Your Baby: Looking Familiar
The embryo is approximately one-third of an inch (somewhere between 5 to 9 mm long). The brain is growing more complex as cavities and passages necessary for the circulation of spinal fluid take shape. The lenses of the eyes are developing, and the middle part of the ears continues to grow. The outer extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet) are in the making. Overall, this little being is becoming more and more recognizable!
Your Body: Off To The Office
Now that you're pregnant, you're going to have to take exceptionally good care of yourself and your growing baby. That means getting good prenatal care by going to your health-care provider (OB/GYN, Family Practitioner, or Certified Nurse-Midwife) on a regular basis.
Perhaps you discussed pregnancy with your healthcare provider before you got pregnant and already know how often you are going to need to go to the doctor. If not, then the first thing to do once you have discovered that you are pregnant is to make a doctor's appointment. The first appointment is important to figure out how far along you are and what steps will be needed for monitoring you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. Generally, you will see your doctor or healthcare provider once a month through your 28th week. As you get closer to your due date, the office visits will become more frequent. From 28-36, weeks you will likely need to go every 2 weeks. From week 36 until delivery, you will probably be seen once a week. This may vary slightly and will be specific to you and your pregnancy.
On A Different Note: Morning Sickness Ad Nauseam
If you're like the other 70% of pregnant women, you'll probably experience a bout of nausea and vomiting -- more commonly referred to as morning sickness -- during the first 12 weeks. Read on to learn more about it what causes it and how to avoid it.
Morning Sickness The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown, but several theories exist. Most experts believe it's triggered by hormonal changes, especially the increase of hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin). High levels of this pregnancy hormone are thought to overstimulate the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting. Gallbladder disease, hyperactive thyroid, molar pregnancy, or carrying more than one baby may also cause morning sickness. Other possible culprits include the physical symptoms of pregnancy: an enhanced sense of smell, stretching of the uterine muscles, displacement of the digestive organs, and excess acid in the stomach. Emotional stress and a high-fat diet may also play a part. |
Weekly Tip
You have a lot of appointments ahead of you -- between the regular prenatal visits, blood and other lab tests, and ultrasounds -- you'll no doubt be doing a lot of waiting in hospital reception areas. That being the case, one seasoned mother recommends bringing a book with you at all times so you can catch up on some reading while you wait.
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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