20 weeks: 5 Months

5 Months
20 Weeks: 3.27.12

How your baby's growing:

-Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana.

(For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

-He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system.

-He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

How your life's changing:

-Congratulations! You've hit the halfway mark in your pregnancy.

-The top of your uterus is about level with your belly button, and you've likely gained around 10 pounds. Expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.)

-Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen).

-During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to keep up with your expanding blood volume, as well as for your growing baby and the placenta. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. Poultry (especially the dark meat) also contains iron. Some common non-meat sources of iron include legumes, soy-based products, spinach, prune juice, raisins, and iron-fortified cereals.

-If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one, especially if you're a first-timer. A structured class will help prepare you and your partner for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, one-day session. Many communities have independent instructors as well. Ask your friends, family members, or caregiver for recommendations.

Update:

-It's hard to believe that I am already at the halfway point!! I'm still 3lbs under my starting weight, but have been putting on about a pound a week. 

- We had our 5 month appointment on Tuesday 3/27 and everything is great!!  We also found out the baby's sex (blog post to follow!)  The doctor says that everything is normal, and that the baby is on track growth wise. My blood pressure was down to a normal/low range (as it does in the second trimester)

- I got horribly sick yesterday 3.28.12 where I couldn't keep anything down all morning and afternoon. No rhyme or reason why.. glad I felt much better in time for dinner and now today for work.

20 Weeks/ 5 Months

Live birth: Epidural

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19 Weeks

19 Weeks: 3.19.12

How your baby's growing:

-Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

-Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato.

-Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now.

-Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting.

-A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

How your life's changing:

-Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.

-You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line."
These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.


Update:

 -I have had round ligament pain. Mostly just achiness, or a general stretching feeling..i literally can feel myself getting bigger. (And I have noticably gotten bigger) I finally had a co-worker tell me that I finally looked pregnant.

 

- I haven't noticed any skin changes or darkening.  I have grown some new beauty marks (probably the change in hormones) I do think the underarm hair I do have has grown in darker, not necessarily the skin changing color.

Live birth: Natural

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

With St. Patrick’s Day today, I thought I would share the 10 Irish Inventions that Changed the World infographic from GoIreland.com explores 10 of the greatest Irish inventions ever.

In order to read it bigger click here 

18 Weeks

18 weeks 3.14.12

How your baby's growing:

-Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces.

-He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead.

-His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit.

-A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born.

-If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

How your life's changing:

-Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.

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

-From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.

-If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!

*Update

- I am definitely more hungry now then I have been before.  I know find myself wanting snacks every 2-3 hrs. I have breakfast in the morning (usualy a bowl of Special K cereal) and then even before my morning break I want a snack. Usually yogurt or string cheese, but lately I have been keeping Rice Krispy Bars, Ritz Bits cheese and crackers, fruit snacks or Handi Snacks in my desk...just in case.  2 hrs later I eat lunch, and then again by 3pm I am ready for another snack I keep 100 cal packs of Chips Ahoy cookies (for my sweet cravings) and 100 cal packs of Cheese It Extra Cheddar Snack Mix (salty) I try to avoid hitting the vending machine when I can help it, but I have had a wicked craving for the Cream Cheese Danish that they keep stocked in there :)

- I haven't checked my blood pressure since my last appointment, but I am hoping it goes down.  I have always been borderline high at 140/90.  Genetics are to blame, but I also get a wicked case of "White coat syndrome" when I go to the doctor. (Even though I know I have nothing to worry about!) I haven't had any problems with dizziness though.

-  I find myself being more comfortable on my side or upright. I have never been a back sleeper, and I sleep on the left side of the bed on my side anyways.  Occasionally I want to lay on my stomach, but I can't stay there very long. IF I am on the couch, I prefer to sit up and watch tv rather then lay.

- Our next Ultrasound/Doctor's Appt is in 2 weeks on the 27th! I am so excited to finally find out what we are having I can barely contain myself.  I am ready to give it a personality and identify with what is in there instead of it being "it"

- I had a chiropractor appointment Monday after work.  I had been having pain down in my lower back by my tail bone area when I would undress, sneeze or sit too long at work.  Dr Fitzgerald was able to adjust my hips and align everything back into place.  I haven't felt this wonderful in awhile.

- Pat has been training this week and is having a boys weekend, so I have the house to myself to do what I want,  when I want.  I have been enjoying doing things I want on my time. (and I know this time is precious and limited!)

Currently: March Version

Currently Counting Down To: March 27th (Hopefully..fingers crossed we will be able to find out if we are Team Pink or Team Blue!)

