrow hopefully. Also, I’ve been doing some research on 3D ultrasound places. I found one in Cincinnati that looks cool (and affordable), now I’m not sure if I want my doctor to agree to do it or not. If Dr. D says no on Thursday, I’ll make an appointment at this place. I’m going to aim for the weekend of July 17th if we schedule our own.
Friday
I got a lot done at work. Yeah! Then I decided to take a short nap when I got home. Eric came in and decided to lay down with me at about 6:00 p.m. I got up at about 7:00 p.m. and Eric just kept sleeping. I took a nice bath and then the neighbors called. They were playing Putt Putt, so I decided to go join them. I tried to wake Eric up, but he was out. I played a game of miniature golf and went to get ice cream with them. I got home around 10:00 p.m. and had a brief conversation with my Father-In-Law. Eric was still out, so I went next door to hang out a little more and watch some TV. I came home and went to bed around midnight. Eric was still asleep.
Saturday
I woke Eric up at 8:00 a.m. to go into the office (14 hours of sleep!) I slept a little later, and got up around 9:30 a.m. I puttered around, not expecting Eric until around noon. He got home around 10:30 a.m. and I had to get our stuff together. We ended up leaving around 11:00 a.m., but had to stop at Wal-Mart to pick up Logan’s birthday gift and then get some lunch. By 12:00 we were on the road. We got into Gary & Christie’s around 4:00 p.m. (3 Indiana time). We had a really nice afternoon. The weather was great and we sat outside on their patio enjoying the company and the new water feature in the backyard. Eric’s uncle Leonard and aunt Vicki stopped by and Gary grilled us some ribs that were so yummy. When it started to get dark, Gary built a fire and we turned on the TV outside and watched a movie. It was like a drive in. I also used the Doppler and let them here a live show of the Little One. One other really cool thing is that they have offered to help us pay for our crib. It’s so awesome. I’d really been debating on getting what I really wanted or something cheaper online. Now that it won’t be quite so much for us out of pocket, I think we’ll really get what we want. It’s an investment because this crib will eventually become a full size bed and be used until the Little One goes to college.
Sunday
We got up and had some homemade biscuits and gravy for breakfast. After breakfast, Eric and I decided to head on down to Bloomington to Kyle & Leslie’s. The party for Logan really got under way at about 1:00 p.m. Indiana time. We ate and stayed for presents and cake, and then left at around 4:00 p.m. (Ohio time). We got home around 7:30 p.m. and I felt like I’d been hit with a truck. I was so achy and sore. I also got a headache Sunday morning that didn’t go away until about 10:00 a.m. today. I took a bath when I got home and just layed on the couch for the rest of the evening.
On an unrelated note. My Internet is down at home. I’m not sure why. I called today to order Road Runner, so we should have cable internet as soon as Saturday. It’s painful that I won’t be able to update from home, but we’ll survive. I’ll work on my weekly update for tomorrow hopefully. Also, I’ve been doing some research on 3D ultrasound places. I found one in Cincinnati that looks cool (and affordable), now I’m not sure if I want my doctor to agree to do it or not. If Dr. D says no on Thursday, I’ll make an appointment at this place. I’m going to aim for the weekend of July 17th if we schedule our own.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
One More
Last post for the day, I promise.
I uploaded the a new heartbeat file. This one has the movement sounds. It's about 14 seconds in. If you listen to the whole thing, you'll hear it. Remember, I wasn't moving the probe.
Here you go.
I uploaded the a new heartbeat file. This one has the movement sounds. It's about 14 seconds in. If you listen to the whole thing, you'll hear it. Remember, I wasn't moving the probe.
Here you go.
Questions for Doctor
I have a doctor appointment a week from tomorrow. My doctor doesn't seem to volunteer information just because, so I want to come up with some questions for her. I'll write what I have and PLEASE feel free to comment with more I should consider.
First a run down of what I expect to happen. Arrive and wait in the waiting room 20 minutes past my appointment time. Pee in a cup. Get weighed and blood pressure taken. Head into the exam room to wait another 15 minutes. When the doctor comes in, I think she'll use her Doppler to listen for the heartbeat. Then questions.
1. What is the heartrate? I know I could count this out myself, but I seem to have trouble counting over 30 in under 15 seconds.
2. Exercise. I've been getting somewhat of a desire to go back to the gym. I know you can continue exercising when pregnant, but I need to know what is acceptable to begin again after stopping for 4 months. More specifically, any restrictions on weight lifting.
3. What does the doctor think my chances are of feeling the baby before my next appointment? (I know this isn't that important, but I'm curious)
4. Next Ultrasound. Will she perform an ultrasound at 20 weeks? If not, any good reasons? Can I change her mind? What if I agree to pay if insurance doesn't? If still no, does she know where I can go to get one done? I plan to try to point out the other reasons than determining sex to do a 20 week ultrasound, including placement of the placenta, measuring for dates, narrowing down due date.
That's all I've got. Any other suggestions?
First a run down of what I expect to happen. Arrive and wait in the waiting room 20 minutes past my appointment time. Pee in a cup. Get weighed and blood pressure taken. Head into the exam room to wait another 15 minutes. When the doctor comes in, I think she'll use her Doppler to listen for the heartbeat. Then questions.
1. What is the heartrate? I know I could count this out myself, but I seem to have trouble counting over 30 in under 15 seconds.
2. Exercise. I've been getting somewhat of a desire to go back to the gym. I know you can continue exercising when pregnant, but I need to know what is acceptable to begin again after stopping for 4 months. More specifically, any restrictions on weight lifting.
3. What does the doctor think my chances are of feeling the baby before my next appointment? (I know this isn't that important, but I'm curious)
4. Next Ultrasound. Will she perform an ultrasound at 20 weeks? If not, any good reasons? Can I change her mind? What if I agree to pay if insurance doesn't? If still no, does she know where I can go to get one done? I plan to try to point out the other reasons than determining sex to do a 20 week ultrasound, including placement of the placenta, measuring for dates, narrowing down due date.
That's all I've got. Any other suggestions?
Loving Pregnancy
I feel like I’ve been neglecting my blog lately. I know I’ve been doing my weekly updates, but I don’t really feel I’ve been saying much about me. To make excuses, I’ve been super busy at work with no sign of things letting up. My brain works best during the 9 to 5 hours, so I don’t have a whole lot left to give when I get home. Today, I’m eating lunch at my desk, and while I’m eating, I’m typing. I don’t want my pregnancy to slip away without capturing my feelings at every stage.
I think I’m in the honeymoon stage. I currently love being pregnant. Most of the negative side effects are gone (queasiness, extreme fatigue, constipation,) and I’m still far enough from the end to not be worried yet, about delivery or what to do when the baby comes home. Although, I did feel a twinge of heartburn two days ago. I still get tired, but definitely have more energy. Monday night I stayed up until 12:30 a.m. to finish reading a book (titled “Good in Bed” and recommended by my girlfriends). A side note on that, no one warned me that there would be a subject involved that is very close to my heart and then when I broke into tears with several chapters to go and already 45 minutes past my bed time, that I would have to stay up until I finished it!
