39/40 weeks

Here is what is going on with Elisha this week according to babycenter.com;

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

At each of your now-weekly visits, your caregiver will do an abdominal exam to check your baby's growth and position. She might also do an internal exam to see whether your cervix has started ripening: softening, effacing (thinning out), and dilating (opening). But even armed with this information, there's still no way for your caregiver to predict exactly when your baby is coming. If you go past your due date, your caregiver will schedule you for fetal testing (usually a sonogram) after 40 weeks to ensure that it's safe to continue the pregnancy. If you don't go into labor on your own, most practitioners will induce labor when you're between one and two weeks overdue — or sooner if there's an indication that the risk of waiting is greater than the risks of delivering your baby without further delay.

While you're waiting, it's important to continue to pay attention to your baby's movements and let your caregiver know right away if they seem to decrease. Your baby should remain active right up to delivery, and a noticeable slowdown in activity could be a sign of a problem. Also call if you think your water may have broken. Membranes rupture before the beginning of labor in about 8 percent of term pregnancies. Sometimes there's a big gush of fluid, but sometimes there's only a small gush or a slow leak. (Don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. Call even if you only suspect you have a leak.) If you rupture your membranes and don't start contractions on your own, you'll be induced.

As for me and Elisha... we are doing well.  I've had a few intense contractions this week, but nothing that has been regular yet.  So as of now, unless I go into labor on my own before then, we will be having a c section at noon tomorrow (May 24).  

This pregnancy, like my last one, has been free of complications.  I'm still sleeping through the night well, except for getting up a few times for bathroom visits.  I've never had any heartburn, swelling, or those other things that seem to plague pregnant women.  I've been a little tired, a little more hungry than normal, but nothing worth complaining about.  Just within the last week I've started to feel some pain and discomfort in my back, hips, and pelvis, but for being 39 weeks pregnant I think that's to be expected.

I've been lifting weights all the way up until this week, which I did not do in my last pregnancy, and I jogged until 7 months, and continued regular walks through this week.  As a result, I've gained significantly less weight than my last pregnancy and am hoping to return to a normal shape and weight much more quickly this time around.

We're cherishing every last moment as a family of 3 today, doing special things for Noah, and are thrilled to meet our newest addition tomorrow!

35 weeks

 (sorry for the blurry picture)

Here is what is going on with Elisha this week according to babycenter.com;

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.

From here on out, you'll start seeing your practitioner every week.

So I haven't been as regular as keeping up with this as my last pregnancy.  I guess my busy 2 year old, and the baby I watch keep me more busy than my 40 hour a week job during my last pregnancy.  I think I missed 3 weeks since my last prego post, but really, I'm sure that not that many people care to see and hear exactly how I am doing each week.  

35 weeks?!  When did that happen?  This pregnancy has FLOWN by and is almost over!  I feel like I haven't even done anything to get ready, since we are just using everything that we already had from Noah.  Now that my baby shower has happened it seems a little more real though.  

I'm still feeling good... not overly tired, although I do sleep a little later than I would if I wasn't prego.  No complications (swelling, heartburn etc.).  Just pretty large, and not quite so easy to get out of bed, or off the floor right now, or bend down to pick things up.

I've had a bunch of Braxton Hicks contractions this time around, and never had a single one with Noah.  I'm hoping that means that I have a better chance of actually going into real labor with Elisha on my own than I did with Noah... but I'd be happy if he'd still hang out in the womb at least 2 more weeks.

31 & 32 weeks

Here is what is going on with Elisha this week according to babycenter.com;

31

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it's pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn't have it before.

32

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn. To help relieve your discomfort, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller meals more often.

If you do, let your caregiver know right away, particularly if you haven't had back pain before, since it can be a sign of preterm labor.  Assuming it's not preterm labor that's ailing you, you can probably blame your growing uterus and hormonal changes for your aching back. Your expanding uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, changing your posture and putting a strain on your back. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.

As for me, I'm doing good, no real changes.  Still feeling and seeing Elisha move a lot.  It's hard to believe that he'll be here in under 2 months now.  This pregnancy has flown by!  I'm still able to lift weights and do cardio and am confident that this has contributed to me gaining a significant amount less weight than my last pregnancy, and I'm assuming this well greatly help me to get back in shape more quickly post-pregnancy also.  Still sleeping well at night and having no major pregnancy side effects other than my largely growing belly and the fact that it's getting hard to get my socks and shoes on (or pick up items off of the floor, or close my car door, or get out of bed...).

