Had my 24 week doc appointment and all is still going great. Here's what we discussed:
1) Weight: I now weigh 150 lbs. which means I've gained 16 lbs. so far. The doc said this is just fine and no concerns. Great!
2) Discussed my back pain I get from sitting too long and he said this is normal. He said to continue exercising and stretching and to not sit for longer than 20-30 minutes without walking around. This led to my driving I do for work (I do 3 trips right now:1) 4 hours each way, 2) 3 hours each way, 3) 1 hour each way) each month. He said I should confine my long distance driving now for work due to my back pain. He decided on 1 hour a day of driving being maximum (besides to and from work).
3) Hydration: the doc said he tells all his patients now about drinking more water than I think I need due to the hot weather as pregnant women become easily dehydrated
4) Fetal movement: he gave me a measuring tool to use for movement. He stated that 2x a day I should feel at least 5 movements within an hour. So far no problem with this as he is active a lot throughout the day. If I don't feel him move during a normally active time for him and have sat down for about an hour, I then try the following: push around on my belly, play loud music/tv, put ice pack on my belly. If he still isn't moving, this is indication something may be wrong and to go to the ER. It's nice to have a tool like this to help me feel reassured everything is okay!
5) Drank the lovely fruit fructose punch for my glucose test. They drew my blood and I will know the results later this week. Hopefully it comes back okay as my urine didn't have sugar in it today, yay!!
6) Lastly, the OB clinic I go to is merging with Independence Regional at the new facility and will be closing. I have to find a new OBGYN beginning in a month, so that is too bad. I liked the doc and hope I can find another one as good. I have to call my insurance to make sure I do this correctly as I don't want to mess this up!I
I return to the doc on May 31st and will have another sonogram and get my Rhogam shot for my Rh-. I also scheduled the 3D sonogram for the morning of June 9th (the day of my shower) and will have all my pics and a video to show at the shower of our little guy!!
I figured out maternity leave today and with FMLA, vacation/sick, and short term disability, I should have no problem taking the full 12 weeks without making us broke. I'm excited about this as I know I'll need all the time I can get!!
Thanks for reading!!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Baby Pari is here!
My good friend Vadsana had her 3rd little girl today, Pari Jun Smith. She is 7 lbs 9 ounces (or is it 11 ounces??) and 19 inches long. Congrats and isn't she gorgeous!!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
24 weeks=6 months!
24 weeks....amazing! Well, the dreaded back pain and heart burn has kicked in this last week. Thankfully the back pain only occurs when I am sitting for long periods of time and the heart burn is usually in the evening. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat so not sure what I can do about it besides take Tums (which is doc approved :). The back pain, though, really showed up this last weekend when I went to a long dinner and the last 20 minutes was really hard. Then I took a long trip for work on Wednesday and had to stop every 30-45 minutes and walk around but it would start up again after 20 or so minutes in the car. When I go to the doc on Monday, I'm going to ask for any advice and hopefully a note for work to say I can't do the long distance driving anymore.
My sleeping is much better and with my exercises, the pelvic pain is still pretty minor. I just replace one pain with another! But, I still feel very good overall and am blessed for this! On Monday I take the glucose screening test and if I pass, all is good, if I don't, I have to come back for a longer test to see if I really have gestational diabetes or not. So, hopefully all will turn out okay!
Here are my 24 week belly pics:
He is still quite the mover, which I really enjoy. I know, I know, soon I will wish he wasn't such a mover when he is keeping me awake and kicking my ribs and bladder, etc., but it's a great reassurance when I feel him. He still focuses on my right and middle, so I guess that's just his favorite position!
Here is what babycenter has to say:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week, when she was just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long, that makes a pretty lean figure, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon put on more baby fat. Your baby's skin is thin, translucent, and wrinkled, her brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds are developing. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily.
How your life's changing: The top of your uterus is now an inch or so above your belly button, which means it's about the size of a soccer ball. With the skin on your abdomen and breasts stretching, you may feel a little itchy now and then. If your skin is dry, keeping it well moisturized may help. Also, your eyes may be sensitive to light and feel gritty and dry. This is a perfectly normal pregnancy symptom known as dry-eye. To ease your discomfort, use an artificial tears solution to add moisture.
