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You’re well into month two of your pregnancy, Mom! Only about seven more months to go, which may seem like a lifetime if you’re experiencing some of the more common first trimester symptoms. Hang in there. Here’s a look at what’s happening this week.
How Big is Baby?
Little one is just over a half-inch long this week.
What’s New with Baby?
One day you’ll be running after your babe, but this week, those little limbs (and even fingers!) are just beginning to form. The limb buds look more like tiny paddles than arms or legs. But we still think they’re pretty cute.
What’s New with Mom?
You might not be showing yet, but by 8 weeks you’re probably feeling pregnant. All those pesky first trimester systems are likely in full force—so if you’re feeling wiped out, nauseous, bloated or moody know it’s just par for the course. It won’t last forever, Mom!
And if you’re not feeling particularly pregnant, don’t stress. “The symptoms are usually a response to the normal hormone changes that occur during pregnancy,” says Dr. Joanna Forbes, an Ob/Gyn at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Some patients don’t really have those reactions to the hormone changes. Also, every pregnancy is different—some patients can have significant symptoms with one pregnancy and none with the next.”
Joanna Forbes, M.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in all aspects of general Ob/Gyn, including well-woman exams and minimally invasive Ob/Gyn surgery.
Fun Fact
At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing about 1 millimeter a day—that’s about the size of a pencil point. Seems miniscule, right? But that tiny embryo is more than 10,000 times the size it started out as!
What to Know About Morning Sickness
There’s a reason “morning sickness” is one of the most common symptoms associated with pregnancy: Up to 90% of women will experience some degree of nausea, with or without vomiting, says Forbes. The cause of this not-so-fun side effect of pregnancy is not entirely known, but it seems to be related to the changes in hormones that occur. “We know that the hormone changes in pregnancy affect the entire GI tract, so in addition to nausea/vomiting patients can also experience diarrhea/constipation,” says Forbes.
If you are among the many moms who experience nausea and vomiting with pregnancy, you’re probably in the worst of it right about now. Typically, this symptom starts around 5 or 6 weeks and peaks around 9 weeks pregnant. But take heart: Nausea often subsides between weeks 16 to 20.
Certain smells and foods can make nausea worse, says Forbes, and while it’s most common in the morning, some patients may be more nauseous at night when lying down. So what, if anything, makes it better? “I recommend four to six small, frequent meals instead of three large meals. Try to think about eating something every two hours,” says Forbes. “For example, wake up and eat two eggs. Two hours later, eat an apple with peanut butter. Two hours later a piece of grilled chicken. Each meal needs to be healthy and try to incorporate some protein for balance but not necessarily a full plate.”
If you’re struggling with nausea and vomiting, you can also try vitamin B6 or Unisom. Depending on the severity, your doctor may consider prescription medication.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy become a serious issue when someone is not able to keep down any food. “We will check the urine for ketones which is a sign to us in pregnancy that the body is starving,” says Forbes. “If present we may consider admission for IV fluids and stronger IV anti-emetics than can be prescribed over the counter.”
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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.