29 & 30 weeks

Here is what is going on with Elisha this week according to babycenter.com;

29

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Your baby's very active now. Your healthcare provider may ask you to spend some time each day counting kicks and will give you specific instructions on how to do this. Let your provider know if you ever notice that your baby is becoming less active. You may need a nonstress test or biophysical profile to check on your baby's condition.

Some old friends — heartburn and constipation — may take center stage now. The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation, coupled with the crowding in your abdomen, slows digestion. Sluggish digestion can cause gas and heartburn — especially after a big meal — and contribute to constipation. Your growing uterus may also be contributing to hemorrhoids. These swollen blood vessels in your rectal area are common during pregnancy. Fortunately, they usually clear up in the weeks after giving birth. 

Some women get something called "supine hypotensive syndrome" during pregnancy. This happens when lying flat on your back causes a change in heart rate and blood pressure that makes you feel dizzy until you change position. You might notice that you feel lightheaded if you stand up too quickly, too. To avoid "the spins," lie on your side rather than your back, and move slowly as you go from lying down to sitting and then standing.

30

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

 

Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size. Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs. It's normal to worry about what your labor will be like or whether you'll be a good parent. But if you can't shake the blues or feel increasingly irritable or agitated, talk to your doctor or midwife. You may be among the 1 in 10 expectant women who battle depression during pregnancy. Also let your caregiver know if you're frequently nervous or anxious.

 I am feeling good... not quite as good as a few weeks ago, but good.  I'm getting increasingly more tired, and have been napping a couple of days a week while Noah naps (which is completely uncharacteristic for me).  I've also been feeling nauseous again for a week or two, similar to how I felt around week 6 in my first trimester, nothing causing me to actually get sick or anything, but just not feeling all that well some of the time, especially after eating certain foods.  Other than that things are good though... I am very grateful to seem to have such complication-free pregnancies... the sickness is minimal, no heartburn at all, no swelling, no gestational diabetes, and so on.  I would say that at this point I am still enjoying pregnancy, but if I get much bigger things will start to become uncomfortable.  Fortunately my weight gain, although more than I would like, is still significantly less than it was with my last pregnancy.

Elisha is moving all of the time now, and responding to (not so gentle) pats on my tummy from Noah, or when Jeremy puts his mouth on my belly and talks to or prays for Elisha.  We had a doctor's appointment today that went well, and it is sounding like I will have a scheduled c section sometime around week 40 (May 25), unless I go into labor on my own prior to that, in which case, if things are progressing well, then we may be able to try for a VBAC.

26 weeks

Here is what is going on with Elisha this week according to babycenter.com;

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.

Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prepare your baby's room while still taking care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest. Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it's probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)

Preeclampsia — a serious disorder characterized by high blood pressure and protein in your urine — most often shows up after 37 weeks, but it can happen earlier so it's important to be aware of the warning signs of this condition. Call your caregiver if you have swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week). With more severe preeclampsia, you may experience other symptoms. Let your caregiver know immediately if you have a severe or persistent headache, vision changes (including double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or vomiting.

If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus — which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your abdomen.

As for me, I'm doing well.  No major changes this week.  Still feeling good.  A little tired, but hardly worth mentioning (and that may be the result of my son deciding 3 weeks ago that he now gets up at 5 am).  Elisha moves and kicks all of the time, which is super fun.  I had my glucose test this week, and am now just waiting on the results.  I've gained about 12 lbs this pregnancy, which I'm not excited about, but is better than how I was doing at this point last time.  Overall, I feel like I've been fairly active, and eating pretty healthy, and sure that if I continue that I won't gain the excessive 50 lbs that I gained with my last pregnancy.

24 weeks & 25 weeks

Here is going on with Elisha this week according to babycenter.com;

week 24

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

In the past few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball. Most women have a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between now and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition.

Untreated diabetes increases your risk of having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow too large, especially in his upper body. It also raises your baby's odds for other complications like low blood sugar right after birth. A positive result on your GCT doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out for sure.

Finally, if you don't already know how to spot the signs of preterm labor, now's the time to learn. Contact your caregiver immediately if you notice any of the signs mentioned below.

week 25
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Your baby's not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It's not that you're growing more hair, but thanks to hormonal changes, the hair that you'd normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. Enjoy the fullness while you can — the extra hair will fall out after you give birth.
You may also notice that you can't move around as gracefully as before. Unless your caregiver has advised you otherwise, it's fine to continue to exercise, but follow a few safety rules: Don't work out when you're feeling overly tired and stop if you feel any pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Don't lie flat on your back and avoid contact sports as well as any exercise where you're apt to lose your balance. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and make time for both warm-up and cool-down periods.

