32 Week Doctors Appointment

I had a check up today for two reasons, one to check my blood sugar levels and evaluate if I need insulin yet, and two to check to make sure I am not dilated as I have been having some contractions. The check up went well, no dialations, minimal contractions these days. However the time has come to start insulin. I am not too bummed, I have been through this all before and I am only on 5 units, a very small dosage once a day at bedtime. Only eight weeks to go, I can handle that.

32 Weeks

How your baby's growing:By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

You might notice she's not moving around as much now. Don't worry! She is fine -- just running short on room. She still has plenty of growing to do though, believe it or not!
All five senses are working. Your little one is fascinated and practicing testing these out as much as possible!
Toenails are completely formed even though she may not be quite ready for a French manicure.
Hair on your infant's head continues to grow in. Will he have dad's black hair or your red hair?
Brain scans have shown that babies have periods of dream sleep (REM) starting around the eight month. What do you suppose your son is dreaming about?

31 Weeks

How your baby's growing:This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy

Week Thirty-One
The rate of physical growth slows down just a bit, but even though she doesn't get much longer, she will gain a lot of weight the rest of the pregnancy.
Fat continues accumulating. This layer of fat turns her skin from red to the rosy pink she will have as a newborn.
Calcium, phosphorus and iron are being stored and his bones are growing and hardening.
Your baby is 16.2 inches (41.1cm) long and weighs 3.3 pounds (1502gm)
His brain enters another period of rapid growth, producing hundreds of billions of new nerve cells! Amazing!
She may move to the rhythm of music. Studies with heart rates show that she also prefers some types of music to others -- already!
Lungs are the only major organ left to complete development. Remember, that while you may be anxious to meet your little one that these last few weeks can be vital - with each day increasing your baby's ability to breathe on her own.

Dr. Appointment

I had my doctor appointment today, baby is measuring a little big at 32 weeks. Nothing to be alarmed about, the heart beat is strong at 130. My blood sugar levels are a bit high lately, I need to go back in a week to have my levels checked with a doctor, since my appointment today was with the midwife. My fasting levels have been over 100 and consistantly in the 120-130 range.

Everything else went good, not much more time and I will get to meet this little one.

30 Weeks

How your baby's growing:Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Did you know your baby is nearly three pounds now?
His head is getting larger to accommodate a period of rapid brain growth. Don't forget to continue to "teach" your baby in the womb by exposing to music, literature, and simply talking to him.
A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him. As he grows and fills your uterus, the amount of amniotic fluid will decrease. Funny, you certainly won't feel any lighter!
She spends more and more time practicing opening and closing eyelids. Her eyes can move from side to side, following a light source. She may even reach out to touch the light.
Early lanugo is beginning to disappear that served to protect your baby's skin from the water in the womb. Your little one's own hair may begin to appear.
Toenails are entering their final growth stage.
Bone marrow is now in charge of red blood cell production. These red blood cells will continue to service your child's body by transporting oxygen and removing the wastes (carbon monoxide and other gases).
Your baby has the capability now to produce tears -- yes, within the womb.
By the end of this week, your baby is now 15.7 inches (39.9cm) long and weighs 2.91 pounds (1319gm).

29 Weeks

Your pregnancy: 29 weeks

How your baby's growing:Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his 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.

Week Twenty-Nine
Your baby's head is in proportion with body now. He appears more like a newborn each and every day!
Fat continues to accumulate under the skin -- only now preparing for entering the *real world*.
Your baby's brain can control primitive breathing and body temperatures.
His eyes can move in their sockets. Soon he will be able to follow a blinking light.
Your baby is increasingly sensitive to changes in light, sound, taste, and smell! Various studies show that your baby may indicate preferences (or disdain) for particular tastes or odors at this stage
He is also moving from side to side, but probably still is head up. In the next few weeks, he will move to the head down birthing position. At times you may feel as if he is performing somersaults for a circus act!
Her length is now approximately 15.2 inches (38.6cm) and weight is 2.54 pounds (1153gm)

29 Week Checkup

I had my appointment today, the baby's heartbeat was 136-140 range. I did not gain any weight since last time, my total weight gain so far is 8 lbs, the doctor said I am doing great and keep up the good work. My blood sugar levels are border line for insulin, but the doctor does not think I need insulin yet but she reminded me that I cannot cheat on my diet at all, it will show up in my sugar levels, so during Christmas to be careful with all of the cookies etc. I shrugged and said, "I know.....it is hard."

