Pregnancy Lounge

Tag: pregnant

  • 15 Weeks Pregnant

    15 Weeks Pregnant

    pregnant 15 weeks
    If you are pregnant and at around the 15 weeks mark, your baby is about 4- inches in length (crown-to-rump) and weighs a little over 2 ounces. Your baby can move around in the amniotic fluid and may feel like fluttering sensations or even a gas bubble to you. If you cant feel anything now, that’s normal since most women don’t notice any movements until closer to the 18th week.

    Eyebrows and eyelashes are present and the hair on your baby’s head is getting thicker. Your baby’s skin is still very thin and transparent, making the blood vessels underneath clearly visible. The development of your baby’s genitals has been continuing and they are now nearing the point where they could be identified by ultrasound.

    Your uterus is just popping up above the pubic bone. You are at a very in-between stage right now and your favorite pair of jeans may not fit anymore, especially around the waist. Your uterus is easily felt and your doctor or midwife will use its position to check the progress of your pregnancy, measuring the distance from the top of your pubic bone to the top of the fundus.

    Your breasts are already beginning to form colostrum in preparation for your baby’s birth. Colostrum is the thin yellowish fluid that usually feeds your baby the first few days after birth- before your milk comes in, although some pregnant women may notice a little leaking out throughout their pregnancy, especially towards their due date.

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  • Pregnancy Week 8

    Pregnancy Week 8

    pregnancy week 8
    At week 8 of your pregnancy your baby is a little more than 1/2 of an inch in length (crown-to-rump) and changing shape, becoming more and more recognizable as a human. Your baby’s head is quite big and still way out of proportion to his or her body, due to the rapid growth of the brain.

    Your baby’s facial features are becoming more defined and the external ears are now present. Teeth are forming under the gums and your baby’s cartilage and bones are developing and hardening. Major joints are forming, allowing your baby’s arms to bend at the elbow.

    Your baby’s fingers are discernible and toe rays appear on the foot plates. The cells that will become either testes or ovaries arrive, but you can’t tell by looking whether your baby is a girl or a boy, yet.

    Your uterus is getting larger and you may begin to notice your clothes becoming slightly more snug, although these changes are very gradual. You have probably noticed that you need to urinate more frequently now as the growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder. This is quite common, since your baby is growing and also hopefully you are increasing your fluid intake.

    Start your pregnancy right by seeing a doctor or midwife. Your first prenatal appointment may occur about now. Your doctor or midwife will likely go over your medical history and ask you some questions about your health. You will have your blood pressure taken, your weight documented and you’ll have a urine test done. You may also have some blood tests done this time and possibly a pelvic exam, if you haven’t had one recently.

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  • Pregnancy – Week 12

    Pregnancy – Week 12

    BABY

    By the end of this week of pregnancy, your baby will be about 2 1/2 inches in length (crown-to-rump) and will weigh about 14 grams. Your baby’s digestive system (small intestines) is starting to function and is capable of producing contractions that push food through the bowels. After your baby swallows, urine can be excreted from your baby’s kidneys into the amniotic fluid, at this stage as well. The amniotic fluid is completely replaced every 3 hours, so your baby’s environment stays fresh.

    Your baby will start to develop some new reflexes now such as: opening and closing his or her mouth, clenching fists, curling toes and even making facial expressions. Your baby has periods of being awake and asleep, although these are relatively short and you won’t be able to tell when these periods are quite yet.

    MOM

    Your uterus has grown in size and can now be felt above your pelvic bone. Your doctor or midwife will be able to feel it during an abdominal exam. Your uterus will increase in capacity about 500 to 1,000 times during your pregnancy, to hold your growing baby, the placenta and amniotic fluid. You may notice a dark line running down the center of your abdomen from the top to the bottom of your belly. This line is referred to as the “linea nigra” and will most likely fade back to normal after you deliver your baby.

    Now that you are officially twelve weeks along, your chance of miscarriage has reduced significantly, so you may be able to relax a bit more and begin to enjoy your pregnancy. Many women begin sharing their exciting pregnancy news with their loved ones now (if not before!). Some people may have already guessed that you are pregnant, especially if this is a second or third pregnancy, because of your swollen, growing abdomen.

