It's getting crowded in there! You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes straight to your baby, who's taking up more and more space in your uterus. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight over the next seven weeks as she fattens up to prepare for life outside the womb. Her fingernails and toenails have grown in, and she's sporting hair – or at least some fluffy peach fuzz – on her head.
By now, your baby weighs 3 3/4 pounds (about the size of 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. 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 your and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. And 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.
You may have lower-back pain as your pregnancy advances. If you do, let your doctor or midwife know right away, especially 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 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.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Saturday, September 10, 2016
everyone meet Alivia Constance Rodriguez-Miranda
my little baby's face. you can see the eyes, nose, and mouth. its so cute. this is my favorite out of the three.
my little baby's little foot. this is her father's favorite picture out of the three.
now you all know for sure. little baby is a little girl for sure. :)
Everyone meet Alivia Constance Rodriguez-Miranda
week 31 baby (Alivia Constance Rodriguez-Miranda)
Your baby can turn his head from side to side now. In fact, he's probably moving so much that you might be having trouble sleeping through all his kicks and somersaults. Take comfort: All this wriggling and jabbing is a sign that your baby is active and healthy. He's heading into a growth spurt now – his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin.
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3 1/3 pounds (about the size of a coconut) 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 up 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 doctor or midwife immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor. These include 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.
You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or "premilk," from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (If not, it's nothing to worry about. Your breasts are making colostrum even if you don't see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in, you'll be grateful for that extra room!
If you're having a boy, you and your partner will want to take some time to think about whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Find out the pros and cons from your doctor, and what the procedure involves.
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3 1/3 pounds (about the size of a coconut) 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 up 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 doctor or midwife immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor. These include 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.
You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or "premilk," from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (If not, it's nothing to worry about. Your breasts are making colostrum even if you don't see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in, you'll be grateful for that extra room!
If you're having a boy, you and your partner will want to take some time to think about whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Find out the pros and cons from your doctor, and what the procedure involves.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
week 30 for baby (Alivia Constance Rodriguez-Miranda)
Your baby is surrounded by a pint and a half of amniotic fluid. This amount will start to shrink as she takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, but she won't see well until she's several months old. As a newborn, she'll be able to detect light and motion, and focus on things about 8 to 12 inches away – just right for gazing at your face when you hold her. Your baby should see clearly by her first birthday.
Your baby is about 15.7 inches long now and weighs almost 3 pounds (about the size of a large cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will shrink 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.)
You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off.
Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can 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 healthcare provider know if you're frequently nervous or anxious.
Your baby is about 15.7 inches long now and weighs almost 3 pounds (about the size of a large cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will shrink 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.)
You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off.
Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can 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 healthcare provider know if you're frequently nervous or anxious.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
week 29 for baby (Alivia Constance Rodriguez-Miranda)
Your baby is growing rapidly. He'll more than triple his weight between now and when he's born! His nutritional needs are highest this trimester, so continue to eat a healthy diet. Your baby's hardening skeleton absorbs about 250 milligrams of calcium every day. His muscles and lungs continue to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain – which is busy developing billions of neurons.
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (about the size of 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, vitamin 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 doctor or midwife 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.
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.
If they're itchy or painful, try soaking in warm water in a tub or a sitz bath or applying cold compresses medicated with witch hazel to the affected area. Avoid sitting or standing for long stretches. Talk with your healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter remedies during pregnancy, and let her know if you have any rectal bleeding. To prevent constipation, eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and get regular exercise.
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.
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (about the size of 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, vitamin 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 doctor or midwife 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.
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.
If they're itchy or painful, try soaking in warm water in a tub or a sitz bath or applying cold compresses medicated with witch hazel to the affected area. Avoid sitting or standing for long stretches. Talk with your healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter remedies during pregnancy, and let her know if you have any rectal bleeding. To prevent constipation, eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and get regular exercise.