My varicose veins are ok at this point, unless my leg becomes extremely tender and/or starts to swell there is not much to be concerned about. She said that we can talk after the baby is born about getting them taken care of.

Bill tried to make it to this appointment but did not get there in time, he took a wrong turn and due to the snow he came to the appointment right as I was leaving. He was bummed, but I know his heart was in the right place and I love him for that.

So now I start my appointments every two weeks, hopefully he can make it to one of those. It is winding down to that special day when we get to look sweet pea in the eyes. We are getting really excited to meet this little person that is so active in my belly.

Third Trimester Begins

Third Trimester -- Congratulations! You're in the homestretch! Right now you may be bubbling over with excitement -- this is the time of decorating the nursery, baby showers, childbirth classes, and packing that suitcase to head towards the hospital! As the anticipation rises though, so may those feelings of anxiety -- maybe even a bit of fear. Don't worry, as all these emotions are perfectly normal. This pregnancy is suddenly very real. That due date that was once so far away is looming ever closer. Your baby is making his or her presence known with karate kicks, twists and turns until there simply is no more room. You may find yourself alternating between discomfort and bursts of energy. Be sure to cherish these last few weeks together with your baby nestled so snugly within your womb. From birth on, time appears to speed up. Babies born this trimester have an great chance of survival with all major organs functioning! Consider the third trimester as the one where the finishing touches are added. By the beginning of this trimester your baby will have all of his/her bones -- 300 to be exact! Now he'll be building fat stores and muscle mass. Your baby's hair will be growing, replacing the lanugo that protected her skin in the womb. By the end of this trimester your baby will be approximately 7 pounds in weight and about 20 inches long. Her lungs mature right up to birth so don't become too anxious to deliver early. Each day in the womb (up to 42 weeks gestation), helps prepare your little one for the world outside! Again, accept our congratulations! We wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy birthing experience!

28 Weeks

How your baby's growing:By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Eyebrows and eyelashes are now very noticeable!
Hair on baby's head is growing longer. Some babies are born with almost none at all, while others appear to be ready for their first haircut!
Eyes are completely formed now. Quite a view from inside!
Your baby's body is getting plump and rounded. Most of that increase is muscle tissue and bone. Fat will be added during the third trimester.
Muscle tone is improving. Preparation for the Olympics feels like it is taking place in your womb!
Lungs are capable of breathing now (but baby would still struggle and require medical attention if born now)
Talk to your baby often, reading stories, singing songs and more. He or she can recognize your voice now and will often calm to it later on!
Your baby weighs in now at 2.2 pounds (1005gm) and is 14.8 inches (37.6cm).

27 Weeks

How your baby's growing:This week your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?


Week Twenty-Seven
Your little one's brain continues its rapid growth. Don't forget to share music, conversation, and even books with your baby!
Response to sound grows more consistent toward the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to the ear is complete. Your baby's hearing continues to develop, he or she may start to recognize your voice as well as your partner's.
Lungs continue to grow and prepare for functioning outside of the womb. Each day in the womb greatly increases survival rates!
He also continues to take small breaths and although he's only breathing in water and not air, it's still good practice for when he's born.
Eyelids are now open more. Your baby can distinguish between light and dark.
Retinas have formed.
Your baby will grow over ? inch this week alone! You may suspect this phenominal growth rate repeats in the preteen years!
Average size is now 14.4 inches (36.6cm) and 1.9 pound (875gm).

My personal experiences this week:
I am feeling more faint these days, a little dizzy here and there, mainly when I sing during worship at church. My blood sugar has been ok, the fasting levels are a little higher, in the high 90's and low 100's in the morning. Baby still continues to kick frequently, had its first bought of hicups a couple days ago, it was really cute. Baby is measuring big according to the doc, but I am not too concerned at this point, Hannah measured big too and she was only 6 lbs 10 oz.

