Newsletter - week 19

Welcome To Week 19

Your Baby: Covered From Head To Toe

This week, your baby-to-be weighs in at an impressive 7.5 - 8 ounces (225 g) and measures 6 inches (15 cm) in length. Lanugo -- fine, downy hair -- covers his skin and a white, waxy substance (vernix caseosa) protects it during its nine-month amniotic bath. Permanent teeth buds are taking shape behind the already formed milk teeth buds.

Your Body: Showing For Sure

At this stage your abdomen is definitely getting bigger as your uterus is growing up and out to make room for the baby! You may consider looking into childbirth classes now so that you can start learning and practicing some breathing exercises.

You may be starting to feel a little dizzy at times, or feel that your equilibrium is off. Although it can feel awkward at times, you have to get used to your center of balance changing. Also, dizziness is a common discomfort associated with pregnancy. The dizziness is a result of low blood pressure that may occur during pregnancy from all the changes that are going on inside your body. Sometimes the growth of the uterus puts pressure on your big vessels such as the aorta and the inferior vena cava, and this usually happens when you lie down. It can also happen from standing up too fast and the blood leaves your brain quickly. It is best to get out of bed by sitting up and dangling your legs off the side first, then standing up.

On That Note: Time To Plan

Even if you aren't a gourmet cook, it's a good idea to spend some time in the kitchen during the next few weeks. Moms we know recommend that you make and freeze a few of your favorite dishes now, while your energy level is high and your hands are free. Then, when life gets a little more hectic down the line, all you'll have to do to get dinner on the table is fire up the microwave!

Review Date: 2/6/2007
Reviewed By: Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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