21 Weeks!

Your pregnancy: 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 — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

How your life's changing:

You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual discomforts associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. If you're feeling good, relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints.

That's not to say you won't have some minor glitches to deal with now. For example, increased oil production may contribute to the development (or worsening) of acne. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day, and make sure that any moisturizer or make-up you use is oil-free. Don't take any oral acne medications — some are very hazardous during pregnancy — or use any topical acne products without first checking with your practitioner.

You're also more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, there's increasing pressure on the veins in your legs; higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. You're more likely to get varicose veins if other family members have them. Also, they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you age. To help prevent or minimize varicose veins, exercise daily, prop up your feet and legs whenever possible, sleep on your left side, and wear maternity support hose.

You may also notice so-called spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin), particularly on your ankles, legs, or face. They may have a spider- or sunburst-like pattern with little branches radiating out from the center, they may look like the branches of a tree, or they may be a group of separate thin lines with no particular pattern. Though they may be a bit unsightly, spider veins don't cause discomfort and usually disappear after delivery.

Karate Kid Inside

As I'm sitting here at Starbucks working on Momplicity, I am thinking how crazy it is that the girl sitting near me has no idea that there is a 10 inch baby boy inside my belly, who is moving ferociously! He has REALLY been moving lately! It is the coolest feeling - he tickles me all the time now! It really does feel like butterflies fluttering, and is getting more intense every day! There is a LIFE inside of me. It's pretty crazy. Especially on days like this when I don't think I really look that pregnant (I'm 'cleaned out', and if you didn't know me, dressed in my sleeveless vest, you wouldn't suspect my life-holding state at all). But I AM carrying a life, and it makes you wonder what women you walk by every day have life inside of their belly, and you wouldn't suspect a thing. And his somersaults and kicks make it even more real to me. It's so cool! I'm beginning to think that our baby may be a little more 'active' than I thought, coming from the laid-back and calm George and I. Well, bring it on. I'm ready! Trying not to be TOO ready though, as I have a long 4 1/2 more months to wait...

Can't Believe WE'RE HALFWAY!!!

It's about time! And I'm FINALLY starting to look pregnant! It really is amazing how slowly the growing goes. It is SO gradual. But I'm finally CONSISTENTLY looking pregnant, and almost to the point where I think most strangers would know. Anyway, here's some pictures and the 20 weeks description. Pardon some of the kindof bad pics - not my finest moments!

Your pregnancy: 20 weeks

How your baby's growing:
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

How your life's changing:

Congratulations! You've hit the halfway mark in your pregnancy. The top of your uterus is about level with your belly button, and you've likely gained around 10 pounds. Expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to keep up with your expanding blood volume, as well as for your growing baby and the placenta. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. Poultry (especially the dark meat) and shellfish also contain iron. Some common non-meat sources of iron include legumes, soy-based products, spinach, prune juice, raisins, and iron-fortified cereals.

If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one, especially if you're a first-timer. A structured class will help prepare you and your partner for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, one-day session. Many communities have independent instructors as well. Ask your friends, family members, or caregiver for recommendations.

Ultrasound Pics!!!

Commenting on the Blog

Hi All! I just wanted to let you know that I changed my settings (I THINK) so that anyone can comment - you don't have to have a blogger account anymore. Let me know if you try to comment and it doesn't work. I figured it might make it a little easier so you can comment, and not have to sign up for a blogger account. Just thought I'd let you know!

Mom's Video

This is one of mom's videos. Unfortunately, the other one she got that captured most of our appointment is too long to upload to Blogger. I really tried! I wish I could share it because it has the part where they tell us what the sex is!

Videos and Pics of The Ultrasound