ALMOST HALF WAY THROUGH!!!!! It's okay to do a little happy dance, you are almost half way through the pregnancy. If you think this is silly when you're not even half way through, that's fine. However, for me this pregnancy has been a little difficult (at least compared to my first pregnancy) so I am doing a happy dance for sure.
Now lets get to baby. From last week to this one your little baby has grown like a weed (a theme that will continue even after he is born). Your little one is now about the size of your palm and weighs about five ounces. Also, all that yummy stuff we've been eating is now helping little baby to grow some baby fat which will turn into those adorable rolls that you will come to kiss on all the time. Also, the brain is now in control of the heart, which means no more random heart beats, your baby's heart is now beating about 140 to 150 beats per minute!!!! Also this week, he is practicing survival skills for after birth, like sucking and swallowing!
By this time you are staring to show (unless this is anything but your first, which means you've probably been showing for a while now). With this new baby bump people may have the urge to touch and rub your belly. Now as far as I'm concerned I always want people to ask if it's okay, unless your my mom or husband. My general rule (with the exception of my mom) is if you didn't put it there don't touch it without asking. Friends, family, and coworkers are usually pretty good about this, it's usually strangers that don't have as much common sense (weird I know). If someone oversteps, your personal space, feel free to KINDLY ask them to stop and ask next time...if they don't listen, then by all means go mother bear on them. Your baby bump will also elicit some (un)wanted advice from friends, family, coworkers, and of course strangers. My advice in this scenario is handle it the same way you would with the unwanted belly touching, kindly. If that doesn't work, you can always get a a shirt stating that you don't want their advice. LOL
Along with your baby bump you will probably have an increase in the vaginal discharge that has been occurring throughout the weeks. Now keep in mind that up to 30% of women have some brown staining to this discharge. Generally this is not an issue as long as it isn't occurring with cramping and severe pain. I am experiencing this, and after a frantic phone call to my OB she instructed me that this was totally normal, and that at this point in my pregnancy, if something were to "go wrong' I would know without a doubt. But by all means, if you see this in your underwear, call your OB or midwife to make sure everything is okay.
In addition to the increased discharge you might also have an increased sensitivity to allergens, and the appetite of a sumo wrestler (it's all completely normal). You may also experience heartburn (click here for all natural home remedies). You may also experience flatulence (fun), occasional headaches, faintness, dizziness, backaches, and stretch marks. Don't worry, all of this is completely normal, and remember if you are concerned about ANYTHING don't hesitate to call your OB or midwife. If they get frustrated or are unwilling to take the time with you, then by all means GET A NEW ONE! This is YOUR pregnancy and YOU have HIRED THEM! So make sure you are comfortable with your support group and the people that will be in your corner on the big day!
Week 18
Week 16
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