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.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
week 28 for baby (Alivia Constance Rodriguez-Miranda)
| Welcome to your third trimester! Your baby can open and close her eyes, which now sport lashes. This movement is more of a reflexive blink than a deliberate opening and closing, but it won't be long before she's batting those beauties at you. Her eyesight is developing, too, and she may see light filtering in through your womb. Your baby can smell the amniotic fluid surrounding her now, and after your baby is born, she'll know you by your familiar scent. By this week, your baby weighs 2 1/4 pounds (about the size of a large eggplant) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world. You're in the home stretch! The third and final trimester starts this week. At this point, you'll likely visit your doctor or midwife every two weeks. Then, at 36 weeks, you'll switch to weekly visits. Depending on your risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend repeating blood tests for HIV and syphilis now, as well as doing cultures for chlamydia and gonorrhea, to be certain of your status before delivery. Also, if your glucose screening test result was high and you haven't had follow-up testing, you'll soon be given the three-hour glucose tolerance test. And if the blood work done at your first prenatal visit showed that you're Rh-negative, you'll get an injection of Rh immunoglobulin to prevent your body from developing antibodies that could attack your baby's blood. (If your baby is Rh-positive, you'll receive another shot of Rh immunoglobulin after you give birth.) Around this time, some women feel an unpleasant "creepy-crawly" sensation in their lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them while trying to relax or sleep. If this sensation is at least temporarily relieved when you move, you may have what's known as restless legs syndrome (RLS). No one knows for sure what causes RLS, but it's relatively common among expectant mothers. Try stretching or massaging your legs, and cut down on caffeine, which can make the symptoms worse. Ask your healthcare provider if you should try iron supplements, which can sometimes relieve RLS. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that affects about 5 percent of pregnant women. A woman is diagnosed with preeclampsia if she has high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy along with at least one other symptom, which can include protein in her urine or liver or kidney abnormalities. Most women who get preeclampsia develop mild symptoms near their due date, and they and their babies do fine with proper care. But when preeclampsia is severe, it can affect many organs and cause serious or even life-threatening problems. The only way to get better is to deliver the baby. Preeclampsia can come on suddenly, so it's very important to be aware of the symptoms. Call your midwife or doctor right away if you notice any of these warning signs: Swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, or excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles Rapid weight gain – more than 4 to 5 pounds in a week Severe or persistent headache Vision changes, including double vision, blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision Intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen Nausea and vomiting Preeclampsia can occur without any obvious symptoms, particularly in the early stages, and some symptoms may seem like normal pregnancy complaints. So you might not know you have the condition until it's discovered at a routine prenatal visit. This is one of the reasons it's so important not to miss your appointments. |
Saturday, August 13, 2016
week 27 for baby (Alivia Constance Rodriguez-Miranda)
Your baby sleeps and wakes at regular intervals now. If you feel any tiny, rhythmic movements, they're probably harmless baby hiccups – enjoy the tickle! Your baby can open and close his eyes and may suck on his fingers. Your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be able to function with medical help if he were born now.
This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (about the size of a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning – with a lot of medical help –if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.
The second trimester is drawing to a close, and as your body gears up for the final lap, you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins that return blood from your legs to your heart as well as on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs.
Unfortunately, the cramps may get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give you some relief.
Straighten your leg and then gently flex your toes back toward your shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.
It may be the furthest thing from your mind right now, but it's not too soon to think about postpartum birth control. You'll want to make some decisions about it before your baby arrives. If you're considering a tubal ligation, be aware that some insurers, including Medicaid and other federal programs, require you to sign a consent form at least 30 days beforehand if your procedure is to be covered by insurance. So if you'd like the option of having the surgery during your postpartum hospital stay, don't wait too much longer to discuss it with your doctor or midwife. (You can still change your mind later.)
