Watermelon Wonders During Pregnancy

Tonight, my husband sliced up some watermelons for dinner. I was just wondering what nutrients I can get from this fruit and what it can contribute to the body during pregnancy so I made I research and I was surprised to know its wonders... :)

Helpful facts it contributes to mommy and baby during pregnancy:

1. Watermelon eases heartburn and reduces swelling; its high water content (92 percent) and fruit sugars alleviate morning sickness and dehydration.

2. The minerals it contains can help prevent third-trimester muscle cramps.

3. Ounce for ounce, watermelon is richer than tomatoes in lycopene and that daily lycopene supplements reduced the incidence of preeclampsia by 50 percent.

4. Watermelon is packed with potassium that regulates water balance in the blood and body tissues during pregnancy. And you get all these benefits for less than 50 calories per cup.

5. Some pregnant women swear that watermelon is all they can keep down when morning sickness kicks in.

6. Scientists have discovered that watermelon is packed with vitamins A, C and B6, as well as potassium and magnesium. These nutrients are important for the development of your baby's vision, brain, nervous and immune systems, and more.


More than just a pretty pink fruit, juicy watermelon can soothe morning sickness, help you stay hydrated and build a healthy baby.

Data Source: Fit Pregnancy - http://www.fitpregnancy.com/nutrition-recipes/prenatal-nutrition/watermelon-wonders

Flutters, Flutters!

Just this morning around 7 while I am in front of the computer, I sneeze so hard that I felt a bit stretching pain on my abdomen. After a few seconds, I felt my baby move on my tummy. Such a wonderful feeling! Though I have already felt movements earlier at around 12 weeks but not as longer as what I felt this morning. Baby fluttering for like 15 seconds. I'm so happy! Thanks be to God!

2nd Trimester Here I Go! :D

Today, May 6, 2013, is the beginning of my 2nd trimester as I'm on my 13 weeks. As I've read this trimester is usually when women will feel their best as they grow out of the early signs of pregnancy and start to have more energy that's why this trimester is also called the "honeymoon of pregnancy" and many other annoying symptoms, like food aversions and needing to pee so often will likely lessen, if not totally subside.

The placenta takes over producing hormones. Added, the risk of miscarriage is greatly reduced at this stage. It's possible to learn the sex of the baby within this trimester.

Thanks be to God that I'm already more than a third of the way through my pregnancy! :)


Baby Stage Development:

Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Child length: approximately 3.2 - 4.3 Inches (about the size of a lime)

Child weight: approximately 1.7 oz

At this stage: The palate closes. Ears move to the sides of the head. Fingerprints have formed on the baby's tiny fingertips. The baby's intestines are moving outside his body to inside his belly.

At this stage, the baby's body is starting to catch up with that oversized head, which makes up just a third of this or her body size now. Vocal chords are beginning to form and he's developing some serious reflexes in there, kicking, and jerking his arms around and he'll actually squirm if you prod your abdomen.

If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. The baby is also starting to form urine and discharge it into the amniotic fluid.

Data Source: Babycenter, Bounty, I'm Expecting, Baby Bump, Pregnancy Assistant and Pregnancy Guide

Saw My Baby Today! :)

So to keep track of the previous days, April 30 got my very first prenatal check up. I was with my husband, first part of the appointment was the interview wherein they asked me about previous histories like any allergies, diseases, how many pregnancies. I told them I had one full time and one miscarriage same year of 2009. I was also asked about how I gave birth to my first, I told them caesarean and the reason was that I have a small pelvic.

The second part was the blood screening were they took 4 cylinder containers of my blood they say for HIV test, preeclampsia, etc...

I thought I am going to hear the heartbeat but I was not given the chance so a bit sad as I actually can't wait for this day to come then afterwards will not be able to hear one. But when I was given the next prenatal check up appointment for May 16, I was surprised that I was also given an NT Screening which is dated today May 3 (Friday).

