What’s Happening With Mom?
Your uterus is growing rapidly and pressing on your bladder. That’s why you need to urinate more often. Dehydration can be dangerous, so don’t skimp on drinking to avoid peeing. Get used to knowing where the nearest bathroom is. That will serve you well these nine months and for the the first several years of your baby and toddler’s life. Right now, you have an embryo, but it won’t be long before you have a toddler saying “Mommy I need to pee. NOW!”
Right now, you might be feeling very emotional. If you ever meet someone who looks perplexed and annoyed and delighted and who asks you where the nearest restroom is, she’s probably 8 weeks pregnant.
There are lots of emotions and changing emotions to come. Pregnancy is a major life change, and your wildly changing hormones will not help. Expect to start crying when you can’t find your car keys, being ridiculously happy over the free toy in the cereal box , and mood swings are very normal.
Perhaps you expected to feel all positive emotions, and most of us are feeling excitement and joy. But many moms feel negative emotions too. You might be fearful of labor, of miscarriage, about your baby’s heath. You might be anxious if you will be a good mom. And there’s lots you might be worried about – money, work, doctor’s bills, your family’s reaction, and how the new baby will affect your life, your partner, and your other children. Talking with family, friends, your partner, other moms, and your doctor will help you to deal with what’s on your mind.
And what about dad’s emotions? Your baby’s father will be having his own set of emotions, some similar to yours, some very different. He could be feeling excitement, denial, pride, anger, ecstasy, fear, surprise. Men often take longer to absorb the news than we do, so if your baby’s father looks like he is in shock, or seems withdrawn, give him a little space and soon he’ll be as excited as you are.
What’s Happening With Baby?
With major structures in place, details start to form. This week, your baby’s intestines are taking shape, eyelids cover baby’s eyes, and tiny fingers and toes are growing. Those little piggies are webbed at this stage, but rest assured, it’s still a baby, not a duck.
Baby’s wrists, ankles, shoulders and elbows are formed and incredibly, your baby may even be able to move those brand new joints. It won’t be long before that flexibility will turn into kicking.
Baby’s heartbeat is getting stronger and more regular, and beating at about 150 beats per minute.
Your little duckling is growing steadily, and is now 1/2 inch long.
Tags: ankles, dad, Dehydration, elbows, embryo, eyelids, fingers, First Trimester, frequent urination, hormones, miscarriage, mood swings, shoulders, toes, wrists
