My Growing Baby
My growing baby is now six inches and weighs two and half ounces. It is amazing to know the changes that are taking place and see how quickly my baby grows.*
My Pregnancy – Changes for my baby
My baby’s head is more upright with the ears and eyes reaching their final position. My baby will begin a more rapid growth spurt over the coming weeks. My baby’s heart is pumping 25 quarts of blood per day (although amazing it will be 1,900 quarts per day at the end of pregnancy).*
My Pregnancy – Changes for me
My growing uterus weighs around eight and half ounces and my growing placenta is making additional amniotic fluid which surrounds the baby. My body is producing approximately 50% more blood. This additional circulation and an increase in oil from your glands can make your face shine which is often referred to as the pregnancy glow. Some women wish this pregnancy side effect would continue after pregnancy.*
My Pregnancy – Planning this week
A prenatal visit around this time or in the next few weeks will include a variety of screening tests. These screening tests include:
- ultrasound
- Alpha-Feta Protein (AFP)
- triple test
- amniocentesis
Your healthcare provider may also want to discuss such things as:
- round ligament symptoms
- preterm labor
- choosing a pediatrician
- prenatal classes
- childbirth classes
My Pregnancy – Health Tips
It is possible that you have already felt your baby move, but it is fairly probable that you are experiencing moves now. Some people describe these as butterflies or champagne bubbles. Don’t worry about comparing yourself to others or even a previous pregnancy because the amount and extent that you feel these movements can vary. Don’t forget to get in the habit of sleeping on your side. Again, extra pillows or a body pillow may help you adjust to sleeping on your side if you are not accustomed to doing that already.
My Pregnancy – Tips for my partner
Don’t feel left out even though mom may feel the baby’s movements and you can’t. Keep an interest in what is happening, get her to talk about it and know that feeling your baby’s movements yourself is not far away. You can begin bonding with your baby by reading books to your wife or even singing if you are brave enough.
* All measurements are provided as a general guide for common pregnancy development which may vary depending on the nutrition, mother’s health or accurate dating of conception. Every pregnancy is unique and may be experienced differently even for the same woman. It is important to undertand that babies develop at a different rate even before they are born. The purpose of this developmental information is to give you a general idea of how your baby is growing, and you must remember that your baby’s growth may vary from that which is outlined.