26 Weeks

How your baby's growing:Your baby now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber), from head to heel. The nerve pathways in her ears are developing, which means her response to sounds is growing more consistent. Her lungs are developing now, too, as she continues to take small breaths of amniotic fluid — good practice for when she's born and takes that first breath of air. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

Your baby may weigh about two pounds now (average is 1.7 pound, 760gm) and is 14 inches (35.6cm) in length
To support the fetus's growing body, the spine is getting stronger and more supple. Though no longer than the span of the average adult hand, it is now made up of 150 joints, 33 rings, and some 1,000 ligaments.
Air sacs in the lungs form now.
Lungs begin to secrete a greasy substance called surfactant. Without surfactant the fetal lungs would stick together and couldn't expand after the baby is born.
Although they've been sealed shut for the last few months, your baby's eyes are opening and beginning to blink this week. Depending on ethnicity, some babies will be born with blue or gray-blue eyes (which may change color in the first 6 months of life) and some will be born with brown or dark eyes.
Retinas begin to form.
Brain wave activity for hearing and sight begins to be detectable.
Fetal brain scans show response to touch. If you shine a light on your abdomen, your baby will turn his head, which according to researchers, means his optic nerve is working.

Personal thoughts:

The baby continues to move around quite frequently, it is neat to watch my belly move when the baby shifts positions when I am lying on my back. The kids keep trying to feel the baby move but have not been real successful yet. Bill has felt the baby move a lot though. It is so cute when he talks to the baby, I love it. It is one of my favorite things to see. We are getting excited, continuing to work hard on our new house. We are just about finished with the siding now, next we will begin the decks and work on the inside trim. The interior doors should be delivered soon, we will need to hang these too. The water system was installed yesterday, we now have water and electricity. All we need is a the septic hooked up and we will be set. The septic has been installed, but needs further testing before it can be hooked up.

25 Week checkup

I had my 25 week checkup today, I got the ultrasound results. Everything was normal, baby is developing normally and healthy. I am measuring a little big and my fasting sugar levels are a little high, so I may have to go on insulin at my next visit depending on how my levels are until then. Hopefully they are still good and I don't have to go on insulin. The baby's heart rate was 134 today. I go back to the doctors on 12/5, after that appointment I will then go every two weeks, as I will be entering my third trimester then. It is going so quickly. I am so excited though.

25 Weeks

How your baby's growing:Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. His hair is probably recognizable now (in color and texture), although both may change after he's born.

The structures of the spine begin to form -- joints, ligaments and rings. These will protect the all important spinal cord which serves as the information transmitter for your child's body.
Blood vessels of the lungs develop.

Your baby's nostrils begin to open. There is a study out of Belfast that suggests babies at this stage have the capability of scent preferences!
The nerves around the mouth and lip area are showing more sensitivity now. When baby is rooting for food later on, these will be valuable!
His swallowing reflexes are developing.
Dexterity is improving. Your baby can make a fist and would clasp objects placed in palm.
Your child has now obtained an approximate length of 13.6 inches (34.6cm) and weighs 1.46 pound (660gm).

24 Weeks

How your baby's growing:Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week, when she was just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), that makes a pretty lean figure, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon put on more baby fat. Your baby's skin is thin, translucent, and wrinkled, her brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds are developing. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance **that helps the air sacs inflate easily.

Bring on the bulk! Baby gains about 6 ounces this week. The weight is in muscle, bone mass and organs.
His body begins to fill out with his appearance increasingly becoming more like a newborn.
Taste buds begin to form. If mom drinks something strange or bitter, baby may be observed showing his distaste.
Little creases have appeared on his palms. The muscular coordination of his hands has improved as he sucks his thumb.
Over the next seven days the sweat glands will be forming in the skin.
His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily.
This week your baby is officially considered viable.
Baby weighs 1.3 pound (600gm) and is 11.8 inches (30cm) long -- almost the length of a ruler!

23 Weeks

How your baby's growing:Your baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. His skin is red and wrinkled. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing. He can swallow, but he normally won't pass his first stool (called meconium) until after birth. Loud noises heard often in utero — such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze your baby when he hears them outside the womb.

