12_weeks_pregnant

I'm reclining at 13 wks

You're 12- 13 weeks along

12 - 13 weeks

length: 10 - 11 cm

weight: 40 - 60 gms

Landmarks

fine hair called "lanugo" covers your baby.

Your baby has an awake-sleep cycle that lasts about 40 min. You still can't feel all his/her movements.

All vital organs have formed. However, they need to mature.

Your baby's sex can be determined by ultrsound any time after 12 weeks.

Your Body

Your pants may not fit for much longer. You're not showing yet, but you do "pooch."

Well, you have made it to 12 weeks. By now you feel pregnant. You may start to have problems with fatigue, constipation and related hemorrhoids, acne, and increased body hair. Most of these changes go away after pregnancy, so don't worry too much.

The uterus has grown to the size of a small cantalope. This growth often causes sharp pains called "round ligament pains." The round ligament normally keeps the uterus in the pelvis. But as the uterus grows the round ligament stretches. This stretching causes the sharp pains. If you have any questions about your pains as your doctor.

The acne and increased hair growth are due to the hormones of pregnancy. Both tend to go away after delivery. Many women become used to the heavier head of hair and become alarmed at the hair loss after pregnancy. The loss is normal.

Your moods can swing rapidly during pregnanacy. You can cry over a commercial or quickly change from happy to sad for no apparent reason . Often loved ones don't understand this. Just tell them "it's a pregnancy thing."

Call your doctor if any of the following occur. Even at night or on weekends.

     *- Bleeding from the vagina.
     *- Bad pains that do not quickly go away.
     *- Fever or chills.
     *- Burning or pain with urination.
    *- Vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.

Common Dangers during Pregnancy

Cigaretes : Smoking will cause poor fetal growth and small birth weight babies, miscarriages, and the tearing away of the placenta from the uterine wall.
Alcohol: Babies born to mothers who drink may have a serious developmental disorder called "Fetal Alcohal Syndrome." This can cause mental retardation as well as other organ system damage.
Caffeine: Too much coffee or caffeinated sodas can cause premature contractions even miscarriages. Remember, If you are addicted to any of these substances, your baby will be also. He or she will have to go through withdrawls after delivery.
Toxic fumes: Fumes from Paint thinners, fingernail polishs, hair perms and dyes, and many cleaners can harm the fetus even if they do not bother you. So please avoid them.
Drugs: Any drug you take, your baby takes. So please ask your doctor about any drug before taking it even if it is an over-the-counter madicine.
Cats: Cat may carry a disease called Toxoplasmosis. It can cause problems in newborn babies including mental retardation, growth failure, blindness, and deafness. To prevent this, avoid cleaning or changing the litter box. It may be wise if your cat did not sleep on your bed.
Raw meats: All meats and seafoods need to be fully cooked. That rare steak or oyster bar may not be a good idea at this time. Save it for after delivery.

Foods to Avoid:

   *- Liver contains large amounts of vit A and should be              avoided.
   *- Kid cereals contain large amounts of Vit A. Restrict             their use.
   *- In short, the daily Vit A intake should be not be more            than 8,000 IU a day.

What About Excercises?

Safe excercises:
      - Yoga and stretching
      - Swimming
      - bicycling (stationary)
      - Stair stepping
      - Walking
Unsafe excercises:
      - Boxing and martial arts
      - Scuba diving
      - Sky diving
      - High altitude climbing
      - Skiing (water or snow)
Do Not Excercise if you :
     - Have problems with early                  labor.
      - Have high BP, thyroid or lung           problems.
      - Have vaginal bleeding.
      - Are anemic
      - Have any leak of amniotic                fluid
      - Are a "high risk" pregnancy
      - Or your doctor tells you not              to.

Excercise Tips

- excercise daily.
- Drink lots of water
- Avoid bouncy or jerking                   excercises.
- Don't over heat.
- No hot tubs or saunas
- No competative excercises
- Don't excercise while lying on you    back
- No weight lifting, straining or           holding your breath.

28 Weeks to go !