I also am very happy with what’s going on with my body. I am beginning to feel incredibly sexy. I know that sounds bizarre as I’m getting bigger, but it’s so different than “gaining weight”. My chest is bigger and my belly is growing, but it is just taking on this wonderful round, full shape. It’s not exactly hard, but the shape doesn’t remind me of what I look like when I put on weight. I also think if it weren’t for the belly, it’s possible I would be losing weight right now. My legs are getting thinner and therefore I feel like my lower body looks awesome. I also am completely comfortable in all of my clothes with no waistbands digging into my skin or love handles overflowing, so I don’t feel “fat”. I just look down and see the roundness of my stomach, but I don’t forget why it’s there. I’m sure in months to come, I’ll start to feel differently as the inevitable weight gain occurs and possibly redistributes to not-so-welcome places, but for now, I’m happy.
I’m also thinking a lot about the baby. It’s so hard for me to believe how big it must be inside me. It’s probably in the 4 inch category right now. Get out your ruler and look at how long that is…go ahead, I’ll wait. I guess it’s hard for me to picture, when I still can’t feel it. I think about that a lot too. At night, before I go to bed, I listen to the baby. It’s very active at night, I can here the bubble noises through the Doppler. Maybe I’ll download them for you. When I hear it move, I try very hard to feel it, but still nothing. I’ve done some research and figure at the very early end, I could feel it by 18 weeks. I hope so. I can’t wait to be reminded that’s it’s there, just waiting and growing. I’m also looking forward to possibly finding out the sex next month. Although, I also think I’d be ok not knowing. I just feel bad writing “it.” Honestly, I usually refer to it as “he,” I don’t want to give the baby a complex if it turns out to be a girl though, so I feel I should find out what it is.
Ok, work calls. If I get a chance, I’d like to post again on questions for the doctor next week. Feel free to leave any in the comment area if you can think of anything. I’ll try to write again soon.
I think I’m in the honeymoon stage. I currently love being pregnant. Most of the negative side effects are gone (queasiness, extreme fatigue, constipation,) and I’m still far enough from the end to not be worried yet, about delivery or what to do when the baby comes home. Although, I did feel a twinge of heartburn two days ago. I still get tired, but definitely have more energy. Monday night I stayed up until 12:30 a.m. to finish reading a book (titled “Good in Bed” and recommended by my girlfriends). A side note on that, no one warned me that there would be a subject involved that is very close to my heart and then when I broke into tears with several chapters to go and already 45 minutes past my bed time, that I would have to stay up until I finished it!
I also am very happy with what’s going on with my body. I am beginning to feel incredibly sexy. I know that sounds bizarre as I’m getting bigger, but it’s so different than “gaining weight”. My chest is bigger and my belly is growing, but it is just taking on this wonderful round, full shape. It’s not exactly hard, but the shape doesn’t remind me of what I look like when I put on weight. I also think if it weren’t for the belly, it’s possible I would be losing weight right now. My legs are getting thinner and therefore I feel like my lower body looks awesome. I also am completely comfortable in all of my clothes with no waistbands digging into my skin or love handles overflowing, so I don’t feel “fat”. I just look down and see the roundness of my stomach, but I don’t forget why it’s there. I’m sure in months to come, I’ll start to feel differently as the inevitable weight gain occurs and possibly redistributes to not-so-welcome places, but for now, I’m happy.
I’m also thinking a lot about the baby. It’s so hard for me to believe how big it must be inside me. It’s probably in the 4 inch category right now. Get out your ruler and look at how long that is…go ahead, I’ll wait. I guess it’s hard for me to picture, when I still can’t feel it. I think about that a lot too. At night, before I go to bed, I listen to the baby. It’s very active at night, I can here the bubble noises through the Doppler. Maybe I’ll download them for you. When I hear it move, I try very hard to feel it, but still nothing. I’ve done some research and figure at the very early end, I could feel it by 18 weeks. I hope so. I can’t wait to be reminded that’s it’s there, just waiting and growing. I’m also looking forward to possibly finding out the sex next month. Although, I also think I’d be ok not knowing. I just feel bad writing “it.” Honestly, I usually refer to it as “he,” I don’t want to give the baby a complex if it turns out to be a girl though, so I feel I should find out what it is.
Ok, work calls. If I get a chance, I’d like to post again on questions for the doctor next week. Feel free to leave any in the comment area if you can think of anything. I’ll try to write again soon.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Measurements
It seemed to me like I'd been growing lately and I hadn't measured in about 3 weeks, so this morning I took measurements at 14 weeks, 1 day. This time I'm going to compare to the beginning and last measurement at 11 weeks, 3 days.
Before = (B) Last = (L) Current =(C)
Weight - 150.5 (B), 150.5 (L), 151.0 (C) = +.5 pound (scale battery is dead, so weight is from a couple of days ago)
Bicep - 11 3/4 (B), 11 3/4 (L), 11 3/4 (C) = No change
Chest - 35 1/2 (B), 37 1/4 (L), 38 1/4 (C) = +2 3/4 inches
Waist (at smallest point) - 30 (B), 31 (L), 31 1/2 (C) = +1 1/2 inches
Waist (at belly button) - 32 1/2 (B), 34 1/2 (L), 36 (C) = +3 1/2 inches
Hips - 38 (B), 38 (L), 38 1/2 (C) = + 1/2
Thigh - 23 (B), 22 1/2 (L), 22 1/4 (C) = - 3/4 inch
Calf - 14 (B), 14 (L), 14 (C) = No change
Now the numbers are starting to get bigger. Thankfully, still mostly in places I don't mind. I'm curious to see what my doctor will say about my minimal weight gain next week. I'm eating, so I'm assuming everything is going fine.
Before = (B) Last = (L) Current =(C)
Weight - 150.5 (B), 150.5 (L), 151.0 (C) = +.5 pound (scale battery is dead, so weight is from a couple of days ago)
Bicep - 11 3/4 (B), 11 3/4 (L), 11 3/4 (C) = No change
Chest - 35 1/2 (B), 37 1/4 (L), 38 1/4 (C) = +2 3/4 inches
Waist (at smallest point) - 30 (B), 31 (L), 31 1/2 (C) = +1 1/2 inches
Waist (at belly button) - 32 1/2 (B), 34 1/2 (L), 36 (C) = +3 1/2 inches
Hips - 38 (B), 38 (L), 38 1/2 (C) = + 1/2
Thigh - 23 (B), 22 1/2 (L), 22 1/4 (C) = - 3/4 inch
Calf - 14 (B), 14 (L), 14 (C) = No change
Now the numbers are starting to get bigger. Thankfully, still mostly in places I don't mind. I'm curious to see what my doctor will say about my minimal weight gain next week. I'm eating, so I'm assuming everything is going fine.
