Week 7:
Hello little baby,
So I believe you are the size of a Blueberry! So cute, but so good at making me feel yuck, ha ha.
The nausea is really getting strong now, and I feel like I have a mouthful of saliva and have to swallow and swallow at times. My sense of smell is off the wall, and I realise that it helps me to stay away from things that may be harmful to you, but it’s amazing how sensitive it is now. I can’t even handle my colleagues’ perfume at work!
My friend who is pregnant with twins is really sick now and vomiting some days. She was told to drink ginger tea, and she has even tried the acupressure bands. Shame, I feel for her as I have only had waves of nausea and vomiting in the morning and evening. My other friend has almost no signs and is worried if she is really pregnant! It’s quite normal for each pregnancy to be different, and I am sure she is still just one of the lucky ones.
I still have cramps at times, but I believe it’s because my ligaments are starting to stretch a bit. My uterus is getting bigger, even if I can’t see it. My twin pregnancy friend looks 3 months pregnant already!
I am so excited for the visit to my Gynae next week! I will get to see you for the first time…
Hello my Mommy,
Yes, I am twice the size I was last week. I am really starting to look a bit more like a baby than a bean. My brain cells are being generated at a rate of 100 per minute, so my head is much bigger than my body. My paddles are looking a little more like hands and feet and I am even starting to develop elbow and knee joints. My face is looking a little more human, with eyes, nose and mouth forming. I have ears, and my eyelids are starting to grow. My eye is big and dark as you can see my retina, but the lens is developing now too. I have a tongue that is also starting to grow; so no wonder you are feeling more pregnant than before. Lots of activity going on in here!
My pregnancy tips, Mommy:
Try as much gentle exercise as possible. Even though you are feeling tired, it will give you more stamina.
Listen to your body and avoid eating or drinking anything that you feel is too strong for taste and smell. If you have cravings and they are a bit strange e.g. ice or charcoal, it may be me telling you that you need some extra nutrients so ask our doctor what to do.
Week 8:
Finally I get to see you today! So excited!!
My tummy is definitely more bloated and a bit bigger so I am starting to secretly feel quite pregnant!
My boobs are a lot bigger, and still tender, which surprised me. But I guess the little “milk factories” are being developed in there so that’s a good thing!
The tiredness and nausea are really getting so bad. I know you are growing and so loads of energy is being used up for that. Also my hormones are really cranking up to get this pregnancy through this vulnerable stage of the first trimester, so I guess it all adds up. I am so irritable and will cry at the drop of a hat, which is not like me at all. It’s amazing how my body is trying to adjust to a totally new phase it has never experienced before. Eating small frequent meals is helping with nausea and energy levels. I try to rest every day at my lunch break and even end up having a power nap which helps a lot with the afternoon slump. Also, its normal for my blood pressure to drop (I feel dizzy and see stars if I move my head too quickly), and my blood sugar does as well. Eating regular snacks helps a lot with that.
I spotted a bit again this morning, but the nurse at the doctor’s rooms reassured me that it is very common around 8 weeks. Daddy and I were intimate last night, and my cervix now has extra blood supply and can easily bleed a little. So it seems to explain the spotting…..
Here is Daddy to fetch me to take me for our first pregnancy visit!!
Hello my Mommy
Yes, I am now the size of a raspberry and growing so well. My brain waves are now officially detectable! I can move my arms and legs around, but I am still so small you can’t feel it yet. I will surprise you later and wave to you …
My fingers are less webbed and I can even taste the water around me, as the taste buds on my tongue grew this week.
At the visit, our doctor will use an ultrasound to let you see me. Because I am still inside your pelvis he/she may have to use the intravaginal one so don’t get too surprised. Doctor will measure me from my crown to my rump (my tail has gone now… I have a rump). This will give you a clearer idea of my due date, etc.
You will need to pee in a cup at each of the visits, so they can check for infections, protein and glucose each time.
Pregnancy tips:
Book your next appointment.
Rest !
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.”
