22 wk info from babycenter.com

How your baby's growing:
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.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:

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.

Write it down "I kept a journal for my son while I was pregnant, and I brought it to the hospital with me so I could write in it as soon as I was up to it. It really helped to share all the feelings I was having." — Anonymous
Surprising Facts: Body changes beyond your belly

You expected your belly to grow — and perhaps your breasts, too — but the following physical changes may take you by surprise. As with many pregnancy changes, hormones play a role in most of these alterations in your looks.

• Thicker, more lustrous hair You're not actually growing more hair, just losing less than normal. During pregnancy, your body sheds hair much more slowly than it did before. What to do: If thicker hair is a boon for you, enjoy it. If it's making your mane more unruly than ever, ask your stylist to do some thinning at your next cut. These changes won't last forever. After your baby's born, you'll start to lose this excess hair, sometimes in clumps.

• Increased body hair Sex hormones known as androgens can cause new hair to sprout on your chin, upper lip, jaw, and cheeks. Stray hairs can also pop up on your belly, arms, legs, and back. What to do: Tweezing, waxing, and shaving are all safe ways to manage these temporary changes.

• Faster-growing fingernails Your fingernails may grow more quickly than usual, and you may notice changes in texture. Some women's nails get harder, while others' get softer or more brittle. What to do: Protect your nails by wearing rubber gloves when you're cleaning, and using moisturizer on them if they're brittle.

• Skin changes Some pregnant women report that their skin has never looked better. If that's you, enjoy the proverbial "glow." Others find the hormones of pregnancy aggravate skin conditions such as acne. What to do: Wash twice a day with a gentle soap or cleanser, and make sure that any moisturizer or makeup you use is oil-free.

• Stretch marks As your belly expands to accommodate your growing baby, you may get tiny tears in the supportive tissue that lies just beneath your skin, resulting in striations of varying color. These marks will begin to fade and become considerably less noticeable about six to 12 months after you give birth. There's not much you can do besides trying not to gain more than the recommended amount of weight. Heredity is responsible for the natural elasticity of your skin and plays a role in determining who will end up with stretch marks.

• Skin discolorations Increased melanin can cause splotchy patches of darkened skin on your face. These pigment changes may become intensified if you spend time in the sun. What to do: Protect your face by using a sunblock that offers both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing a hat with a brim, and avoiding the sun during peak hours of the day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

• Larger and darker nipples and areolas You may find that your nipples and the pigmented area around them (the areolas) are getting bigger and darker. The little bumps on your areolas, known as Montgomery's tubercles, may also be more pronounced. These bumps are oil-producing glands that help fight off bacteria and lubricate the skin. Some women also notice more pronounced veins in their breasts. What to do: Nothing!

• Larger feet Your feet may go up half a shoe size or more. Lax ligaments may make your feet spread a bit — permanently. Swelling can make your shoes feel tight as well, although it will go away after delivery. What to do: Buy comfortable shoes to accommodate your growing feet.

This Week's Activity:

Check out your rings. It's common to have some swelling in your fingers as your pregnancy progresses. If your rings are feeling the least bit snug, do yourself a favor and take them off now before it's too late (or at least keep an eye on them). If you can't bear to be separated from your wedding band or another important ring when you can no longer sport it on your finger, loop it on a chain and wear it close to your heart.

belly pic

21 wks & 6 days pregnant belly pic



Today my grandmother made a comment about how I had not lost any weight. Ummn, yeah -- I'm not supposed to be losing weight.

*sigh*

Anyway, I suppose since they pushed my EDD from April 4th to April 3rd that now I *ought* to count Saturdays as the new start of my wk (which would make me 22 wks pregnant today) but, since it is only a day difference -- I'll keep my countdown matching my original EDD.

My appt today

DR had a bit of a tough time finding the baby's heartbeat but he did and it was 130 (just like last time).

My blood pressure was 120 over 80.

I asked about my placenta placement and it is posterior, behind the uterus.

And I have paperwork to give to my OBGYN on the 9th...

