Pregnancy Week 12

I have made it through my first twelve weeks. Now I am twelve weeks old. Everything is as I wish, for me to grow strong, big and healthy. I need to remind Mom every so often of what she is eating when it upsets me, but she is being mostly very good.

I have fingernails, and the colour of my eyes appears. Isn’t that wonderful! Although my skin is very thin and transparent, it is growing with me. It is keeping my organs in place and my blood supply. Otherwise they would simply start growing into space, and I will die before I am born.

I can actually hit Mom now, as well as kick her. I can form a fist, and swing it. I am getting more and more strength in my body now. I am about two inches long and very visible on a scan, and my placenta is functioning well. It is taking over from my direct contact with my mother, but I am still firmly attached to her by my placenta.

My ears are migrating from their present position on the back of my neck to the correct place on each side of my head. I shall be able to hear properly soon! I have these odd buds, which will form my teeth. They are very tiny, like the ones, which are going to form my hair.

The mother’s body may now become more normal with nausea and vomiting settling down, apart from in the unlucky few. There is a risk of gaining too much weight, but this should be discussed with one’s health practitioner. Walking is the best exercise to keep the weight down and the body helped to strengthen for delivery of the child. Gentle yoga is also helpful.

Ensure that the footwear is suitable for the walking. Sneakers provide protection, but should be simple and supportive, as it is easy to fall down when pregnant, from being off balance and dizzy. Take care on one’s walk and do not strain to go too far. Be comfortable in clothing and, as has been mentioned, footwear.

For the other partner it is a very good idea to accompany the significant other to her prenatal appointments from now on. One will feel more involved with the pregnancy, and be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat. Ask the health practitioner if a visit can be scheduled for a time when one can make it, if one cannot be there for one’s partner when her original appointment is due. Involvement makes things more real, and easier to understand the changes in one’s partner.

It is three months now, one third through the pregnancy. From now on, the changes will be more gradual, and more noticeable. The areola on the breasts will be much darker now, and the breasts changing shape, feeling much heavier. Now is definitely time to change one’s bra to give one more support and comfort. Wide straps keep the weight more balanced on the shoulders, and help to stop the bra cutting into the shoulder tops. This can lead to excoriation, pressure and soreness if left unattended.

Pregnancy Week 11

I have almost finished my first trimester, or three months of being. I have a basic intelligence now, a knowing of everything my mother feels, her movements, what she eats. I need to help her with this when I can, for what she eats passes to me, and can make me very cranky or hyperactive. She can feel this, for I wriggle very actively.

I am truly a foetus now. A very small baby. I an twenty seven to thirty mm or one point zero six to one thirty eight inches. A bit bigger than the speck I was. I have toes and wriggle them often. My eyes are open, but already a film which will become my eyelids is forming over each one of them. It will fuse together until much later, about twenty five or twenty six weeks of gestation to protect the very delicate orbs behind. I have chosen what sex I will be.

I will be  a little girl. I feel Mom wanted one. My external genitalia is forming and my tail has disappeared. I no longer resemble a little fish. I can hear vague sounds and wonder what they are. One is constant, a regular thud, thud, thud from above me. When it happens, I feel a pulse of fluid by my safe house. Another noise comes and goes. It is warm and loving, I think it is my mother talking to me.

There is definitely a change in the mother’s shape to an observer. The belly is beginning to pouch out and is visible, but it is the distension of the bowel, rather than the uterus. The mother must ensure she does not encourage constipation, for straining constantly will put pressure on the uterus, and can cause problems there. She should eat  plenty of fibre, grain bread, and fruit that is fibrous, such as apples,  and plenty of vegetables, and not take bowel stimulation, unless the health professional or doctor says to.

The mother to be is still going through many emotional changes. She needs to discuss this with the doctor or her health professional, in order to understand why her emotions are more complex. Most of it is still hormonal, but some may be due to how she feels emotionally as well.

