PREGNANCY
Month Four (13 to 17 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?
At 16 weeks, your baby is reaching the size of a plum, measuring around 5-6 inches in length and weighing in at 3-4 ounces. Those arms and legs are stretching out, and you might even feel the start of some gentle kicks or flutters by the end of the month. Baby's skin is still thin and translucent, with the beginnings of fine hair called lanugo. They may even start practicing breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid, causing those adorable tiny hiccups. It's an exciting time as your little one continues to grow and develop inside the comfort of your womb.
What are the changes happening to you?
Emotional
Many mothers may find themselves experiencing a sense of heightened excitement and anticipation as their pregnancy progresses. With the physical changes becoming more pronounced, there's often a growing connection to your baby. However, alongside this excitement, some may also experience moments of anxiety or worry as the reality of parenthood sets in. It's common to reflect on the future and the responsibilities that lie ahead. Overall, the emotional landscape of month four can be a blend of joy, anticipation, and occasional apprehension as the journey toward motherhood continues to unfold.
Physical
As your uterus ascends from your lower to upper abdomen, you'll likely experience a decrease in urination frequency, thanks to reduced pressure on the bladder. However, be mindful of increased vaginal discharge and seek medical advice if you notice soreness, excessive discharge, or any unusual odors. Additionally, consult your healthcare provider if you experience dizziness, faintness, or excessive bleeding gums.
On the brighter side, your nausea may have subsided, replaced by heightened hunger and cravings for a wider array of foods. It's important to maintain a nutritious diet with organic, seasonal, and locally sourced foods. Meanwhile, expect changes in your skin and nipples, including darkening, and widening and darkening of the areolas, all in preparation for breastfeeding. Stay attuned to these changes and remember to prioritize your well-being throughout this transformative journey.
Hormonal
During this period, the placenta takes on a more prominent role in hormone production, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen. These hormones work together to support the developing fetus and maintain the pregnancy. As estrogen levels rise, expectant mothers may notice changes in their skin, such as darkening or increased pigmentation. Additionally, progesterone levels remain elevated, aiding in the relaxation of smooth muscles and ligaments to accommodate the growing uterus.
What do you need to do?
If checks weren't done at 12 weeks, your healthcare provider may now assess the height and size of your uterus. This visit could include hearing your baby's heartbeat and possibly an ultrasound to view your baby. Weight, blood pressure, and urinalysis may also be monitored for infection, sugar, or protein. Your healthcare professional might recommend an AFP Screening blood test to assess Down's syndrome or spina bifida risk.
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:
Vitamin A
Choline
Vitamin C
Zinc
Calcium
Magnesium
To download Understanding Nutrients, purchase our ebook by clicking here.
PREGNANCY
Mothers2B FREE recipe of the month
A hearty, healthy, and easy-to-make skillet dinner with under 325 calories and 30g of protein per serving! The root vegetables are a great source of one of our nutrients for this month– vitamin A.