Thankful For A Normal Anatomy Scan

   Today was a blessed rainy day! 😊 Together with my two kids, we went to the hospital for my scheduled anatomy scan. The two were so happy and excited while we were on the way knowing they will see their baby sister once again.

The Anatomy Scan

   Had my weight measured, blood pressure and urine test which were the usual routine for every antenatal visit. I now weigh 62.6 kilograms, wow! Last time I measured like around 59 kilograms only! 😊 That just simply mean that I am gaining more pounds in there, and that my baby is growing!

   

   My blood pressure was normal followed by a normal urine test, too. 

  The scan was performed by two doctors. I remember with my last pregnancy, had it performed by one doctor alone. For today, it was performed by the lady doctor first then followed by the male doctor who did the same monitoring and measuring of the baby. I think it is much better having it done by a team of two doctors so to give them a more accurate results on how the baby is developing in there, somewhat more reassurance, too, that everything is going exactly the way it should be.

   Thanks be to God, I'm so grateful to have been told everything was normal after the scan. It was the same male doctor who performed my previous ultrasound a month back. He told me once again that it's a baby girl, which was confirmed by the lady doctor afterwards.

   During the ultrasound, my two kids who were both seated beside me were happily giggling as the doctor points out at every baby part. When the doctor points to the head, they will say "there's the head!". :) Big brother Moses was paying close attention to every detail, when the doctor pointed at the baby's eyes, he was saying "I can't see it!". The Ultrasound room was filled with excitement, it was fun! 😊

Baby's loving big sister and brother! 👧💖👦

Happy big sister, while the sweet big brother is already in love with his baby sister... 😍

   Just to share, here is what anatomy scan is all about:

   These days, it's pretty much routine for women in their second trimester to be scheduled for a level 2 ultrasound, commonly called the 20-week anatomy scan or what they also call the anomaly or morphology scan.

WHO A LEVEL 2 ULTRASOUND IS FOR

Virtually all practitioners order an ultrasound anatomy scan for all their moms-to-be. Even if you had a first-trimester (level 1) sonogram to confirm or date your pregnancy, or as part of a first-trimester screening test, the more detailed level 2 sonogram is important because of all the additional valuable information it gives your practitioner about what's going on with your baby.

An Ultrasound Room

WHEN A LEVEL 2 ULTRASOUND IS DONE

Most anatomy scans are performed in the second trimester of pregnancy, typically at 20 weeks but they can be done anytime between 18 weeks and 22 weeks. If you have a condition that needs to be monitored (such as carrying multiples), you may have more than one detailed ultrasound.

HOW A LEVEL 2 ULTRASOUND IS DONE

To get the most comprehensive anatomy assessment, the sonographer will be aiming for many different views from lots of different angles. When the technician gets a clear shot, he or she will freeze-frame the picture (that's the actual sonogram) and then measure a specific part of the body. During the scan, you may be able to spot your baby's beating heart, the curve of the spine, and the face, arms and legs. You may even catch sight of your baby sucking a thumb.

You'll recline on an exam table with your tummy exposed, and a sonographer will apply gel and then move a wand (transducer) over your abdomen. As sound waves emitted from the transducer bounce off internal organs and fluids inside, a computer converts them into a 2-dimensional image (or cross-sectional view) of the fetus on a screen. Sometimes 3D or even 4D ultrasound technology is used instead of 2D.

Settle in to enjoy the show: The detailed level 2 scan can take 30 to 45 minutes (depending on how cooperative your little one wants to be).

WHAT A LEVEL 2 ULTRASOUND LOOKS AT

A level 2 ultrasound focuses closely on fetal anatomy to be sure everything is growing and developing as it should; images are much clearer and more detailed than the fuzzy ultrasound you got in your first trimester. Your baby will be measured from crown to rump, around the middle, and around the head, and his or her weight will be estimated. The four chambers of the heart will be looked at, as well as the kidneys, bladder, stomach, brain, spine and sex organs. The sonographer will also be looking at your amniotic fluid levels, the location of the placenta and fetal heart rate.

A level 2 scan also checks for hard and soft markers, characteristics that may indicate an increased risk of a chromosomal abnormality. Important to know before you head into your scan: Very few babies showing soft markers (choroid plexus cyst, echogenic foci or pyelectasia, to name an unpronounceable few) end up having an abnormality. In fact, these markers are spotted on as many as 11 to 17 percent of all healthy babies — good reason not to worry if one is spotted on your baby's scan. Your practitioner will let you know whether any follow-up testing is necessary (it often isn't).

