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Week #16 of Pregnancy


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Pregnancy Week 16

By Christine Shiffler, edHelperBaby

  How is your baby growing and developing?
           Your baby is around four inches long.  The baby will be pushing up against the walls inside of you, producing those little flutters and tickles that you'll feel as "quickening."  Quickening is also called fetal movement. Many women describe the feeling of movement as a "gas bubble" or "fluttering".  Don't worry if you have not felt movement yet.  This occurs at different times for every woman.

       Your baby's features are becoming more defined. The baby's head and neck are held straighter now, and proportions are becoming more "normal".   Eyelids are shut firmly, and won't open again until the third trimester of pregnancy.

   

  What does your body need?
           Experts recommend at least 8 - eight ounce glasses of water a day to keep you and your baby hydrated.   In cases of nausea/ morning sickness you should suck on ice chips until you can stomach water again.  For many women the second trimester brings relief from morning sickness.  Now is a good time to take another look at your nutritional needs.

       There are many choices that have the nutrients that you and your growing baby need.  Your body absorbs double the amount of calcium from foods while you are pregnant.  Drinking more non-fat milk is a good move.  Soft cheeses are off limits because they contain bacteria which may be bad for you and the baby.  Hard cheese is still good and another form to meet calcium needs.  Bananas are a great source of potassium and they help you fight off fatigue often felt during pregnancy.  Protein is very important too.  Lean meats and eggs are both good protein sources.  Lean meats can also be a good source of iron.  Iron needs double during pregnancy.  More iron in your diet may help you fight off feeling tired.  Finally, fruits and vegetables are always a great addition packed with a variety of vitamins and nutrients.  Dried fruits can also be helpful in preventing urinary tract infections that many women have during pregnancy. Try to stay away from dried bananas because they are processed in oil and loaded with fat.

   

  Parents' Homework Assignment:
           Choose a childbirth class.  When choosing a class you need to consider a few things.  Does the childbirth class agree with your personal beliefs on giving birth?  Is the class offered during the day, evening, or weekend when you and your partner feel most focused and relaxed?  Will you be comfortable with the class size, location, and place?  How does your partner feel about all of the above considerations?  You and your partner need to clarify some of your preferences regarding your birth experience.  Classes are a great way to emphasize the importance of your partner and help him express his feelings about the upcoming birth.

   

  Question of the Week:
           Should you find out if you're expecting a boy or a girl?

       Many people wait to learn the sex of their baby.  They feel it is a part of the whole pregnancy experience.  Some people can't wait to learn the sex of their baby.  There are many reasons to find out the sex of your baby.  You and your partner only have to agree on one name.  You can buy specific things for the baby.  You can decorate the nursery.  It can make the baby seem more real for both of you.  Finally, it may make you feel more connected with your baby.  There are reasons not to find out the sex of your baby.  The surprise element won't be lost.  For centuries the wait has been part of pregnancy.  You'll have something exciting to look forward to by the end of your pregnancy.   If you and your partner can't agree to know or not to know, then one can find out while the other person waits.

   

How to get your 8 eight ounce glasses of water a day.
           Make these things a routine to help you make your daily quota. Every morning after you brush your teeth drink your first glass of water.  If going to work, place two water bottles in your bag.  Drink one on the way to work and one on the way home from work. During the day you can place rubber bands around your drinking glass and take one off every time you refill your glass.  If drinking all that water is too much for you, munch on watermelon.  It is 92 percent water.  Add fruit slices to water to help improve the plain water taste.

   


Activities
     Get Prepared



Questions
     What is morning sickness and how can I alleviate it?
What items should I make sure I have when stocking my nursery?



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