As for me, doing well.  I'm starting to get cramps when I jog, so I'm thinking those days might be over and my physical activity might now need to be limited to walking, biking, and lifting weights.  I have my glucose test this Monday.  Other than that everything is going well, I'm still in a very comfortable stage where I'm not so big that it's uncomfortable yet.  I'm still on track to gain about half of what I gained last pregnancy, so I'm relieved about that!  I'm just starting to get a little more tired than normal and have taken a mid-day nap upon a few occasions.

22 weeks

Here is what is going on with our spaghetti squash this week according to babycenter.com;

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. 

If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

At this point, you may find your belly becoming a hand magnet. It's perfectly okay to tell folks who touch your tummy that you'd rather they didn't. And if people are telling you that you look smaller or bigger than you should at this point, remember that each woman grows — and shows — at her own rate.

What's important is that you see your practitioner for regular visits so she can make sure your baby's growth is on track. You may start to notice stretch marks on your abdomen as it expands to accommodate your growing baby.  

At least half of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks by the time they give birth. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color). Although they most commonly appear on your tummy, stretch marks may also show up on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. There's no proof that lotion helps prevent stretch marks, but keeping your skin moisturized may help with any itching.

All is well with me and baby.  No weight gain this week (or last), still at 10 lbs total weight gain.  Still feeling good, exercising, eating healthy, and feeling comfortable.  I'm happy with my weight gain at this point in my pregnancy, but not quite as happy with my size... I feel like my belly is gigantic already, and I still have 4 months to go.  That is ridiculous.  I've heard that you may show/ expand more quickly on your second pregnancy, but I wasn't quite ready for all of this.  Glad that most of the expanding so far has been limited solely to my tummy.

21 weeks

Here is what is going on with our little carrot this week according to babycenter.com;

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual discomforts associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. If you're feeling good, relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints.

That's not to say you won't have some minor glitches to deal with now. For example, increased oil production may contribute to the development (or worsening) of acne. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day, and make sure that any moisturizer or make-up you use is oil-free. Don't take any oral acne medications — some are very hazardous during pregnancy — or use any topical acne products without first checking with your practitioner. 

You're also more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, there's increasing pressure on the veins in your legs; higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. You're more likely to get varicose veins if other family members have them. Also, they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you age. To help prevent or minimize varicose veins, exercise daily, prop up your feet and legs whenever possible, sleep on your left side, and wear maternity support hose.

You may also notice so-called spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin), particularly on your ankles, legs, or face. They may have a spider- or sunburst-like pattern with little branches radiating out from the center, they may look like the branches of a tree, or they may be a group of separate thin lines with no particular pattern. Though they may be a bit unsightly, spider veins don't cause discomfort and usually disappear after delivery.

As for me, feeling good.  Pretty comfortable and in the swing of things.  No new cravings... still eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies and turned off to most sweets.  I feel like I really look pregnant now, and not just frumpy and like I'm letting myself go.  I can feel him move a lot, especially when I lay down in bed in the evening.  No new changes or complications... pretty much smooth sailing right now.  This really is my fave part of pregnancy... no longer sick, starting to show, but not as huge as a house or having hot flashes yet.

20 weeks

Here is what is going on with our little banana this week according to babycenter.com;

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).

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).

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.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.

As for me, doing good.  We found out last Friday that it's a BOY!  We are super excited for a little boy and Noah is excited to have a little brother.  We have the first name picked out (or given to us by the Lord) but we are still deciding on the middle name and keeping the name a secret as of now.  He was 10 oz at my appointment last Friday, and growing and developing right on schedule.

Much to my dismay, I have gained 10 lbs as of now, but that is much better than my last pregnancy where I had gained about 20 already.  This week was the first time that I woke up to a leg cramp in the middle of the night, and I'm sure there's more of that to come over the next few months.

19 weeks

Here is what is going on with our little tomato this week according to babycenter.com;

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.

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.

