My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Merry Christmas = week 23
Merry Christmas
From the Pampers website: www.pampers.com
Your Baby
Check out what happened with your baby's development last week.
Story time. "My favorite sound is my mother's voice when she sings or talks to me." Now that bones in her ears have hardened, your baby can hear you and prefers your voice to any other sound. Give her a daily treat by reading, talking, or singing to her. If you feel silly reading to your belly, remember that the more your baby hears your voice, the more familiar it will be to her when she's born.
Super sac. The amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby is the perfect place for her to grow into a healthy newborn. The salty fluid keeps her warm, protects her from infections, and is buoyant enough for her to exercise her developing body. Right now the amniotic sac contains about a pint of fluid, which is refreshed every three to four hours.
Measuring up. Your baby looks like a tiny, thin newborn. She now weighs close to 1 pound and measures 9 to 10 inches, about the length of a Barbie doll.
Your Pregnancy
Back to school. If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education course, now is the time to register, as classes can fill up quickly. Most programs are designed to start with the 32nd week of pregnancy. It's a good idea to sign up for a course that ends at least a few weeks before your due date, in case your little one decides to make an early appearance. To learn what to look for in a good childbirth education course, click here.
Got iron? Make sure you're getting enough iron. Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells, which help to circulate oxygen for you and your baby. Many women are slightly anemic before they get pregnant, and 20 percent of women are treated for iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Symptoms of anemia (which may be subtle) include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and fainting spells. To treat iron-deficiency anemia, start by getting more iron in your diet. Everyone knows that liver contains iron; other iron-rich foods include red meat, blackstrap molasses, lentils, and leafy greens like spinach and collard greens. Most women will also need to take supplemental iron, which is usually given as part of a prenatal vitamin.
Preeclampsia check. It's important that your health care provider monitor your blood pressure at each prenatal visit. Blood pressure is normally a bit higher during pregnancy because of expanded blood volume and the strength of your heart's contractions. If your blood pressure is too high, though, your doctor may keep an eye out for preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, edema (swelling), and protein in the urine. It affects about 7 percent of pregnant women. Preeclampsia is treatable, especially if it's caught early. And diagnosing it early is crucial: In severe cases preeclampsia can cause decreased blood flow to your placenta and, consequently, to your baby. If you notice any symptoms of preeclampsia, including blurred vision, headaches, or sudden swelling in your feet and hands, called your health care provider immediately. Read more about this condition.
From the experts. Now that you're starting to show, you may become concerned if your growing tummy gets bumped. "The uterus and amniotic sac provide a wonderful cushion for your fetus," says Margaret Comerford Freda, Ed.D., R.N. "But if you're concerned, it's always best to check with your provider." For more reassurance from Dr. Freda, click here. Back to top
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From the Pampers website: www.pampers.com
Your Baby
Check out what happened with your baby's development last week.
Story time. "My favorite sound is my mother's voice when she sings or talks to me." Now that bones in her ears have hardened, your baby can hear you and prefers your voice to any other sound. Give her a daily treat by reading, talking, or singing to her. If you feel silly reading to your belly, remember that the more your baby hears your voice, the more familiar it will be to her when she's born.
Super sac. The amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby is the perfect place for her to grow into a healthy newborn. The salty fluid keeps her warm, protects her from infections, and is buoyant enough for her to exercise her developing body. Right now the amniotic sac contains about a pint of fluid, which is refreshed every three to four hours.
Measuring up. Your baby looks like a tiny, thin newborn. She now weighs close to 1 pound and measures 9 to 10 inches, about the length of a Barbie doll.
Your Pregnancy
Back to school. If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education course, now is the time to register, as classes can fill up quickly. Most programs are designed to start with the 32nd week of pregnancy. It's a good idea to sign up for a course that ends at least a few weeks before your due date, in case your little one decides to make an early appearance. To learn what to look for in a good childbirth education course, click here.
Got iron? Make sure you're getting enough iron. Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells, which help to circulate oxygen for you and your baby. Many women are slightly anemic before they get pregnant, and 20 percent of women are treated for iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Symptoms of anemia (which may be subtle) include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and fainting spells. To treat iron-deficiency anemia, start by getting more iron in your diet. Everyone knows that liver contains iron; other iron-rich foods include red meat, blackstrap molasses, lentils, and leafy greens like spinach and collard greens. Most women will also need to take supplemental iron, which is usually given as part of a prenatal vitamin.
