| A Family Approach to Photos |
|
|
Your Photo Albums: Edit Albums Upload New Pictures |
|
|
| Week #15 of Pregnancy |
|
Get Weekly Updates on your Pregnancy E-Mailed to You
|
| How big is your baby? |
|
The baby's head, abdomen, and thigh bone are measured to find the baby's size and how far along you are. The baby is still quite small. This week, the baby weighs about 1 ¾ ounces close to the size of a softball. The baby's length is about 4 to 41/2 inches. Your baby is busy testing out new reflexes and abilities. When you have your ultrasound you may see your baby stretching, blinking, and even thumb-sucking. |
| What You Can Do: |
|
Start now to learn to sleep on your side. Use a few extra pillows and put them behind you so won't roll on your back. Use a pillow between your legs. Not only will this give you comfort but it helps to relieve back pain tremendously. A pillow between your legs can align your spine since your center of gravity may be out of balance at this point. There are pregnancy pillows that support your entire body. You can purchase these at most baby stores or online. These are a plus to use throughout your entire pregnancy and afterwards. Now is also a great time to start singing, reading, and even playing music for your baby. These activities give you a concrete way to connect with your baby. There is a device called a Baby IQ that is very exciting because it can enhance the experience of communication with your baby. It has speakers that you strap over your uterus to safely and gently transmit your voice to your baby. Either method you choose is great way to spend quality time with your baby while still in the womb. |
| Parents' Homework Assignment: |
|
Take some time to gather some materials you can use to spend "quality time" with your baby. Think of stories that were your favorites while growing up. Think of songs that your parents or grandparents sang to you. Purchase or rent a CD with children's songs from the library. Familiarize yourself with your favorite songs. Make sure that you like them and that they are repetitive. This repetition is important for your child from birth to 6 months and older. There are tons of children's books to choose from. It is important that you read to your child from birth on. Everyone is familiar with playing Peek a-boo as a first game. One great book that goes along with that is The Pudgy Peek-a-Book book by Amye Rosenberg. You will find this and other books at your local library. Make a list of books and songs that you liked and another list of those you did not like. The ones you enjoyed can always be added to your wish list for the baby shower. |
| Question of the Week: |
|
Q. What should I do about ongoing nausea and or heartburn? A. Sometimes if you are still feeling a sensation of nausea it may be beneficial to talk to your doctor about switching prenatal vitamins. A chewable or other formulation might help. Put together a sickness survival kit. You can take this with you wherever you go. You should include wet wipes, tissues, bottle of water, tooth brush and toothpaste, gum or mints, crackers, and large zip lock bags just in case. To avoid nausea try to eat smaller and more frequent meals. An empty stomach or low blood sugar can cause nausea as well. Drink plenty of fluids if you have been vomiting. Fluids will replace those you have lost and keep you from being dehydrated. Expect your nausea to slowly decrease as your pregnancy progresses. Only a small percentage of women have nausea throughout the entire pregnancy. Heartburn may start to become a persistent problem. This occurs because your uterus is crowding your stomach and because the hormone progesterone is relaxing your digestive tract. Try antacids to relieve any symptoms of heartburn. Your doctor will advise you on what you are allowed to take. Some tips on putting heartburn to rest are to avoid greasy, spicy, and fatty foods. Stay away from caffeinated drinks. Don't eat before going to bed or before you lie down to rest. Again, eat smaller and more frequent meals, and drink plenty of fluids. These activities will reduce stomach acid. Finally keep track of what you eat and when you eat. This will help you determine what your heartburn triggers are. |
| Active Pregnancy: Second Trimester |
|
Even if you haven't exercised during your first few months of pregnancy, you can still benefit from now through delivery. This trimester is a great time to exercise because you are more comfortable with your pregnant body and you should have an increase in energy. Exercise is a great way to bond with your baby, since your baby can feel your movements and you will start to feel your baby's movements. Exercise can help with constipation. Exercise can help tone muscles of the bladder too. One benefit from exercise is relief from back pain. Regular stretching and exercise can reduce lower back pain. Walking and swimming are great exercises to add to your routine, especially if you never really exercised before you were pregnant. Gentle exercise can improve and reduce swelling. Your circulation can improve too. Most women feel physically and mentally in shape and able to handle labor and motherhood just by adding exercise to their routines. Both walking and swimming are low risk additions to being active. |
| What You Can Do: |
|
| Activities |
|
Brain food for your baby Creating a baby registry |
| Questions |
|
What things should I keep in mind when traveling by car during pregnancy? What can I do to help my toddler feel a part of the new baby being in out home? |
| Ask Your Own Question |
 Ask a Question |
|
| Give a Suggestion Contact edHelperBaby |
| Note: All information on edHelperBaby is of a general nature for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Your use of this site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use. |