Most women will have a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between 24 and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a high-blood-sugar condition during pregnancy. Untreated, high blood sugar increases your risk for having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow overly fat, especially in his upper body. It also increases your baby's risk for complications like low blood sugar at birth. A positive result on your GCT test doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you should have the more involved glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out.
It's also a good idea to be aware of the signs of preterm labor. Contact your caregiver immediately if you notice an increase in vaginal discharge that is watery, mucus-like, or pink or blood-tinged; any vaginal bleeding or spotting; abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping or more than four contractions in an hour; an increase in pelvic pressure; or low back pain that you haven't had before."
24 week pic of baby:
We got the bedding delivered this week and really like it. Tomorrow we are planning on registering at BabiesRUs and then painting throughout the week in the evenings or maybe waiting until next Sunday.
I'll write a quick post about the doc appointment on Monday....wish me luck on the glucose test!! Also, I plan to schedule the 3D sonogram and check out more daycares....have a great weekend and upcoming week!
My sleeping is much better and with my exercises, the pelvic pain is still pretty minor. I just replace one pain with another! But, I still feel very good overall and am blessed for this! On Monday I take the glucose screening test and if I pass, all is good, if I don't, I have to come back for a longer test to see if I really have gestational diabetes or not. So, hopefully all will turn out okay!
Here are my 24 week belly pics:
He is still quite the mover, which I really enjoy. I know, I know, soon I will wish he wasn't such a mover when he is keeping me awake and kicking my ribs and bladder, etc., but it's a great reassurance when I feel him. He still focuses on my right and middle, so I guess that's just his favorite position!
Here is what babycenter has to say:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week, when she was just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long, that makes a pretty lean figure, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon put on more baby fat. Your baby's skin is thin, translucent, and wrinkled, her brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds are developing. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily.
How your life's changing: The top of your uterus is now an inch or so above your belly button, which means it's about the size of a soccer ball. With the skin on your abdomen and breasts stretching, you may feel a little itchy now and then. If your skin is dry, keeping it well moisturized may help. Also, your eyes may be sensitive to light and feel gritty and dry. This is a perfectly normal pregnancy symptom known as dry-eye. To ease your discomfort, use an artificial tears solution to add moisture.
Most women will have a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between 24 and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a high-blood-sugar condition during pregnancy. Untreated, high blood sugar increases your risk for having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow overly fat, especially in his upper body. It also increases your baby's risk for complications like low blood sugar at birth. A positive result on your GCT test doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you should have the more involved glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out.
It's also a good idea to be aware of the signs of preterm labor. Contact your caregiver immediately if you notice an increase in vaginal discharge that is watery, mucus-like, or pink or blood-tinged; any vaginal bleeding or spotting; abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping or more than four contractions in an hour; an increase in pelvic pressure; or low back pain that you haven't had before."
24 week pic of baby:
We got the bedding delivered this week and really like it. Tomorrow we are planning on registering at BabiesRUs and then painting throughout the week in the evenings or maybe waiting until next Sunday.I'll write a quick post about the doc appointment on Monday....wish me luck on the glucose test!! Also, I plan to schedule the 3D sonogram and check out more daycares....have a great weekend and upcoming week!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
23 weeks!
Today is 23 weeks and boy, he sure is a mover and shaker! I feel him much more often throughout the day, now, and he seems to stay focused on my right side, and lower and upper middle. Not sure if it's his feet or hands, but anyway, it's great!!
I've been good about doing my pilates and yoga stretches I found in a magazine and book along with some light arm weights. This seems to really be helping my pelvic pain. It's not gone completely, but it really has subsided. I also sleep at an angle in bed which means I don't flip around as much, which also helps.
We will pick up the crib today from NFM and hopefully paint next weekend. I ordered the bedding yesterday and it should arrive next week. Here's what we ended up getting:
We'll paint the room a tan, not this dark, and I didn't order the border. Hopefully I like it as much in person as I do online!
