14 Weeks of Pregnancy (Your Baby & Pregnancy)
How big is my baby?
This week your baby is about 80-89mm in length and weighs approximately 25 grams (0.9 ounces). The head is now about one third of your baby's whole length, and the neck continues to get longer, meaning that the chin no longer rests on the chest.
The placenta has fully developed, and it's rich network of blood vessels is functioning as your baby's life support system. The placenta also manufactures some of the pregnancy hormones.
The umbilical cord is also completely mature and is made up of three entwined blood vessels (covered by a fatty layer). The large vein of the umbilical cord carries nourishment and oxygen rich blood to the fetus, while the two smaller arteries are responsible for carrying waste products and carbon dioxide from the fetus to the placenta, which then processes waste. The placenta also passes on antibodies that help fight infections from the mother to the fetus.
It is important to note that a large proportion of what the mother consumes is passed to the fetus this way, including, drugs and alcohol.
Your baby's circulation continues to develop and he/she can now swallow amniotic fluid, which is excreted as urine. Your baby starts to establish a sucking reflex, and exercises the muscles that will help him/her to swallow and breath after birth.
The profile of your baby is now more human, and features such as chin, forehead and nose are more clearly defined. Fingers and toes are becoming fully formed and the external genitals differentiate.
By the end of this week, your baby is fully formed. From here, he/she needs to mature. When provoked (eg by prodding of your abdomen), your baby will respond with active movements, however you still can't feel your baby moving yet.
What pregnancy symptoms will I be experiencing?
If you are healthy, under 35 and have no hereditary or genetic problems in your family, it is unlikely you will need to undergo any of the special pregnancy tests. There are a number of special tests that may / can be performed:
if you request them
if your doctor suspects there is a problem, or
if you are over a certain age
Modern testing enables the early detection of abnormalities for those considered to be in a risk category. Early detection of serious abnormalities gives you the opportunity to decide whether or not to progress with your pregnancy. One of the special tests that can be performed between weeks 14 and 16 is:
Amniocentesis - this test can be performed between Week 14 and Week 16 to test for chromosomal abnormalities, inherited disorders, fetal maturity and neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It involves passing a hollow needle through the Mother's abdomen into the amniotic sac to extract a small amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid inside the amniotic sac in which the baby floats).
The risk of miscarriage from amniocentesis is lower than CVS testing. When an experienced doctor performs an amnio, the risk of miscarriage is one in 100 or lower. These stats include miscarriages that may have occurred anyway without the test. Common symptoms after the test include tightening of the uterus and soreness. Women are advised to take it easy for a few days after the test.
You may start to notice that moles, freckles and small tags of skin appear, or grow and change during pregnancy. If you notice any changes in a mole, it's best to have it checked by your health care practitioner.
15 Weeks of Pregnancy (Your Baby & Pregnancy)
How big is my baby?
This week your baby is about 93-104mm (3.7-4.1 inches) in length and weighs approximately 50 grams (1.75 ounces). The fetus continues to grow rapidly, and is starting to look more and more like a baby. The external ears and eyes well developed, and lanugo (a fine, downy hair) covers the body. As the neck further extends and the chin becomes prominent, the head becomes well defined. Your baby may start to suck its thumb.
What pregnancy symptoms will I be experiencing?
By now you will be able to see some external signs of pregnancy, as your ordinary clothes might not fit and you may need to start wearing maternity clothes.
It is important to maintain a regular, daily exercise routine during pregnancy. Walking, swimming and yoga are particularly recommended. In addition, there are a few exercises that can improve backache and suppleness during pregnancy. These include:
Pelvic rocking - standing with your feet at shoulder width (or slightly wider) and your hands on your hips, gently sway your pelvis from front to back and then gently in a full circle, keeping your upper body still. If you are having trouble grasping this, consult your health care professional.
Hips - it is good to spend a little time sitting on the floor. You can sit crossed legged, or try sitting upright with the soles of your feet together and knees pointing out to the side, and feet as close as possible to the body and then push the knees towards the floor.
Pelvic floor exercises - this is the most important exercise that you can do throughout life, and most especially during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of your baby. In a lying down or sitting position, close the back passage by drawing it in as if to avoid passing wind. Count to four then relax. Do this as often as possible, at least several times per day.
16 Weeks of Pregnancy (Your Baby & Pregnancy)
How big is my baby?
This week your baby is approximately 11-12cm (4.3-4.6 inches) long and weighs about 80 grams (2.8 ounces).
All embryos start off looking much the same, as far as outward appearances are concerned, but this week sexual differentiation is more definite. Your baby's legs are now longer than it's arms, and they are moving around. It may be possible to feel your baby move (described as "quickening") but don't worry if you haven't felt movement yet - it will happen some time between week 16 and week 20.
What pregnancy symptoms will I be experiencing?
You may start to feel the baby move from now (termed quickening), although this is more common in women who have had previous children. The majority of women will start to feel movements some time between Week 16 and Week 20. The baby's movements are described by many women as a "flutter". Some women will say that it took a little while for them to realise that they were feeling the flutter.
If you are healthy, under 35 and have no hereditary or genetic problems in your family, it is unlikely you will need to undergo any of the special pregnancy tests. There are a number of special tests that may / can be performed:
if you request them
if your doctor suspects there is a problem, or
if you are over a certain age
Modern testing enables the early detection of abnormalities for those considered to be in a risk category. Early detection of serious abnormalities gives you the opportunity to decide whether or not to progress with your pregnancy. Two of the special tests that can be performed at around Week 16 are:
AFP Test - this is a blood test that may be performed at around Week 16 to screen for an increased risk of neural tube defect, or spina bifida (an abnormality in the formation of the spine). The test measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein, a protein manufactured in the baby's liver, which then passes into your bloodstream. A high level of AFP in your blood can indicate a neural tube defect. Too much AFP in the blood occurs in three in 100 women, but don't panic because there can also be other reasons for high AFP levels. It might mean that you are having twins, or that your pregnancy is further along than you thought. It doesn't necessarily mean the baby is affected, but it will probably be suggested that you have an amniocentesis for more definite results. If, on the other hand, your AFP level is very low (this happens in less than five in 100 pregnancies), the levels of two other hormones may also be measured. This is called a triple screening (see below).
Triple Screen Test / The Bart's Test - this test is a triple blood test that can be performed at around Week 16 to screen maternal blood for evidence of an increased risk of Down's syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities. The test measures AFP, hCG and oestriol levels. If the result shows a high risk then you can decide whether to have an amniocentesis.
17 Weeks of Pregnancy (Your Baby & Pregnancy)
How big is my baby?
This week your baby is about 11-12cm (4.4-4.8 inches) in length and weighs approximately 100 grams (3.5 ounces).
Fat begins to form on the fetus from this week and aids in heat production and metabolism.
What pregnancy symptoms will I be experiencing?
By the start of week 17 you will be noticing an increase in the size of your abdomen. Some people may still be able to get by wearing looser clothing, while others will be wearing maternity clothes. You may also be able to feel the top of your uterus just below your umbilicus (belly button), especially when you are standing. Some women experience ligament-stretching discomfort, which occurs as the uterus increases in size. This is called round ligament pain and is quite normal, but can be uncomfortable at times.
Antenatal (pregnancy and birth) classes are available to all pregnant women and their partners. They are recommended, especially for first time parents. The classes cover many topics associated with your pregnancy, birth and beyond, including labour and birth and changing nappies. Most hospitals provide antenatal classes but they tend to get fully booked very quickly, so it is advised that you book in for classes at your first antenatal visit. Private classes are also available. Your health care professional will be able to provide more information.
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