PREGNANCY
Month Five (18 to 22 weeks)
Step into the exhilarating heart of your pregnancy journey—the second trimester! Spanning weeks 13 to 27, this phase is where the magic truly unfolds. It's a pivotal moment for both you and your baby, as you start to feel a newfound sense of vitality and your bump becomes a beautiful badge of motherhood. Within you, your little one is busy blossoming, with all organs and systems now fully formed, ready to start on a rapid journey of growth in both length and weight.
How is your baby developing?
Your little one is flourishing during this exciting phase of rapid growth. At this stage, your baby measures approximately 10 inches in length, akin to the size of a banana, and weighs around 12 ounces. As development progresses, your baby begins to ingest amniotic fluid, aiding in the maturation of the intestinal tract while also producing bile. This period marks a significant milestone as bones harden, muscles strengthen, and fetal movements intensify, potentially leading to those first delightful sensations of kicking and squirming. Moreover, the inner ear is developing, allowing your baby to start perceiving sounds from the outside world. While your baby starts to establish sleep patterns, be prepared for occasional nocturnal movements that may gently nudge you awake. It's a remarkable time of growth and anticipation as your baby continues to thrive within the cozy confines of your womb.
What are the changes happening to you?
Emotional and Hormonal
As you progress through this stage, the placenta steps up its hormone production, taking responsibility for the changes necessary for your baby's development. With the placenta taking the reins, you may find yourself experiencing a sense of relief from the hormonal fluctuations from earlier stages of pregnancy. This stability often brings about a profound sense of serenity, paving the way for a deeper bond with your growing baby. As your body adjusts to the hormonal changes, you may notice a welcomed decrease in emotional fluctuations, allowing you to embrace this time better.
Physical
As your pregnancy progresses, your baby bump will become more pronounced, providing ample space for your little one to stretch, kick, and make their presence known with gentle nudges. Alongside these movements, you may notice an increase in body fluids, leading to water retention and swelling, as well as a more noticeable gain in weight. Sensitivity in your nipples and the protrusion of your belly button are common occurrences as your baby continues to grow. To accommodate these changes, consider adjusting your wardrobe to prioritize comfort with clothing and shoes that allow you to move freely and comfortably throughout the day.
What do you need to do?
As you progress through your pregnancy, heightened water retention may lead to an increase in blood pressure, a factor worth monitoring, particularly if you experience symptoms like blurry or double vision and headaches. Additionally, there's an increased risk of gestational diabetes, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ins with your healthcare provider. During these appointments, your provider may assess the size and height of your uterus, conduct urine tests to screen for infection, sugar levels, and protein, and perform a vaginal culture to detect yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. While your provider may offer opportunities for ultrasound scans or listening to your baby's heartbeat via the doppler, it's prudent to acknowledge the ongoing debate surrounding the safety of these procedures.
Mothers2B Nutritional and Supplement Support
For a comprehensive list of supplements we recommend during this time and to order, see our Mothers2B Pregnancy protocol in our shop.
PREGNANCY
Your highlight nutrients for this month are:
Amino Acids
EFA’s
B Vitamins
Zinc
Calcium
Magnesium
To download Understanding Nutrients, purchase our ebook by clicking here.
PREGNANCY
Mothers2B FREE recipe of the month
Tomato and Shallot Roasted Salmon with Brussels Sprouts and Purple Potatoes
This recipe is high in protein, vitamins and healthy fats, making it a perfect meal for you and your growing babe. It focuses on some of our highlight nutrients for the month making it perfect for these few weeks of pregnancy.