Here's what babycenter has to say:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. His skin is red and wrinkled. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing. He can swallow, but he normally won't pass his first stool (called meconium) until after birth. Loud noises heard often in utero — such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze your baby when he hears them outside the womb.
How your life's changing: If you dealt with headaches in your first trimester, they might be subsiding now. (Many women have headaches in early pregnancy, thanks to pregnancy hormones, changes in circulation, and/or sinus congestion.)
You may notice some mild swelling sometime during your pregnancy, especially in your ankles and feet. It's called edema, and it happens because changes in your blood chemistry cause fluid to shift into your tissue and because your enlarging uterus puts pressure on the veins returning blood from the lower half of your body, slowing circulation in your legs. Edema is often worse at the end of the day and in the summer. Your body will eliminate the extra fluid after you have your baby (which is why you may urinate often and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery). In the meantime, put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, avoid sitting still for long periods, exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning). You may be tempted to skimp on liquids, but you need to drink plenty of water, because keeping hydrated actually helps prevent swelling. If you notice severe or sudden swelling in your hands and face, be sure to call your midwife or doctor because it may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia."
I've had mild ankle swelling but only when I've been working and it is warm. So, I guess that probably means I'll have swelling this summer...woohoo! We've played some music for our little guy through headphones but haven't decided if we should continue or not since his hearing is very sensitive. Anyone know if this is okay or not? Don't want to hurt our little guy's ears!!
Here's a picture of 23 weeks:
Well, have a good week!
I've been good about doing my pilates and yoga stretches I found in a magazine and book along with some light arm weights. This seems to really be helping my pelvic pain. It's not gone completely, but it really has subsided. I also sleep at an angle in bed which means I don't flip around as much, which also helps.
We will pick up the crib today from NFM and hopefully paint next weekend. I ordered the bedding yesterday and it should arrive next week. Here's what we ended up getting:
We'll paint the room a tan, not this dark, and I didn't order the border. Hopefully I like it as much in person as I do online!Here's what babycenter has to say:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. His skin is red and wrinkled. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing. He can swallow, but he normally won't pass his first stool (called meconium) until after birth. Loud noises heard often in utero — such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze your baby when he hears them outside the womb.
How your life's changing: If you dealt with headaches in your first trimester, they might be subsiding now. (Many women have headaches in early pregnancy, thanks to pregnancy hormones, changes in circulation, and/or sinus congestion.)
You may notice some mild swelling sometime during your pregnancy, especially in your ankles and feet. It's called edema, and it happens because changes in your blood chemistry cause fluid to shift into your tissue and because your enlarging uterus puts pressure on the veins returning blood from the lower half of your body, slowing circulation in your legs. Edema is often worse at the end of the day and in the summer. Your body will eliminate the extra fluid after you have your baby (which is why you may urinate often and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery). In the meantime, put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, avoid sitting still for long periods, exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning). You may be tempted to skimp on liquids, but you need to drink plenty of water, because keeping hydrated actually helps prevent swelling. If you notice severe or sudden swelling in your hands and face, be sure to call your midwife or doctor because it may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia."
I've had mild ankle swelling but only when I've been working and it is warm. So, I guess that probably means I'll have swelling this summer...woohoo! We've played some music for our little guy through headphones but haven't decided if we should continue or not since his hearing is very sensitive. Anyone know if this is okay or not? Don't want to hurt our little guy's ears!!
Here's a picture of 23 weeks:
Well, have a good week!Sunday, April 15, 2007
Baby clothes & movement
We've received a few baby clothes gifts and thought I would post them because they are too darn cute (don't worry, I won't post EVERY gift we get, it's just because it's the first ones :):
These next 2 pics are clothes that Grandma Clarkson bought:
These 2 are from my sisters:
Also, Eric finally felt little man last night.....although it took having his hand on my belly for about 15 minutes! Yay!
This one isn't a gift, I bought it today at Target because it has jungle animals on it and it was only $4:
These next 2 pics are clothes that Grandma Clarkson bought:
These 2 are from my sisters:
Also, Eric finally felt little man last night.....although it took having his hand on my belly for about 15 minutes! Yay!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
22 weeks!