Be aware that a level 2 ultrasound can also tell you the sex of your baby if you haven't already found out through noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or a CVS, though with less than 100 percent reliability and depending on baby's cooperation. Remember: Be sure to tell your sonographer if you don't want to know!

RISKS

There are no significant risks associated with ultrasounds, though medical guidelines caution against unnecessary exposure to ultrasound — which is why your practitioner will schedule only a handful of them throughout your pregnancy. If you're concerned about the upcoming picture show (and what those grainy images reveal), talk to your practitioner about what he or she is looking for. Chances are you'll come away enlightened (and relieved).

Data Sources: What To Expect -> https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/prenatal-testing-level-two-ultrasound-anatomy-scan/

Photo courtesy of:

-> http://aboutspinabifida.blogspot.hk/2012/06/prenatal-testing-diagnosis.html

-> http://www.womensultrasound.com.au/detection-of-down-syndrome-with-ultrasound-at-12-weeks-of-pregnancy.html

-> http://theleakyboob.com/tag/ultrasound/

21 Weeks! A Handful Of Happiness, A Heartful Of Love 💖

    Just turned 21 weeks pregnant yesterday. I feel like days are going so fast especially at 2nd trimester. Have been feeling stronger baby movements here and there lately, too! Every time, I share this wonderful moment with my two kids and both are always happy and excited to feel their little baby sister. :)

   God willing this Tuesday, 18th of July, I will be having my structural scan. Together, we're all excited to see our precious cutie once again! 

   To share, this scan takes a closer look at the baby and the uterus (womb). The person carrying out the scan (sonographer) will check that the baby is developing normally, and will then look at where the placenta is lying in the uterus. This detailed ultrasound scan, sometimes called the mid-pregnancy or 20-weekscan, also known as "Morphology or Anatomy Ultrasound" is usually carried out when you are between 18 and 21 weeks pregnant.

My 21 weeks baby bump! 😍

 A bun in my oven :)

💖  With my little girl! A handful of happiness, a heartful of love💖

Hi there my baby! 💖

   Let's take a peek on what's happening this week:

Inside the Womb at 21 Weeks

Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Photo courtesy of The Bump

Baby on day 148 - Photo courtesy of Nurture App

Photo courtesy of The Parent

Photo courtesy of Pregnancy App

Photo courtesy of Your Baby Library

Child length: approximately 10.5 inches (about the size of a carrot)

Child weight: 12.7 oz

At this stage: Wondering what’s going on with your 21-week fetus? Your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, while hair on the scalp becomes more visible. This is perhaps the most wonderful milestone this week, as it makes your baby look even more real. 

Thinking if your baby can see by this point? The eyes are still closed this week, but they are rather sensitive to light, and may look away when you flash bright light in your abdomen.

In other developments, the fingernails now completely cover the tips of your baby's fingers, but they're still not long enough. Your baby's circulatory system is fully functional by now.

Your baby's taste buds develop. Speaking of carrots, if you eat one this week, there's a good chance your baby will taste it too. That's because when you're 21 weeks pregnant, your baby swallows a bit of amniotic fluid each day — not only for nutrition and hydration, but also to practice swallowing and digesting, skills he'll need as soon as he arrives in your arms. And keep this in mind: The taste of the amniotic fluid differs from day to day depending on what you've eaten (spicy enchilada one day, sweet banana the next).

If you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form. As baby's digestive system preps for the outside world, he or she's manufacturing meconium—the tarry black substance you'll find in the first dirty diaper.

Part of your baby's growth spurt at this point is likely because his stomach is now equipped to start absorbing energy-boosting nutrients from the amniotic fluid he's swallowing in there. Most of your baby's nourishment is still coming directly from the placenta, though.Baby's getting coordinated, your little action figure is able to choreograph Matrix-like moves at 21 weeks pregnant. Arms and legs are finally in proportion, neurons are now connected between the brain and muscles and cartilage throughout the body is turning to bone. All these upgrades combine to give your baby more control over limb movements, which explains all that kicking, stretching and bodysurfing (or rather bellysurfing) you may have started feeling.

You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. Sleeping patterns start to form at this week, too, as your child learns to sleep a whopping 20 hours a day!