A Doppler can be used to hear the baby’s heartbeat. This is an instrument like a small trumpet that is inverted over the mother’s abdomen, and carries the heartbeat sound through the walls of the uterus,fat and skin. It may sound excessively fast, but this is normal, around one hundred and sixty beats per minute. It will continue to beat fast until the child enters the latter teenage years, or mid-twenties,  slowing a little as she/he ages.

Rest is still essential, even though it may only be for twenty minutes at a time. Something fun to do is take measurements of the waist and belly and compare them with the new set each week. This can be a way of reassuring oneself that the baby is growing. Photos are also a good way, if a little embarrassing, to show how one looked at each stage of the pregnancy.

The main risk of miscarriage is almost over for both parents. But other concerns will start to surface from now on. How they will afford the child, what other financial changes are in store. Discuss these freely, for stress does neither the parents nor the baby any good.

Pregnancy Week 10

I have many changes occurring, yet my growth has slowed a little. I am ten weeks old and I am already considering a diet -I weight a whole gram. I am also 13-17 mm or 0.51-0.66 of an inch. Aren’t I big! I have elbows and I now know whether I shall be a boy or a girl. My sex organs, the inner ones, are in place. I can move away if Mom presses on her stomach, or she squeezes through a space that is too small for her.

Women may suffer nose bleeds and nasal congestion. If one has access to a vaporiser or a humidifier, using it will help with this. The nausea, if it is still there, is becoming very boring by now, but one accepts it.

There is a possibility of fainting. Stand up slowly, and make sure one waits until the head feels clear before moving away from any support. Dizziness makes itself known now. Not a good combination, if one is still vomiting. It is due to the old friend, hormonal action, which continues to torment with mood swings and irritability as well.

She may definitely feel the movements of the baby around now. Often, it is a wild flutter of the elbow, which makes connection with the uterine wall. These faint movements are simply amazing to a new mother and make her more protective of the foetus. Its creation is very real to her now.

The mother to be may have problems taking her prenatal vitamins. Often this occurs, particularly during the first trimester. Do not overdose on them. If it is an hour or so since one has taken them, and then vomits, assume one has had the majority value. It is really only if one is sure the tablets/capsules are whole when they are recycled that one may think of taking another dose. The best thing to do is check with your health practitioner.

The other partner should continue to support the mother. If she gets very emotional at a silly advertisement on television, or flies into a rage, remember that there is still a great deal going on with her hormones. It may be hard, and seem a long time, but it does blow over. It is always the hardest with the first pregnancy, when one does not know what to expect.

Talking about feelings, emotions and wants or needs should be tried. The mother to be may not want to discuss things, and this is all right too. Just let her know the offer is there for her. Even doing just this gives the other partner enormous relief.

Around now, if there have been chromosomal abnormalities in previous generations, it may be suggested by the health practitioner to have a test for chromosomal problems. This involves cells being sampled from the foetus’s placenta, an uncomfortable and occasionally risky procedure. It usually does not result in miscarriage or damage though. Scans give the exact placement of the placenta, and the test is done under tight guidelines.

The health practitioner will never ask one to do anything that can definitely damage the baby. The test is fully up to one to have, maybe for reassurance. What happens afterwards is also up to the pairing, with input from the health practitioner.

I am nine weeks in existence- Week 9

I am nine weeks in existence. Just over two months in real time. Hasn’t it gone fast, or, in the case of my mother to be, not fast enough. I’ll bet you are wondering what I am going to be, Mom, a boy or a girl. Grandma and aunts have told you what I will probably be, by the actions my existing have had on your body, and their own experiences. Or friends who have been there, done that.

If one has not scheduled the first office visit by now, it is time to do so. Most medical practitioners or health professionals do not want to see one until two periods have been missed. This first visit will be lengthy, but it is will cover most of one wants to know, be full of helpful suggestions, and often offer advice on one’s choices of health care provider. There may be blood tests scheduled.

One may have had spotting of blood during the time thus far. Spotting can be a normal occurrence and often mothers have it right until birth. But heavy bleeding is abnormal, and should be checked out immediately in case there is a severe problem.