Fourteen Weeks, One Day - The Fifteenth Week
My Symptoms
Not much has changed this week, except maybe the size of my abdomen. I took some measurements, I'll post them in a separate post. I still feel pretty good. I don't know if I've really got my energy back, but I don't seem quite as useless. I'm also really hungry. I've decided my craving is for french fries. Especially if they have cheese on them. I'm crazy about Steak and Shake lately too. I'm still looking forward to movement, but satisfy myself by listening. It's so easy to find the heartbeat now. I'm curious to see what the doctor will say about it next week.
The Baby
Crown-to-rump length by this week of pregnancy is 4.1 to 4.5 inches. The fetus weighs about 1.75 ounces. It's close to the size of a softball. Your baby's rapid growth continues. Its skin is thin. At this point in its development, you can see blood vessels through the skin. Fine hair called lanugo hair covers the baby's body. By this time, your baby may be sucking its thumb. Eyes continue to move to the front of the face but are still widely separated. Ears continue to develop externally.
Lanugo, a very fine hair, covers the fetus. It will keep growing until around the 26th gestational week of pregnancy (that’s week 28 of your pregnancy to you, sister!).
At around 4 inches long, crown to rump, your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 ounces. He's busy inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which will help develop the air sacs in his lungs. His legs are growing longer than his arms now, and he can move all his joints and limbs. That means his hands are more functional, too. Sweat glands are appearing, and although his eyelids are fused shut, he can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, he's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but he now has taste buds. And if you have an ultrasound, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or girl! (Don't be disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down the gender depends somewhat on how clear the picture is and the position of your baby during the ultrasound.
Your baby may have developed the habit of sucking his or her thumb! The skin is very thin and you can see the blood vessels clearly underneath. Your baby is about 70 grams. The scalp hair pattern is developing. And the heart is pumping about 25 quarts of blood a day. This will increase to about 300 at term.
The Mom
You can easily tell you're pregnant by the changes in your lower abdomen, which alter the way your clothes fit. You may be able to feel your uterus about 3 or 4 inches below your bellybutton. Your pregnancy may not be obvious to other people when you wear regular street clothes. But it may become obvious if you start wearing maternity clothes or put on a swimming suit. It's still a little early to feel movement, although you shoudl feel your baby move in the next few weeks!
The belt is getting tighter, your partner’s big clothes may fit in the waist, but what about those hips and that belly? Some women make it most of the way through with stretch pants and big shirts, but others need a more "professional" maternity wardrobe. Don’t worry, the days are gone when pregnancy meant fashion went out the window. Today’s styles are almost as cute as your baby is going to be. Your uterus is halfway between pubic bone and belly button. You may feel Braxton Hicks contractions. These painless and random contractions can be thought of as your body warming up for the big event of birth. If you have more than five per hour, if they come at a steady pace, or if they’re accompanied by intense cramps or backaches, call the doctor. Let’s talk about constipation. Or not. But it’s a fact of life for many pregnant women. Pump those fluids (at least 8 glasses of water a day) and keep doing mild exercise -- walking and swimming are terrific ways to get or stay in shape! If constipation becomes chronic, ask your healthcare provider to recommend an all-natural laxative.
You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now. If it's a little more or less, don't worry too much. Every woman gains weight at a different rate. While you're well into the swing of being pregnant, you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for example, you can probably chalk it up to your pregnancy. That's because increased estrogen can cause swelling in the mucous membranes and possibly the production of more mucus. Your blood volume is increasing, too, which causes your blood vessels to expand, including those in your nose. (You may get occasional nosebleeds as a result.) And because pregnancy alters your immune system and makes you more susceptible to certain infections, it might just be that you have a cold or allergies. In any case, make sure you stay away from irritants, like cigarette smoke, aerosols, and alcohol. Don't worry if you and your partner are feeling a little stressed out these days. Many pregnant couples worry about the baby's health and how they'll cope as new parents. But with minimal physical discomfort and renewed energy, this is also a wonderful trimester for most women, so try to enjoy it!
Your heart is increasing its output to supply the baby with oxygen. Your enlarged heart is pumping about 20% more blood than prepregnancy. This volume will actually increase throughout your pregnancy for an ending increased heart output of 30-50%. If your clothes are getting tight, do not try to cram yourself into clothes. Either invest in some maternity clothes, borrow them, wear your partner's clothing or unzip your pants! The maternal blood screening for neural tube defects, often called the Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) may be offered at this point. It is a screening that is most accurate during the 15 - 17th weeks of gestation, although this screening has a high false positive rate.
Not much has changed this week, except maybe the size of my abdomen. I took some measurements, I'll post them in a separate post. I still feel pretty good. I don't know if I've really got my energy back, but I don't seem quite as useless. I'm also really hungry. I've decided my craving is for french fries. Especially if they have cheese on them. I'm crazy about Steak and Shake lately too. I'm still looking forward to movement, but satisfy myself by listening. It's so easy to find the heartbeat now. I'm curious to see what the doctor will say about it next week.
The Baby
Crown-to-rump length by this week of pregnancy is 4.1 to 4.5 inches. The fetus weighs about 1.75 ounces. It's close to the size of a softball. Your baby's rapid growth continues. Its skin is thin. At this point in its development, you can see blood vessels through the skin. Fine hair called lanugo hair covers the baby's body. By this time, your baby may be sucking its thumb. Eyes continue to move to the front of the face but are still widely separated. Ears continue to develop externally.
Lanugo, a very fine hair, covers the fetus. It will keep growing until around the 26th gestational week of pregnancy (that’s week 28 of your pregnancy to you, sister!).
At around 4 inches long, crown to rump, your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 ounces. He's busy inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which will help develop the air sacs in his lungs. His legs are growing longer than his arms now, and he can move all his joints and limbs. That means his hands are more functional, too. Sweat glands are appearing, and although his eyelids are fused shut, he can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, he's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but he now has taste buds. And if you have an ultrasound, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or girl! (Don't be disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down the gender depends somewhat on how clear the picture is and the position of your baby during the ultrasound.
Your baby may have developed the habit of sucking his or her thumb! The skin is very thin and you can see the blood vessels clearly underneath. Your baby is about 70 grams. The scalp hair pattern is developing. And the heart is pumping about 25 quarts of blood a day. This will increase to about 300 at term.
The Mom
You can easily tell you're pregnant by the changes in your lower abdomen, which alter the way your clothes fit. You may be able to feel your uterus about 3 or 4 inches below your bellybutton. Your pregnancy may not be obvious to other people when you wear regular street clothes. But it may become obvious if you start wearing maternity clothes or put on a swimming suit. It's still a little early to feel movement, although you shoudl feel your baby move in the next few weeks!
