How My Baby’s Growing

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

How Mommy’s 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.

BABY STATS:

How Far Along?

21 weeks with 18 more to go !

How Big Is The Little One?

Baby girl is now the size of a carrot and she is 10 1/2 inches long.

Total Weight Gain / Loss?

I have lost a total of 27 pounds and am holding steady.  I fluctuate between 2 pounds.

Maternity Clothes?

I am STILL in my regular clothing 😦

Sleep?

Insomnia is a witch !

Best Moment of the Week?

The best thing that happened this week was honestly finding something to clear up the constipation.  I was MISERABLE !   I also figured out where I am sending my mother for her birthday this year.  I won’t post it here until later, in case she is reading my posts lol.

I also found an awesome florist in NYC to do the floral arrangements for my baby shower.  My sisters, bestie, and mom are gonna kill me, but hey… I have paid for 5 showers !

Symptoms?

For some reason, I have been gagging a lot this week and on the verge of vomiting.  I have had a few bouts of nausea.  The constipation is now under control, thanks to Coffee and Miralax in the mornings plus eating prunes.

Food Cravings?

I still do not have an appetite and the only thing I have craved this week was a nice flat burger, steamed on the stove under a mug, with beefsteak tomato, bacon, swiss and extra sharp cheddar and cajun fries.  So.. I made one the other day lol

Food Aversions?

Anything heavy, sweet or salty.  I used to LOVE Chick Fil A.  Now I can not stomach them.

Gender?

Baby girl !!

Labor Signs?

None

What I Miss?

Sleep and Moscato !

What I Am Looking Forward To?

Getting settled in NYC in a few weeks and walking along the Hudson waterfront in the mornings.

Bump?

A little one….

Navel In/Out?

In

Baby / Mommy Purchases?

I bought another fetal doppler monitor since mine is buried in storage.  I also  bought my birthing gown with matching pillow case, more baby clothing and a organic cotton gown for baby.