Preeclampsia check. It's important that your health care provider monitor your blood pressure at each prenatal visit. Blood pressure is normally a bit higher during pregnancy because of expanded blood volume and the strength of your heart's contractions. If your blood pressure is too high, though, your doctor may keep an eye out for preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, edema (swelling), and protein in the urine. It affects about 7 percent of pregnant women. Preeclampsia is treatable, especially if it's caught early. And diagnosing it early is crucial: In severe cases preeclampsia can cause decreased blood flow to your placenta and, consequently, to your baby. If you notice any symptoms of preeclampsia, including blurred vision, headaches, or sudden swelling in your feet and hands, called your health care provider immediately. Read more about this condition.
From the experts. Now that you're starting to show, you may become concerned if your growing tummy gets bumped. "The uterus and amniotic sac provide a wonderful cushion for your fetus," says Margaret Comerford Freda, Ed.D., R.N. "But if you're concerned, it's always best to check with your provider." For more reassurance from Dr. Freda, click here. Back to top
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Week22
from www.pampers.com website
Your Baby
Brow know-how. As if concentrating on a tricky math problem, your clever baby can furrow his brow. And now he's actually getting eyebrows to do it with! These fine hairs, like the hair on his scalp, don't contain any pigment yet—they're pure white. His eyelids are completely developed too, though they're fused shut until about 28 weeks.
Womb workout. "Waving my arms and legs is fun!" Jumping jacks may be your baby's favorite activity these days. Now that his arms and legs have reached their final proportions (but not their final size), he's exercising them vigorously—kicking, flexing, and clasping his hands. Speaking of his hands, fingernails now completely cover his fingertips, just as yours do. And they keep growing. In fact, you may need to trim your baby's nails right after he's born so he doesn't scratch himself.
Prepare for padding. Even though your baby measures more than 9.5 inches now, he still doesn't weigh much—about 13 ounces. At this point, he has only 1 percent body fat. But from here on out, he'll be adding layers of fat, which will help him to produce and retain body heat. Your little one's fat is a lot like the kind you're putting on during pregnancy. It's called brown fat and is readily turned into energy to keep both of you on an even keel.
Your Pregnancy
Welcome respite. Despite the occasional aches and pains, this stage of pregnancy is fun! Your belly has grown enough for you to really "feel" pregnant, and the rest of the world knows it too. But you're not so big yet that you have trouble getting out of a chair or tying your shoes. Your morning sickness has probably ended, and your appetite's back, perhaps with a vengeance. Enjoy this time.
Under the weather. You may be feeling great in general, but we all occasionally get sick. If you do come down with a cold or the flu, the first thing you should do is let your health care provider know. Don't take any over-the-counter medications unless your doctor or midwife gives you the go-ahead. To encourage a speedy recovery, be sure to drink extra fluids, and try to eat regularly. We've all heard (from doctors and grandmothers alike) about the restorative powers of chicken soup. It's hot, liquid, and nutritious—everything you need when you're sick. It won't harm your baby if you don't eat well for a few days, but you'll recover more quickly if you can get some nourishment.
From the experts. You might be feeling some pelvic pain as your pregnancy progresses. "Pelvic pain that involves the pubic symphysis—the joint in the center of your pubic bone—is not uncommon during pregnancy," explains Elaine Zwelling, R.N., Ph.D. "Pregnancy hormones loosen your joints so your pelvic bones can spread during childbirth. This increases your flexibility, but it can also cause some pain." Learn about easing the discomfort from Dr. Zwelling. Back to top
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Sunday, December 12, 2010
Week 21
From the pampers website http:\\www.pampers.com
Your Baby Check out what happened last week in your baby's development.
Heart throb. "What's that noise—the one that sounds like galloping horses?" Your baby's heartbeat gets stronger and louder every day. Up until a few weeks ago, your doctor needed a special device called a Doppler to hear it. Now all that's needed is a stethoscope. If you want to hear your baby's heartbeat at home, buy a simple stethoscope at the drugstore. (Dad, siblings, and grandparents may enjoy the chance to listen, too.) Your little one's beat can be difficult to distinguish from your own. Listen for the faster rhythm—a baby's heartbeat is 120 to 160 beats per minute, about twice as fast as your own. Many women think it sounds like galloping horses.
