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ORIGINAL POST:
Week 9
Mother:
Some women may experience a small amount of spotting this week, as this is when you would have had your second monthly cycle. You should be on a steady weight gain pattern now, if you are still losing weight from morning sickness speak with your doctor. You may notice your gums are tender and swollen and my bleed when you brush, this is because of the high levels of estrogen and progesrterone which cause swelling almost everywhere. Be sure to schedule regular check ups with your dentist to keep your teeth healthy.
Baby:
Congratulations! Your baby is no longer an embryo, it is a fetus this week (The little embryonic tail has disappeared). Your baby's bones and cartilage are just starting to form, the fingers also are forming, but are webbed at this point.
Week 10
Mother:
Weight gain seems normal now...make sure you are following a healthy diet plan and continue taking a prenatal vitamin. Getting the proper nourishment during these early weeks is essential for the development of your baby. Due to the increase of blood volume you may feel abnormaly warm, your veins may becom more pronounced. Most women report moodiness. Moderate exercise is very healthy, but do not over do it.
Baby:
Your baby is about the size of safety pin and weighs almost as moch as 4 safety pins (1 3/4 inch and 1/4 oz.). Almost all of the baby's joints are formed and all her organs are visible, but they are not fully functional.
Week 11
Mother:
For most women morning sickness is coming to a close, but you are not abmormal if it persists a little longer. Your doctor will measure from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus (just under your ribs) to see how your pregancy is progressing. Make sure you are getting plenty of calcium, as your growing baby is taking a lot from your body.
Baby:
The baby will double in length this week! The little fingers begin growing nails, and the irises in the eye are beginning to form. Your amniotic fluid is replaced every 3 hours, this keeps it fresh for your baby.
Week 12
Mother:
Hopefully you begin to feel some of your energy returning, for a few weeks at least. You may experience some relief from the frequest urination because the uterus shifts upward slightly and will not be pressing directly on the bladder. The placenta is now producing all the necesarry hormones. Some women develop patches of dark skin, these are called the "mask of pregnancy" and should disappear after you have the baby. The linea nigra, a dark line on your abdomen might also appear, this will also fade after you deliver the baby.
Baby:
Your baby is beginning to practice breathing and the chest will rise and fall. Baby's kidneys are up and running. The baby now swallows amniotic fluid and excretes it. The intestines are also practicing contracting movements as if he were digesting food.
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