Fetal Development

The baby is approximately 5 ½ inches long & weighs almost 7 ounces. This time it’s about the length of a bell pepper. The baby is busy flexing her arms & legs – movements that you’ll likely to start noticing more & more. Well, I am & it’s just gave me more excitement. The blood vessels are visible through her thin skin & her ears are now in position & stand out from her head. Surely, another more days she will hear the “outside world”. A protective covering called Myelin is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she’s born. And those in the brain are further specializing into the ones that serve the senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. Talking about hearing, your baby’s is growing more acute, making your little one more conscious of sounds that come from inside your body (which means you could both be listening to each other hiccup – a skill that your baby has by now). If you’re having a girl, her uterus and Fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If your baby is a boy, his genitals are noticeable, though he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

And now for the skill of the week, the art of the yawn has been mastered by your baby. In fact, you might catch a glimpse of that adorable yawn if you’re getting an ultrasound this month. You’ll also catch a glimpse of all the movement your baby’s doing – twists rolls, kicks, and punches. And would you believe your baby is finally big enough for you to start feeling those movements now (or anytime in the next few weeks).

Pregnancy Side Effects: Horrible Back Pains

Mothers, time for horrible back pains but there’s so many ways to get rid of that. Another thing, have fun on hitting up malls for new outfits. Bigger, ore comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite & waistline increase. Look for specially designed maternity that can accommodate your expanding belly.


Yesterday was my day, as Yoanna & my hubby let me enjoyed picking up new clothes for my bigger belly. Unlike others, I’m not really into maternity clothes instead I’m selecting nice blouses that have bigger space for the belly. I was able to find more shirts in Junior Line of JC Penny yesterday. The sad part, I’m on my last stage – Extra Large! For the pants, well I’m on size 15 now.

About the back pains, you may have heard that you should avoid lying on your back during your last two trimesters. Here’s why: When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein (called the inferior vena cava) that returns blood from the lower half of your body back to your heart. Lying on your side (or even partially tilted to the side), particularly your left side, prevents this compression and improves your blood flow. Try placing a pillow behind you, or under your hip or leg for comfort.

Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during your second trimester your blood pressure is probably lower than usual. Don’t spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.

With these back pains, you might want to check pregnancy Yoga or Pilates class. Both help to stretch & loosen the spine, & release tension – a major factor in back pain. Another thing, those Yoga & Pilates boost your overall energy level (& mood) so you’re better able to cope with the pregnancy pains that remain. You can also do simple moves that strengthen your abdominal muscles, which will, in turn, reduce the amount of strain on your lower back. But remember; don’t exercise on your back now that you’re well into your second trimester.

For Daddy: Get Cooking

You’re being the best partner you know how to be, and one of the things you’re doing to earn that position is to sign up for dinner duty now and then. Right? (You don’t have actually to cook – bringing in take-out qualifies, too, as long as it’s something she’s craving.) What’s on the menu isn’t as important as what’s off. For the time being, forget about rare burgers, Caesar salad, sushi, or seared fish, all of which are fetal no-nos. Steer clear, too, of anything that’s overly spicy (unless your hot mama has specifically requested it) or greasy, since most women are feeling the burn (the heartburn) by now. Since she’s been told to eat at least five times a day (as if she needed to be told), dinner doesn’t have to be a five-course meal. Quick, easy, and digestible does it.

Sources:

Related Posts