Proportions of the body are now quite similar to a newborn although thinner since he hasn't begun to form body fat.
Bones located in the middle ear harden.
Your baby is able to hear. (Dads, did you know: low-frequency sounds mimicking a male voice penetrate the abdomen and uterine wall better than the higher frequencies of the female voice?)
The eyes are formed, though the iris still lacks pigmentation.
The pancreas, essential in the production of hormones, is developing steadily. She has begun producing insulin, important for the breakdown of sugars.
If born now, your baby has a 15% chance of survival, his odds going up with each passing day. .
The average baby at this stage weighs 1.1 pound (501gm) and is 11.38 inches (28.9cm) long.

22 Weeks

Week 22 according to www.babycenter.com

How your baby's growing:Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.

Week Twenty-Two according to http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php
Your baby weighs close to a pound at this point!
Your baby can now hear your conversations more clearly than before!. When you talk, read, or sing, expect her to hear you. Studies have found that newborns will suck more vigorously when read to from a book they heard frequently in utero.
Eyelids and eyebrows are fully formed.
Fingernails have grown to the end of the fingers.
Be prepared for all those "Why" questions coming! Your baby's brain has entered a stage of rapid growth, especially in what's called the germinal matrix. This structure deep in the middle of the brain serves as a kind of factory for brain cells and disappears shortly before birth. But the brain's amazing expansion program continues until around the five birthday.
With some help from mom, baby's liver is starting to break down bilirubin, a substance produced by red blood cells.
If your baby is male his testes begin their descent to the scrotum.
Primitive sperm have formed and he is producing testosterone.
Length is 10.94 inches (27.8cm); weight is nearly 1 pound (430gm).

21 Weeks

How your baby's growing:Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. (HOWEVER ACCORDING TO MY ULTRASOUND ON 10/8/07, MY BABY IS 13 OUNCES) His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed (THIS WAS APPARENT DURING MY ULTRASOUND AS I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE BABY OPENING AND CLOSING ITS EYELIDS). And you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth.

Week Twenty-One
White blood cells are under production. Leukocytes (or white blood cells) form our body's defense sytems. They help fight infections and diseases.
Your little one's skin has changed from translucent to become more opaque.
Your infant's tongue is fully formed. If you were able to peek you might catch your son or daughter practicing giving you a raspberry!
If your baby is a girl, her womb and vagina are formed. Unlike males, females have a limited supply of eggs in their lifetime. At this point your daughter will have 6 million eggs. This amount decreases to approximately one million by birth.
Baby swallows more this week. After your baby takes in amniotic fluid, his body absorbs the water in the liquid and moves the rest into the large bowel. This is good practice for his digestive system!
Wake and sleep periods become more consistent. Some research suggests that baby sets her internal clock to match the outside world's even before birth! Your eating and sleeping habits as well levels of light and noise serve as her signals.
Length is now measured crown to heel.
Baby measures about 10.51 inches (26.7cm) and weighs nearly 12.7 ounces (360g).

20 Week Ultrasound

Today I had my first real ultrasound. Since Elijah had off school and I had off work, I was able to take both the kids to get the first glimse of their little brother or sister. We did not find out what the baby is going to be, sorry guys, we like to be suprised. It was amazing as always. The coolest part was getting to see the baby open and closes its eyes, I have video footage of this as well, it was way cool. The baby is long for its gestational age of 20 weeks, they could not get an exact measurement for me due to how the baby was curled up. But the baby is weighing in at 13 ounces, or just over a can of soda. The ultrasound lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes, and we got to see the babys heart, the four chambers to the heart, legs, arms, fingers, feet, ankles, toes, face, spine, and organs. We got to see the kidneys ect. It was cool and everything appears to be normal so far.

I also had my doctors appointment today and my sugar levels have been controlled with diet so all is going well on that front as well. The babys heart rate was 134. Next appointment is Nov 7th.

20 Weeks - Half Way There!

How your baby's growing:Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

You're half way there!
The rapid growth stage is about over. While things have slowed down, this next stage is vital to survival.
The baby's heart grows stronger. Find a quiet place, lay flat on your back. Locate your own heartbeat by finding your pulse. Next lay your hand on your belly. You may be able to distinguish the two heartbeats!
His legs are reaching their relative size. With the increase muscle develop occurring as well, you will start feeling much more than tiny flutter kicks soon!
Immunities are being transferred from you to your baby now. These immune cells will protect her from viruses you've already had for up to six months after birth!
The nerve cells for taste, smell, hearing, seeing, and touch are now developing in specialized areas of the brain. Production slows down as existing nerve cells grow larger and make more complex connections.
Your baby may startle in reaction to loud sounds. Amazingly, she can actually hear noises outside of the womb. Familiar voices, music, and sounds that baby becomes accustomed to during her development stages often are calming after birth.
If your baby is a girl, her uterus is starting to develop. She has approximately six million eggs in her ovaries. About one million will remain at birth.
Baby is about 6.46 inches (16.4cm) and weighs around 10.58 ounces (300g).