From my first u/s (for dating purposes) of Sept 28, 2009 -- it says:

crown-rump length of 5.8 cm
Biparietal diameter of 1.8 cm
head circumference of 7.3 cm
abdominal circumference of 6.5 cm

The average of these measurements is about a 13 wk size.

fetal heart rate - 165 bpm

cervical canal is closed & both maternal ovaries were outlined and look normal. No free fluid is present.

From my 2nd u/s of Nov 5, 2009 -- it says:

There is a single, live intrauterine gestation with cephalic presentation.

Biparietal diameter: 4.1 cm = 18 wks, 4 days

head circumference: 14.8 cm = 18 wks, 0 days

abdominal circumference: 15.0 cm = 20 wks, 2 days

femur length: 2.6 cm = 18 wks, 0 days

The average of these measurements is 18 wks, 5 days. Therefore size = dates according to the last u/s.

Visualization is somewhat limited but there is no obvious fetal anomaly. The placenta is posterior & clear of the internal os. The cervix measures 4.6 cm.

The amniotic fluid volume is within normal limits.

fetal heart rate - 145 bpm


IMPRESSION:
The est. gestational age based on size is 18 wks, 5 days.

For my quad screening blood work:

Screening result: screen negative
risk of Down`s: 1 in 19,000 (at term)
risk of NTD: 1 in 2,300
comment: Down`s risk due to maternal age alone is 1 in 200

Open spina bifida: maternal serum AFP is NOT elevated for a pregnancy of this gestational age

Down syndrome: the risk of Down`s syndrome is below the screening cut-off (1 in 200). No follow up is recommended.


Also, according to the paperwork re: last 3 appts

_____ G.Age___Weight______B.P.___Urine prot.__SFH___ Fetal HR
Oct 2/09_13_____119.8 kg___130/80_____1+ _______13______ --
Oct 28/09 _17 ___ 127.5 kg___140/90______0 _______17 _____ 130
Nov 25/09 _21 ____123.5 kg _ 120/80_____1+ _______20 _____ 130


Found a website about 2nd & 3rd trimester u/s -- though they use mm not cm on their chart... still an interesting read though.

http://www.brooksidepress.org/Products/Military_OBGYN/Ultrasound/2ndand3rdTrimesterUltrasoundScanning.htm

Still concerned about the relative inactivity of my wee one

Many of the other moms-to-be on babycenter.com are posting about how much their babies are moving around in-utero.

Mine is still surprisingly quiet. And I am 21 wks pregnant today...

Yet, when I had my 18-wk ultrasound -- the baby was really moving a LOT and I didn't feel a thing.

I have a DR appt on Wednesday so I should be able to hear the wee one's heartbeat again and be more reassured.

My countdown to seeing my OBGYN is also getting closer.

Interestingly enough, I've been waking up with songs like "Kids" & "Don't stop believin'" & "Where do the children play" stuck in my head - so I hope it's not just because I like those songs, but rather it's a subconcious msg to myself that all is well with my wee one.

21 wks pregnant - info from babycenter.com

Your pregnancy: 21 weeks

How your baby's growing:
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.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

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.

most recent belly pic

time is passing

It's certainly exciting and daunting to realize that I am 20 wks pregnant.

Little Man says, "Good night, whoever you are," to my belly when I tuck him in.

Because I am an overweight woman - I do not feel a lot of movement and that still drives me bonkers even though at my 18 wk ultrasound Wee One was moving like crazy.

I don't even have an anterior placenta as an excuse. The ultrasound tech said my placenta is attached on my left side and was looking good.

But, each day that I continue to be pregnant makes me happy. I get excited about my future and my baby's future.

I am still paranoid about *jinxing* things though but as I grow closer and closer to the time of minimum age of viability -- I feel like I can breathe just a little easier.

Also, I keep thinking this one is going to be a girl. Whether I am correct or not may remain a surprise until Wee One is born, but whether or not it's a he or a she... I am going to love this baby.

When I was carrying Little Man, I really wanted a girl. I had always sort of envisioned having a daughter for my first-born and then a son for my second.