The belt is getting tighter, your partner’s big clothes may fit in the waist, but what about those hips and that belly? Some women make it most of the way through with stretch pants and big shirts, but others need a more "professional" maternity wardrobe. Don’t worry, the days are gone when pregnancy meant fashion went out the window. Today’s styles are almost as cute as your baby is going to be. Your uterus is halfway between pubic bone and belly button. You may feel Braxton Hicks contractions. These painless and random contractions can be thought of as your body warming up for the big event of birth. If you have more than five per hour, if they come at a steady pace, or if they’re accompanied by intense cramps or backaches, call the doctor. Let’s talk about constipation. Or not. But it’s a fact of life for many pregnant women. Pump those fluids (at least 8 glasses of water a day) and keep doing mild exercise -- walking and swimming are terrific ways to get or stay in shape! If constipation becomes chronic, ask your healthcare provider to recommend an all-natural laxative.
You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now. If it's a little more or less, don't worry too much. Every woman gains weight at a different rate. While you're well into the swing of being pregnant, you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for example, you can probably chalk it up to your pregnancy. That's because increased estrogen can cause swelling in the mucous membranes and possibly the production of more mucus. Your blood volume is increasing, too, which causes your blood vessels to expand, including those in your nose. (You may get occasional nosebleeds as a result.) And because pregnancy alters your immune system and makes you more susceptible to certain infections, it might just be that you have a cold or allergies. In any case, make sure you stay away from irritants, like cigarette smoke, aerosols, and alcohol. Don't worry if you and your partner are feeling a little stressed out these days. Many pregnant couples worry about the baby's health and how they'll cope as new parents. But with minimal physical discomfort and renewed energy, this is also a wonderful trimester for most women, so try to enjoy it!
Your heart is increasing its output to supply the baby with oxygen. Your enlarged heart is pumping about 20% more blood than prepregnancy. This volume will actually increase throughout your pregnancy for an ending increased heart output of 30-50%. If your clothes are getting tight, do not try to cram yourself into clothes. Either invest in some maternity clothes, borrow them, wear your partner's clothing or unzip your pants! The maternal blood screening for neural tube defects, often called the Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) may be offered at this point. It is a screening that is most accurate during the 15 - 17th weeks of gestation, although this screening has a high false positive rate.
Monday, June 14, 2004
More Pictures
In an e-mail to my girls today, I mentioned that the outfit I wore to work, hid nothing about my new shape. I am posting a picture below. The shirt is form fitting, so shows exactly where my belly is without hiding it in lots of extra fabric. It's so bizarre, that I now chose to wear things that make me look "fat", where I used to complete avoid any outfit that would accentuate my waistline. I can still cling to the fact that I've gained very little weight 1/2 pound to be exact. At least by the time I have gained 10 or 15 pounds, my belly should be very round and pregnant like.
I have also included a link to the close up belly shot. I'll add this one to the sidebar.
Ok, it's starting to seem like I'm obsessed with my growth. I guess this is it until the kicking starts.
I have also included a link to the close up belly shot. I'll add this one to the sidebar.
Ok, it's starting to seem like I'm obsessed with my growth. I guess this is it until the kicking starts.
Sunday, June 13, 2004
13 Weeks, 1 Day - The Fourteenth Week
Second Trimester! Can you believe it? Sometimes I still can't. Anyway, it's official. I am now in my second trimester, fourth month, and fourteenth week. It's so good. Here's the scoop.
My Symptoms
I feel great. Like I mentioned earlier this week, I'm still tired, but all the other bad stuff I complained about a month ago. I hardly remember. Funny how that works. Looking back, it wasn't so bad and didn't really last that long. I'm guessing this is how I'll feel about the pain of childbirth a couple of weeks after I bring my baby home?
The Baby
The crown-to-rump length is 3.2 to 4.1 inches. Your baby is about the size of your fist and weighs almost 1 ounce. This week the baby's ears have moved from the neck to the sides of the head. Eyes have been moving gradually to the front of the face from the side of the head. The neck continues to get longer, and the chin no longer rests on the chest. Sexual development continues. It is becoming easier to determine male from female by looking at external genitalia, which are more developed.
Lub-dub, lub-dub..." At your doctor’s visit, ask to hear the baby’s heartbeat. At this point, using a Doppler you'll be able to hear the tiny beating.
Head to bottom, your baby's 3 1/2 inches long — about the length of a lemon — and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces. Her body's growing faster than her head, which now sits upon a more well-defined neck. By the end of this week, her arms will have lengthened and will be in proportion to the rest of her body. (Her legs still have some growing to do, though.) She's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair all over her body (called lanugo). Her liver starts secreting bile this week, a sign that it's already functioning properly, and her spleen starts contributing to the production of red blood cells. She's also producing and discharging urine into the amniotic fluid, a normal process that she'll keep up until birth. You still can't feel your baby's movements, but her hands and feet (which are now half an inch long) are more flexible and active. Thanks to brain impulses, her little facial muscles are getting a workout as she squints, frowns, and grimaces. She can grasp now, too, and she may be able to suck her thumb.
The baby is now about 12.5 cms or 4.92 inches. Your baby is now producing urine and actually urinating into the amniotic fluid. It also can practice "breathing" the amniotic fluid in and out of its lungs. Amniotic fluid is an amazing substance. It completely regenerates itself every three hours. We do know that it is partially composed of urine from the baby, but where amniotic fluid in general is made we are not sure. Modern medicine still has some surprises left.
The Mom
Maternity clothes may be a "must" by now. Some women try to get by for a while by not buttoning or zipping thier pants all the way or by using rubber bands or safety pins to increase their waistbands. It usually only works for a short time. YOU are going to get even bigger. You'll enjoy your pregnancy more and feel more comfortable with cloting that fits comfortably and provides you room to grow.
It may feel like butterflies or it may feel like gas. Some mothers may feel fetal movement (quickening), though others may not be able to identify movement until around week 20. Soon, though, you’ll be playing footsie with a fetus who insists on poking you in the ribs and dancing the rumba -- just when you settle in for a good night’s rest. And speaking of sleep -- not all pregnant women can! How can you get comfortable? Try warm milk, soothing massage and, as you grow, lots of pillows -- under your leg, under your belly, next to your back... did I also tell you you’ll need a bigger bed? (Hey, once the baby is born, you may never sleep again!)
As early discomforts (nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness) begin to fade, you may start to regain some energy and feel more comfortable with how your body's changing. (Although the top of your uterus is only a bit above your pelvic bone, that growth may be enough to push your tummy out a bit. Starting to show is an exciting pregnancy milestone and it will likely give you and your partner the visible evidence of a baby that you've been waiting for. Take some time to plan, daydream, and enjoy this amazing time. It's normal to worry a bit now and then, but you can also breathe a little sigh of relief knowing that with the start of this trimester your risk of miscarriage has dropped significantly. Now try to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby and having faith that you're well equipped for what's ahead.
The hormonal changes in your body are becoming apparent. Many are in the form of skin changes. You may have developed a dark line down the middle of your abdomen to your pubic bone called a linea negra. The areola (dark nipple portion of your breasts) may have darkened and gotten larger as well. Your uterus is now the size of a grapefruit.
