Specifying Gender

One of the most common pet names for a growing baby is “little bean” and this week that term is really fitting, considering your baby is in fact around the size of a small bean. It’s likely your first prenatal visit might be around this time, so make sure to have a list of questions and be prepared to answer a lot of questions about possible risks that may run in both lines of parenting families. Make sure you feel comfortable with your chosen doctor and their practices in the delivery room if you have specific concerns. It is not too late to try out someone else if you have doubts for whatever reason. This doctor will likely deliver your child so you should feel at ease and comfortable around them.

Look at You Now:

Your uterus is expanding even more to make room for baby growth, but it is likely you are not showing much more than last week. That thick feeling around the abdomen may now be accompanied by pain the lower back, buttocks, and thigh. This is due to the weight of the baby pressing on the spine and can be more bothersome for some women. If it is really hurting, take naps whenever possible. Sit and relax without guilt!

You can possibly feel some light cramping due to the uterus expanding even more. This is normal as long as they are not very intense and are not accompanied by blood.

You will start noticing your breasts getting a little larger, so this is a great time to shop for a few maternity bras. Be sure to give yourself room to grow! The physical symptoms of pregnancy are picking up a little, which for some is reason to believe this is really happening!

Look at Baby Now:

Your little “bean” is becoming even more of a baby this week as the sex organs form into testes or ovaries! It is also looking more like a human as the limbs lengthen out and toes are more recognizable, though still webbed together. The bone is starting to harden in the elbows and the arms can wrap around the body. This is the beginning of the human physical form and spontaneous movement! A mere two months in and your little one is starting to look like a cuddly little babe!

Perhaps the most exciting development this week is in the brain. The nerve cells start to connect together, which is the beginning foundation for thought and communication. The lungs are also trying to mature, though they will not be ready until close to your due date.

Tips for Now:

If you have not thought about maternity clothing yet, it is about time to do some shopping. You may not be showing must just yet, but there is nothing more depressing than waking up one morning to find none of your pants will button!

It is still important to rest as needed and try not to get overly stressed out. You are still within the first twelve weeks where miscarriages are not too uncommon, but try to keep that out of mind and focus on the positive. Think of your little bean in there and give yourself a break.