As for me, I'm doing well.  We get to find out the gender tomorrow and are super excited.  We have our boy and girl names picked out and are just waiting to see what we are having.  I've been feeling good and feeling lots of movement from the baby.  I'm still not overly excited about sweets, or heavy foods with lots of oil and butter.  Lately I've been wanting a lot of meat, fruits, veggies, and orange juice.  Still jogging and lifting weights and not having any pregnancy symptoms other than a growing belly and moving baby.

18 weeks

Here is what is going on with our bell pepper this week according to babycenter.com;

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.

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.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.

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!

As for me, doing well.  Still feeling good.  Able to eat anything I want for the most part without feeling nauseous afterward.  Exercising regularly (with slightly less strength/ intensity/ endurance than normal).  I've only gained 5 pounds, but it feels like a lot more right now.  Nothing really fits me well right now, my regular clothes are getting too tight, but my maternity clothes from last time are still a little too big and loose.  I'm just in a weird in between stage.

This week was the first time I started feeling this baby move and confidently knowing it was the baby and not my tummy rumbling.  Jeremy was even able to feel some flutters one evening after I ate a piece of cake and loaded our little one up on some sugar.

I think we have our boy and girl names picked out now, so now we just have to wait a week and a day until the appointment and we find out the gender.

17 weeks

Here is what is going on with our little turnip this week according to babycenter.com;

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.

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.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'll also want to be sure to buckle up when you're in a car — keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, drawn snugly across your hips, and also use the shoulder harness, which should fit snugly between your breasts.

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.

As for me, I'm doing well.  The nausea is almost completely gone now.  My belly is continuing to grow.  This week a stranger asked me if I knew what I was having.  I was so shocked, because I still don't think I look pregnant (just bloated), so I think that was a risky  assumption and question on her part.  I was so caught off guard it took me a minute to process before I could answer her.  I guess I'm looking more pregnant than I think.

I'm eating pretty much anything I want these days, with no real cravings, although sushi and sausage always sound great to me.  I'm still lifting weights, walking several miles most days, and jogging 1-2 miles 2 days a week.  I am determined to keep my strength and endurance up better than I did last pregnancy, and not gain as much weight either... so far so good!

16 weeks

Here is what is going on with our little avocado this week according to babycenter.com;

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

The top of your uterus is about halfway between your pubic bone and your navel, and the round ligaments that support it are thickening and stretching as it grows. You're probably feeling a whole lot better as you settle into pregnancy, too. Less nausea, fewer mood swings, and "glowing" skin contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

Soon you'll experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy — feeling your baby move. While some women notice "quickening" as early as 16 weeks, many don't feel their baby move until about 18 weeks or more. (And if this is your first baby, don't be too impatient — you may not be aware of your baby's movements until 20 weeks or so.) The earliest movements may feel like little flutters, gas bubbles, or even like popcorn popping. Over the following weeks they'll grow stronger and you'll be able to feel them much more frequently.

As for me, not much new.  Still feeling good, a tiny bit of nausea here and there, but hardly worth mentioning.

I had my first appointment with my new doc this week, and I LOVE her!  Baby's heartbeat is good and strong.  We go Dec. 28 to find out the gender.

I've started gaining weight now and am not happy about it.  Why can't I just skip this whole stage and go straight from flat belly to basketball belly without all the awkwardness in between?

15 weeks

Here is what is going on with our little one this week according to babycenter.com;

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

If you're having amniocentesis, it'll most likely happen between now and 18 weeks. This test can identify hundreds of genetic and chromosomal disorders. If you're getting very anxious while waiting for the results, it may help to know that most women who undergo amniocentesis get good news about their babies — bringing welcome relief from their worries.You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now (a little more or less is fine, too) and are well into the swing of your pregnancy, but you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for instance, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common, there's even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy." Some pregnant women also suffer nosebleeds as a result of increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose.

Don't be surprised if you and your partner are feeling a little stressed out these days. Many pregnant couples worry about their baby's health and how they'll handle the changes ahead. But with physical discomforts on the wane and energy on the rise, this is also a wonderful trimester for most women.

As for me, the minimal nausea that I've been having is subsiding even further and now when I wake up in the morning I feel good, and don't feel the need to immediately eat something so that I don't feel sick.

I've been getting up several times an evening to use the restroom, but I guess that's to be expected.

I still haven't gained weight, although the shape of my body is definitely changing.

A few times I've wondered if I felt the baby move, but I'm not fully sure yet.

First appointment with my new doctor next week, so I should have more of an update on our  progress then.

13 weeks

Here is what is going on with our little shrimp this week according to babycenter.com;

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.