Your Body

21 WEEKS PREGNANT BELLY

This week, you may look in the mirror and wonder, “Where did I go?!” By the time you reach 21 weeks pregnant, you may have gained around 13 to 14 pounds, and around 21 pounds if you’re 21 weeks pregnant with twins.

Your newfound curves might have you feeling super sexy and confident—after all, you’re the center of attention wherever you go! But the extra weight also might have you feeling… fat. (You’re not—you’re pregnant!) Remind yourself, you’re supposed to be gaining this weight! It’s good for you and for baby.

In fact, all the weight you gain during pregnancy isn’t just padding for baby—it all serves a really important purpose. Here’s a logical way to think of it: Of the approximately 30 pounds you’ll gain throughout your pregnancy, there’s a whole lot more than fat. Here’s what makes up that weight:

An average full-term baby = 7.5 pounds

Placenta = 1.5 pounds

Uterus = 2 pounds

Amniotic fluid = 2 pounds

Maternal stores of fat, protein, and other nutrients (needed for breastfeeding!) = 7 pounds

Breast tissue (also for BFing, of course) = 2 pounds

Increased fluid volume = 4 pounds

Increased blood volume = 4 pounds

See? All those pounds are doing a lot of good, keeping baby alive and healthy—and storing up good stuff to nourish him or her after birth.

Any time you’re feeling a little meh about your body, think of all the amazing things it’s doing! Now, at 21 weeks, fetal movement is noticeable—and baby has reflexes too! If you gently press your palm on your belly, you might feel a little push back. So cool!

Days left to birth: 133 days left (53% of your pregnancy is completed)

Due date: 23 November 2017

Data Sources: Babycenter, The Bump, What To Expect, Parents.com, Due Date Calculator (YourDueDate.com), What To Expect, Pregnancy App

At 19 Weeks! Almost Half Way There! :)

   My precious turned 19 weeks today. This week, I always feel her movements more like butterfly sensations in my lower abdomen. Can't wait to feel more stronger movements in the coming weeks!

Almost half way there! 😍

 💖  With my little girl! 💖

   Compared with my previous pregnancy, I'm more energetic for this current one. Thanks be to God! With my second one, I always felt exhausted most of the time. Maybe taking my kids to school everyday somewhat helps. My two kids don't have the same school so every time, after I dropped my eldest (by bus) to her school, I then have to take my second one to his school afterwards (both in the afternoon class). As we still have ample time, we just walk then going to his school (like around 10-15 minutes)

   I have read that walking during pregnancy keeps you fit. It is one of the best cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women.

  To share by the way, had my antenatal check-up last 20th of June, I was 17 weeks and 5 days then. Surprisingly also found out my baby's gender! My kids were with me, it's a very exciting day for us! As soon as the doctor started doing the ultrasound, they were already asking if it's a boy or a girl. Wish granted for the two who both really wanted to have a baby girl. We're so happy! It was an amazing feeling! :)

It's a girl! Big sister Amber still in awe after the ultrasound ^_^

   From the start of this pregnancy, I have a strong feeling that I was having a baby girl. It was just like few years ago when I was pregnant with my second one, I knew it right away that I'm having a baby boy.

   I can say that with my pregnancies, I have proven that the shape of a belly doesn't indicate that you're having a boy or a girl. With my first, I had a pointed belly which others say indicates I'm carrying a boy, but ended up having a baby girl back then. Second one, had a round bump which others say I was having a girl and turned out it was a boy. Now with this pregnancy, I'm having a pointed belly same with my first pregnancy, and once again, I'm having a baby girl. Maybe, it's the other way around for me! :)

   A mother's intuition knows best, just follow your gut feeling! Added, I have read from the web that studies have shown that a mother's intuition about her baby's gender is correct approximately 70% of the time. 

   It doesn't matter anyway if you are having a boy a girl, as long as the baby is healthy that's the most important thing for me. You will love the baby regardless of the gender.