Sex is another subject that can cause problems. Sex can be all things to all persons involved in the pregnancy. Some women, because of the changes taking place, and the morning sickness, have sex as the last thing on their minds. Others glory in the changes in the body, and feel extra sexy. No damage is done to the foetus by having sex. The main problem may be finding a comfortable position.

Where the partner is concerned, all these changes are usually very bewildering, because one cannot feel them exactly oneself. With all the empathy in the world, one cannot have the nausea and the vomiting. Ninety nine per cent of the partner does not know exactly how the partner feels, but one per cent will mimic the partner in everything. They have morning sickness and the belly may even swell as the woman’s does.

No one knows why this happens. It can be due to the bond the couple share, or it could be simply that they want, on a deep level, that same attention that the woman is getting. No one can say for sure, and all studies have turned up nothing. But it does occur. In the animal world, in the meer cat family, a daughter will produce milk, if she is old enough. This will feed the little ones, if the mother is not available. Sisters will also produce milk. Maybe this empathy exists in some human couples also.

Clothes are starting to need replacing or a reasonable amount. Bras, especially, need to be chosen for fit and support. Being comfortable is a priority, but support is first. The breasts are losing the inflexibility of teenage shape, and becoming more flexible, moving around more easily. Have a good bra fitting in a maternity shop, and buy one at a time if finances are tight. It will help keep breast shape when the baby is born.

Clothes should be light and comfortable, not tight. Loose blouses and slacks that have give are the most practical. Skirts are also good, if they are made of a material with give in it. Dresses made of natural fibres should be on the top of the list. Natural fibres are comfortable, and have a natural ability to stretch to a certain amount.

Now I am Eight weeks old – Week 8

Eight weeks old and that has been a very busy and fruitful time for me. I have grown and built myself until I resemble what you expect me to look like. I am not a blood clot any more. I have hand plates, a sex tubercle and my nasal pits are appearing. I am not sure, but I think I will be a little girl.

The eighth week of pregnancy is very important, both to baby and to the mother. The mother’s nausea may be worse due to hormone levels. Her breasts may be fuller, heavier and the nipples grow darker. This is in preparation for being able to give milk to the baby when it is born.

Clothes may be starting to feel a little tight. There can be a very slight bulge, if one previously had a very flat stomach, and good muscle control. Some women see no difference in their shape at all, being accustomed to not being as flat as the proverbial board.

This week and those following is not ideal to change cat litter. A disease called toxoplasmosis can be caught, which will possibly cause problems with the pregnancy or the newborn. But there is no reason to get rid of the cat. Most cat owners have probably had toxoplasmosis and thought it just to be the flu. Simply get someone else to change the litter.

Where one’s partner is concerned, this can be a trying time. He does not like either watching the unpleasant nausea or vomiting, but sometimes also finds an offer to help being denied hurtful. It is really a time to play it by ear. Make suggestions, and listen to what she says. It can save a great deal of stress for both partners. Above all, be supportive and do not take it personally.

I am growing my internal organs now. I have a heart, which is not inside my body yet, but it beats fast and hard. Most of my internal organs, like liver, pancreas, lungs and stomach can be seen. I have the beginnings of my speech system, the larynx. A scan can show most of my development.

The changes in the mother to be often will confirm the pregnancy to her, if she is still not completely convinced. Some women, missing out on the nausea and vomiting, and feeling no real difference, have been able to pass off other changes as weight gain, overeating, and even early menopause, if close female relatives have had menopause very early. Changes to breasts usually disillusion this thinking. Fuller, heavier breasts and darker nipples are a strong sign of pregnancy.

It is time to start, if one has not already, to make time to pamper oneself. Rub a moisturising cream into the abdomen to aid with the stretch marks which will come, no matter how little weight one gains. Have the feet massaged, to relieve any swelling and tiredness, and just to be pampered.

The baby is now approximately one quarter of in inch long. Women have reported a fluttering feeling from it, but this is debatable. The feeling can be down to gas in the abdomen, muscles quivering as they give a small amount in order for the growth, or simple nerve twitches. But it does no harm at all to believe the feeling is due to the baby. It merely reaffirms that one is pregnant, and about to become a mother.

