Week 18 - Learned Something New

What's up with baby: baby has put on some more length and measures about 5 - 5.5 inches. Weight is about 5.25 ounces. I recently read something that I hadn't taken note of with the first pregnancy: there is no direct connection with mom's blood and baby's blood. The placenta takes oxygen and nutrients from the mom's blood and then transfers them into the baby's blood through the umbilical cord. It's a protective measure for both mom and baby.

What's up with mom: my uterus is the size of a cantaloupe. I can feel it below my belly button. As predicted, I am feeling less tired and have a more normal appetite back.

Week 17 - Feel the Love

What's up with baby: baby is still about the same length (4.5 inches) but she is putting on weight more rapidly. Baby is about the size of your hand spread wide open.

What's up with mom: I can finally feel the baby moving. This being the second time around, I thought I'd feel it sooner, but here it is right on time. It's as neat as I remembered. The tiny little taps and flutters are pretty amazing. Happy Valentines day baby, I love you.

Week 16 - Tired

What's up with baby: baby is about 4.5 inches long (crown to rump) and only weighs several ounces. The baby has fingernails.

What's up with mom: Not sure I mentioned this yet, but this pregnancy has me pooped. I'm still dealing with it too, but I can see that the end is in sight. Not every night do I want to fall asleep at 7pm on the dot. I bet my husband will appreciate it when I get back to helping with our toddlers bath and bedtime again.

Week 15 - Starting To Show

It depends on what I'm wearing, but I am starting to show. We won't talk about where I do carry extra weight on my body, but it isn't my stomach, so for me to have a "pooch" is considered showing. Why is it that real 'maternity' clothes make you look more preggers than regular clothes? I put on one of my favorite maternity sweaters this past weekend (the first maternity item I've donned) and asked my husband if it made me look pregnant. Affirmative. We better take a picture soon or there won't be a 'before' picture.

What's up with baby: According to the pregnancy book I own, it's still too early to feel the baby move, but I think there have been a few times this week I've felt something. Based on how active the baby was during last weeks ultrasound, maybe Jr. is down there rocking my entire uterus and I do think I'd feel that.

What's up with mom: Also according to the pregnancy book, I'm supposed to stop sleeping on my back and stomach. Grrr. Those are my two most comfortable positions of course. I'm going to try to work on it and see how I do. With my first pregnancy I think I used a pillow to keep me from rolling onto my back. That was mainly out of fear...the book warns that back sleeping can reduce some of the blood supply.