19 Weeks

How your baby's growing:Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and he measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the length of a small zucchini. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. If your baby is a girl, she has an astonishing 6 million eggs in her ovaries. They'll dwindle to fewer than two million by the time she's born.

Your baby has the same awake and sleep patterns of a newborn. He has a favorite position for sleep and recognizable active and rest periods.
Throughout baby's body, nerves are being coated with a fatty substance called myelin, which insulates the nerves so that impulses can flow smoothly.
Scalp hair becomes apparent this week. It has sprouted and continues to grow.
The milk teeth buds have already developed and over the next few days the buds for the permanent teeth will begin to form behind the milk teeth.
If baby is female the uterus starts to develop. If you're having a girl, the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes are in place.
If it's a boy, the genitals are distinct and recognizable.
Your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid and his or her kidneys are making urine.
Your little one's size is around 6.02 inches (15.3cm) and 8.47 ounces (240gm).

18 Weeks

I am now 18 weeks, it is so exciting. I have been having a pretty sore left leg so far, the veracose veins are getting worse and hurt. I have been wearing some support hose and that does seem to help some but beginning last week I started to get really bad tailbone pain. It hurts so much to sit sometimes, I brought a pillow to work and that does seem to help some. I looked it up online and it is pretty common for a lot of people and usually goes away after birth, so only 22 more weeks to go. Urghhhhh. Ok here is the development for this week:

18 Weeks -

How your baby's growing:Head to bottom, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a large sweet potato) and she weighs almost 7 ounces. She's busy flexing her arms and legs — movements that you'll likely start noticing more and more. Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin and her ears are now in position and stand out from her head. Myelin (a protective covering) is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and Fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If your baby is a boy, his genitals are noticeable, though he may hide them from you during an ultrasound. Tiny air sacs called alveoli begin to form in lungs. He'll be putting these lungs to good use in just a few months! Her vocal chords are formed. She goes through the motions of crying but without air she doesn't make a sound. Features of your baby's heart, including ventricles and chambers, should be visible during an ultrasound.

17 Weeks

Your baby weighs about 5 ounces now, and he's around 5 inches long — about the size of a large onion. He can move his joints, and his skeleton — until now rubbery cartilage — is starting to harden to bone. His sense of hearing is also developing. The umbilical cord, his lifeline to the placenta, is growing stronger and thicker.

Week Highlights

By week 17, your baby weighs about 4.97 ounces (140gm) and is 5.12 inches (13cm) long.
He or she has a much more normal "human" appearance now. She holds her head more erect and her body and limbs are longer in proportion to her head.
Pads are forming on his tiny fingertips and toes. Soon those individual swirls and whorls will be apparent.

Her eyes are looking forward now, but they are still firmly closed.

Meconium (composed of products of cell loss, digestive secretion and swallowed amniotic fluid), is accumulating in the bowel. This black gooey substance will become your baby's first poop!

The umbilical cord is growing thicker and stronger and continues to rush blood and nutrients to your growing baby.

If your child is male the prostate begins to develop.

Her skeleton is tranforming from cartilage to bone. The bones remain flexible to make the journey through the birth canal easier.