I am now seven weeks old – Week 7

I am now seven weeks old. I have developed fast during the last week. My heart and brain have appeared, and my heart is beating. Alarmingly quickly for anyone watching it, but it needs to and is not in any danger.

The mother to be is still going through many hormonal changes, and more physical ones. Fatigue is one which she suffers from a lot. She should rest as often as possible, to help her body prepare for the long days of pregnancy, even if it is only for a few minutes.

The mother will also be going through peculiar desires for food, of any type. Try not to let these cravings lead one onto junk food, rather, turn them to mostly healthy foods, such as a piece of cheese. If the cravings are too severe, a small amount of what is desired is all right. Many women feel a need for something very salty or very sweet.

The face may break out into pimples. This is a result of the topsy turvy going on in the hormones, and will clear up later on. Simply continue with the facial routine one has been using, and do not panic. It may make one feel like a teenager again, but it is only a part of the complexity of the pregnancy.

It is advisable to continue to drink plenty of water. Being well hydrated may ease the pimples, but the kidneys need as much support as they can have, and cleansing with water is best. They will be going through a lot of work, excreting left over hormones and waste products from the pregnancy.

My father is slowly coming to terms with my appearance in his life, but he is still bewildered as to how, although he knows. He is worried about all the changes going on in the mother’s body and her odd emotions, and is only half-reassured when it is explained it is perfectly normal.

He may do one of two things. Retreat, or try to do everything for the mother to be and be too protective. But, even if he does retreat, he will still usually keep a wary eye poked around the corner. It takes longer for a man to accept a pregnancy. Even a male who has longed for this day usually wonders if it is really true until well into the pregnancy.

Things may be a little odd in the household around this time. Excitement and expectation abound. Plans are tentatively made. A name for the child may be chosen, no matter what sex, or a nickname, and both parents may begin talking to the woman’s stomach naturally. Do not feel silly, as this adds to the bonding, which will come when the child is born.

There are two styles of thought at this early stage whether or not the child can actually hear or feel speech. One says that the vibration carries through the abdomen and the embryo senses it, understanding what is going on later in its development. The other says that the emotion in the woman’s tone carries as a vibration to the foetus. Others say it is only imagination. If so, then it is good imagination, for again it forms a bond with the child. This bond between mother and child will be valuable when things feel all too much, and one just wishes it were all over.

Pregnancy Week 6 – I am now six weeks old

I am now six weeks old. I have developed fast during the last week. My heart and brain have appeared, and my heart is beating. Alarmingly quickly for anyone watching it, but it needs to and is not in any danger.

Mom is still going through hormonal changes, and more physical ones. Fatigue is one which she suffers from a lot. The family needs to ensure this person rests frequently, and does not stress out. A little stress is no problem, but lack of sleep and starving oneself are serious problems. The body goes into survival mode, and often will attack the foetus for draining it. She should begin to take folic acid, if her health care provider suggests it.

The foetus is still only very tiny, about 1.5 millimetres or 0.059 inches in length, but it is now starting to develop its own hormones. These will eventually inform the parent what to expect to happen. For the moment, the embryo is content to just begin manufacturing hormone bases and rudimentary blood cells.

“ With the heart beating this week

With the baby giving it tongue in cheek

The mother and the little growing baby

Enter the fifth week of pregnancy.”  (BibleHealth.com/stages of -pregnancy-week-by-week/fifth week-of-pregnancy).

This is a little rhyme that describes very simply what stage the baby is at, when he/she is at the fifth week.

My father is slowly coming to terms with my appearance in his life, but he is still bewildered as to how, although he knows. He is worried about all the changes going on in the mother’s body and her odd emotions, and is only half reassured when it is explained it is perfectly normal.

He may do one of two things. Retreat, or try to do everything for the mother to be and be too protective. But, even if he does retreat, he will still usually keep a wary eye poked around the corner. It takes longer for a man to accept a pregnancy. Even a male who has longed for this day usually wonders if it is really true until well into the pregnancy.