Currently Super Proud: Of everything that I have been accomplishing after not feeling well for the last 10 weeks

Currently Broadening: My baby knowledge, reading books and preparing as much as I can

Currently Concluding: Some days are easier then others and I just need to accept that

Currently Reading: 3 months worth of Cosmo magazines and What to Expect When Your Expecting (And I need to crack open the baby name book REAL SOON!)

Currently Thinking: I need to start looking at baby names (boy names specifically), thinking about registering for showers, planning a trip to MN for said shower.

Currently Saving All My Pennies For: The Baby...duh!! They are expensive!! And possibly a vacation sometime next year.

Currently Wanting To Travel To: Somewhere warm with some of our close friends.  We have been stalking Groupon getaways and want to go somewhere all inclusive. (Maybe Mexico?)

Currently Drooling Over: Cute baby clothes, and home decor/storage solutions

Currently Confessing: I'm really starting to get nervous/anxious about all this baby stuff that is going on and starting to happen

Currently Listening To:  The dryer running, The winds HOWLING at 35+ mph outside.

Currently Obsessed With: Knowing if it's a boy or girl!

Currently 1st Place Comedic Genius: Ralphie May.  We watched a comedy special with him last night..hilarious!

Currently Addicted To:  Nesting and staying on top of projects before life gets even more chaotic.

Currently Fantasizing About: Scrapbooking and getting caught up on the milestones of activities we have had in the last 2 years. (Wedding, showers, Bachelorette party, Honeymoon, buying a house)

Currently Sad Because: Just feeling anxious with the changes

Currently My Motto: "Somedays are better then others"

Currently Dreaming Of: Meeting this new little person

Currently Needing To Update: My maternity wardrobe, I bought some basics but I am needing some new tops for work.

Currently Yearning For: A haircut/color

Currently Want To See In My Closet: Stylish clothes from Polyvore that I have pinned from Pinterest (in non maternity sizes!)

Currently Enjoying: My lazy days off

Currently Have A Girl Crush On: I have no idea! (Unless the baby is a girl!) :)

Currently Shopping: Jc Penney, Gordmans

Currently Discovered: That I am obsessed with ideas..how to make things function better for us, repurpose old into new, new recipes, color combinations for the home and scrapping

Currently Redecorating: Kitchen wall above the desk, the mantle for spring holidays

Currently A Few Blogs I'm Loving:  Leah and Trisha

17 Weeks

Tuesday 3.6.12

How your baby's growing:

-Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker.

-Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom.

-She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

How your life's changing:

-Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby.

-You may also notice your eyes becoming drier. Using over-the-counter lubricating drops may help. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, try wearing them for shorter stretches of time. If you still have discomfort, switch to glasses until after you give birth.

Dreams During Pregnancy

-Many women report that their dream life shifts into high gear during pregnancy. Interestingly, during the second and third trimesters, you spend less sleep time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the cycle in which most dreams occur. Why, then, all those frequent and vivid dream memories?
It's probably at least in part because you may be interrupting a dream-filled cycle when you wake up to pee, cope with heartburn, leg cramps, restless legs, or a backache, or to shift to a more comfortable position. Waking up during REM sleep makes you more likely to remember your dreams.


* So another week is here and it's time for an update.  It has been a relatively slow week.  I got adjusted at the chiropractor Monday, after feeling very stiff and sore over the last few days.  I have been having troubles sleeping again and blame the howling winds outside for letting me sleep peacefully. And smells are starting to make me sick again.  Pat bought and onion this week that is VERY potent and I can't be around him when he is cutting it up (same goes for green peppers)  The other problem food I have had this week is eggs.  I made egg salad for dinner last night and mine was fine, but Pat adds mustard to his and that made me gag and get sick in the sink when I tried to wash the bowl. Strange!

*Baby M's sweat glads are starting to develop this week, and I sent a text to my hubby that hopefully the baby will inherit my sweating abilities over his. (Because if you know my husband, his brother or their mother..you know they sweat profusly from their heads!)

* I'm not feeling too off balance yet, but I did have one issue when I got up from my desk with my  prepped work and I tripped over my own feet and stumbled a bit. I didn't want my chair to roll away, or my batches to spill so I caught myself. Every once in awhile if I have been sitting for a long period of time, my hips ache and it takes a bit to get moving when I finally get up.

*My eyes come and go with being dry and itchy.  I didn't know if it was the hormones, medication I was taking for my cold, or the dry air.Glad to know it's normal, but I haven't had to use drops yet.

* My dreams have been very crazy! Very vivid and ones I have had before, involving high school friends and activities we did.