Your Pregnancy: A Week-by-Week Guide

You are now going on 20 Weeks Pregnant!

WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING WITH YOU THIS WEEK:

Congratulations -- you are halfway through your pregnancy! You're probably feeling wonderful now that you've regained your energy. Finally people are beginning to notice that you are indeed pregnant, as your uterus pushes your abdomen out at the belly button. The uterus now reaches the level of the umbilicus (plus or minus a fingersbreadth). Your care provider has probably been measuring the level of your fundus, or top of the uterus, with a tape measure. It should now be approximately 18 to 22 cm. if you are having one baby and your dates are accurate. Your abdomen may start to itch a bit as stretching occurs. Let your care provider know about this even if though it's probably perfectly normal. (Better to be safe ...)

It is now possible to hear your baby's heartbeat with a special stethoscope, called a Delee stethoscope. Some providers begin to use this type of listening device instead of a doppler. It may now be possible for your partner to hear your baby's heartbeat by placing his or her ear against your bare lower abdomen. If you can't hear it right away, try the other side. Listen every day and you will be rewarded with a tiny, fast, rhythmic beat.

You may be having some trouble taking deep breaths on occasion, particularly if you are short in stature, or overweight. Call your care provider if you exhibit signs of asthma, such as coughing, wheezing when you exhale, or difficulty breathing at any time, especially during, or following, a cold or respiratory tract infection. One in every 100 women suffers from asthma during pregnancy. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that women with a history of asthma, who are pregnant with girls, were more likely to experience an increase in symptoms, possibly due to hormonal differences. Asthma can be easily treated, and medications safe for use during pregnancy are available. If you have asthma, it is very important to get a prompt diagnosis so you can avoid distress and complications.

I can't believe we're almost half way through this. Ever since I hit the second trimester, time just seems to be flying by. I have an appointment tomorrow just for a routine check-up. Nothing really exciting going to happen other then probably getting to hear the heart beat again. That's crazy that you can actually hear the heart beat through my tummy! We'll have to try that!

WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY THIS WEEK

This week, your baby weighs ten ounces and is 16 centimeters crown-to-rump. A white, waxy-looking substance called vernix now protects your baby's skin. If you are carrying a girl, she has six million eggs in her ovaries -- six times the number she will have at birth! Her uterus is now formed and she's beginning to develop a vagina.

EATING FOR TWO

You probably have heard that fish is very healthful and even contains nutrients that are known to reduce the risk of heart disease. So, why all the concern for fish consumption during pregnancy? Certain fish, such as swordfish, bluefish, striped bass or bluefin tuna, may contain high levels of mercury. Freshwater fish are also susceptible to pollutants in the water. It is best to check with your local department of natural resources to see if any warnings exist for fish in your area. Fish taken from the Great Lakes should probably be avoided during pregnancy.

· Here are some fish that get the pregnancy seal of approval:

· Sole

· Flounder

· Haddock

· Pacific halibut

· Cod

· Salmon (check with your local department of health as some farm-raised salmon may contain higher levels of contaminants depending upon where they are raised and the feed they are fed)

I love Salmon and halibut so those are the main kind of fish I stick with. Yummy!

FACT OF THE WEEK

Every month, you should have a blood pressure check. A blood pressure baseline reading gives your care provider a yardstick for a safe level for you, both during pregnancy as well as when you're in labor. Your practitioner will also be checking to make sure you don't experience a sudden elevation in blood pressure, which might mean you have developed a condition requiring close monitoring to avoid pregnancy complications. In general, blood pressure exceeding 140/90 is considered high.

Haven't had any issues with high blood pressure before this pregnancy or during it so...so far so good with this. :)