Pregnancy Update

Well, since I was getting so much flak about my prior "depressing" blog, thought I'd perk things up a bit with a preggo update. I'm 17 weeks, dr. appointment tomorrow. Here's what's happening:

The baby:
Your baby will begin to form fat this week. The fat begins to deposit under his skin and in important in heat production and metabolism. At delivery, fat will account for 2-6 percent of your baby's total body weight. This will help him maintain his body temperature when he is born. Your baby is approximately 5 inches long and weighs in at about 140-145 grams (5 ounces).

If you were to get an abdominal x-ray, your baby's skeleton would be visible. His movements become stronger and more frequent now. Reflex movements are fully functional as baby will regularly suck and swallow and loud noises outside the uterus may actually cause the baby to startle.

Your Body:

Your uterus has grown and is now about halfway between your pubic bone and navel (about an inch or inch and a half below your belly button). Your bodily secretions may increase due to the increased blood volume. So if you have increased nasal congestion or runny nose, increased sweating or increased vaginal discharge this is normal and nothing to worry about. Rest assured, this increase in body secretion will go away after the birth of your baby. (gross. although I'm TOTALLY using this excuse this summer when I'm sweating like a pig and completely miserable when it's about 120 degrees here. "What? You think I'm revolting as I sit here and sweat profusely?? It's my increased secretions due to pregnancy--lay off")

As baby goes through some growth changes (getting bigger and begins to add fat deposits under the skin) you may find yourself "growing" too. Average weight gain to this point in pregnancy is about five to ten pounds,( none for me though--thank you gym membership!!) but don't worry if you are a little off. If this is your second or more pregnancy, you will gain differently than if it is your first. (I wish they had elaborated on this a little more....gain differently how? More? Less? Excessively in the butt or thighs?? What does this mean?!?!?)

Pregnancy Symptoms You May Experience:

• Frequent urination -- oh yeah. I can attest to this one. Who says it's not normal to pee every 47 minutes anyway??
  
• Constipation - bring on the Metamucil.
  
• Indigestion or heartburn - Gas-X anyone?
• Occasional headaches - Is this a result of other people or just pregnancy?
• Stretch Marks (cocoa butter can help with these) - no, cocoa butter does NOT help with these. Let me show you the road map that is my stomach, compliments of pregnancy #1, during which I faithfully applied approximately 1 lb. of cocoa butter to my abdomen EVERY DAY, to no avail.
• Itching - not yet, but I'm sure it's coming. With the boys I got so itchy I would scratch my belly raw. Now that's a fun Friday night activity.