- Your Baby: Covered From Head to Toe
This week, your baby-to-be weighs in at an impressive 7.5 to 8 ounces (210 to 224 g) and measures 6 inches (15 cm) in length. Lanugo -- fine, downy hair -- covers the baby's skin and a white, waxy substance (vernix caseosa) protects it during its 9-month amniotic bath. Permanent teeth buds are taking shape behind the already formed milk teeth buds.
- Your Body: Showing for Sure
At this stage your abdomen is definitely getting bigger as your uterus is growing up and out to make room for the baby! It's a good time to look into childbirth classes so that you can start learning and practicing some breathing exercises.
You may be starting to feel a little dizzy at times. This is because your center of balance is changing. It will take time to get used to it. Also, dizziness is common with pregnancy. It's a result of low blood pressure that may occur from all the changes that are going on inside your body. Sometimes the growth of the uterus puts pressure on large blood vessels, which often happens when you lie down. It can also happen when you stand up too fast and the blood leaves your brain quickly. It is best to get out of bed by sitting up and dangling your legs off the side first, then standing up. You may also find that you have fewer episodes of dizziness if you rest or sleep on your side, rather than on your back. When you lie on your back, the pressure of the uterus on blood vessels may reduce blood flow to the baby and to your brain.
- On That Note: Time to Plan
Even if you and your spouse aren't gourmet cooks, it's a good idea to spend some time in the kitchen during the next few weeks. It's a good time to make and freeze a few of your favorite dishes now, while mom's energy level is high and you both have more time. Then, when life gets more hectic down the line, all one of you has to do to get dinner ready is fire up the microwave!