So many aches, pains, and strange feelings arise during pregnancy that it can be hard to decide what's normal and what warrants a call to your doctor or midwife. To complicate matters further, some symptoms may be more or less urgent depending on your particular situation or health history and on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Here's a rundown of symptoms that could be signs of problems. If you have any of these complaints, call your healthcare provider immediately:
Before you reach 37 weeks:
Pelvic pressure (a feeling that your baby is pushing down), lower back pain (especially if it's a new problem for you), menstrual-like cramping or abdominal pain, or more than four contractions in an hour (even if they don't hurt)
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 only pink or blood-tinged)
At any time:
Your baby is moving or kicking less than usual
Severe or persistent abdominal pain or tenderness
Vaginal bleeding or spotting, or watery discharge
Pain or burning when you urinate, or little or no urination
Severe or persistent vomiting, or any vomiting accompanied by pain or fever
Chills or a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
Blurred or double vision, or seeing spots or "floaters"
A severe or persistent headache, or any headache accompanied by blurred vision, slurred speech, or numbness
Any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, anything more than mild swelling in your fingers or hands, or severe or sudden swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles, or a rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week)
Severe or persistent leg or calf pain that doesn't ease when you flex your ankle and point your toes toward your nose, or one leg significantly more swollen than the other
Trauma to your abdomen
Fainting, frequent dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or palpitations
Difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, or chest pain
Severe constipation accompanied by abdominal pain or severe diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours
Persistent intense itching all over
Any health problem that you'd ordinarily call your practitioner about, even if it's not pregnancy-related (like worsening asthma or a cold that gets worse rather than better)
Even if you don't see your symptom on the list above, trust your instincts and call your doctor or midwife whenever you have a concern about your pregnancy. If there's a problem, you'll get help right away. If nothing's wrong, you'll be reassured.
This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (about the size of a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning – with a lot of medical help –if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.
The second trimester is drawing to a close, and as your body gears up for the final lap, you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins that return blood from your legs to your heart as well as on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs.
Unfortunately, the cramps may get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give you some relief.
Straighten your leg and then gently flex your toes back toward your shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.
It may be the furthest thing from your mind right now, but it's not too soon to think about postpartum birth control. You'll want to make some decisions about it before your baby arrives. If you're considering a tubal ligation, be aware that some insurers, including Medicaid and other federal programs, require you to sign a consent form at least 30 days beforehand if your procedure is to be covered by insurance. So if you'd like the option of having the surgery during your postpartum hospital stay, don't wait too much longer to discuss it with your doctor or midwife. (You can still change your mind later.)
So many aches, pains, and strange feelings arise during pregnancy that it can be hard to decide what's normal and what warrants a call to your doctor or midwife. To complicate matters further, some symptoms may be more or less urgent depending on your particular situation or health history and on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Here's a rundown of symptoms that could be signs of problems. If you have any of these complaints, call your healthcare provider immediately:
Before you reach 37 weeks:
Pelvic pressure (a feeling that your baby is pushing down), lower back pain (especially if it's a new problem for you), menstrual-like cramping or abdominal pain, or more than four contractions in an hour (even if they don't hurt)
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 only pink or blood-tinged)
At any time:
Your baby is moving or kicking less than usual
Severe or persistent abdominal pain or tenderness
Vaginal bleeding or spotting, or watery discharge
Pain or burning when you urinate, or little or no urination
Severe or persistent vomiting, or any vomiting accompanied by pain or fever
Chills or a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
Blurred or double vision, or seeing spots or "floaters"
A severe or persistent headache, or any headache accompanied by blurred vision, slurred speech, or numbness
Any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, anything more than mild swelling in your fingers or hands, or severe or sudden swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles, or a rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week)
Severe or persistent leg or calf pain that doesn't ease when you flex your ankle and point your toes toward your nose, or one leg significantly more swollen than the other
Trauma to your abdomen
Fainting, frequent dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or palpitations
Difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, or chest pain
Severe constipation accompanied by abdominal pain or severe diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours
Persistent intense itching all over
Any health problem that you'd ordinarily call your practitioner about, even if it's not pregnancy-related (like worsening asthma or a cold that gets worse rather than better)
Even if you don't see your symptom on the list above, trust your instincts and call your doctor or midwife whenever you have a concern about your pregnancy. If there's a problem, you'll get help right away. If nothing's wrong, you'll be reassured.
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