Mom in waiting...💖

   Lastly, let's take a peek on what's happening this week:

Inside the Womb at 19 Weeks

Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Photo courtesy of The Bump

Photo courtesy of The Parent

Child length: approximately 6 Inches (about the size of a mango)

Child weight: 8.5 oz

At this stage: Your 19-week fetus is developing a protective coating over his or her skin called vernix caseosa. It's greasy and white and you may see some of it at birth. (vernix is the Latin word for "varnish"; caseosa means "cheese") now covers your fetus' skin. It's greasy, white and made up of lanugo (that downy hair), oil from your baby's glands and dead skin cells. This waxy "cheese" may not sound too appealing, but it's there for good reason: Vernix protects your baby's sensitive skin from the surrounding amniotic fluid. Without it, she'd look very wrinkled at birth (sort of what you'd look like if you soaked in a bath for nine months). The vernix sheds as delivery approaches, though some babies — especially those born early — will still be covered with it at birth, so you might get a look at your baby's first anti-wrinkle cream.

Baby's sensory development is exploding! At 19 weeks, the baby is also working on his or her on five senses. Yep, nerve cells for sense of taste, hearing, sight, and smell are all developing in baby's brain. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Baby's legs and arms are continuing to develop and add muscle. You may be able feel your baby's movements now, or within the next week or two.

Baby's kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on her scalp is sprouting.

If you're carrying a girl, she already has roughly six million eggs in her ovaries, but this number is decreasing. At birth, she'll have about one million eggs.

Your Body

Whoa! Did you feel that? At 19 weeks pregnant, baby’s movement inside your belly is probably becoming noticeable to you. Of course, like with showing, this phenomenon happens earlier for some women than it does for others. Right now, these tiny movements probably feel more like taps or flutters or even gas but they’ll grow stronger over the next few weeks. Of course, it will be a bit more time before your partner or anyone else can feel those kicks. Until then, enjoy this little thing that’s just between you and baby. You two are bonding already.

The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight.

Days left to birth: 147 days left (48% of your pregnancy is completed)

Due date: 23 November 2017

Data Sources: Babycenter, The Bump, What To Expect, Parents.com, Due Date Calculator (YourDueDate.com), What To Expect, Pregnancy App

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

   Yesterday morning, I had my oral glucose tolerance test. I was in the hospital for almost 3 hours. When I was pregnant with Moses, I had it done around 29 weeks. This time had the test done earlier due to my age (for pregnant women ages 35 and up).

Very sweet glucose (aka sugar) drink

  I will repeat the test once again sometime in August (they do it twice for pregnant women who are 35 years of age and up).


   There will be fasting from 12 midnight on the day of the test - no food or drink. Only water is allowed.

   The test procedure was they took a first blood sample, then I was given a 75 grams of glucose drink, it was then followed by further blood samples 2 hours after the drink. I was then allowed to eat and drink immediately after the last blood sample was taken.

   For those who still don't have an idea or knowledge what this test is and why it is necessary for a pregnant woman to undergo through, here is an information from Babycenter:


My practitioner says I need a glucose screen. Why?
Most healthcare practitioners routinely recommend a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes, a high blood sugar condition that some women get during pregnancy.

Like any screening test, this one won't give you a diagnosis – it's designed to identify as many women as possible who may have a problem and need more testing to find out. So a positive result doesn't mean that you have gestational diabetes. In fact, only about a third of women who test positive on the glucose screen actually have the condition. To find out whether you're one of them, you'll have to undergo a longer, more definitive exam called a glucose tolerance test (GTT).

Between 2 and 5 percent of expectant mothers develop gestational diabetes, making it one of the most common health problems during pregnancy. And because the condition rarely causes any symptoms, testing is the only way to find out whether you have it.

Your practitioner may want you to be screened earlier than 24 weeks if a routine urine test shows a high amount of sugar in your urine or if you're considered at high risk. If the results are normal, you'll be screened again at 24 to 28 weeks.

Of course, if you were already diagnosed with diabetes before pregnancy, you won't need to be screened. Instead, you'll continue to work with your practitioner to manage your condition during pregnancy.

How is the screening test done?

Photo courtesy of www.ladycarehealth.com

When you arrive for the test, you'll be given a sugar solution that contains 50 grams of glucose. The stuff tastes like a very sweet soda pop (it comes in cola, orange, or lime flavor), and you have to get all of it down in five minutes. Some centers keep it chilled or let you pour it over ice and drink it cold.

An hour later (bring a book or magazine!), your practitioner or a technician will take a blood sample from your arm to check your blood sugar level. The idea is to see how efficiently your body processes sugar. The results should be available in a few days.

With my test yesterday, I'd waited for 2 hours after drinking the glucose water.