Hello all....it's 22 weeks today and all is still well!! Here are my latest belly shots:
22 weeks
22 weeks
Nothing much to report since Monday's doc appointment. I've been doing yoga and pilates stretches this week but really haven't noticed it helping my pelvic pain much. It's strange because the pain is now all focused on my left side of my pelvis and is definitely in the groin area. Sleeping is hard only because of switching sides. I've tried to stop my liquid intake a couple hours before bed to help with having to get up. Last night I curled my snoogle up and sat sitting up at about a 45 degree angle and it was the first time I only woke up once! So, this may be my position for awhile until it, too, becomes uncomfortable.
I have felt our little man move around more and more. He used to only move in the evening but now I'll feel him more sporadically throughout the day. Just a little nudge or kick here and there. It's fun and I tried to have Eric feel him last night but it didn't happen :(
Here's what babycenter has to say:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.
How your life's changing: You may start to notice stretch marks on your skin as your abdomen expands to accommodate your growing baby. Some pregnant women never get stretch marks, but at least half do. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color), and they become more apparent as pregnancy progresses. They can appear not only on your tummy, but also on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. Lotions won't prevent or eliminate them, but they help with any itching. Also, you may no longer be an "innie" — your navel is flat and may soon pop out. It will revert to its usual shape after birth.
Another interesting skin quirk you may notice during pregnancy is something called vascular spiders. These are little areas of raised, reddish skin, with tiny branches. Commonly found on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms, they're caused by the higher levels of estrogen in pregnancy, and they usually disappear after delivery."
My belly button is very flat now and it looks funny. We'll see if it pops or not. No stretch marks yet, besides what I already had on my hips.
Baby picture:
Well, until next week!!
I have felt our little man move around more and more. He used to only move in the evening but now I'll feel him more sporadically throughout the day. Just a little nudge or kick here and there. It's fun and I tried to have Eric feel him last night but it didn't happen :(
Here's what babycenter has to say:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.
How your life's changing: You may start to notice stretch marks on your skin as your abdomen expands to accommodate your growing baby. Some pregnant women never get stretch marks, but at least half do. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color), and they become more apparent as pregnancy progresses. They can appear not only on your tummy, but also on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. Lotions won't prevent or eliminate them, but they help with any itching. Also, you may no longer be an "innie" — your navel is flat and may soon pop out. It will revert to its usual shape after birth.
Another interesting skin quirk you may notice during pregnancy is something called vascular spiders. These are little areas of raised, reddish skin, with tiny branches. Commonly found on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms, they're caused by the higher levels of estrogen in pregnancy, and they usually disappear after delivery."
My belly button is very flat now and it looks funny. We'll see if it pops or not. No stretch marks yet, besides what I already had on my hips.
Baby picture:
Well, until next week!!
Monday, April 9, 2007
OBGYN appointment
Just got back from the doc appointment. Here's what we discussed:
1. Weight: I have gained 12 lbs. since the first time I saw him (about 3 weeks along). He said this is fine but that I need to make sure I eat healthy so that when I come in again, it's not that I gained another 5 lbs. (I go back in 3 weeks). I gained 4 lbs. since the last appointment a month ago.
2. Varicose veins: I asked about doing anything to prevent varicose veins since my mom had them and it can be genetic. He said to just make sure I sit correctly (no leg crossing) and exercise and it should help. But, he said he cannot predict whether or not I will have them. He mentioned support hose and said it wouldn't be fun in the summer (which I totally agree).
3. Pelvic/hip pain: He laid me down and said that my right hip is a little higher than my left (which it always has been due to my scoliosis). His med student did a little adjustment on me (which was a little scary!!) and he said it should help some. He said to do more stretches and exercise. I said that I was scared to do walking since it seemed to aggravate it. He said to do stretches before. He didn't seem to think there was much else to do about it right now.