I am not worried about my father. He is a part of me, but has nothing to actually do with me. He will become familiar when I am born, but that is a long time away, and I am too busy to concern myself with him.

Things may be a little odd in the household around this time. Excitement and expectation abound. Plans are tentatively made. A name for the child may be chosen, no matter what sex, or a nickname, and both parents begin talking to the woman’s stomach naturally.

There are two styles of thought at this early stage whether or not the child can actually hear or feel speech. One says that the vibration carries through the abdomen and the embryo senses it, understanding what is going on later in its development. The other says that the emotion in the woman’s tone carries as a vibration to the foetus. Others say it is only imagination. If so, then it is good imagination, for it forms a bond that cannot be described with the child.

Pregrancy Week 5 although-I cannot tell time

It is my fifth week, although I cannot tell time, cannot count, and do not know what time is. Something within me knows what I should be doing at this moment, and does it. It is all very complicated, so I do not worry about it. I simply live in the darkness and warmth, feeling only an insatiable need to feed, to grow. I am becoming aware of another type of warmth that flows over me now and then, but I do not think it will harm me.

I have some type of liquid all around me. It is warm, comfortable, and safe. I would like to taste it, but I have not developed a mouth yet, although I have the shape for one. I am fed through a cord that connects to my abdomen. This also removes what little waste products I create.

None of the internal changes to the embryo is visible on the mother’s outsides, but there have been many. He/she has developed liver, lungs, kidneys and a heart. The head is much bigger than the body, and will scan as a large lump on some scans. It is beginning to excrete waste products occurring from its development. The amniotic sac is filling with fluid to support the embryo’s growth and enlarging as it does to keep it safe and comfortable.

Some women begin to tentatively speak to the embryo in this phase of development. It is encouraged, as it will make bonding later on an easier process. It also makes the baby, so far from delivery, a real part of them. Some think of it as silly, others think the embryo cannot feel the emotions involved, but studies have shown that it will react to the mother’s voice from a very early age.

The hormones are out of kilter and will stay this way for quite some time yet. In fact, they are often out of balance until the baby is born. A person who is not in the habit of crying may find themselves crying at anything and everything and nothing. Cravings for odd combinations of food, or food she has never been interested in may become paramount to her wants.

The oestrogen levels rise, to ensure the embryo is not rejected by the body. Unfortunately it still sometimes happens, but usually not when oestrogen levels are good. This is a part of pregnancy that is not understood, despite much research. At this point, a miscarriage is usually part of the embryo’s make up, not the mother’s.

If one feels something is not quite right with the pregnancy, it is best to discuss these feelings with the health care professional or the doctor. Sometimes it may just need a little reassurance from a trained professional to clear up any nagging doubts. If all one’s tests and scans are normal for the stage of the pregnancy, then one should relax into the pregnancy and enjoy it, nausea and all. Some anxiety is normal, severe fretting is not, nor is it healthy for the mother or the embryo.

The father may be wondering what is going on, with the wife who has happy go lucky and bubbly a nervous crying wreck. He may wonder at the so called ‘baby brain’ syndrome, whereby she is forgetful, vague and dreamy. It is nothing to panic about, unless she is a danger to herself or others, and will eventually go away.

It is my first month- Pregnancy Week 4

It is my first month, although I cannot not count, do not know what time is. Something within me knows  what I should be doing, and carries it out. I myself live in the darkness, feeling only hunger, the insatiable need to grow, and a simple warmth. Slowly though, another type of warmth is appearing. I wonder about it, but I know it will not harm me.

In the fourth week, one is sure of the pregnancy now. Changes that begun four weeks ago is now noticeable in the body. A little bloat, the fatigue may worsen, the breasts be more tender, sometimes regularity of the bowels may be interrupted.

None of the changes the embryo is going through itself are visible on the outside. He/she has grown heart, liver, lungs, kidneys and the head is becoming visible as a larger lump. This will show on some scans. He/she is beginning to excrete waste products produced by the growing. The amniotic sac is filling with fluid to support to embryo’s growth and enlarging to keep it safe and comfortable.