This is the last week of your first trimester, and your risk of miscarriage is now much lower than earlier in pregnancy. Next week marks the beginning of your second trimester, a time of relative comfort for many women who see early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue subside. More good news: Many couples also notice a distinct libido lift around this time. Birth is still months away, but your breasts may have already started making colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that feeds your baby for the first few days after birth, before your milk starts to flow

 

As for me... still feeling about the same as last week.  A LOT better than a few weeks ago, but still some nausea here and there.  Overall, I am just graeful to be able to eat most food again and function in a normal way.  I still haven't gained weight, but my belly is getting round and squishy.

12 weeks

Here is what is going on with the little lime this week according to babycenter.com;

The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.

Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

Your uterus has grown to the point where your healthcare provider can now feel the top of it (the fundus) low in your abdomen, just above your pubic bone. You may already be into maternity clothes, especially if this isn't your first pregnancy. If you're still fairly small and not yet ready for maternity clothes, you've no doubt noticed that your waist is thickening and that you're more comfortable in loose, less restrictive clothing.

You may begin to feel heartburn (also called acid indigestion), a burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of your breastbone to your lower throat. Many women get heartburn for the first time during pregnancy, and those who've previously had bouts of heartburn may find that it gets worse. During pregnancy, the placenta produces a lot of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Particularly when you're lying down, gastric acid can seep back up the pipe, which causes the uncomfortable burning sensation. For many women the problem doesn't begin (or get worse) until later in pregnancy, when your growing uterus starts to push up on your stomach. The discomfort may range from mildly annoying to intense and distracting.

As for me, I am happy to say that I am over the hump, haven't thrown up in almost a week, and have been feeling mostly well/ normal.  It's so funny how the nausea seems like it is never going to end, and then all of the sudden, one morning I wake up feeling good.  I am so thankful to feel good again, be able to jog, cook, and eat most foods without feeling sick.

My stomach is continuing to stick out more and more, but I'm in that awkward stage where you can't tell if I'm pregnant, ate too much, or just never lost the belly from my last baby.  I'm looking forward to when my little bump is a little more pronounced and looks more like a growing baby.  I still haven't gained weight... well... I've gained back the weight I had lost while I was so sick, but I'm now at the same weight that I was when I got pregnant and I'm still wearing my normal clothes just shooting for looser tops.

11 weeks

Here is what is going on with our little fig this week according to babycenter.com;

Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.

She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.

If you're like most women, you're feeling a bit more energetic now and your nausea may be starting to wane. Unfortunately, you may also be suffering from constipation (caused by hormonal changes, which can slow digestion) and heartburn (hormones again, relaxing the valve between your stomach and esophagus). Just remember, all this discomfort is for a good cause.  Don't worry if nausea has made it impossible for you to eat a wide variety of healthy foods or if you haven't put on much weight yet (most women gain just 2 to 5 pounds during the first trimester). Your appetite will likely return soon, and you'll start to gain about a pound a week.

I am starting to feel just a little bit better.  I hadn't thrown up in almost a week, until yesterday, although I do still feel pretty nauseous most of the day, especially in the morning and evening.  I'm still very picky about what I can eat without feeling awful, mostly eggs, cheese, bread, and some forms of protein.  Still no sugar or sweets at all.  I have started wanting 1-2 glasses or orange juice every night before bed, I remember this with my last pregnancy also, in fact, orange juice was the only spontaneous craving/ purchase that I ever felt the need to indulge and leave the house for specifically.  Also, as with my last pregnancy, sushi sounds like exactly what I want, all day, every day, if only I had an endless budget to eat it constantly, (and didn't have to worry about bacteria or mercury).

I still haven't started gaining weight, probably mainly due to not being able to eat  many foods that are bad for me.  Although I do think that my stomach is continuing to inch its way further out.  Most of my clothes (minus one pair of skinny jeans that I need to unbutton) still fit me, although I am starting to get a little self conscious over my little pooch beginning to form, because I'm just not quite ready to look pregnant yet.

I'm still pretty tired, and just not feeling well overall, so I'm still taking everything pretty easy... a little physical activity here and there, a little time with friends here and there, but mostly just laying low right now and relaxing at home until I feel a little better.

I couldn't help but look back at my post from when I was 11 weeks pregnant with Noah.  I think I was already showing a little more then than I am now, possibly due to the fact that I kept more food down last pregnancy and never threw up at all.  I'm also a little jealous that it sounds like I was feeling better than I am now at this time last pregnancy, but as a whole this pregnancy has been worse on me with sickness, so it makes sense that it would take me a little longer to feel better.  I'm still hoping for relief soon from the nausea.

