Week 15:
Hello little Baby!
So, its now week 15 and I am amazed every day how my body is growing and changing with pregnancy. It is such a calm and relaxed time… I think because we are past the first Trimester, I am feeling so well and full of energy again. Every day I think of how you are growing inside me and it brings such joy.
One thing that did take me by surprise is how careful I have to be when I brush my teeth. I have had to get a softer bristle because my gums bleed really easily. This is normal, as the increased blood supply is what can cause it. Some moms have nosebleeds too…as long as it is just a small amount, and stops easily, they don’t have to be concerned.
I am starting to get excited about ideas/themes for your nursery. I can’t wait for the MamaMagic specials to arrive soon. At the moment we have a worldwide pandemic called COVID-19. One day I will show you all the newspaper cuttings and social media posts about the time we were ‘Pregnant during a Pandemic’. It is a surreal time with lots of things that we can’t do at the moment. One of those was attending the MamaMagic show that showcases amazing products and specials, (but I am sure they will have thought of some amazing ideas for us new parents-to-be, so look out for info on the website).
Fortunately, I went for a dentist check up before falling pregnant, in case they needed to do any Xrays. If you have not been for a while, it is still a good idea to see your dentist as usual. Just tell them you are pregnant….
Hello my Mommy,
Size of an orange this week!
I have grown sooo much lanugo since last week! I look so furry… it is all over my back, shoulders, ears and forehead. It helps me retain body heat until I can lay down enough body fat to do that for me. Then some of the hair will fall out. So my latest trick is: frowning, grimacing and wincing. It is not an indicator of my mood…yet!
Pregnancy tips:
I think you have hit the nail on the head. Enjoy these weeks where I am still small and not causing any discomfort and pressure yet…
Week 16:
Hello little Baby
I am so excited but also a bit nervous this week. We will be seeing you on the Ultrasound scan and I know I am going to be so amazed at how you have grown and developed. Part of the care that my doctor will give us is to do the Antenatal tests this week as well. Not all doctors do all the tests, and some are only needed if there is any concern about the baby. They are done to detect genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. There are two types of tests: screening and diagnostic. Some examples of diagnostic tests are:
- the Ultrasound scan: this will check that you are growing well, the amount of water around you and where the placenta is lying.
- the Nuchal scan,
- AFP tests,
- Maternal serum triple test,
- Chorionic Villus sampling test, and
- Amniocentesis
Most of these are only done if necessary, and if the parents want it to be done.
We will chat to our doctor about the options and do what she suggests at the time.
My eyes have been a bit itchy this week. I will chat to the gynae about it, but apparently it is common in pregnancy. Hormones again!
My friend has found that her allergies have improved with pregnancy. That is because our immune system is a bit dampened down (so we don’t reject you!), and that helps with allergies…yay for her!
Daddy says I have a pregnancy glow….my skin is looking lovely, and my hair and nails are growing fast. I really am enjoying this Trimester so far…
Hello my pretty, glowing Mommy
So I am the size of an avocado this week. I am very active and stretch, kick and roll a lot. You won’t really feel it yet, but look out for me doing my twists and turns on the Ultrasound – if I am not having a snooze at the time!
I can finally hear your voice. The teeny tiny bones in my ears have formed properly now, and my ears are not just decorations. You have a beautiful voice…I kind of knew that.
I have nice shaped eyebrows now, and my eyelashes are just forming.
The muscles in my arms are developing…I can flex my biceps. Getting strong now!
My umbilical cord has fully matured with one vein and two arteries. They are protected by a thick layer of tissue called Wharton’s jelly.
I am a little girl, and this week hundreds and thousands of eggs are forming in my ovaries. Your future grandchildren, Mommy!
Pregnancy tips
I am so glad that you have no skin issues at the moment. But some mommies find their skin can become greasy and even have acne breakouts. Not all products for acne are safe in pregnancy, so get good medical advice on what to use.
If you have days that you get backache, be sure that the chair you sit on at work is supportive. You may need to have a pillow to support your back.
Our Diary of a Pregnancy series is written by Sr Des Meyer, a Perinatal Educator, in private practice, who is based in Durban North. Sr Des has been a Childbirth Educator and Well Baby Clinic sister since 1991. Her passion lies in educating new parents to enable them to achieve their goals as confident parents. “Knowledge is power and a good foundation for the exciting years ahead.”