Doctors Appointment

Today I had my 16 week appointment. They were able to find the heartbeat right away and it was in the high 140 to low 150 range. The doctor said that I had a very cooperative baby. I said hopefully it will stay that way. LOL :) According to urban legend and old wise tales, if the heartbeat is over 140 it is a girl, and under 140 is a boy. Not sure how much truth there is to that, Hannah's was higher than 140 though when I was pregnant with her. It has been so long since I was pregnant with Elijah that I really don't remember what his rates were.
The appointment went well, no insulin so far which is great. My levels have been controlled with diet. My next appointment is Oct 8th, and at my next appointment we will schedule my 20 week ultrasound. I am really excited for that, can't wait to see my little one in 4D. The baby has been moving a good bit, Bill even got to feel it the other night, it was really neat.
Over the weekend I found the perfect sleeper at a yard sale for the baby, it is yellow and has the words "Sweet Pea" embroidered on the one side of the chest, it is so cute. I had to get it. It was only $.50 which was a great selling point too. LOL :)
I gained one pound since my last appointment putting my weight gain at 3 lbs so far, which is great according to my doctor.

16 Weeks

At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, your baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, though, doubling her weight and adding inches to her length. Her lower limbs are much more developed now. Her head is more erect than it has been, and her eyes have moved toward the front of her head. Your baby's ears are close to their final position, too. Some of her more advanced body systems are working, including her circulatory system and urinary tract. Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, circulating her total blood volume through her body many times. (By the end of your pregnancy, this will increase to about 190 quarts.) The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her hair isn't recognizable yet. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails.

The baby got its first beach experience this weekend, we took the kids to Wildwood for a mini vacation, it was nice to get away from all of the stresses of building the house etc. The baby got to ride some waves too, and also got to consume some seafood which was delicious. It was Hannah's first trip to the beach and she loved it, she did not want to leave.

15 Weeks - Welcome to the Second Trimester

At around 4 inches long, crown to rump, your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 ounces. He's busy inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which will help develop the air sacs in his lungs. His legs are growing longer than his arms now, and he can move all his joints and limbs. That means his hands are more functional, too. Sweat glands are appearing, and although his eyelids are fused shut, he can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, he's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but his taste buds are beginning to form. And if you have an ultrasound, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or girl! (Don't be disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down the sex depends somewhat on how clear the picture is and the position of your baby during the ultrasound; he may be curled or turned in such a way as to keep you in suspense.)

Bill and I have decided to wait until delivery to find out the baby's sex. I know we are old fashioned, but we have done that with both of our other kids and it makes it more fun that way.

Dietician Appointment

This morning I went to my dietician appointment, I am on a strict low carb diet, and I received my glucometer (one touch ultra mini) to test my blood sugar four times a day. I practiced taking an injection, that was lots of fun. Hopefully I will not need insulin, the dietician seems to think that the odds are stacked pretty high against me though, since I am so early in my pregnancy and in most pregnancies the insulin dependance issues do not start until 26 weeks, she thinks that by the time I am at that point I will likely need insulin. No fun, so I am back to recording everything I eat. No more candy bars for me. I have to settle for 1/2 bars when my sugar level is excellent or small hershey kisses. Oh well it will all be worth it when I set my eyes on sweet pea.

14 Weeks Development

How your baby's growing:Head to bottom, your baby's 3 1/2 inches long — about the length of a lemon — and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces. Her body's growing faster than her head, which now sits upon a more well-defined neck. By the end of this week, her arms will have lengthened and will be in proportion to the rest of her body. (Her legs still have some growing to do, though.) She's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair all over her body (called lanugo). Her liver starts secreting bile this week, a sign that it's already functioning properly, and her spleen starts contributing to the production of red blood cells. She's also producing and discharging urine into the amniotic fluid, a normal process that she'll keep up until birth. You still can't feel your baby's movements, but her hands and feet (which are now half an inch long) are more flexible and active. Thanks to brain impulses, her little facial muscles are getting a workout as she squints, frowns, and grimaces. She can grasp now, too, and she may be able to suck her thumb.

Hightlights for this week

Thyroid gland has matured and your baby begins producing hormones which will be used throughout his or her life.

In boys, the prostate gland develops

In girls, the ovaries move from the abdomen to the pelvis

Your little one may have learned to suck his thumb by this point!

Your child's bones are getting harder and stronger by the day!

Your baby's skin is very transparent still

Lanugo (very fine hair) covers the baby's body and will continue to grow until 26 weeks gestational age - Generally this will be shed prior to birth. Its purpose is to help protect baby's skin while in all that water!

Your baby is 3.42 inches (8.7cm) long and weighs about 1.52 ounces (43 grams) - approximately the weight of a letter!