Some women begin tentatively talking to this part of them, making it a real thing to themselves. It often feels silly, but the embryo can often sense the emotion that goes with it. Emotions, being intangible, are only visible as expressions on a face or body language. No one can have the exact emotion as someone else at the same time. Like humans, the variety is endless.

Emotions are all over the place. A person who never cries may find himself or herself crying at odd times and places, and for no obvious reason. A person who has never had any interest in food may suddenly start to want to eat frequently, and it can be anything that comes to mind. These odd feelings of hunger are called cravings.

These cravings may strike at any time during night or day. Some of them may seem crazy, some just plain bad, such as, if one has quit smoking, the irresistible desire for a cigarette. Try to turn these cravings away from bad habits. Ice cream and pickles is not so bad, if one only has a little, but a huge cream cake is not so good.

The hormones also go out of kilter. The oestrogen level rises, to ensure the embryo is not rejected. Of course, sometimes it unfortunately happens that it is rejected, but this is usually programmed into the embryo, not the mother. It is a part of creation that is not understood.

If one feels something is not quite right, it is best to discuss it with the health professional or doctor as soon as is possible. Sometimes these feelings have a good reason for occurring, and are not just anxiety or hormones. Having one’s mind at rest is better than fretting, which is far worse for mother and baby. Some anxiety is normal, severe worrying is not.

All the mood swings may be very confusing to the partner, but hang in there. Be as supportive as one can. Respect the partner’s desire to sleep all day and night, should this happen, and try to take on some of the household chores. As the partner’s hormones swing, the unexpected results may be upsetting, but try to not to take them personally.

Things are changing for me – Pregnancy Week 3

Things are changing for me. I have all my parts to become a functioning human being now, although they do not look right as yet. The pictures I have this sense that my mother is looking at give her odd sensations. She is still not quite sure that I exist in her body. I shall give her signs soon. Deep down, she senses me, but her consciousness is not really sure.

In the third week of pregnancy, the zygote is almost an embryo and attaches to the wall of the uterus. Sometimes, it attaches over the mouth of the uterus, and this can cause large problems when birth is due, as when the mouth of the womb stretches for the birth, the placenta may detach, and the baby and mother may be in big trouble.

While one is letting this knowledge sink in is a good time to begin really planning the pregnancy. There may be some lingering doubts, but these will quickly fade. Have some fun by choosing a name or a nickname for the child that is on the way.

This week, the embryo’s brain is forming now, and it is almost time for the backbone to grow. Around itself, it will weave a special cover known as an amniotic cavity inside the placenta. This tiny little speck has also a heart, which also circulates plasma at a very quick speed.

None of the changes is visible on the outside of the mother-to-be. They are taking place within her womb. However, the mother-to-be will be having changes of her own to notice on the outside. The breasts may now be very tender and sensitive, and there may be a bloated feeling. A small amount of bleeding may be noticed. If the bleeding is heavy and continuous, immediately contact the doctor or health professional.

Mood swings are very common. One may be extremely happy one moment and crying violently the next. Tiredness may be present in the morning, as well as an awkward feeling. The head may feel heavy and nausea appear.

The hormone levels dip and swing out of one’s comfort zones, especially the hormone oestrogen. Breathing may feel strange, as though one is out of breath all the time, and have low stamina. It is a good idea to ensure one has a lot of fresh air and one’s diet is supporting healthy growth in the baby.

If one works, it is also time to make a decision whether one will continue to work after the child arrives. If one does want to continue, it is time to check around day care centres. With so many people needing to work, there are often centres that are booked out for many months in advance. If one finds a centre one likes, leave one’s name with them, and ask them to get back to one when they have a vacancy.

If one’s blood pressure feels odd, and there is much fatigue, consult the doctor or the health provider. The body is working very hard to get ready to support the new life that is forming inside. It is filtering the blood cleaning it of any impurities, and getting rid of them through the kidneys.

So it is very important to drink lots of water, and juices to aid this rinsing out. Do not worry about the amount of times one needs to pee, as this is perfectly normal. There are huge emotional changes also occurring and one can feel very weary or want to sleep most of the day and night.