Breathing Underwater

Most women will be feeling energetic and ready to tackle the job of motherhood head on by week 14. You may be decorating the nursery and stocking up on all the things a baby goes through when born, such as diapers, lotion, and onesies. It is awesome to feel so good about becoming a mother but be careful not to overdo it. Pay attention to the confines of the growing belly before you try to move the dresser on your own to make room for the crib.

Look at You Now:

Some women will develop a constipation problem if they are taking in more iron than usual. If you have been eating high fiber foods as a part of your pregnancy diet then this may not be an issue, but if it is, then make sure you take in a lot of water and increase your daily fiber. Constipation in the long term can cause hemorroids, which will only bring more discomfort to the situation.

The return of your energy means this is the perfect time to get back into an exercise routine if that slacked during the first trimester. Walking is a great pregnancy workout because it can be done no matter what your current size or health level, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. It is the no excuses workout!

If you decide to lift weights during pregnancy, it is best to get your work out program cleared with your doctor before you start, and then continue to ask about changing weights, and number of reps as the pregnancy goes along. Definitely do not exercise lying flat on your back. The baby can press on a vein which cuts off blood to your heart and you will pass out! Most floor exercises can be done leaning on an exercise ball instead.

Look at Baby Now:

Everything continues to move into place as the size of the body catches up with the head. The ears start moving toward the sides of her head at this point, and the eyes continue to move closer together as well. The neck also will start to elongate and the chin will rise up from the chest. Your little one is looking more and more like the pictures in Baby Magazine every day!

The most amazing things happening by this week are urination and breathing. Your baby is peeing in her amniotic fluid, which to us is disgusting, but to your little one this is a very healthy occurrence. She will also start breathing in the fluid as just another step toward surviving our world when she is born.

By now she is also receiving nutrition straight from the placenta!

Tips for Now:

Your little one receiving nutrition straight from the placenta is a wonderful development, but it also leaves her vulnerable to anything that comes in contact with your skin. Look at the cleaning supplies and other chemicals you use on a regular basis and get rid of any that could be toxic to an unborn baby. Make sure you wear thick gloves up to the elbows whenever using any kind of chemicals at all. Better safe than sorry when it comes to something so precious!

We normally go for a glass of water when we start to feel thirsty, but that is too late. Once your mouth gets even a little dry you are already dehydrated. Keep a water bottle close at hand all day long and take in as much as possible to keep your bowels moving comfortably.