FINALLY - THE RESULTS ARE IN

After daily persistant calls to my doctors office, I finally got someone to look at my chart to see if my results came in. Surprise surprise they have come in and were already reviewed by a doctor, no one took the time out yet to call me. I am so irritated.
Well the nurse confirmed my fears, my fasting level was high and my other two levels were close to range, but the doctor stated that because of my history with gestational diabeties and because of how early it is (normally the insulin resistance issues does not occur until later in the pregnancy such as 26 weeks etc.) they want me to go see a dietician and start back on my low carb diet with glucose testing four times daily. If this can control it they will not prescribe the insulin, but if at my next appointment on 9/7 if my levels are not controlled with diet they likely will prescribe me insulin. Yuk, I really do not want to have to go through all of that again. Hopefully my diet will take care of it this time.

Still no word on glucose test results

I called my doctors office again today to see if my results have come in, they indicated that the results either (a) have not come in yet (b) are still sitting on my doctors desk to be reviewed prior to calling (c) have come in and are no concern. I asked when I should receive a call to let me know if they have come in yet and if they did whether I passed the test or not. She said that is could be up to a week before I will get a call. I am so frustrated. A week is a long time to wait to know whether I need to substantually change my diet, and check my blood sugar daily. Urggh sometimes I think the doctors office that I go to has too many patients that they cannot handle the business they have. I am so frustrated.

3 Hour Glucose Test

I had to get up extra early this morning, 5:20 AM to get ready to go to the hospital for my 3-hour test. I arrived at the hospital at 6:55 AM. My test began at 7:15 AM. They took my fasting blood level, then made me drink this ultra sweet orange drink within 5 minutes. Then at 8:15, 9:15, and 10:15 they took blood samples. It was a long wait in that waiting room. I passed the time by reading a book I brought, reading some magazines, watching Buffy the vampire slayer, the Waltons, and the beginning of Little House on the Prairie. I had four different woman take my blood throughout the ordeal. The first one to take my blood was a dwarf, she was so cute and the nicest person there. She had to go to a meeting then though, so I did not get to see her again until the very end of my test. I am not sure how I did, I felt dizzy and light headed during the test, followed by a bad headache and tired. These are all symptoms of high blood sugar, which naturally it was high at some point after drinking all of that drink. I am not sure when I get the results back. I will update as soon as I receive the results.

Test Results - Glucose Testing 1 hr

I received a call from Kelly today at my doctors office, I failed the 1 hour test, my blood sugar level was 190. I have to go tomorrow for the 3 hour test. My appointment is at 7:00 AM, I have to fast for 12 hours prior to the appointment.

13 Weeks

Here is my 13 week development information:

Your belly may soon be big enough to announce to the world that you're expecting, but your baby is still tiny. In fact, he's only about 3 inches long crown to rump — roughly the size of a jumbo shrimp — and weighs just about an ounce. Despite the small proportions, there's a fully formed baby inside your womb now. Much more proportional than it was a few weeks ago, his head is now only about a third the size of his body. His tiny, unique fingerprints are already in place. His kidneys and urinary tract are functional, and he's starting to urinate out the amniotic fluid he's been swallowing. As you start your second trimester, most of your baby's critical development will be completed, and your odds of miscarriage will drop considerably.

I am still waiting on the test results from Friday's appointment. Hopefull I should hear something by today, I will update once I have the results.

12-Week appointment

Today I had my 12 week appointment, the doctors office was quite busy today. I waited a long time to be seen and then I had to do the 1 hour blood sugar glucose test today to test for gestational diabeties. When I arrived in the examination room, I first had to do my usual urine sample, followed by weight check, and blood pressure check. After that I was asked to drink the ultra sugary lemon lime drink, which basically tastes like a super sweet sprite. It was disgusting but much better than the orange flavor. After I drank my drink, the doctor eventually came in to check for a heartbeat. Since the doctor could not find a heartbeat with the doppler, they had to bring in the ultrasound machine again. I got to see my little baby on the screen again, it was so cool, I saw the head and little body, it was moving around and the heartbeat was strong and detected right away. I did not get any pictures this time :( but it was still pretty cool to see. I then scheduled my next two appointments, and waiting patiently for the 1 hour to be up so that I could get my blood drawn. I will not get the results until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

