11 Weeks and 2 Days

Weekly Email Newsletter from American Pregnancy Association (my thoughts are in italics and in parentheses)

Kate:

You are currently in Week 12 (11 weeks and 2 days)

Relax! Most women will be experiencing a decrease in morning sickness this week (Lies! I just gagged on the way home). Here is what else you can expect.

What changes are occurring with your body?

Your uterus is continuing to grow, and your healthcare provider can now actually feel it in your lower abdomen. You may not need maternity clothes at this point, but you may have noticed that things are not fitting as well (You don't say). If this is a subsequent pregnancy, you will most likely need maternity clothes sooner than a woman who has never been pregnant before (Oh shoosh! This is my first pregnancy, and I feel like being in nothing but maternity clothes all the time) .

You may have also noticed that your skin is changing (Yes!), such as the darkening of the areola (blush). Other changes you may have noticed include irregular dark patches on your face and neck (Quick! Make a B-line to a mirror). These are called chloasma or mask of pregnancy. These patches normally disappear or become lighter shortly after delivery (What? I have to wait that long?).

What is happening with your baby?

This week your baby will begin to take on more of a normal appearance as the eyes move closer together and the ears move closer to their final position (You mean looking less like an alien?). The intestines have grown so fast that they actually extend into the umbilical cord, but they will begin to move back into the abdomen. The kidneys can now secrete urine, and the nervous system is continuing to mature. Your baby may have developed more complicated reflexes such as sucking (Wow! I wonder if I can see that on the next ultrasound).

What should you plan for this week?

Now is a great time to really look at your diet and make sure both you and your baby are receiving all of the nutrients you need. It is important that you realize that just because you are pregnant, this does not give you a go ahead to eat all you want (What?) . Weight should be gained throughout your pregnancy. You can avoid gaining excess weight by:

• Avoiding fast food/junk foods
• Avoiding late night snacks
• Limiting fats and sweets

Tips for mom’s partner:

Your partner’s body is going through many changes (Yeah... Bill's belly is changing too), and things that she once did easily may become more of a challenge (Oh, that "partner" means me... hee hee hee). A good way to show her that you appreciate her and that you care is by rubbing her hands, feet, or back at the end of a long day. You can use her favorite fragrance of lotion or massage oil to make this time even more special (Oo-hoo! Bring out the lotions, babe!).