(If you're wondering why I'm wearing a white tank top in my pictures 2 weeks in a row, it's because with my last pregnancy I had wished that I had done all of the photographs in similar fitting clothes so that you could really see the difference each week, and I figured that a white tank top is the perfect canvas to display my growing belly.  maybe at the end I'll do a big photo of each weekly photo all lined up beside each other.)

10 weeks prego

Now that Noah is 2, and not changing as rapidly, I'm going to stop doing monthly posts on his development.  And now that I'm prego again, I'm going to attempt to do a weekly update like I did with my last pregnancy... attempt being the key word... with a busy 2 year old, and 2 other kiddos that I watch, my life is a lot more busy, leaving a lot less internet time than my last pregnancy.

Here is what is going on with our little kumquat this week, according to babycenter.com;

Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.

He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.

If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.

In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

At your next prenatal visit, you may be able to hear your baby's rapid heartbeat with the help of a Doppler stethoscope, a handheld ultrasound device that your practitioner places on your belly. Many women say that the beating of their baby's tiny heart sounded like the thunder of galloping horses and hearing it for the first time was very moving.

Before you got pregnant, your uterus was the size of a small pear. By this week, it's as big as a grapefruit. You may or may not be ready for maternity wear now. Even if you're not there yet, your regular clothes are probably feeling uncomfortably tight and your blossoming breasts are straining the seams of your bra. The thickening in your midsection is most likely due to slight weight gain and bloating. If you're between regular and maternity clothes, pants and skirts with forgiving elastic waistbands (or low-rise waistlines that sit below your belly) will provide some much-needed comfort.

Depending on your level of fitness, you can most likely participate in a wide range of activities during pregnancy. Swimming and walking are excellent choices for the whole nine months. Exercise promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance — three qualities that can help you carry the weight you gain during pregnancy, prepare you for the physical stress of labor, and make it easier to get back into shape after your baby is born. (Unfortunately, there's no evidence that regular exercise shortens labor.)

As for me... I have been feeling awful this week.  I never threw up when I was pregnant with Noah, but I've thrown up a few times this week.  I've been pretty tired, but been foregoing naps in exchange for some catchup on an out of control to do list.  I feel bad almost all day, every day, but, if this is like my last pregnancy, by next week I should be starting to feel some relief from this.

I am determined to be more active, eat less junk, and gain less weight with this pregnancy.  With Noah I gained 50 lbs, and then it took me a while to loose it all.  If I can gain a little over half that this time, than hopefully it won't take me so long to get back in my pre-prego clothes.  So far I haven't gained any weight, but do feel like my stomach is starting to stick out a little more than normal (maybe due to not having done abs at the gym for 5 weeks now).  I was still jogging and lifting weights regularly until 2 weeks ago, but now I feel so bad that I'm settling for some walks, and 1 day a week of riding the recumbent bike at the gym.  I did a bit of biceps and triceps this week, but only things that I can do seated, because I get very nauseous trying to lift weights while standing up right now.  I'm just hoping right now to maintain some strength and endurance during this awful season, so that in a few weeks, when I start feeling better, I can continue to exercise as normal for my second trimester.

I have been eating completely different than I did with Noah, I remember eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for breakfast and lunch with him, and eating saltines and gingerale all day everyday to try to keep myself from feeling hungry, and therefore nauseous.  This time I haven't been eating any peanut butter, and not much carbs, I've found that what really helps me feel better is protein, mainly eggs.  So I have eggs for breakfast, a fried egg sandwich for lunch, and scrambled eggs as a snack some days.  

My first doctor's appointment was this Monday, and everything was good and healthy.  It was great to see our little kidney bean, hear the heart rate, and confirm that everything is looking good as of now.  And now we have a sonogram pic that I stare at for a little while everyday, dreaming about who this kid will be, what they will look like, and what their future will hold.

And for those who want the details, my due date is May 25, but there's a good chance that as a result of my last birth, I'll be having a scheduled c-section this time, a week before my due date.

Noah has an announcement for you...

our new arrival

Noah Dominic Mangerchine was born at 12:58 pm Wednesday, October 27, weighing 7 lbs 8 oz.  He is beautiful and perfect in every way!  More pictures and my birth story to come soon, both mommy and baby are home and doing well now.

Shannon