My Symptoms
I feel great. Like I mentioned earlier this week, I'm still tired, but all the other bad stuff I complained about a month ago. I hardly remember. Funny how that works. Looking back, it wasn't so bad and didn't really last that long. I'm guessing this is how I'll feel about the pain of childbirth a couple of weeks after I bring my baby home?
The Baby
The crown-to-rump length is 3.2 to 4.1 inches. Your baby is about the size of your fist and weighs almost 1 ounce. This week the baby's ears have moved from the neck to the sides of the head. Eyes have been moving gradually to the front of the face from the side of the head. The neck continues to get longer, and the chin no longer rests on the chest. Sexual development continues. It is becoming easier to determine male from female by looking at external genitalia, which are more developed.
Lub-dub, lub-dub..." At your doctor’s visit, ask to hear the baby’s heartbeat. At this point, using a Doppler you'll be able to hear the tiny beating.
Head to bottom, your baby's 3 1/2 inches long — about the length of a lemon — and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces. Her body's growing faster than her head, which now sits upon a more well-defined neck. By the end of this week, her arms will have lengthened and will be in proportion to the rest of her body. (Her legs still have some growing to do, though.) She's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair all over her body (called lanugo). Her liver starts secreting bile this week, a sign that it's already functioning properly, and her spleen starts contributing to the production of red blood cells. She's also producing and discharging urine into the amniotic fluid, a normal process that she'll keep up until birth. You still can't feel your baby's movements, but her hands and feet (which are now half an inch long) are more flexible and active. Thanks to brain impulses, her little facial muscles are getting a workout as she squints, frowns, and grimaces. She can grasp now, too, and she may be able to suck her thumb.
The baby is now about 12.5 cms or 4.92 inches. Your baby is now producing urine and actually urinating into the amniotic fluid. It also can practice "breathing" the amniotic fluid in and out of its lungs. Amniotic fluid is an amazing substance. It completely regenerates itself every three hours. We do know that it is partially composed of urine from the baby, but where amniotic fluid in general is made we are not sure. Modern medicine still has some surprises left.
The Mom
Maternity clothes may be a "must" by now. Some women try to get by for a while by not buttoning or zipping thier pants all the way or by using rubber bands or safety pins to increase their waistbands. It usually only works for a short time. YOU are going to get even bigger. You'll enjoy your pregnancy more and feel more comfortable with cloting that fits comfortably and provides you room to grow.
It may feel like butterflies or it may feel like gas. Some mothers may feel fetal movement (quickening), though others may not be able to identify movement until around week 20. Soon, though, you’ll be playing footsie with a fetus who insists on poking you in the ribs and dancing the rumba -- just when you settle in for a good night’s rest. And speaking of sleep -- not all pregnant women can! How can you get comfortable? Try warm milk, soothing massage and, as you grow, lots of pillows -- under your leg, under your belly, next to your back... did I also tell you you’ll need a bigger bed? (Hey, once the baby is born, you may never sleep again!)
As early discomforts (nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness) begin to fade, you may start to regain some energy and feel more comfortable with how your body's changing. (Although the top of your uterus is only a bit above your pelvic bone, that growth may be enough to push your tummy out a bit. Starting to show is an exciting pregnancy milestone and it will likely give you and your partner the visible evidence of a baby that you've been waiting for. Take some time to plan, daydream, and enjoy this amazing time. It's normal to worry a bit now and then, but you can also breathe a little sigh of relief knowing that with the start of this trimester your risk of miscarriage has dropped significantly. Now try to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby and having faith that you're well equipped for what's ahead.
The hormonal changes in your body are becoming apparent. Many are in the form of skin changes. You may have developed a dark line down the middle of your abdomen to your pubic bone called a linea negra. The areola (dark nipple portion of your breasts) may have darkened and gotten larger as well. Your uterus is now the size of a grapefruit.
Friday, June 11, 2004
Thoughts on Pregnancy
I haven’t updated in a while, so before I jump into my overwhelming workload today, I thought I’d do a quick entry. I’m tired again. I thought I was getting past that, but this week has wiped me out. I think a big part of it has to do with my current work situation. Since they eliminated the position of the woman who worked most closely with me (with the exception of my boss), I’ve had to pick up a lot of her workload. She had one client that I didn’t work on, that seems to consume enormous amounts of time, plus the boss was out while I was trying to piece things together and I have to help the new admin person on the account piece things together too. This has resulted in people coming to me with questions on this account that I don’t readily have the answers to, so I have to dig through piles of information and e-mail people I’ve never worked with and try to find the answers. My boss came back yesterday and despite all the questions that arose over the past 4 work days, we didn’t have much left to ask him. I’d already figured most of it out.
Anyway, those issues or the combination of the growth spurt the baby must be having has made me long for my bed by 9:30 p.m. I’ve been giving in a lot too. Another piece of good news, I think I’ve adjusted to maternity wear. This morning I considered some non-maternity pants that could still work. I put them on and had to suck in to button. While, they did button, I decided against them. I’m now used to the freedom of the elastic waistband and not getting that pesky outline of the inside button on your stomach by the end of the day. People’s comments have all been positive too. Unless they are talking about me behind my backs, no one seems to think I look ridiculous. If anything, more people have noticed that I’m “showing.” Now don’t get me wrong, maternity clothes are designed to accentuate that your stomach is no longer flat, and I look more pregnant in clothes than out of them at this point. BUT…I also look pregnant in my sweats and T-shirt, so this is definitely for real. I love it. It has become a bit more difficult to get comfortable on the couch or in bed though. I’m sure it will get much worse, but the point is that now I am noticing changes.
Last topic, the heartbeat. I still love the sound. I still listen daily, but I think it’s safe to say that when I pull out the Doppler, I’m not listening for reassurance or because I’m scared or worried. Right now, it’s all about love. It has gotten easier to find the heartbeat this week. When I do find it, it’s such a strong distinct sound. The coolest part is that if I find it, I’ll hold the probe completely still and just listen. I’ll hear it for a while, and then usually it will fade a bit or I’ll hear a bubbly kind of sound (think VH-1’s Pop-Up Video). Then sometimes the heartbeat will completely fade. The baby moves. Then I have to move the probe to find it again. I love the thought that this tiny baby is moving and kicking and growing in there. Just a few more weeks and I’ll be able to feel those movements. I really can’t wait to feel those kicks.
Ahh, I must be glowing.
Anyway, those issues or the combination of the growth spurt the baby must be having has made me long for my bed by 9:30 p.m. I’ve been giving in a lot too. Another piece of good news, I think I’ve adjusted to maternity wear. This morning I considered some non-maternity pants that could still work. I put them on and had to suck in to button. While, they did button, I decided against them. I’m now used to the freedom of the elastic waistband and not getting that pesky outline of the inside button on your stomach by the end of the day. People’s comments have all been positive too. Unless they are talking about me behind my backs, no one seems to think I look ridiculous. If anything, more people have noticed that I’m “showing.” Now don’t get me wrong, maternity clothes are designed to accentuate that your stomach is no longer flat, and I look more pregnant in clothes than out of them at this point. BUT…I also look pregnant in my sweats and T-shirt, so this is definitely for real. I love it. It has become a bit more difficult to get comfortable on the couch or in bed though. I’m sure it will get much worse, but the point is that now I am noticing changes.