If the reading is too high, which happens 15 to 23 percent of the time, your practitioner will have you come back for a three-hour glucose tolerance test to see whether you really do have gestational diabetes. The good news is that most women whose screening test shows elevated blood sugar don't turn out to have gestational diabetes.


Will this test make me feel sick?

Photo courtesy of www.abeautyfullday.com

Some moms-to-be feel nauseated after drinking the glucose solution, and a few even throw up. It may help to eat something a few hours before the screening test. If you vomit soon after you've gotten the drink down, you'll have to come back another day and repeat the test. But most women get through it just fine.

It's actually more common for women to feel sick during the three-hour glucose tolerance test, because the solution for that test may be twice as sweet or contain twice as much liquid as the one for the screening test, and you have to drink it after fasting.
What is an abnormal blood glucose level?

Different practitioners use different standards for determining whether your level is too high. Some will say that if your one-hour blood sugar level is 140 milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood plasma (mg/dL) or more, you need to have the glucose tolerance test. Others put the cutoff at 130 mg/dL to catch more women who may have gestational diabetes, even though there are likely to be more false positives this way.

If your blood glucose level for this screening is higher than 200 mg/dL, most practitioners will consider you diabetic and you won't be required to take the glucose tolerance test. But any score between 140 and 200 means that you'll have to take the three-hour glucose tolerance test for a definite diagnosis.

What is the glucose tolerance test like?

For three days before the test, you'll be told to eat at least 150 grams of carbohydrate a day. If you eat a normal diet and have an extra piece of bread at each meal, you'll likely be getting enough carbs. For eight to 14 hours before the test, you can't eat or drink anything but sips of water (and you're not supposed to smoke or exercise either), so you'll want to schedule the test for first thing in the morning.

When you arrive for the test, the technician will take a blood sample to measure your fasting blood glucose level and then ask you to drink either a more concentrated dose or a larger volume of the glucose solution. Then brace yourself for three more arm pricks, as your blood is tested every hour for the next three hours. The technician should alternate arms each time your blood is drawn.

You'll definitely need something to distract you this time, because you'll have to stay seated in the waiting room when you're not getting your blood drawn. And bring something to eat right after your final blood sample is taken because you'll probably be starving.

If one of the readings is abnormal, you may have to take another test later in your pregnancy. Or your practitioner may ask you to make some changes in your diet and exercise routine.

If two or more of your readings are abnormal, you'll be diagnosed with gestational diabetes and you'll need to talk to your practitioner about a treatment plan. This chart shows the levels that the American Diabetes Association considers abnormal at each interval of the test:


Interval Abnormal reading
Fasting 95 mg/dl or higher
1 hour 180 mg/dl or higher
2 hours 155 mg/dl or higher
3 hours 140 mg/dl or higher

What happens if I'm diagnosed with gestational diabetes?

Photo courtesy of www.womenhealthzone.com

You'll work with your practitioner or a diabetes specialist and possibly a nutritionist to come up with a plan to manage your condition. Your high blood sugar should only last as long as your pregnancy – but a small number of women who develop diabetes during pregnancy still have it after delivery, so you'll have to take another glucose test six to eight weeks after your baby is born.

Data Source: Babycenter http://www.babycenter.com/0_glucose-screening-and-glucose-tolerance-tests_1483.bc

17 Weeks!

   My precious turned 17 weeks yesterday. Had my antenatal check-up last 9th of June, Friday. Heard for the first time my baby's heartbeat! :) Truly to hear a tiny little heart beating next to your very own is the most beautiful sound a mother could ever hear.

Always guarded by a sweet big brother! 

 💖 So precious! 💖

Weighting for you 💖

   Lately, have been feeling flutters here and there, and can't wait to feel more stronger movements soon.

   For now, let's take a peek on what's happening this week:

Inside the Womb at 17 Weeks

Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Photo courtesy of The Bump

Photo courtesy of The Parent

Child length: approximately 5.1 Inches (about the size of a pomegranate)

Child weight: 5.9 oz

At this stage: Your 17-week fetus is growing a stronger, thicker umbilical cord. Early eyebrows and eyelashes are starting to grow. Scalp hair is now present. The intestines begin to accumulate the products of metabolism, that is, the first pooh. Your baby is very active now. The arms and legs are moving a lot. The movements will get stronger as time goes by.

