This has by far been the most challenging week of any pregnancy I’ve ever had.  I’ve made it, nonetheless, and am eager to get through this very bumpy road my body’s been traveling on! 

 
Seven weeks! 

Here’s my weekly update from American Pregnancy:

What changes are occurring with your body?

Changes within your body are gradually continuing. It is not likely that the people around you can even tell that you are pregnant. You may have gained a couple of pounds, but you also may have actually lost weight if you are experiencing morning sickness at this point. Losing weight this early is not uncommon, and in a few weeks things will begin to shift in the other direction. You may also be experiencing other early pregnancy symptoms.

My 2 cents:  Uh, yeah, are you kidding me? I dare you to find a person around me who isn’t “likely to know I am pregnant!”  Yes, I have actually lost some weight but my belly has gotten bigger, so what gives?!

What is happening with your baby?

At this point every essential organ has begun to form in the embryo’s tiny body. The hair and nipple follicles are forming, and the eyelids and tongue have begun formation. The elbows and toes are more visible as the trunk begins to straighten out.

My 2 cents:  This is so fascinating to read and think about!  It’s the only thing that gets me through my sick days these days.

How big is your baby?

Your baby is approximately an inch long by the end of this week and weighs less than an aspirin.

What should you plan for this week?

If you have not chosen a doctor or midwife at this point, it is time to choose one. Read our information on choosing a health care provider and what to expect with your first prenatal visit.

At this point you are well into your first trimester and may begin suffering from morning sickness. Seventy to eighty percent of all pregnant women experience some form of morning sickness, which is caused by the increased amount of hormones in your body. If morning sickness is so severe that you are constantly throwing up and not keeping anything down, consult with your doctor about the possibility of having hyperemesis gravidarum.

My 2 cents:  Talk about throwing me for a loop!  This pregnancy is TOTALLY different than my previous ones!  I have never felt so darn uncomfortable and nauseous.  I normally am LOVING being pregnant at this stage and right now feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.  I haven’t blown chunks yet (though when Will was up vomiting two nights ago, I almost did too!) but I have come pretty close.  My stomach is constantly in a state of nauesousness and it comes and goes all day long.  I am praying it gets better and soon!

Tips for making your pregnancy better:

Here are a few helpful hints on your quest to surviving morning sickness :

• Eat small meals often.
• Eat soda crackers 15 minutes before getting up in the morning.
• Get plenty of rest and nap during the day.
• Sniff lemons or ginger, drink lemonade, or eat watermelon to relieve nausea.
• Eat salty potato chips ( They have been found to settle stomachs enough to allow you to eat a meal.)
• Do not skip meals or lie down after eating.
• Do not cook or eat spicy food.
• Take Vitamin B6 (50mg) daily,
• Talk with your doctor about supplements.

My 2 cents:  I wasn’t aware of the watermelon thing but it’s one of my favorite fruits so I may give it a whirl.  No dice on the spicy food thing…..I eat it every chance I get.  I have tried potato chips but just end up feeling like crap after a few minutes of eating them.  I am looking forward to receiving my delivery of Prego Pop Drops from drugstore.com tomorrow!  I have tried those and really like them!

Tips for mom’s partner:

Talk with your partner about which prenatal appointments she would like you to attend with her. Many couples like to attend every appointment together, while others only attend major appointments like sonograms together. Go ahead and begin making plans to attend certain or all of the appointments, and do not forget to mark your calendar.

My 2 cents:  Sonogram – May 18th – David will be there, I am sure!  Not sure about other appointments – we’ll have to see how it goes, but it’s our third time around the block so we’re old pros.  ♥