BABY
DEVELOPMENT
Your little bundle of joy continues to
grow strong. At 15 weeks pregnant , he/she is around 4 inches long from crown
to rump (about the size of an apple or orange), and weighs 2.5 ounces. Can you
believe how fast your little one has grown? Since last week, he/she has gained
1 ounce and has grown 1.5 centimeters!
·
By 15 weeks
pregnant, your baby's spinal cord (which
started developing in the first trimester) is now completely formed. But don't
stop taking your folic acid, just
because the spinal cord is developed. Folic acid is important for other areas
of your baby's development, so you should continue taking it throughout the
rest of your pregnancy!
·
During this week,
the bones in your baby's body are starting to harden, changing from cartilage
to bone as it calcifies. This process is called "ossification," and
it will continue throughout the rest of your pregnancy.
·
Your baby's arms
are now long enough that he/she can stretch them in front of his/her face.
His/her hands are also developing, and he/she has distinct fingers and
fingertips at pregnancy week 15.
·
If you were to
sneak a peek inside your uterus this week, you'd notice that your baby's skin
is transparent and you can see the blood vessels underneath.
·
Your "bun in
the oven" is spending most of his/her time practicing breathing exercises
by inhaling and exhaling the amniotic fluid that surrounds him/her. This "breathing"
helps your baby's air sacs develop through your pregnancy.
Fun Fact:
Although your
baby's eyelids are fused shut at 15 weeks, he/she can sense light. So if you
were to shine a flashlight at your stomach, your little one would probably away
from the light. (Unfortunately, it's too soon for you to feel his/her movement.
You will have to wait a few more weeks.)
MOM'S
PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS
During pregnancy
week 15, you may notice that you have a more bloated abdomen. You may even look
pregnant _ some women "show" sooner than others. Your uterus has
either already risen, or it is starting to rise past your hipbone.
So far, you may have gained anywhere between 5 to 10
pounds. You will continue to gain at least a pound or two as your pregnancy
continues. If you're a normal sized woman, remember you should aim to gain
between 25 and 35 pounds by the time your baby is ready to be born.
You may start to feel more pregnant at
15 weeks and onward. You might also be more gassy and bloated than usual, due
to the higher levels of progesterone (a hormone) relaxing the muscles in your
gastrointestinal tract. To prevent gas,
you might want to avoid certain foods that may trigger it, such as carbonated
sodas, pasta, and beans. You can also get gas relief by eating smaller meals
throughout the day, instead of three big meals.
This week, you may notice that your feet and ankles are
rather swollen. Water retention during pregnancy is quite common, though
uncomfortable.
Fun Fact:
Talk to your baby this week. Your baby's ears are
developing in the second trimester,
and he/she may be able to hear you. This is a wonderful way for you to bond
with your baby, and it's a fun activity too!
PREGNANCY
411
Water
Retention (Edema) During Pregnancy
Did you know that
it's normal for your feet and ankles to swell during pregnancy? This is called
"edema," and it occurs when excess fluid collects in your tissues.
Mild foot and ankle swelling is normal when you're expecting.
Edema, or
swelling, is caused by multiple factors. For one, your body retains more fluid
and produces about 50 percent more blood and fluids during pregnancy. In
addition, as your uterus expands, it places pressure on your veins, which make
it harder for the blood in your lower extremities (i.e. ankles and feet) to
return to the heart. With this increased pressure on the veins, it pushes the
fluid and water into your tissues.
Certain conditions
can make your swelling worse. This includes not drinking enough water, hot or
humid weather, standing for long periods of time, and consuming too many salty
or highly processed foods.
You can improve
your edema by:
·
Avoid standing, or
sitting with your feet on the ground, for too long. When it's possible, sit
with your feet propped up. When you're lying down, keep your legs elevated with
pillows.
·
Don't cross your
legs or ankles when you're sitting down.
·
Sleep on your
side. Buying a pregnancy pillow may help make this more comfortable for you.
Maternity pillows are designed to accommodate your unique pregnancy size.
·
Keep cool. It may
help to apply cold-water compresses to the swollen areas.
·
Exercise
regularly. You may want to take a daily walk, swim laps in a pool, or even ride
a stationary bike.
·
Avoid wearing
clothes that are too tight or uncomfortable.
·
Keep hydrated
throughout the day. Dehydration can make your swelling worse.
·
Soak in water. You
may want to soak in a swimming pool or a tub. Being immersed in water will
temporary reduce your edema, especially if the water level is near your
shoulders.
Although more
common in the third trimester, edema can also occur in the second trimester.
It's normal for you to experience swelling in your hands, ankles, and feet. You
should call your doctor if you experience excessive or sudden swelling in your
feet or ankles, if your face starts to swell, or if you notice puffiness around
your eyes. These could all be signs of preeclampsia (high blood pressure and
protein in your urine) - a serious pregnancy complication.
Dr. James W. Brann, M.D., is a retired obstetrician and
gynecologist and editor of Women's Healthcare Topics. When you read "Mom
and Baby at 15 weeks pregnant ", you know
it is accurate and has been approved by an experienced
obstetrician/gynecologist. Dr. Brann has written many articles about 15 weeks pregnant that are great
references.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for reading my blog, please leave the comment