4. Heartbeat: His little heart was beating good and strong...sounded great!
5. Dentist: he gave me a note to allow x-rays. But, I've always had great teeth and think I will skip the x-ray this time and just get a cleaning and do the x-ray next time. Just my paranoia :)
6. Fetal testing: I asked him about whether or not I should have testing done on our little guy. He said that everything looks normal but that since I inquired, he could refer me to a perinatologist that could look more in depth at our little guy to help "ease my mind". I told him I didn't want to be paranoid and he said he didn't think I was that a second opinion is always good to have. So, he made a referral for me and I should get a call to schedule an appointment this week. I feel a little bad just because I was simply asking about testing he recommended, if any, and I hope he doesn't think I'm not trusting him. Oh well, it can't hurt to go!!
7. Sugars: The last 2 times I've gone in my urine has tested high for sugar. I got a blood test and it came back normal. He thinks it's fine but wants to keep an eye on it. In 3 weeks, I'll have a diabetes test to rule it out. We'll see!!
So, all is good!!
1. Weight: I have gained 12 lbs. since the first time I saw him (about 3 weeks along). He said this is fine but that I need to make sure I eat healthy so that when I come in again, it's not that I gained another 5 lbs. (I go back in 3 weeks). I gained 4 lbs. since the last appointment a month ago.
2. Varicose veins: I asked about doing anything to prevent varicose veins since my mom had them and it can be genetic. He said to just make sure I sit correctly (no leg crossing) and exercise and it should help. But, he said he cannot predict whether or not I will have them. He mentioned support hose and said it wouldn't be fun in the summer (which I totally agree).
3. Pelvic/hip pain: He laid me down and said that my right hip is a little higher than my left (which it always has been due to my scoliosis). His med student did a little adjustment on me (which was a little scary!!) and he said it should help some. He said to do more stretches and exercise. I said that I was scared to do walking since it seemed to aggravate it. He said to do stretches before. He didn't seem to think there was much else to do about it right now.
4. Heartbeat: His little heart was beating good and strong...sounded great!
5. Dentist: he gave me a note to allow x-rays. But, I've always had great teeth and think I will skip the x-ray this time and just get a cleaning and do the x-ray next time. Just my paranoia :)
6. Fetal testing: I asked him about whether or not I should have testing done on our little guy. He said that everything looks normal but that since I inquired, he could refer me to a perinatologist that could look more in depth at our little guy to help "ease my mind". I told him I didn't want to be paranoid and he said he didn't think I was that a second opinion is always good to have. So, he made a referral for me and I should get a call to schedule an appointment this week. I feel a little bad just because I was simply asking about testing he recommended, if any, and I hope he doesn't think I'm not trusting him. Oh well, it can't hurt to go!!
7. Sugars: The last 2 times I've gone in my urine has tested high for sugar. I got a blood test and it came back normal. He thinks it's fine but wants to keep an eye on it. In 3 weeks, I'll have a diabetes test to rule it out. We'll see!!
So, all is good!!
Saturday, April 7, 2007
21 weeks!
Hello all! Today is 21 weeks and all is still well. I see the doc on Monday and will talk to him about my pelvic pain. I kinda hope he refers me to a chiropractor...I've read that can really help. I will also ask him about varicose veins. I don't have any but I read it is genetic and my mom had them pretty bad and had to wear special support hose. So, maybe there's a way to help prevent them or something. I believe I've gained around 11 lbs. so far, which I've read is normal, but I also want to ask about how I'm doing in that area.
I'm still feeling our little guy move a little every day. Majority of movement happens at night when I'm sitting on the couch relaxing. Quick little nudges with an occasional kick. They happen so fast, though, and usually only 2-3 times a day. It was funny because yesterday I was in a long 2 hour meeting and he definitely kicked me during it as if to say "Mom, this is boring, let's get out of here!!" Can't wait until it's enough that Eric can feel him, too!
Here's what babycenter has to say:
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed. And you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth.
How your life's changing: You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. Relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester will bring some mild discomfort from carrying a baby who is nearly full-term.
That's not to say you don't have some minor glitches to deal with now. Increased oil production may have given you a mild case of acne, for example. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap and water twice a day, but don't take any oral acne medications — or even use any topical acne products — without checking with your practitioner first.