Last topic, the heartbeat. I still love the sound. I still listen daily, but I think it’s safe to say that when I pull out the Doppler, I’m not listening for reassurance or because I’m scared or worried. Right now, it’s all about love. It has gotten easier to find the heartbeat this week. When I do find it, it’s such a strong distinct sound. The coolest part is that if I find it, I’ll hold the probe completely still and just listen. I’ll hear it for a while, and then usually it will fade a bit or I’ll hear a bubbly kind of sound (think VH-1’s Pop-Up Video). Then sometimes the heartbeat will completely fade. The baby moves. Then I have to move the probe to find it again. I love the thought that this tiny baby is moving and kicking and growing in there. Just a few more weeks and I’ll be able to feel those movements. I really can’t wait to feel those kicks.
Ahh, I must be glowing.
Sunday, June 06, 2004
Twelve Weeks, One Day - The Thirteenth Week
My Symptoms
I feel good this week. The main change going on with me is the expanding waistline. I feel weird about it. I'm excited don't get me wrong, but it is still weird when someone mentions it to me. I wore maternity clothes a little at work too last week. Mostly the pants, no shirts that were obvious. When I wore the clothes to the movies I almost felt like an imposter. It's obvious to me and those around me that my body is changing, but there still isn't that tell-tale bulge that can't be mistaken for anything but a baby. I guess I need to accept it, I am pregnant, and these clothes are now more comfortable. People won't judge and think I'm switching too early. This will be irrelevant in a couple of weeks anyway. Soon, it will be obvious to everyone.
The other weird thing about growing is that I can tell I'm bigger. I don't really know how to explain this. I guess when I imagined being pregnant, I imagined I'd feel like me, but just have a belly (Think-Maternity store mirror with the belly pillow strapped on). Now that's it's growing, it's like I am too. That belly that's getting there is also a part of me. When I sit, I just feel this extra part of me on my stomach. I'm used to where my belly button is supposed to be and how it feels to be standing around in jeans. I keep finding myself trying to hold in my stomach. I'm not sure if I did it before or if I'm just trying to feel "normal." It's really hard to just let loose and let it all hang out. I guess I've been so programmed to wanting to feel thin and have a flat stomach that subconciously I'm still fighting it. It surprises me, because I've at the same time, been excitedly looking forward to the day I'd wake up round. I guess I just didn't imagine that I'd feel round as well as looking it. It's not like strapping on the belly pillow in the maternity store. This belly belongs to me. Ok, here's what happens this week of development.
The Baby
Your baby is growing rapidly! It's crown-to-rump length is 2.6 to 3.1 inches, and it weight between .5 and .7 ounce. It is about the size of a peach. Fetal grown is particulary striking now through about 24 weeks of pregnancy. One interesting change is the relative slowdown in the growth of the baby's head compared to the rest of his body. In week 13, the head is about half the crown-to-rump length. By week 21, the head is about one-fourth the size of it's body. Your baby's face is beginning to look more humanlike. Eyes, which started out on the side of the head, move closer together on the face. The ears come to lie in their normal position on the side of the head. Eternal genitalia have developed enough so that a male can be distinguished from a female if examined outside the womb.
Your belly may soon be big enough to announce to the world that you're expecting, but your baby is still tiny. In fact, he's only about 3 inches long crown to rump — roughly the size of a jumbo shrimp — and weighs just about an ounce. Despite the small proportions, there's a fully formed baby inside your womb now. Much more proportional than it was a few weeks ago, his head is now only about a third the size of his body. His tiny, unique fingerprints are already in place. His kidneys and urinary tract are functional, and he's starting to urinate out the amniotic fluid he's been swallowing. As you start your second trimester, most of your baby's critical development will be completed, and your odds of miscarriage will drop considerably.
There are a lot of things going on this week! All twenty teeth have formed and are waiting (Teething is yet to come!). Your baby approximately weighs in at 1 ounce (28.3 grams). Consider that the placenta weighs about an ounce now as well. Your baby's intestines are migrating from the umbilical cord into his or her abdomen. The villi are also forming in the intestines, these help in peristaltic movements and digestion. The pancreas of your little one is even secreting insulin!
The Mom
Your uterus has grown quite a bit. You can probably feel its upper edge above the pubic bone in the lowest part of your abdomen, about 4 inches below your bellybutton. At 12 to 13 weeks, your uterus fills your pelvis and starts growing upward into your abdomen. It feels like a soft, smooth ball. You have probably gaines some weight by now. If morning sickness has been a problem and you've had a hard time eating, you may not have gained much weight. As you feel better and as your baby rapidly starts to gain weight, you'll gain weight. You are losing your waist! Clothing fits snugly. It's time to start wearing loose-fitting clothing.
The Second Trimester! Hooray! Your morning sickness should be starting to subside, and miscarriage is less of a risk. The second trimester brings in relief and reality... Yes, you're really having a baby! Now that the high-risk period is over, you probably have some pregnancy announcements to make. That is, if you've been able to keep the big news a secret.
Time to celebrate! This is the last week of your first trimester. Next week you'll be in your second trimester. That's great news for two reasons: One, your risk of miscarriage drops dramatically, and two, many women see early pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, subside. (In some cases, though, heartburn replaces the nausea.) Birth is still months away, but your breasts may have already started making colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that feeds your baby for the first few days after birth, before your milk starts to flow. Many couples also notice a distinct libido lift in the second trimester as nausea abates and energy returns.
Welcome to the second trimester! This is usually the time when mothers feel their best. They are "over" the joys of early pregnancy and have more energy. They are also beginning to feel pregnant. Some people have delayed spreading the good news until this point. If you are one of these people enjoy telling now, and think of some creative ways to do it. This is also a time when fathers and other family members start becoming more involved as the pregnancy becomes more real for them. Encourage them to participate in your pregnancy to the extent that you feel comfortable with.
Your appointments will now consist of:
Blood Pressure
Weight
Fundal Height (Growth of the Uterus)
Baby's Heart Tones
Urine
I feel good this week. The main change going on with me is the expanding waistline. I feel weird about it. I'm excited don't get me wrong, but it is still weird when someone mentions it to me. I wore maternity clothes a little at work too last week. Mostly the pants, no shirts that were obvious. When I wore the clothes to the movies I almost felt like an imposter. It's obvious to me and those around me that my body is changing, but there still isn't that tell-tale bulge that can't be mistaken for anything but a baby. I guess I need to accept it, I am pregnant, and these clothes are now more comfortable. People won't judge and think I'm switching too early. This will be irrelevant in a couple of weeks anyway. Soon, it will be obvious to everyone.
