12th Week Vs. 13th Week

Aug 27th, 2007

12th Week:

As Yvonne is approaching the second trimester, any nausea experienced may probably will begin to subside. And the linea nigra (black line), a dark line of pigmentation, will be creeping up her abdomen.

The uterus has risen above the pubic bone, and it is about the size of a softball. Around this time, you may begin to “show“?? For first-timers, “showing” may occur a bit later, as strong abdominal muscles can help to hide your pregnancy.

And, as she enters the 13th week, the second trimester, is sometimes referred to as the “honeymoon of pregnancy.” This is because women often regain energy, with much of the arduous work of organ development now almost complete.

As you enter your second trimester, your nausea most likely has faded into a memory. (If you had to stop taking prenatal vitamins during this time, you should begin to take them again as soon as possible.)

However, is yet subject to the physical discomforts that may appear in the later weeks of pregnancy and may finally feel ready to reveal the long-held secret to the world.

At the 12th week, the fetus is now 60 to 65 millimeters long or about two and a half inches long, and weighs about 14 grams. He or she has the ability to swallow and absorb and discharge fluids. Hands, now complete, are growing fingernails. Even tooth buds are appearing.

The baby’s face now has a distinctly human appearance. The amniotic sac contains about 50 cubic centimeters of fluid (one and one half ounces). This week, the placenta takes over the important task of hormone production.

On the other hand, now in the 13th week, measuring in at about seven centimeters crown-to-rump and weighing about two ounces, the baby will spend the rest of the pregnancy concentrating on growing and becoming strong enough to live outside the uterus.

His/her intestines have now moved from outside the body to inside the abdomen. While the baby won’t be saying “Mommy” for some time, vocal cords are now developing. Your fetus also has developed many reflexes and will squirm inside of you if your abdomen is prodded.

As to the nutritional needs,

EATING FOR TWO

Soy products are a great way to boost protein and calcium intake. Make sure that soy milk products do not contain unnecessary levels of sucrose.

Yummy Soy Shakes:

Pear Soy Shake: Combine in a blender 2/3 cup drained canned pears with 2/3 cup vanilla soy milk.

Cantaloupe, Banana Soy Shake: Combine 2/3 cup diced cantaloupe with one banana and 1/2 cup soy milk.