You're also prone to varicose veins now (especially if your mom has them). That's because pregnancy puts added pressure on the veins in your legs. (Your blood volume is increased and your uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, the large vein that returns blood from the lower half of your body to your heart.) As if that's not enough, an increase in the hormone progesterone causes the walls of your blood vessels to relax, so as your baby and uterus grow, the veins can become more and more prominent. Varicose veins tend to worsen with each pregnancy, and while they're most likely to show up in your legs, they can also appear on your vulva.
If your legs ache, put maternity support hose on first thing in the morning. Increasing your circulation with a brisk walk each day can also help, as can elevating your legs and sleeping on your left side with your feet propped up with a pillow."
Here's the 21 week pic of the baby:
Here's a 3D sonogram of a 21 week old baby (not ours, of course ;):
We will definitely get a 3D sonogram at around 28-32 weeks. Should be awesome to see our little man's features!!
I will post again on Monday after the doc appointment. Have a great (yet chilly...brrr!) weekend!
I'm still feeling our little guy move a little every day. Majority of movement happens at night when I'm sitting on the couch relaxing. Quick little nudges with an occasional kick. They happen so fast, though, and usually only 2-3 times a day. It was funny because yesterday I was in a long 2 hour meeting and he definitely kicked me during it as if to say "Mom, this is boring, let's get out of here!!" Can't wait until it's enough that Eric can feel him, too!
Here's what babycenter has to say:
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed. And you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth.
How your life's changing: You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. Relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester will bring some mild discomfort from carrying a baby who is nearly full-term.
That's not to say you don't have some minor glitches to deal with now. Increased oil production may have given you a mild case of acne, for example. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap and water twice a day, but don't take any oral acne medications — or even use any topical acne products — without checking with your practitioner first.
You're also prone to varicose veins now (especially if your mom has them). That's because pregnancy puts added pressure on the veins in your legs. (Your blood volume is increased and your uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, the large vein that returns blood from the lower half of your body to your heart.) As if that's not enough, an increase in the hormone progesterone causes the walls of your blood vessels to relax, so as your baby and uterus grow, the veins can become more and more prominent. Varicose veins tend to worsen with each pregnancy, and while they're most likely to show up in your legs, they can also appear on your vulva.
If your legs ache, put maternity support hose on first thing in the morning. Increasing your circulation with a brisk walk each day can also help, as can elevating your legs and sleeping on your left side with your feet propped up with a pillow."
Here's the 21 week pic of the baby:
Here's a 3D sonogram of a 21 week old baby (not ours, of course ;):We will definitely get a 3D sonogram at around 28-32 weeks. Should be awesome to see our little man's features!!I will post again on Monday after the doc appointment. Have a great (yet chilly...brrr!) weekend!
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Baby movement!
Well, I think I can say that I have been feeling our little guy moving around. Tonight I felt some definite movement and one time could feel a "kick". When Carrie wrote that it feels like a bubble bouncing across your tummy, it seemed to "click" more than "fluttering", which to me seemed more like a series of movements. Mine have all been little "pushes" into my belly and are so fast, it's hard to know that's what it is. But, I'm just going to believe that it's what I suspect....baby boy movement!! Woohoo!!
Also, I have been having more pelvic and hip pain the last few days. I googled it and found this:
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
I have my OBGYN appointment on Monday and will ask him his opinion. It's really annoying and can be painful, especially at night, which effects my sleep (switching sides and getting up for the bathroom-both which I do a lot at night). Walking and moving off of the bed or couch are especially painful. It really just feels like I overdid it with exercises that work my pelvic area like walking or stretches. When I read this site and other articles, it really fit my symptoms. So, we'll see. But, if this is my struggle in pregnancy, I'll be okay ;)
Also, I have been having more pelvic and hip pain the last few days. I googled it and found this:
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
I have my OBGYN appointment on Monday and will ask him his opinion. It's really annoying and can be painful, especially at night, which effects my sleep (switching sides and getting up for the bathroom-both which I do a lot at night). Walking and moving off of the bed or couch are especially painful. It really just feels like I overdid it with exercises that work my pelvic area like walking or stretches. When I read this site and other articles, it really fit my symptoms. So, we'll see. But, if this is my struggle in pregnancy, I'll be okay ;)
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