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  • 11 Weeks Pregnant

    11 Weeks Pregnant

    If you are pregnant and at 11 weeks, your baby is between 1- 2 inches in length (crown-to-rump) and weighs approximately 8 grams. Your baby’s most vital internal organs are fully formed and functional, but will continue to grow. The head is almost half the length of the entire body, but its growth begins to slow.

    During this week ossification centers will form in the skull and continue to develop and become a little more solid. Your baby’s little fingers and toes are growing nails now. The intestines are beginning to migrate into the abdominal cavity at this stage. Your baby’s external genitalia are present now and shows male and female characteristics, but are difficult to distinguish this early in development.

    Your uterus just about fills your pelvis and if you press your fingers into your belly just above your pubic bone, you may be able to feel it. You may be starting to think about maternity clothes at this point, but probably won’t need them for another month or more, depending on if this is your first pregnancy or not.

    You may notice a significant increase in your vaginal discharge at this time, which is quite common. The odorless (or mild-smelling) whitish discharge is called leukorrhea. It’s caused by increased blood flow to the vaginal area because of increased estrogen levels. This discharge tends to increase as your pregnancy progresses and you may have to wear sanitary pads or panty liners to feel more comfortable.

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  • 10 Weeks Pregnant

    10 Weeks Pregnant

    If you are pregnant and at 10 weeks, your baby is between 1 – 1 1/2 inches in length (crown-to-rump) and weighs close to 5 grams. Your baby’s umbilical cord is now completely formed and is performing the important function of delivering nutrients and oxygen to your developing baby.

    The arms and legs are growing longer and your baby toes and fingers are becoming recognizable, although they are still webbed. By this week, the external ears should be fully formed and visible, but your baby’s head is still large in relation to the rest of his or her body. Your baby’s heart will continue to develop and grow and the heartbeat may be picked up using a Doppler device.

    Even though you don’t look pregnant yet, you may start to gain some weight now; probably only 3-5 pounds so far. Your body temperature has risen slightly, caused by increased blood volume.

    You may find that you feel warmer than you did previously and your veins will become more noticeable. Due to normal hormonal changes during pregnancy, your gums may become softer and swollen. They may even bleed at times. You need to brush and floss them regularly to avoid gum infections.

    You may find yourself feeling very emotional and moody at this point, which is perfectly normal. Pregnancy hormones have this affect on your emotional state, causing shifts in your mood and for you to cry more easily.

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  • Pregnancy Week 1

    Pregnancy Week 1

    This is the beginning of your pregnancy journey and week 1. It is one of the most fascinating and magical journeys you may ever go through in your life. Chances are you are on this page to find out when and if you have pregnancy symptoms or signs of pregnancy.

    Your forty weeks of (or 280 days, if you deliver full-term) of pregnancy officially begin on the first day of your last known menstrual period. Even though you haven’t ovulated or conceived yet, your doctor or midwife considers this to be the first week of your pregnancy. This means that the average gestation for a baby is really only about 38 weeks full-term.

    At the beginning of this first week you will have started the first day of your monthly cycle, meaning the first week of pregnancy is when you are on your period. Your uterus is being cleansed in preparation for another cycle. Ovulation usually occurs about two weeks after the first day of this “cleaning stage”, but it varies greatly depending on how regular your cycles are. Your body is starting to prepare itself for the possibility of an upcoming ovulation and fertilization.

    Since you may be thinking about conception at this point, planning ahead for this experience can improve your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. You should start by pretending that you are already pregnant, since just about everything you eat, drink, or take into your body during your pregnancy will be passed on to your developing baby. If you smoke, now is a good time to kick the habit and give up cigarettes (if you haven’t already done so), because smoking while you’re pregnant will put your baby in danger, in many ways. Other people in your home who smoke should also cut back or quite. They shouldn’t smoke around you when you’re pregnant.

