.: February 2014

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Saturday, February 22, 2014

40 Weeks: Your Pregnancy Step-by-Step (2nd Trimester)

YOUR 2nd TRIMESTER stage

Babies are blessings, they are angels sent from above.

I get delighted with news when my brides after a month or year from their wedding day, announces that they are no longer two but three.

I am a Mom of TWO.

And very OC one to be exact.

I wrote in a diary my journey during pre-natal days, I pile up my mini table at home with all the reading materials about being a mom and how to enjoy the moment in this special stage of womanhood.

So I would like to share this to other expectant moms out there, especially my former brides who are now expecting a lil angel soon. :-)

From the stressful (prenatal test! gaining weigh!) to the sheer fun (buying stylish maternity clothes! Baby Shower!), growing a baby involves a seemingly endless host of developments to expect, plan and accomplish.

Here's a timeline and checklist to help you Mom's to be!

40 Weeks Pregnancy Step-by-Step

2nd Trimester

13 weeks

Now that you've surpassed your first trimester, you can start eating for two, but just a little maybe.

Plan on gaining about 12 pounds during the next 14 or so weeks.

WHAT TO DO NOW:

Aim to get 300 extra calories a day from healthy foods in order to support your baby's growth but without gaining too much weigh.

The end of your morning sickness may give you renewed energy putting you back in shape thinking that you can still go on heavy task or go back to your healthy marathon or exercise routine. But actually you should be doing your routine slowly or even task without having to gasp out of breath easily.

WHAT TO DO NOW:

Prenatal yoga, pilates or swimming are your work out routine for now.

Time for some screening and diagnostic test not just for the baby but for you as well.

This is your time to undergo them.

WHAT TO DO NOW:

Make appointment for the multiple marker test or amniocentesis.

The former screens for chromosomal abnormalities, including down syndrome; neural-tube defects such as spina bifida; and other defects. The latter can diagnose chromosomal and other abnormalities.

Both are typically performed between 15th week and 20th.

I can feel you moving baby!

Enjoy every moment of this happening between 16 - 22 weeks.

WHAT TO DO NOW:

Decide if you want to do a gender test or you wanted to be a surprise.

Do a fun betting game with daddy-to-be and have a reward or a prize.

Vivid and bizarre dreams in your sleep may frequent you, often reflecting anxiety you might have about childbirth and parenthood.

WHAT TO DO NOW:

For a good sleep, invest in a good pillow. Some have their banana shape pillow for support and comfort.

Child care or birthing classes, time to go sign up or do an online reading.

Just when you thought you couldn't possibly take any more pee breaks, you do.

It's inevitable: as you baby grows, your bladder shrinks or so it seems.