Snooze news. Your baby is already starting to sleep and wake in subtle cycles. Ultrasounds show that unborn babies may even settle into a favorite sleeping position. Yours might tuck her chin into her chest, clasp her hands under her chin, or tilt her head back.
Measuring up.Your baby weighs between 10 and 13 ounces and is around 9 inches long, the length and weight of a banana.
Your Pregnancy
Sore spot. Backaches, especially in the lower back, are quite common during pregnancy. And it's no wonder—your growing uterus is shifting your center of gravity and pulling your lower back forward. Meanwhile, the hormone relaxin is loosening every joint and ligament in your body, including the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This loosening of the joints is a good thing for childbirth: It allows your pelvis to expand to accommodate your baby's head. But it may mean an achy back for the next few months.
Back savers.To help alleviate back pain, make these adjustments in your daily routine. Whenever you sit, whether you're watching television or working, use a footrest to elevate your feet slightly. If you need to stand to do a task, like cooking or washing dishes, put one foot on a small step stool to take some pressure off your lower back. If possible, soak in a warm (but not hot) bath. If you have a backache that just won't go away, be sure to call your health care provider.
From the experts. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, but what if you can't stomach them? "Get creative," suggests Margaret Comerford Freda, Ed.D., R.N. "Drink vegetable juices, like V8, or try different toppings—cheese, for instance—that will dilute the taste of the veggies." Learn more tasty tricks from Dr. Freda.
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Sunday, December 5, 2010
Halfway home.
OK we are a little more than halfway however it is the. Halfway point. In a normal 40 week pregnancy. The sex is known, name is chosen, and room is ready. Now all we need is a smooth second half. We have another ultrasound at the end of December.
From www.pampers.com website
Your Baby
Last week, vernix started to coat your baby's skin. This week, he's completely covered with the creamy substance, which will protect his delicate skin from the amniotic fluid.
Making sense. Your baby is truly starting to experience the world around him, limited though it may be. His brain has been working overtime developing the nerve centres dedicated to his senses, and they're coming alive. He's more responsive to the changes in the world around him: your activity, sounds in the environment, and even the taste of the amniotic fluid.
Pick up a hiccup. You've probably felt your baby rolling, diving, and kicking inside your belly. Now you might also feel a rhythmic jerking. No, he's not tapping out a tune; he's hiccupping. Most babies get the hiccups in utero, possibly due to an immature diaphragm having spasms. There's nothing you can do to stop the hiccups, but there's no need to-they won't harm your baby now or after he's born.
Sprouting a top. After establishing a scalp hair pattern several weeks ago, your baby is moving to the next step: growing hair. And this isn't lanugo; it's the real deal. But don't get visions of a lustrous mane just yet. Most of this hair will start to fall out two weeks after birth. Don't worry-your little one will gradually grow permanent hair, which will probably be lighter in colour than the hair he has at birth.
Elsewhere on your baby's head, the bones of the inner ear are now fully formed, and the nose is beginning to develop into its recognizable shape.
Measuring up. Your baby weighs about 220-250 grams (about 8 to 9 ounces) and measures approximately 22 cm (about 8.7 inches). You could cup the little guy in the palm of your hand.
Kick Start With the baby's foot and leg fully developed-see heel (1), knee (2), and calf (3)-Mum is likely to feel some kicks pretty regularly from her little soccer player. Later in pregnancy the "kick count" helps to provide reassurance about the baby's well being.
Your Pregnancy Hump week.
Congratulations-you're halfway through your pregnancy! You've come a long way in four and a half months. Your uterus has grown to three times its original height. When your midwife measures it, she probably will find that the top is now even with your belly button. From here on, your uterus will grow just under one centimetre (about 0.4 inch) each week until you deliver.
Womb with a view. Have you had the chance to see your baby? If you're having a mid-pregnancy ultrasound, it will probably take place between 18 and 22 weeks. Your doctor may want to perform an ultrasound at this time for a variety of reasons: to confirm your due date, screen for certain birth defects, and check that the placenta is in the right place. Ultrasound gives you the chance to count fingers and toes, lets you find out the sex (if you want to know), and reassures you that all is well inside Hotel Mama. Of course, this first peek at your acrobat (the one who's been keeping you awake with her antics) may make impending parenthood seem more real. Ask for a printout of the ultrasound image so you can start your baby's first picture album!
