Well, we've signed ourselves up for some childbirth classes at the hospital (but the classes won't be at the hospital, they'll be at the physical therapy building right up the road from where we live). It will probably be one of those, "This is how we do things at this hospital" classes, and if so, I'm sure we'll take what we can use and toss the rest out the window ;o)  We've pretty much decided that I don't want lots of gadgets and monitors and drugs and machines that go "PING!" hooked up to me (unless ABSOLUTELY necessary), and if they don't like that, Gerry will be sure to tell them what they can do with it, heheh.  Maybe I'll be related to my mom and have the critter before the doc can get there :o)  Next week is our second (and probably last) ultrasound and I'm sure we'll have a couple more pictures to post on baby's website then.  Nothing much else to report, except that it seems the heartburn is taking a vacation (YEAH!!).
 
OK, here's this week's update stuff:
 
WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU

Itch, itch, itch. Your abdominal skin, which is being drawn taut, may be driving you crazy (Yep, and got a couple of stretch marks already...blech). Though soaking in a hot tub can be incredibly relaxing, it is probably best to keep most baths on the short side and apply a natual oil to your skin before hopping in the tub. You might also want to try massaging your belly with coconut oil or almond oil to help alleviate the itching. It will also help to keep your belly feeling wonderfully smooth.
WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

Your baby weighs one pound, nine ounces, and measures 22 centimeters crown-to-rump, or 11 1/2 inches. Your baby's ears work well now, and he/she may even blink in reaction to a loud noise. If you could look inside your uterus, you'd see a well-proportioned head and body. The baby's first meconium stool has been formed in the large intestine and will be excreted in the days following the birth. Some babies will have a movement in the amniotic fluid before the birth.

At 1 1/4 pounds, your baby is still a little string bean with no body fat. But his brain is growing rapidly, and he's starting to fill the space in your uterus, which is now the size of a soccer ball. His taste buds are also forming, and, believe it or not, his sweet tooth. Could that explain your sudden craving for donuts? No one knows for sure, but try that excuse on your honey the next time you ask him to run to the store.

(No particular cravings right now, but that "little string bean" is starting to make my tummy move visibly now, and anything that happens to be resting on it too!)

See an illustration of your baby and learn more fascinating fetal development facts. ( http://www.babycenter.com/sl.cgi?d=20000717&f=1&s=125&url=/refcap/1057.html )

FACT OF THE WEEK

If you are nursing, in the early days following your baby's birth, he or she will receive small, but potent, quantities of your colostrum, which is loaded with nutrients and antibodies. During the first six weeks of life, a baby won't produce many antibodies, making him or her more prone to infection. However, colostrum provides maternal antibodies, extending this special protection to the newest member of your family. Colostrum is the perfect food for your baby's first days of life.

Preceding more mature breastmilk, colostrum also helps to clear meconium from your baby's intestines. This prevents it from being partially reabsorbed, which can lead to jaundice in your newborn.

THIS WEEK'S CALENDAR:

16

Consider making an appointment with a pediatric care provider.
17

Discuss pros and cons of circumcision with your care provider.
18

Baby's skin is wrinkled, translucent, and pink to red. If you could see your baby, you could see her bones, organs and vessels.
19

Suggested Reading: The Complete Book of Pregnancy by Sheila Kitzinger
20

Now is a good time to register for prenatal classes.
21

23 wk gestation
25 wk from Last Menstrual Period
Length: 22 cm crown to rump (30 cm or 11 3/4 inches head to toe). Weight: about 700 gm.
22

Blink-startle responses have been reported when baby hears a loud noise. Here's help planning the perfect baby shower!



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