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How’re you feeling, Mom? At 14 weeks you’re getting into the sweet spot of pregnancy. Here’s what’s going on with you and your baby.
How Big is Baby?
One day you’ll be coloring pictures together, but right now, baby is just the size of a crayon—about 3 ½ inches long.
What’s New with Baby?
You still have a while (about five months, actually) before you have to worry about changing diapers, but baby’s getting ready—their intestines are now producing meconium, a sticky, dark green waste that will be their first bowel movement. In cuter news, baby is starting to use their facial muscles, squinting, frowning and making sucking and chewing movements. Aww!
What’s New with Mom?
It may be time to start shopping for maternity clothes as your uterus starts rising out of your pelvic region and into your abdomen. If you’re not popping yet, just give it a few more weeks. You might also notice some pain as your uterus expands and stretches the ligaments at the front of your pelvis.
Fun Fact
Baby is on the move. By week 14 your wee one is doing a lot of bouncing around in there, but it will still be a while before you can feel it.
What to Know About Beauty Products and Pregnancy
When you’re expecting, your whole life changes. You make adjustments to your diet, lifestyle and habits. But do you need to tweak your beauty regimen too?
What you put on your skin can be absorbed in your body, so during your pregnancy it’s a good idea to take a look at the cosmetics and skincare you’re using. The good news is that most over-the-counter products are safe to continue using. But there are a few agents that could be harmful to your baby. Here’s what to watch out for:
Retinoids: “Strictly speaking all topical retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy. This includes tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene,” says Dr. Melissa Mauskar, a dermatologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Although tretinoin and tazarotene are prescription, adapalene is over the counter.” While the amount of retinoids absorbed by topical products is likely low, birth irregularities have been linked in higher doses. So doctors advise pregnant women steer clear of all retinoids altogether while pregnant.
Melissa Mauskar, M.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Dermatology and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in inpatient dermatology including vulvar dermatology and lichen sclerosus.
Phthalates: These are often found in leave-in products like hair spray, lotions or toners. Pregnant women who are exposed to multiple phthalates during pregnancy have an increased risk of preterm birth, according to the National Institutes of Health. But as Mauskar points out, eliminating exposure to this ingredient altogether is quite difficult. So be careful and use your best judgement. “Very small amounts, such as in nail polish, are unlikely to cause risks during pregnancy,” she says.
Mauskar says that sunscreens are safe to use while pregnant, and are particularly important if you have or are at high risk for melanoma. Choose one that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and has an SPF at least 30 or higher. Sunscreens containing iron oxide (often found in tinted sunscreens) will also block visible light.
To help reduce potentially harmful exposures for your baby—and you—be sure to read ingredient lists on all your personal care products. It’s also a good idea to let your hair stylist or esthetician know that you are expecting. And if you have concerns or questions about any products, be sure to talk to your doctor.
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This blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice or professional services. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The above article was written by DFWChild editor Amanda Collins Bernier with information provided by UT Southwestern Medical Center as part of their sponsored content.
