PREGNANCY WEEK BY WEEK - WEEK 7

What is happening with the baby:
The hands and feet are emerging from the developing arms and legs.  They may look more like paddles at this point.  You baby is still considered an embryo and has something like a small tail.  This is an extension of the tailbone.  The tail will disappear within a few weeks.  That will be the only thing getting smaller.  Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long.  That would be about the size of a blueberry.
If you could see inside your womb, you'd see spot eyelid folds partially covering her eyes, which already have some color.  You would also see the tip of her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment thin skin.  Both sides of your baby's brain are growing, and her liver is churning out red blood cells until the bone marrow forms and takes over this role.  The baby also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the the hormone insulin to aid in digestion.  A loop in the baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body.

Changes in your body:
Your uterus has doubled in size in the past five weeks.  Eating may be very difficult right now; especially if you are experiencing nausea.  If you are feeling sick, hang in there!  For most, it does get better within a few weeks.  You may also need to urinate more frequently.  This is due to the increase in blood volume and the extra fluid being processed through your kidneys.  By now, you already have about 10 percent more blood than you did before you were pregnant.  By the end of your pregnancy, you will have 40 to 45 percent more blood running through your veins to meet the demands of a full term baby.  And as your uterus grows, pressure on your bladder will send you to the restroom more.

BABY MONITORS

A baby monitor is just another one of those must have baby products, in my opinion.  You can buy baby monitors super inexpensive (that only make sound), but I really prefer to have a baby monitor that has a screen to where you can actually see the baby; not just hear the baby.  I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the baby cry, or what I think is a cry, just to find out she was just making a noise.  There have been times, where she was simply stirring and I actually woke her up just by checking on her.  You can always check on their well being just at a glance, with a monitor that allows you to see the baby.  They come in a variety of styles.  The price can vary greatly as well, depending on what you want.  Do you want color or black and white?  Do you want only one screen or two?  Whatever you decide, it is well worth the investment to have that extra peace of mine.

This is a picture of the one that I bought with my last baby.  It has been just wonderful.  I can look at her anytime I want.  And now that she is turning over, I like to check often, and make sure she doesn't get tangled up in the blankets, etc.



Here is small description, care of Google/Summer Infant Day/Night:
An affordable video monitor that allows you to see and hear your baby day and night on a 5" black and white screen.  Stylish aesthetics fit with today's home decor.  Large, 5" B&W picture display with night vision 900 MHz technology for superior clarity and 350' range Video on/off button for nighttime channel selection to minimize interference.

THE UMBILICAL CORD

Most people have an idea of what the umbilical cord is but I thought I would just post a little bit more about it.

The umbilical cord is developing tissue of sorts.  This is a long, semi-transparent jelly-like rope.  The cord, attached at the fetus' navel, is a continuation of blood vessels seeking nourishment by extending into and probing the placenta.  The cord is cut after delivery.  It has served it's purpose in the uterus and is of no further use.  Research has found that blood from the umbilical cord can be banked (saved) to treat a number of life-threatening diseases.  Your health care provider will probably give you some information on this but if you would like more information on saving your baby's cord blood call:  1-800-588-6377, ext. 233.

HOW IS THE FETUS NOURISHED?

The uterus does much more than simply housing your fetus for nine months.  Its lining has grown thick with small and active cells called "trophoblasts" that come from the fertilized egg.  These foraging like cells grow in size to form the placenta, which are often referred to as the "afterbirth".  These cells form tiny projections similar to the roots of a plant, and their function is very similar as well.  They reach out to tap the mother's blood supply and bring necessary nourishment to the fetus.  The efficient placenta also carries off the fetus' waste.

The placenta transfers almost every intake of the mother to the fetus, food, air, liquids, etc.  This also applies to most drugs/medicines which should only be taken under the advice of your health care provider.

While the placenta is carrying nourishment and waste to and from the fetus, amniotic fluid is being produced in the uterus.  This is retained in an "amniotic bag", which surrounds the embryo.  The bag maintains a constant temperature and cushions the fetus against possible injury.  It also provides a substance in which the fetus can easily move around, as well as, supplying some of the fetus' fluids.

BABY SWINGS - ANOTHER MUST HAVE IN MY OPINION!

I know many moms live without baby swings, but for me, it is a must have item!  Much like a baby bouncer, it is like having an extra set of hands.  I use mine daily, several times a day.

I LOVE my Fisher Price Rain Forest Cradle Swing.  I used to use the regular battery operated baby swings, but when I saw this one, I had to have it.  As much as I love the battery operated baby swings, they do tend to eat up batteries like crazy.  You will go through many and that can get very expensive.  So I decided that buying a more expensive swing, would save me money in the long run, with all the money I would be saving in batteries.  What I mean, is that this one has a plug option!!!  So you can plug it in and let it go on forever if you choose!  I also love the side-to-side or front-to-back option that it has.  And this is great deal here on Amazon.  I spent about $35 dollars more on mine!

