How my baby’s growing

The 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. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you’ll need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, and iron. And because her 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.

How mommy’s life’s changing

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.

BABY STATS:

How Far Along?

29 weeks ! Wow… just wow !

How Big Is The Little One?

She is the size of a butternut squash

Total Weight Gain / Loss?

No weight gain this week.   I lost 27 pounds during 1st trimester and have gained only 8 so far, which is all baby and boobs !

Maternity Clothes?

I wear maternity jeans and capris.  I have some maternity tees but mostly wear running tights and oversized tees since I am in the house most of the day except my little walks or outings for errands, lunch, dinner shopping etc.  It is too hot out.  I try to go to the waterfront a few times a week and sit out for a few hours to get fresh air and sun.

Sleep?

My sleep pattern has improved, but I still can not get comfortable at night unless I strategically place pillows.

Best Moment of the Week?

Nothing that awesome has happened this week except baby shower gifts are starting to arrive.  I started writing and sending out thank you notes.  I am spending most of the week finishing up details for the baby shower.

Symptoms?

I have not dealt with too many symptoms this week. I have noticed that my feet are HOT !  My baby also has hiccups throughout the day which is THE weirdest feeling EVER !  🙂 I have noticed a slight increase in watery vaginal discharge and this thick white stuff in my nipples.

Food Cravings?

None

Food Aversions?

Salty foods and overly sweet foods.

Gender?

It’s a ….. GIRL !

Labor Signs?

None

What I Miss?

A nice glass of red wine sangria !

What I Am Looking Forward To?

Bonding with my daughter

Bump?

Oh yes !

Navel In/Out?

In

Baby / Mommy Purchases?

I bought my two bags for the hospital off of my registry this week.  I also purchased two more nursing tanks and a cute tee that says Me …. Mini Me !