Thanks be to God, we were able to see the baby today inside the ultrasound room. The feeling was very overwhelming since my husband is with me and also Amber Jade, my daughter. All of us we're very excited to see the baby. The Sonographer was very accommodating and friendly.

We were given the chance to see the baby in every position. The head and face, the body, those little tiny hands and feet. Seems the baby is also excited to see us as she keeps on wiggling, always moving. We were told the baby is happy inside :) and also normal.

We were not able to know the gender yet as we were told it's not yet possible. Anyway, what matters was that she's healthy and happy.

Thanks be to God for this beautiful moment, such a wonderful blessing...

12 Weeks Today! 29-April-2013 :)

Inside the Womb at 12 Weeks

Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Child length: approximately 2.5 - 2.8 Inches (about the size of a lime)

Child weight: approximately 0.04 oz


At this stage: Fingers and toes have separated and hair and nails are starting to form. Baby's vocal cords also form this week. External genitalia have also developed and will begin showing signs of either the male or female sex.

At this stage, your baby is fully formed. Though its brains and organs will continue to grow and develop, it has all the necessary pieces. It started developing nerves and a spinal cord which allows him or her to feel some types of pain.

In addition, the kidneys begin to function as the baby starts swallowing amniotic fluid and passing it out as urine. Your baby's digestive tract is also strengthening. Most importantly, your baby's heart is beginning to pump several quarts of blood daily.


Days left to birth: 196

Due date: 11 November 2013

Data Sources: Baby Center, I'm Expecting by Medhelp & Pregnancy Assistant

Concerns:

For the past few weeks, I've been experiencing this lack of appetite in which I haven't experienced during my first pregnancy that most food I eat, I'm tasteless. Even my prenatal milk, I can't drink and also water, I really don't like it. I also have this bitter taste on my mouth that makes most of the food I eat not appealing to my taste buds.

Thank God this week, everything is starting to go back normal. I can feel my appetite coming into life again. Actually, I have been thinking of different variety of foods for the past couple of days. 


Tomorrow, April 30 (Tuesday), will be my very first prenatal check at last! Have been waiting for this since March and I feel so excited to hear my baby's heartbeat for the very first time. Can't wait!


  Happy Mommy! :)

8 Weeks & 3 Days (Constipation)

Days left to birth: 221

Due date: 11 November 2013

I just want to share what my concerns was yesterday. I was so constipated that I can no longer eat for more food or even drink. I also vomited twice. I was not even able to take my medicines.

I am also feeling cold inside, but after a few minutes, it subsided but afterwards feeling some shortness of breath. But I did had a good night sleep after throwing up, somewhat I was relieved.

I've read this article about constipation through babycentre and here's what they have to say about it and how you can handle it:

Source link: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a836/constipation-in-pregnancy

8 Weeks (Lower Back Pain)

Inside the Womb at 8 Weeks

Child length: approximately 1 inch (about the size of a raspberry)

Child weight: approximately 0.04 oz

At this stage: Eyes are covered with eyelids. Ears move sideways. The baby begins to move. It slowly gaining a more humanlike appearance.


The arms are longer and may be able to flex at the elbow and wrists. Internally, the baby's digestive tract, including its intestines, are beginning to grow. It's heartbeat is beating at a rapid 150 beats per minute.


Days left to birth: 224

Due date: 11 November 2013


Data Sources: Baby Center, I'm Expecting by Medhelp & Pregnancy Assistant

Concerns:
Lower back pain, some abdominal cramping and bloated gas

As with back pain, I've read this article from WebMD

And found also this treatments:

Some more tips I've read:

• If you need to pick something up from the ground, use your legs to squat rather than bend over.
• Don't wear high-heeled shoes.
• Don't sleep on your back.
• Wear support hose.

If your back pain persists, you may want to consult your  doctor to see what else you might try. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking pain medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for most women to take during pregnancy. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are not advised. In some cases, your doctor may recommend other pain medicines or muscle relaxants that are safe during pregnancy.

Source Link: http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/back-pain-in-pregnancy