From the experts. If your life or job is high-stress, you'll be doing yourself and your baby a favour by taking measures to relax. "While certain amounts of stress are beneficial-stimulating us to take action-severe, constant stress can have negative effects on you and possibly on your baby," says Dr. Elaine Zwelling. Luckily, there are many ways to combat stress.Read more from Dr. Zwelling and Dr. Thornton.
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From www.pampers.com website
Your Baby
Last week, vernix started to coat your baby's skin. This week, he's completely covered with the creamy substance, which will protect his delicate skin from the amniotic fluid.
Making sense. Your baby is truly starting to experience the world around him, limited though it may be. His brain has been working overtime developing the nerve centres dedicated to his senses, and they're coming alive. He's more responsive to the changes in the world around him: your activity, sounds in the environment, and even the taste of the amniotic fluid.
Pick up a hiccup. You've probably felt your baby rolling, diving, and kicking inside your belly. Now you might also feel a rhythmic jerking. No, he's not tapping out a tune; he's hiccupping. Most babies get the hiccups in utero, possibly due to an immature diaphragm having spasms. There's nothing you can do to stop the hiccups, but there's no need to-they won't harm your baby now or after he's born.
Sprouting a top. After establishing a scalp hair pattern several weeks ago, your baby is moving to the next step: growing hair. And this isn't lanugo; it's the real deal. But don't get visions of a lustrous mane just yet. Most of this hair will start to fall out two weeks after birth. Don't worry-your little one will gradually grow permanent hair, which will probably be lighter in colour than the hair he has at birth.
Elsewhere on your baby's head, the bones of the inner ear are now fully formed, and the nose is beginning to develop into its recognizable shape.
Measuring up. Your baby weighs about 220-250 grams (about 8 to 9 ounces) and measures approximately 22 cm (about 8.7 inches). You could cup the little guy in the palm of your hand.
Kick Start With the baby's foot and leg fully developed-see heel (1), knee (2), and calf (3)-Mum is likely to feel some kicks pretty regularly from her little soccer player. Later in pregnancy the "kick count" helps to provide reassurance about the baby's well being.
Your Pregnancy Hump week.
Congratulations-you're halfway through your pregnancy! You've come a long way in four and a half months. Your uterus has grown to three times its original height. When your midwife measures it, she probably will find that the top is now even with your belly button. From here on, your uterus will grow just under one centimetre (about 0.4 inch) each week until you deliver.
Womb with a view. Have you had the chance to see your baby? If you're having a mid-pregnancy ultrasound, it will probably take place between 18 and 22 weeks. Your doctor may want to perform an ultrasound at this time for a variety of reasons: to confirm your due date, screen for certain birth defects, and check that the placenta is in the right place. Ultrasound gives you the chance to count fingers and toes, lets you find out the sex (if you want to know), and reassures you that all is well inside Hotel Mama. Of course, this first peek at your acrobat (the one who's been keeping you awake with her antics) may make impending parenthood seem more real. Ask for a printout of the ultrasound image so you can start your baby's first picture album!
From the experts. If your life or job is high-stress, you'll be doing yourself and your baby a favour by taking measures to relax. "While certain amounts of stress are beneficial-stimulating us to take action-severe, constant stress can have negative effects on you and possibly on your baby," says Dr. Elaine Zwelling. Luckily, there are many ways to combat stress.Read more from Dr. Zwelling and Dr. Thornton.
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Friday, December 3, 2010
The big ultrasound
Around 20 weeks they do the big one, that was yesterday for us December 2, 2010. Everything checked out well with one exception. The ultrasound showed notching in the blood flow. We had the same thing with Ashtyn so we know it can be fine. The dr said that it would manifest into preeclamsia however it might be after the planned birth like it seems Ashtyn's did. End result is they know it is an indicator of what they already knew.
Definitely a BOY
His name is:
He is sharing his room with
Speaking of room
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Definitely a BOY
His name is:
He is sharing his room with
Speaking of room
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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