Maybe I had it backwards... or maybe Little Man will do the Dance of Joy when Wee One is born and Wee One will turn out to be another lovely son.

*shrug*

I'm just excited to get farther along so I *WILL* start feeling those movements until they make me crazy ;>

T. is really looking fwd to when he'll be able to feel the Wee One (though that might be awhile).

Earlier today, Little Man, Rhyme Girl and I were looking through Little Man's 1st two baby albums.

All those precious moments.

Can't wait to share new moments with Wee One.

20 wks info - from babycenter.com

How your baby's growing:

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).

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

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). 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) and shellfish also contain iron. Some common non-meat sources of iron include legumes, soy-based products, spinach, prune juice, raisins, and iron-fortified cereals.

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.
Take an extra pillow to bed tonight "I found it so much easier to sleep on my side when I hugged a pillow and wrapped my legs around it. In fact, two years after the birth of my child, it's still my favorite way to fall asleep." — Clara

Surprising Facts: Getting a good night's rest

It may become more difficult to sleep through the night as your pregnancy progresses, thanks to some obvious and not-so-obvious changes taking place in your body. You may be surprised to find that:

• You start snoring for the first time in your life, thanks in part to more estrogen, which contributes to swelling of the mucous membranes that line the nose and may even cause you to make more mucus. What to do: Sleep on your side and elevate your head slightly.

• Heartburn and indigestion can make it extra uncomfortable to lie down in bed. What to do: Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn, give yourself two to three hours to digest a meal before going to bed, and try sleeping semi-upright in a comfy recliner or propped up with extra pillows under your upper body.

• Leg cramps jar you out of a deep sleep. What to do: Ease the cramp by straightening your leg, heel first and gently flexing your toes back toward your shins, or walk around for a few minutes.

• You toss and turn all night trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. What to do: Lie on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs. For extra comfort and support, arrange other pillows under your belly and behind your back. Or try using a contoured maternity body pillow.

• You become hot and sweaty in the middle of the night. It's common for pregnant women to feel a little warmer than usual thanks to shifts in your metabolism, hormones, and weight. What to do: Keep your bedroom cool and strip down to the bare essentials. Keep slippers and a snuggly bathrobe handy for those nighttime trips to the bathroom.

• Getting out of bed is harder than ever! What to do: Roll over onto your side so you're facing the edge of the bed. Dangle your legs over the side and use your arms to push yourself into a sitting position. Plant your feet squarely on the floor and then stand up.

Wear sleepwear made of a natural, breathable fiber like cotton. Avoid synthetics, which trap moisture next to your skin and can leave you damp and chilled.

• Sometimes even when you're exhausted, you just can't sleep. So do you toss and turn waiting for sleep to catch up with you — or do something else in the meantime?

This Week's Activity:

Treat yourself to something nice. You've made it to the halfway mark in your pregnancy, so celebrate with a little indulgence. Need some ideas?
• For your comfort, try scented candles, a new nightgown or pajamas, or a prenatal massage.
• For a keepsake, splurge on professional pictures of your pregnant self, or a beautiful frame for your baby's first picture after birth. (In the meantime, you can use an ultrasound picture!)
• To feel like a hot momma, buy yourself a piece of clothing that makes you feel really sexy or get a free makeover at a department store.

most recent baby belly pic

Little Man and Rhyme Girl worked together to snap this pic for me tonight...

19 wks pregnant - info from babycenter.com

Your pregnancy: 19 weeks

How your baby's growing:

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.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

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.

You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line."

These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.


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At my U/S on Thursday I was told the baby was 10 inches long and about 10 oz, very long and skinny at this stage...

belly pic

18 wk ultrasound

My EDD has been pushed back a day to April 3, 2010.

The baby was moving around and waved at Little Man (that's what the tech told LM when he and T. were allowed in).

Baby is measuring normally. 10 inches long about about 10 oz in weight I think the tech said.

HB - 145

Baby kept its legs closed the entire time according to the tech so even if the tech HAD been allowed to tell me anything, she said there was nothing to tell because the baby was shy.

I am going to add 2 of the U/S pics from today (but they aren't very clear unfortunately).