Baby Growth

• Size is approximately 1.22 inches and .14 ounce.
• Your baby is the size of a strawberry.
• Your baby has graduated from embryo to fetus!
• Most of your baby’s major parts have formed and are now developing.
• Cartilage, bones, and muscle are forming – your baby is starting to move! (But you probably can’t feel it yet).
• Tiny details are forming, like tooth buds, fingers, toes, and nails!
• Baby’s head is enlarged, the spinal cord is visible, and the spinal nerves are beginning to extend.
• You may be able to hear your baby’s heart beat at the doctor’s office.

You & Your Body

• HCG is at its peak level. You may be experiencing increased emotions and moodiness.
• You might be starting to see that baby bump! Healthy weight gain is 1 to 2 pounds per week.
• Increased hormonal levels may cause you headaches and extra nasal congestion.
• Your veins may become more visible as they increase blood flow to the baby.
• You may experience “round ligament” pain as your abdomen begins to stretch to accommodate baby. Consult your doctor if the pain becomes too intense; otherwise, it can help to put your feet up and rest.
• Some women experience urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bacterial vaginosis (BV). Though you may not have symptoms for BV in particular, the following symptoms can alert you to a possible bacterial infection: pain, discomfort or burning when urinating, pelvic discomfort or lower abdominal pain.  Also watch for an unusual grayish, possibly foul-smelling discharge.
• The placenta is developing.

Tips

• Consult with your doctor when considering ANY medications to make sure they are baby-safe.
• Give yourself some extra TLC these weeks, as well as extra rest and sleep. Slow down and add in some extra self-care to help yourself stay centered.  Those hormones should ease up soon.
• Consider whether you’d like to have genetic testing done.
• If you’re still experiencing some nausea, you might try one or some of these: ginger, frequent meals and snacks, and vitamin B6.
• Keep your immune system boosted! Make sure you are getting plenty of rest, nutrition, and appropriate exercise.

Updated May 1, 2019