3 Month Summary

The eyes, ears, nose, and jaw appear this month. Tooth buds grow, although they won't push through until well after birth. Scalp and body hair sprout as "peach fuzz." And the brain's neurons are developing at a rate of thousands per minute! (You knew you had a genius in the making.)
The ProducersThe kidneys start making urine, the liver makes bile, and the bone marrow creates blood cells. The organs that appeared last month—the spleen, pancreas, and intestines—are becoming more complex. The lungs start to practice their job of expanding and contracting. And the heart, now with four chambers and beating steadily, adds new layers of muscle and protective packaging.
By the end of this month, your little one will measure more than three inches long and weigh between one half and one full ounce.
What's Happenin'It's time for some new moves—wriggling fingers and toes, yawning, sucking, swallowing. Best of all, your little one can move in response to a poke through your belly! Fetuses also begin to show signs of their budding personalities now: Some are sedate, while others are wigglers.
Nice And EasyAt 11 weeks, your baby moves about 30 percent of the time. After this month, however, the brain tells the body, "Cool it; you're wearing yourself out." From here on out, movements are less frequent but start to become more coordinated and interesting.

12 Weeks

Your baby's hit the 2-inch mark (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce. Her face is beginning to look more human. Her eyes, which started out on the sides of her head, have moved closer together on her face, and her ears are near their final positions on the sides of her head. Your baby's intestines, which have grown so rapidly that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into her abdominal cavity about now. Her kidneys are secreting urine into her bladder. Her nerve cells have been multiplying rapidly, and synapses (neurological pathways in the brain) are forming. Your baby may have acquired more reflexes by now, including sucking, and she'll even squirm if you prod your abdomen, though you still won't be able to feel her movement for several weeks.

11 Weeks

My fig-sized baby is now fully formed — measuring 1 1/2 inches long and weighing in at a quarter of an ounce. His skin is still transparent, allowing many of his blood vessels to show through. Some of his bones are beginning to harden, and tiny toothbuds are starting to appear under his gums. His fingers and toes have separated, and he may soon be able to open and close his fists. He's already busy kicking and stretching, and his tiny movements are so fluid they look like water ballet. These movements will increase as his body grows and becomes more developed and functional. As his diaphragm develops, my tiny tenant may also start to get the hiccups. Because he's still so small, though, I won't feel any of his workouts or intrauterine gulps until sometime between weeks 16 and 20.

My next appointment is next Friday, I can't wait to hear the heartbeat again.

10 Weeks

Your baby is no longer an embryo! Though she's barely the size of a kumquat — just an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, she now has completed the most critical portion of her development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in her body rapidly grow and mature. Her vital organs — the liver, kidney, intestines, brain, and lungs — are now in place and starting to function (although they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy). Her liver continues to make blood cells, and the yolk sac, which previously supplied these cells, is no longer needed and begins to disappear.During the next three weeks, your baby's length will more than double to nearly 3 inches. Her head is proportionately smaller now than it was a few weeks ago, but it's still almost half the length of her entire body. Her forehead temporarily bulges with her developing brain and sits high on her head; it will later recede to give her a more human appearance. Each day, more minute details — including tiny fingernails, toenails, and peach-fuzz hair — start to appear on her body. Her fingers are now completely separated; her arms bend at the elbow and curve slightly; her hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over her heart; her legs are lengthening; and her feet may be long enough to meet in front of her body. She is busily swallowing amniotic fluid and kicking her legs.If you could take a peek at your baby this week, you'd be able to clearly see the outline of her spine through her parchment-thin skin. Spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from her spinal cord.

Last night I swear I felt the baby move, I was partially laying on my stomach. Although it is kinda early to feel the movement, I have heard that woman who have been pregnant before do tend to notice the movement much earlier. I guess I will have to wait and see if I feel it again the next time I lay down. I am feeling pretty good, not much sickness at all. I am still tired pretty often but my prenatal vitamins are helping a lot with that. I am craving some weird things this time around, pickled eggs and cucumber salad are my biggest cravings so far, and red beets. It is a bit weird, I know. I have a great deal of trouble eating cheeseburgers right now, actually the sight of them make me want to gag. Hopefully that passes, I normally love to eat burgers.