The other weird thing about growing is that I can tell I'm bigger. I don't really know how to explain this. I guess when I imagined being pregnant, I imagined I'd feel like me, but just have a belly (Think-Maternity store mirror with the belly pillow strapped on). Now that's it's growing, it's like I am too. That belly that's getting there is also a part of me. When I sit, I just feel this extra part of me on my stomach. I'm used to where my belly button is supposed to be and how it feels to be standing around in jeans. I keep finding myself trying to hold in my stomach. I'm not sure if I did it before or if I'm just trying to feel "normal." It's really hard to just let loose and let it all hang out. I guess I've been so programmed to wanting to feel thin and have a flat stomach that subconciously I'm still fighting it. It surprises me, because I've at the same time, been excitedly looking forward to the day I'd wake up round. I guess I just didn't imagine that I'd feel round as well as looking it. It's not like strapping on the belly pillow in the maternity store. This belly belongs to me. Ok, here's what happens this week of development.
The Baby
Your baby is growing rapidly! It's crown-to-rump length is 2.6 to 3.1 inches, and it weight between .5 and .7 ounce. It is about the size of a peach. Fetal grown is particulary striking now through about 24 weeks of pregnancy. One interesting change is the relative slowdown in the growth of the baby's head compared to the rest of his body. In week 13, the head is about half the crown-to-rump length. By week 21, the head is about one-fourth the size of it's body. Your baby's face is beginning to look more humanlike. Eyes, which started out on the side of the head, move closer together on the face. The ears come to lie in their normal position on the side of the head. Eternal genitalia have developed enough so that a male can be distinguished from a female if examined outside the womb.
Your belly may soon be big enough to announce to the world that you're expecting, but your baby is still tiny. In fact, he's only about 3 inches long crown to rump — roughly the size of a jumbo shrimp — and weighs just about an ounce. Despite the small proportions, there's a fully formed baby inside your womb now. Much more proportional than it was a few weeks ago, his head is now only about a third the size of his body. His tiny, unique fingerprints are already in place. His kidneys and urinary tract are functional, and he's starting to urinate out the amniotic fluid he's been swallowing. As you start your second trimester, most of your baby's critical development will be completed, and your odds of miscarriage will drop considerably.
There are a lot of things going on this week! All twenty teeth have formed and are waiting (Teething is yet to come!). Your baby approximately weighs in at 1 ounce (28.3 grams). Consider that the placenta weighs about an ounce now as well. Your baby's intestines are migrating from the umbilical cord into his or her abdomen. The villi are also forming in the intestines, these help in peristaltic movements and digestion. The pancreas of your little one is even secreting insulin!
The Mom
Your uterus has grown quite a bit. You can probably feel its upper edge above the pubic bone in the lowest part of your abdomen, about 4 inches below your bellybutton. At 12 to 13 weeks, your uterus fills your pelvis and starts growing upward into your abdomen. It feels like a soft, smooth ball. You have probably gaines some weight by now. If morning sickness has been a problem and you've had a hard time eating, you may not have gained much weight. As you feel better and as your baby rapidly starts to gain weight, you'll gain weight. You are losing your waist! Clothing fits snugly. It's time to start wearing loose-fitting clothing.
The Second Trimester! Hooray! Your morning sickness should be starting to subside, and miscarriage is less of a risk. The second trimester brings in relief and reality... Yes, you're really having a baby! Now that the high-risk period is over, you probably have some pregnancy announcements to make. That is, if you've been able to keep the big news a secret.
Time to celebrate! This is the last week of your first trimester. Next week you'll be in your second trimester. That's great news for two reasons: One, your risk of miscarriage drops dramatically, and two, many women see early pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, subside. (In some cases, though, heartburn replaces the nausea.) Birth is still months away, but your breasts may have already started making colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that feeds your baby for the first few days after birth, before your milk starts to flow. Many couples also notice a distinct libido lift in the second trimester as nausea abates and energy returns.
Welcome to the second trimester! This is usually the time when mothers feel their best. They are "over" the joys of early pregnancy and have more energy. They are also beginning to feel pregnant. Some people have delayed spreading the good news until this point. If you are one of these people enjoy telling now, and think of some creative ways to do it. This is also a time when fathers and other family members start becoming more involved as the pregnancy becomes more real for them. Encourage them to participate in your pregnancy to the extent that you feel comfortable with.
Your appointments will now consist of:
Blood Pressure
Weight
Fundal Height (Growth of the Uterus)
Baby's Heart Tones
Urine
Life Update
It seems like it's been a while since I wrote about other things going on in my life. I guess I'll make this a kind of weekend update, but also pick up some highlights from last week.
Last weekend we spent the weekend in Indiana visiting family. Eric worked a little on Saturday, so we didn't get to leave until almost 11 a.m. We went to Eric's brothers for the day and had a cookout. Eric's Mom and friend came down too, so we got to spend some time with them. We spent the night Saturday night. Sunday morning we drove up to my Grandparents house for another cookout. My parents came over from Iowa and we got to spend Sunday with my family. There ended up being about 13 people and 4 dogs there at one point. We spent the night Sunday and then drove home Monday morning.
Tuesday, was back to work and I got a lot done. We had to tie up some loose ends as my boss was going to be out for a week as his wife was being induced and the baby coming on Wednesday. Wednesday was also business as usual, and Pete never called with baby news.
Thursday morning we finally got a call that the baby was born just after midnight. They had a boy. I had to leave work around 11 a.m. as I had volunteered to work at our Corporate hospitality tent at The Memorial Tournament (professional golf). Right before I left, my friend Kristin, told me that a woman in my office had been laid off and she had heard there were more to come. We joked about whether we'd see each other the next day. Right after I made it to the tournament, I got a call on my cell phone from another woman in the office asking if Kristin was with me. Apparently 8 people had been let go and no one could find Kristin. I called her cell phone and confirmed the news. She was one of the eight. Fortunately I was not, but it's still a bit of a morale deflater that some more people are gone. On a lighter note, Thursday night, Eric and I went to the movies with our neighbors and saw Troy. It was better than I expected, so I was overall pleased. I also officially wore maternity clothes that look like maternity clothes for the first time in public.
Don't I look cute?
Friday was weird at work. I spent a good portion of the time trying to figure out how to help clients that were now without a service team. One client has my boss, Kristin, and a CE who was also released, none of them are around now. I had scheduled summer hours though, so I went ahead and left at noon and got my hair done.