I will give a brief description (courtesy of Fisher Price) of any other features that you might find on this swing. 

Baby takes a relaxing swing (side-to-side or front-to-back) as she watches plush rainforest friends in the mobile above play "peek-a-boo" among the leaves.  While baby reclines in cradle comfort, one of twelve different songs play, along with sooting nature sounds.  And when baby's trip to the rainforest is over, the mobile swings away until another day.  The fisher Price Rainforest Open-Top Cradle Swing features six soothing swing speeds, with a plug-in option that can save you money on batteries.  Two-position reclining seat and 3-point restraint.  Folds easily for storage.

The Fisher Price Rainforest Open-Top Cradle Swing requires 4 "D" alkaline batteries (not included).         Weight Limit:  25 lbs. (11.3 kg)

Developmental Guidelines:  Use cradle swing from birth until a child becomes active and can climb out of seat.


Better for Baby...
Promotes Comfort & Security:  Comfortable cradle seat with leafy rainforest canopy, calming music & sound effects, and gentle swinging motion offer baby a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Stimulates Senses
Watching leaves open and close and the rainforest animals move in and out of baby's sight fosters visual tracking skills.  Rainforest music and sound effects stimulate baby's auditory skills.

Better for Mom...
Plug- in Fisher Price cradle swing saves money on batteries!  But you do have the option to use batteries when an outlet is not available.  Swing-away rainforest mobile for easy access to baby.  Variety of 2 swinging motions.
 

There are many baby swings out there.  Many have followed this side-to-side or front-to-back concept.  It's great!  But I have used this Fisher Price model for 2 babies now and have loved it.  And as I said, this is a great price.  I paid a lot more.  It is still selling for as much, if not, more than what I paid for it 2 1/2 years ago.

PREGNANCY - WEEK BY WEEK, WEEK 6

This weeks developments for your baby:
The nose, mouth and the ears are beginning to form.  If your could see inside your uterus, you'd see an over sized head and dark spots where the baby's eyes and nostrils are beginning to take shape.  The ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head and the arms and legs are protruding buds.  His/her heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute (almost twice as fast as yours) and blood is beginning to course through its body.  The intestines are developing and the bud of tissue that will help the lungs to rise, has appeared.  The pituitary gland is forming, as well as the rest of the brain, muscles, and bones.  Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long.

This weeks developments for your body:
You may find yourself on an emotional roller coaster.  You may feel great one minute and not so great the next.  Remember this is normal.  It can be very difficult if you are one to normally have your emotions in check.  But again, this is very normal so don't worry.  This does tend to taper off later on in the pregnancy.  You will still have your emotional periods, but it probably won't seem nearly as bad as it does now.  And your life is about to change dramatically so that, in and of itself, can be very emotional.

Remember that spotting CAN be normal in early pregnancy, but you should still call your health care provider if you see any of this as it can also be related to other complications as well.

IS IT SAFE TO TAKE A BATH INSTEAD OF A SHOWER, DURING PREGNANCY??

May sound like a silly question, but lots of first time moms don't know!

A daily shower or bath, whichever you prefer, will keep you fresh and clean.  Tub baths are not harmful at any time during pregnancy.  However research indicates that soaking in very hot baths (hot tubs, sitz baths, saunas) for prolonged periods of time, capable of raising the body temperature to 102 degrees Fahrenheit or or 38 degrees Celsius, especially during the first 3 months can increase your risk for birth defects.  So limit your time in the tub to less than 10 minutes OR take only luke-warm bathes.  This warning applies to saunas as well.  As your get bigger and heavier, get someone to help you in and out of the tub.  The possibility of falling on a wet slipper floor/tub becomes increasingly more likely. 

When I am pregnant, I like to shower in the morning and then take a short bath at night.  It helps me to stay feeling fresh.  (You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge throughout your pregnancy)  The nightly bath can also help relax you and help you sleep if you are having trouble with that.

Be sure to only use gentle soap and use them with care.  Vaginal deodorant sprays are not recommended and the same goes for douching unless your health care provider suggests it. 

If you notice that your nipples are becoming caked from the exudation of colostrum you should wash them gently with soft cotton and warm water 2 or 3 times a day.  NO SOAP!!!  Soap tends to dry out your nipples as our skin produces our own natural oils and the soap will take that away.  Try avoiding nipple stimulation by patting them dry instead of rubbing them.  That too, will help keep you from rubbing away those natural oils.