    Now is the time to begin healthy eating habits, including cutting down on caffeine. You need to eat a healthy, balanced diet to keep you healthy and prepare your body for pregnancy. If you are hoping or planning to become pregnant, you need to incorporate a prenatal vitamin supplement (with folic acid) into your diet, if you haven’t already. By taking a supplement that contains folic acid, you can dramatically reduce the risk of your baby being born with neural-tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The sooner you begin taking folic acid, the better. It is generally recommended that women take a folic acid supplement even a few months prior to becoming pregnant.

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  • Emotional Fertility Signs

    For fertility, charting your mood swings, thoughts, emotions and energy level along with your cervical mucus and changes, your other physical changes and your BBT, you may discover that they are closely linked to possible conception. On the other hand, some women don’t notice cyclic mood and energy variations whatsoever.

    Estrogen rises and peaks as ovulation approaches, therefore many women experience increased sexual feelings, heightened desire, and more feelings of affection. This may be due in part to the increased slippery-feeling cervical mucus (which is similar to arousal fluid, but more watery) that is produced as ovulation draws near, causing increased libido on your most fertile days. It’s no coincidence that the word “estrogen”, the fertility hormone, stems from Latin roots which mean “creating mad desire.”

    Other secondary signs you may notice as ovulation approaches may include: increased energy level, heightened sense of vision, smell or taste, easier concentration and mood swings. After ovulation, as your fertile phase ends, you may suddenly feel depressed or let down. Many times you may experience a drop in your libido as well. These feelings are important signals and are good to note on your chart.

    —Physical Fertility Symptoms

  • Episiotomy

    A small incision during delivery is an episiotomy. Right before your baby’s head emerges during delivery, in the pushing stage of labor, you may be given an injection of local anesthetic and your doctor or midwife may make a small incision in the skin between your vagina and anus (your perineum). This is called an episiotomy. An episiotomy is usually a second degree cut in both the skin and muscle of your perineum made for the purpose of enlarging your vaginal opening to assist in delivering your baby. The incision is closed with stitches after your baby and the placenta have been delivered. It is one of the most common medical procedures performed on women and also one of the most controversial.

    There are two main types of cuts: a midline (the most common), which is a cut directly towards the anus and a mediolateral, which is a diagonal cut toward the side. The most common are second degree and the least common are fourth degree cuts.

    Many doctors believe that an incision heals more easily than a tear. Other claimed benefits of episiotomy include prevention of possible third or fourth degree lacerations, lacerations that reach the anus, incontinence later on, damage to the pelvic floor and injury to the baby, as well as shortening the pushing stage; leading to a quicker delivery. Some doctors say that episiotomies are preferred, because they are simply easier to repair.
    <<click here for the rest of the article on episiotomies.>>

  • 14 Weeks – Pregnant

    14 Weeks – Pregnant


    If you are pregnant and at 14 weeks, your baby is between 3 and 4 inches in length (crown-to-rump) and weighs about 2 ounces now. Fine hair is forming on your little one’s head, as well as downy hair all over his or her body, which is called lanugo. Most of the hair that covers your baby’s body will disappear before birth.

    Your baby’s neck is longer and now complete and your baby’s fingerprints have appeared. As your baby’s facial muscles attach themselves, your baby is able to smile, frown and make cute expressions.

    Your baby is able to suck his or her thumb now, since the sucking reflex is developed, which you might get lucky enough to catch on ultrasound. You most likely will begin to hear your baby’s heartbeat during your monthly prenatal visits from now on.

    You may want to consider buying some maternity clothes now (or at least some larger, loose-fitting clothes that are less restrictive), because your uterus is becoming noticeably thicker. You may be suffering from heartburn, indigestion and bloating now. Wearing loose-fitting clothes, along with eating small frequent meals may help bring you some relief.

    You may also be suffering with more frequent headaches as a result of the changes in your hormone levels. Drinking plenty of fluids and getting an adequate amount of sleep can prevent this from happening.

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  • 13 Weeks – Pregnant

    If you are pregnant and at 13 weeks, your baby is about 2 – 3 inches in length (crown-to-rump) and weighs close to 1 1/2 ounces. Your baby’s face has a distinctly human appearance and is really starting to look like a little baby. Your baby’s chest is rising and falling as he or she practices breathing movements.