Saturday, Eric and I went shopping. First we took my car by the body shop to have them order parts, so we can get started on repairs soon. We also stopped at Best Buy for some software to help us out with our Spyware/Adware problem. The initial scan showed 152 threats on our computer. Eric got a new pair of tennis shoes. And we shopped for baby furninture. It's harder than I expected. The store we picked furniture out in last time has went out of business. We found a crib we liked at Baby Depot in Burlington Coat Factory for $299, but there wasn't any matching furniture like a dresser or changing table. Babies R Us didn't lead me to anything I loved. We also went to a non-chain type store called My Own Room. We found a crib and dresser there that I love (we'd still have to get a stand alone changing table), but the pieces were $559 each. Don't get me wrong, it's quality furninture, plus the bed is convertible to a toddler and full size bed. The dresser would last forever too. I just don't know if I'm ready to spend quite that much on infant furniture. When I got home (after my nap of course), I did some online shopping. I found a crib/dresser/and changer that I like on a website for about $810 total. I just am not sure if stuff is as nice as it looks online and if I trust spending that much money on a site that I've never heard of before I started searching. The last option is E-bay. It sounds a little crazy, but a message board that I read mentioned the seller's name and said good things about it. I checked out the options and can get the exact same crib/dresser/changer I found at the online store for $775 including shipping. I just don't know what to do. At least I'm researching, but it would be easier if the stuff that's cheaper was at a store here in town and I could just order in person. At about 10:30 p.m. Eric and I went to the neighbors to play Euchre. We were up until almost 1 a.m.
Sunday (today) been kind of lazy. We did go to church this morning and then to lunch with Martin and April. I just got up from a nap and thought I'd update. There a huge pile of laundry in the bedroom calling me and I've got to get to the grocery store. I have actually ran out of bottled water! Ok, I'm going to write another post about the baby update now.
Last weekend we spent the weekend in Indiana visiting family. Eric worked a little on Saturday, so we didn't get to leave until almost 11 a.m. We went to Eric's brothers for the day and had a cookout. Eric's Mom and friend came down too, so we got to spend some time with them. We spent the night Saturday night. Sunday morning we drove up to my Grandparents house for another cookout. My parents came over from Iowa and we got to spend Sunday with my family. There ended up being about 13 people and 4 dogs there at one point. We spent the night Sunday and then drove home Monday morning.
Tuesday, was back to work and I got a lot done. We had to tie up some loose ends as my boss was going to be out for a week as his wife was being induced and the baby coming on Wednesday. Wednesday was also business as usual, and Pete never called with baby news.
Thursday morning we finally got a call that the baby was born just after midnight. They had a boy. I had to leave work around 11 a.m. as I had volunteered to work at our Corporate hospitality tent at The Memorial Tournament (professional golf). Right before I left, my friend Kristin, told me that a woman in my office had been laid off and she had heard there were more to come. We joked about whether we'd see each other the next day. Right after I made it to the tournament, I got a call on my cell phone from another woman in the office asking if Kristin was with me. Apparently 8 people had been let go and no one could find Kristin. I called her cell phone and confirmed the news. She was one of the eight. Fortunately I was not, but it's still a bit of a morale deflater that some more people are gone. On a lighter note, Thursday night, Eric and I went to the movies with our neighbors and saw Troy. It was better than I expected, so I was overall pleased. I also officially wore maternity clothes that look like maternity clothes for the first time in public.
Don't I look cute?
Friday was weird at work. I spent a good portion of the time trying to figure out how to help clients that were now without a service team. One client has my boss, Kristin, and a CE who was also released, none of them are around now. I had scheduled summer hours though, so I went ahead and left at noon and got my hair done.
Saturday, Eric and I went shopping. First we took my car by the body shop to have them order parts, so we can get started on repairs soon. We also stopped at Best Buy for some software to help us out with our Spyware/Adware problem. The initial scan showed 152 threats on our computer. Eric got a new pair of tennis shoes. And we shopped for baby furninture. It's harder than I expected. The store we picked furniture out in last time has went out of business. We found a crib we liked at Baby Depot in Burlington Coat Factory for $299, but there wasn't any matching furniture like a dresser or changing table. Babies R Us didn't lead me to anything I loved. We also went to a non-chain type store called My Own Room. We found a crib and dresser there that I love (we'd still have to get a stand alone changing table), but the pieces were $559 each. Don't get me wrong, it's quality furninture, plus the bed is convertible to a toddler and full size bed. The dresser would last forever too. I just don't know if I'm ready to spend quite that much on infant furniture. When I got home (after my nap of course), I did some online shopping. I found a crib/dresser/and changer that I like on a website for about $810 total. I just am not sure if stuff is as nice as it looks online and if I trust spending that much money on a site that I've never heard of before I started searching. The last option is E-bay. It sounds a little crazy, but a message board that I read mentioned the seller's name and said good things about it. I checked out the options and can get the exact same crib/dresser/changer I found at the online store for $775 including shipping. I just don't know what to do. At least I'm researching, but it would be easier if the stuff that's cheaper was at a store here in town and I could just order in person. At about 10:30 p.m. Eric and I went to the neighbors to play Euchre. We were up until almost 1 a.m.
Sunday (today) been kind of lazy. We did go to church this morning and then to lunch with Martin and April. I just got up from a nap and thought I'd update. There a huge pile of laundry in the bedroom calling me and I've got to get to the grocery store. I have actually ran out of bottled water! Ok, I'm going to write another post about the baby update now.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Measurements and New Belly Picture
Finally as promised.
The link to my belly picture at 11 weeks 3 days. Personally, I don't think it looks much different from the 8 week picture except that it seems like I'm wider all over rather than just at the belly area. Trust me, the clothes fit differently and there is a difference. Also, here are my stats compared to the beginning. Again, not much change, but I think I'm getting wider in places not being measured, like under my belly button, but not quite the hips. Anyway, at least I have a record.
Before = (B) Current =(C)
Weight - 150.5 (B), 150.5 (C) = -.5 pound
Bicep - 11 3/4 (B), 11 3/4 (C) = No change
Chest - 35 1/2 (B), 37 1/4 (C) = +1 3/4 inches
Waist (at smallest point) - 30 (B), 31 (C) = +1 inches
Waist (at belly button) - 32 1/2 (B), 34 1/2 (C) = +2 inches
Hips - 38 (B), 38 (C) = No change
Thigh - 23 (B), 22 1/2 (C) = - 1/2 inch
Calf - 14 (B), 14 (C) = No change
The link to my belly picture at 11 weeks 3 days. Personally, I don't think it looks much different from the 8 week picture except that it seems like I'm wider all over rather than just at the belly area. Trust me, the clothes fit differently and there is a difference. Also, here are my stats compared to the beginning. Again, not much change, but I think I'm getting wider in places not being measured, like under my belly button, but not quite the hips. Anyway, at least I have a record.
Before = (B) Current =(C)
Weight - 150.5 (B), 150.5 (C) = -.5 pound
Bicep - 11 3/4 (B), 11 3/4 (C) = No change
Chest - 35 1/2 (B), 37 1/4 (C) = +1 3/4 inches
Waist (at smallest point) - 30 (B), 31 (C) = +1 inches
Waist (at belly button) - 32 1/2 (B), 34 1/2 (C) = +2 inches
Hips - 38 (B), 38 (C) = No change
Thigh - 23 (B), 22 1/2 (C) = - 1/2 inch
Calf - 14 (B), 14 (C) = No change
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