Baby's heart is now regulated by the brain (no more random beats) and is churning out 140 to 150 beats per minute — about twice as fast as yours. And since practice makes perfect, your baby is sharpening his sucking and swallowing skills in preparation for that first (and second…and third) suckle at your breast or the bottle. In fact, most of the survival reflexes your baby will have at birth are being perfected in utero right now. Your baby may even have a bout of hiccups.

Fingerprints are forming: Here's some proof that your baby is truly one of a kind (as if you needed any!). Within the next week or so, the pads on your baby's fingertips and toes will become adorned with completely individual swirls and creases, aka fingerprints.

Baby starts plumping up this week, as body fat is deposited under his skin and sweat glands develop and will continue to do so in the later months of your pregnancy. This will help prepare your baby for the temperature change from inside your womb to the outside world.

Finally, your baby's arms, legs, and trunk have caught up to the size of his head.  Also worth noting: The placenta is almost as big as your baby. It provides vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and oxygen, along with removing waste and filtering carbon dioxide.

Your Body

Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby. You'll also want to be sure to buckle up when you're in a car – keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, drawn snugly across your hips, and use the shoulder harness, which should fit snugly between your breasts.

Increased bodily fluids: Vaginal discharge, sweat, mucus, and other fluids are in full force because of your increased blood flow.

You may also notice your eyes becoming drier. Using over-the-counter lubricating drops may help. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, try wearing them for shorter stretches of time. If you still have discomfort, switch to glasses until after you give birth.

Days left to birth: 161 (43% of your pregnancy is completed)

Due date: 23 November 2017

Data Sources: Babycenter, The Bump, What To Expect, Parents.com, Due Date Calculator (YourDueDate.com), What To Expect

At 15 Weeks & 4 Days! :)

Inside the Womb at 15 Weeks

💖 My blooming belly! 💖

This is the journey of you and me, the special memories of my pregnancy. 

At 15 weeks 4 days today :)

💖 Labor or love 💖

Photo courtesy of BabyCenter

Photo courtesy of The Bump

Photo courtesy of The Parent

Photo courtesy of Your Baby Library

Child length: approximately 4 inches (about the size of an apple)

Child weight: approximately 2.5 oz/71 grams

At this stage: At 15 weeks, your baby is quickly growing bigger each week. By now, the ears are positioned properly on the sides of the head (they used to be in the neck) and the eyes are moving from the side of the head to the front of the face where they'll soon meet your loving gaze.

The most lovely change that happens in week 16 is that your baby's ears start to function now that they've settled into their final position on the sides of the head. This means your baby will be able to hear your voice! It's thought that babies can recognise voices at birth that they've heard frequently throughout the pregnancy, so if you and your partner get into the habit of including Baby in your conversations (as weird as it may seem!) your voices could provide some much needed comfort to your infant. You may even notice that your baby moves in the womb as a reaction to your voice!

Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam.

There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds.

She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. 

So what keeps your baby busy all day? Mostly, your fetus is in rehearsals - practice, practice, practicing and getting ready for that big debut. Babies work on breathing, sucking and swallowing so that when they leave your comfy womb and move into your comfy house, they'll have the skills necessary to survive. 

Your fetus is also holding daily aerobics classes, kicking, curling toes and moving those little arms and legs but because he doesn't weigh much yet (about two-and-a-half ounces), you won't feel the fetal movements going on inside your abdominal gym.

You'll probably feel your baby move sometime between 16 and 22 weeks, even though she started moving at 7 or 8 weeks. (You may have witnessed her acrobatics if you've had an ultrasound.)

If you have an ultrasound coming up, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl!

Your Body

   Now that you’re at 15 weeks pregnant, you’re probably feeling very high energy.

   The increasing weight of your baby might start to put some pressure on your back as you struggle to stay up straight! Staying off your feet as much as possible can help. Easier said than done, right? Especially if you already have a toddler running around at home!

  If you take a peek in the mirror, you might notice yet another set of strange pregnancy symptoms: Skin darkening, most commonly around your nipples, areolas, navel, armpits and inner thighs -- affects more than 90 percent of moms-to-be.

Days left to birth: 171 (39% of your pregnancy is completed)

Due date: 23 November 2017 (There are 171 days left until your due date)


Data Sources: Baby Center, Parents, The Bump, Due Date Calculator (YourDueDate.com), What To Expect