    All twenty baby teeth are formed and waiting beneath the gums until well after your baby’s arrival. Vocal cords are now developing in the voice box, forming the larynx, even though your baby won’t be able to make any sound until after birth. Your baby has many reflexes and squirms inside of your belly, as well as turns his or her head from one side to the other.

    Your uterus has grown quite a bit and loose-fitting clothes may be much more comfortable by now. You aren’t extremely big yet, so you’re probably feeling quite comfortable. Your appetite will start increasing, as your nausea fades into only a bad memory and you may begin to feel a little less tired.

    You may notice that your sense of smell has become more sensitive and some women even notice an odd metallic taste in their mouths which affects the taste of foods. These likely are caused by changes in your hormone levels during pregnancy.

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  • Pregnancy Week 9


    This week 9 of pregnancy your baby is about an inch in length (crown-to-rump) and weighs about a gram. Your baby’s rapid growth is phenomenal! All the major internal organs, muscles and nerves are ‘now in place and will continue to grow and develop throughout your pregnancy.

    Your baby’s eyes are fully formed and covered by a thin membrane, which are the eyelids. The eyelids are fused shut, but will eventually open later on in your baby’s development (between 24-27 weeks along). Your baby is now beginning to straighten its body and blood vessels can be seen through his or her skin, because of its transparency.

    By now, your baby is very active, although you can’t feel your baby moving around or kicking yet, since he or she is still so small. Your baby can respond to touch at this point and your baby would move and turn away from the source.

    If you were not pregnant, you would be having your second period this week. Some women have a small amount of light spotting at this time. You may notice some changes to your body shape by this stage and you may have gained a small amount of weight, although if you are still suffering from morning sickness, you may have lost a little instead. Your body has started preparing itself for the extra demands placed on it during your pregnancy. Your heart is beating faster than normal and your blood volume is increasing. The largest increase in blood volume will occur during the second trimester by about 50% or more.

    Occasionally, some women may feel dizzy or light-headed if they stand up quickly or for too long. This is fairly common during pregnancy and often caused by low blood pressure (hypotension). It can also be caused by high or low blood sugar levels. Make sure you don’t skip meals and that you are eating regularly. Also, when you stand up, do it slowly to avoid feeling faint.

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  • Ectopic Pregnancy FAQ’s

    An ectopic pregnancy or tubal pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Most are in a fallopian tube, but occasionally the egg may attach elsewhere, such as in an ovary, in the cervix or other places in the abdomen.

    The narrow fallopian tubes are not designed to hold a growing baby, so the fertilized egg in a tubal pregnancy cannot develop normally. Eventually, the thin walls of the tube stretch to the point of bursting. If that happens, it is potentially life-threatening for the woman, because of the high risk of internal bleeding and hemorrhage. If the tube bursts, it could destroy it’s ability to carry fertilized eggs on their way to the uterus in future pregnancies.

    What Causes An Ectopic Pregnancy & Who’s At Risk?

    Most ectopic pregnancies are caused by the inability of the fertilized egg to make it’s way through a fallopian tube into the uterus. This is often caused by infections such as a ruptured appendix or an inflammation caused pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause the tube to become party or entirely blocked.

    Scar tissue left behind from a previous infection or abdominal surgery may also interfere with the egg’s movement. Also, a condition called endometriosis; where bits of tissue (the tissue that lines the uterus) escape the uterus and become implanted on other pelvic organs- can cause scar tissue to block the fallopian tubes. This can interfere with conception or prevent the fertilized egg from arriving in the uterus.

    Another possible cause of ectopic pregnancy is an abnormally shaped tube, which may be the result of abnormal growths or even a birth defect.

    The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in women over 35 and women who have had previous ectopic pregnancies. Also, the use of an intrauterine device (IUD), surgery on a fallopian tube, several induced abortions, infertility problems or medication taken to stimulate ovulation increases the chances of an ectopic pregnancy.

    more on Ectopic Pregnancy

    —Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?
    —Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis
    —After an Ectopic Pregnancy
    —Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy