Baby Development Month by Month

A baby grows and develops an amazing amount in just nine months. Here’s a short summary of how your baby’s development occurs during pregnancy.
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Month 1 – Week 1-4

After an egg has been fertilized and implants into the uterine lining, a sac grows around it. This becomes the amniotic sac and will hold the amniotic fluid and cushion the embryo. The placenta also forms during this month. This will bring nutrition and support to the baby from the mother.
The face and eyes begin to develop, and the heart begins to beat. By the end of the 4th week, your baby will slightly smaller than a grain of rice! B vitamins play a crucial role in you and your baby’s development and your health during pregnancy. Vitamin B6 and Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) are especially important for early development, so make sure you are getting the right amounts of these.

Month 2 – Week 5-9

At two months pregnant, your baby’s face continues its development. Buds that will eventually be limbs begin to develop. Organs such as the brain, sensory organs, and the digestive tract begin to take shape. The cartilage in the embryo begins to be replaced by bone. By the end of the second month, your baby is about 1 inch long! After about 6 weeks, your baby’s heartbeat can be detected with an ultrasound. It is never too soon to start taking prenatal vitamins and omega 3’s and fish oil to help your baby have a healthy development. The American Pregnancy Association recommends Nordic Naturals’ selection of supplements including:

• Vitamin D3
• Omega-3D
• Ultimate Omega
• Children’s DHA Xtra
• Artic-D Cod Liver Oil

Month 3 – Week 10-14

The limbs, as well as the hands, feet, fingers, and toes, become well developed. The fingernails and toenails begin to form. The external ears and teeth begin their development as well. Though reproductive organs haven begun to form, they can’t yet be determined on an ultrasound or sonogram. By the end of the 3rd month, your baby is fully formed (with all organs and extremities present), he or she weighs about an ounce and is 4 inches long!
After the 3rd month of development, the chance of miscarriage drops considerably.

Month 4 – Week 15-19

Hair, eyelids, eyelashes, and nails become well developed. The heartbeat is now clearly audible through a Doppler instrument. The teeth become denser, and the baby begins to stretch, yawn and make other movements. The reproductive organs are now visible on an ultrasound. Your baby can now stretch, suck their thumb, yawn, and make super cute faces.

This is the month that his or her nervous system develops. Their reproductive system also fully develops meaning your doctor can tell you whether you are having a girl or boy via ultrasound. By the end of the 4th month, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs 4 ounces!

Month 5 – Week 20-24

This month you may start to feel the baby move. Hair growth continues on the baby’s head and body. The shoulders and back become covered with a thin hair called lanugo. A thick substance, called vernix caseosa, covers the skin to keep it protected from the exposure to amniotic fluid. This layer will shed before the baby is born. At the end of month 5, your baby is about 10 inches long and can weigh anywhere from .5 lbs – 1 lb!
If your baby is born prematurely after the 23rd week, he or she will be kept in the NICU for a better chance of survival.

Month 6 – Week 25-30

The skin is still translucent yet reddish and wrinkled. His or her fingerprints and toe prints become well developed. The baby’s eyelids become parted, and the eyes can be opened. Your baby will respond to external stimuli such as sounds by increasing their pulse or moving. This is when you may experience your baby’s hiccups in jerk-like motions. At the end of month 6, your baby is about 12 inches long and can weigh close to 2 lbs!

Month 7 – Week 26-29

During this month, your baby will continue to grow and develop the existing organs and systems. In addition, a layer of fat will begin to be stored. At this stage, hearing is fully developed. He or she will react to sound, pain, and light and often changes position. The amount of amniotic fluid that cushions the baby begins to decrease as the baby grows larger. At the end of this month, your baby is about 14 inches long and can weigh between 2 – 4 lbs!
If born prematurely after week 27, your baby has a better chance of survival.

Month 8 – Week 30-34

The baby continues to mature during this month, adding to fat stores and experiencing a rapid development of the brain. The baby can see at this stage and will begin to kick more. Most of the internal organs and systems are fully developed, but the lungs still need time to mature. By month 8, your baby is close to 18 inches long and can weigh close to 5 lbs!

Month 9 – Week 35-40+

The lungs become mature during this time in preparation for birth. Reflexes become more coordinated, allowing the baby to respond to sounds, blink, grasp, and turn his or her head. The baby may move less during the last few weeks and will move into a position for birth, with the head down near the birth canal. Your baby is now about 18-20 inches long and can weigh at least 7 lbs!

A Happy Momma = A Happy Baby

Pregnancy is such an exciting time for mom and baby. Getting plenty of rest, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding stress is especially important for you and baby. You can start bonding with your baby during pregnancy in several ways now. Below are some recommended books for you to learn more about how your body changes while your baby develops inside throughout pregnancy. Remember, a happy momma makes for a happy baby.

Recommended Books On Baby Development Month By Month and Pregnancy:

Before Birth: A week-by-week guide to your baby’s development during pregnancy

In the Womb: Witness the Journey from Conception to Birth with Astonishing 3D Images

A Child Is Born: Fourth Edition of the Beloved Classic–Completely Revised and Updated

Pregnancy Day By Day

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How is pregnancy calculated?

There can be confusion when discussing the way in which pregnancy is calculated. Since most women do not know when they conceived as it is difficult to know exactly when ovulation occurred, pregnancy is always determined from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Counting from your LMP, your pregnancy will last around 40 weeks. For more information on how pregnancy is measured, please see our information on calculating your dates.

What changes are occurring with your body during the 6th week of pregnancy?

Some pregnant women may notice that they have gained a few pounds by this point, while others may have actually lost weight. You may begin noticing changes in your breasts including tenderness, darkening of the areolas, and swelling. You may also begin experiencing heartburn, which is common during pregnancy. Some women experience light bleeding during pregnancy. This spotting (spots of blood on your underwear or toilet paper after using the restroom) may be accompanied by light cramping. This is not necessarily a reason for concern. However, you will want to monitor the spotting, and let your doctor know about it at your first appointment. You would also want to consult your doctor if the bleeding becomes heavy like a normal period or if the cramps are worse than normal period cramps. This could be a sign of a miscarriage.

What is happening with your baby during the 6th week of pregnancy?

Your baby is rapidly growing. The neural tube, from which the brain and spinal cord will develop, is closing along baby’s back.  The heart and other organs also are starting to form and the heart begins to beat. Development of the lungs, jaw, nose, and palate have begun. The hand and feet buds have webbed-like structures that will become the fingers and toes. A vaginal ultrasound may be able to detect an audible heartbeat at this time.

How big is your baby at six weeks?

Your baby is about ¾ of an inch (19.05 millimeters) in length.

What should you plan for during the 6th week of pregnancy?

Knowing your blood type and your partner’s blood type is important during pregnancy. Each person’s blood is one of four major types: 

• Type A
• Type B
• Type AB
• Type O

Blood types are determined by the types of antigens on the blood cells. Antigens are proteins on the surface of blood cells that can cause a response from the immune system. The Rh factor is a type of protein on the surface of red blood cells. Most people who have the Rh factor are Rh-positive. Those who do not have the Rh factor are Rh-negative. It is important to know your blood type because complications could occur if the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive.

Tips for making your pregnancy better

Some women complain that their prenatal vitamins make them sick to their stomachs. If you experience this, you may want to take them with food or at night before going to bed. If you continue to have problems tolerating your prenatal vitamins, consult your health care provider before stopping them completely.

Tips for mom’s partner

Your partner may be struggling with morning sickness, and you may feel completely helpless. However, you can help mom cope with nausea and vomiting that are common during the first trimester.  Suggest these natural options she can try to help ease the discomfort.

Other things that you could do that may be helpful include:

• Cooking (or ordering takeout!)
• Helping with the kitchen clean-up
• Grocery shopping
• Doing laundry
• Cleaning up around the house

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

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The following information is used as a general guide for healthy fetal development, although development may vary due to the mother’s health or a miscalculation of ovulation. Gestational age is the age of the pregnancy from the last normal menstrual period (LMP), and fetal age is the actual age of the growing baby.

Most references to pregnancy are usually in gestational age rather than fetal age development, but we have included both so it is clear you’re clear about your baby’s development.

Measurements will be given in total length from head to toe, but each pregnancy can differ in weight and length measurements, and these are just a general guideline.
Pregnancy is also divided into trimesters which last about 12 – 14 weeks each. Similar to development, these can be calculated from different dates so not all trimester calculations will equal the same. The following information divides the three trimesters into a little over 3 completed months each.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, and the Society for Maternal–Fetal Medicine make the following recommendations regarding the method for estimating gestational age and due date:

Ultrasound measurement of the embryo or fetus in the first trimester (up to and including 13 6/7 weeks of gestation) is the most accurate method to establish or confirm gestational age.

If pregnancy resulted from assisted reproductive technology (ART), the ART-derived gestational age should be used to assign the estimated due date (EDD). For instance, the EDD for a pregnancy that resulted from in vitro fertilization should be assigned using the age of the embryo and the date of transfer.

As soon as data from the last menstrual period (LMP), the first accurate ultrasound examination, or both are obtained, the gestational age and the EDD should be determined, discussed with the patient, and documented clearly in the medical record. Subsequent changes to the EDD should be reserved for rare circumstances, discussed with the patient, and documented clearly in the medical record.

When determined from the methods outlined in this document for estimating the due date, gestational age at delivery represents the best obstetric estimate for the purpose of clinical care and should be recorded on the birth certificate. For the purposes of research and surveillance, the best obstetric estimate, rather than estimates based on the LMP alone, should be used as the measure for gestational age.

A pregnancy without an ultrasound examination that confirms or revises the EDD before 22 0/7 weeks of gestational age should be considered suboptimally dated.

The first trimester is week 1 through the end of week 13 and consists of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd months. The second trimester usually ends around the 26th week and consists of the 4th, 5th and 6th completed months. The third trimester can end anywhere between the 38th – 42nd week and is the 7th, 8th and 9th completed months of pregnancy.

• First Trimester
• Second Trimester
• Third Trimester

Sources:

MedlinePlus

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine

Society for Maternal–Fetal Medicine

The post Fetal Development – How to Calculate Gestational Age appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

Uterus Size During Pregnancy: First Trimester

Around 12 weeks pregnant, the uterus is the size of a grapefruit and starts to grow up and out of your pelvis, but still fits within it.

If you are carrying twins or multiples, your uterus will start growing and stretching sooner. Your OB/GYN will be able to feel your uterus by touching your belly.

Uterus Size During Pregnancy: Second Trimester

During the second trimester, your uterus will grow to the size of a papaya. It no longer fits inside the pelvis. It will be situated midway between the navel and breasts.

As your uterus grows, it is pushing organs out of their usual places and putting tension on surrounding muscles and ligaments. This will likely cause some aches and pains, but they are completely normal. The pressure from your uterus may cause your navel to stick out, but your navel should return to normal after birth.

Starting between 18 and 20 weeks your doctor will measure the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus in centimeters. The top of your uterus is called the fundus, so the measurement is called the fundal height.
This number usually corresponds with the number of weeks pregnant you are, give or take two centimeters. For example, if you measure 32 centimeters then you should be about 32 weeks pregnant. If this is not your first pregnancy it is normal for this measurement to be a bit bigger.

If your uterus is the size it should be during your prenatal visits, this is a sign everything is progressing well with your pregnancy. If it is measuring too big or too small, it could mean your due date is off, some kind of pregnancy complication or additional testing may be required.

Uterus Size During Pregnancy: Third Trimester

During your third trimester, the uterus will finish growing and be the size of a watermelon. When you reach full term your uterus will extend from the pubic area to the bottom of your rib cage. As you get ready to give birth your baby should drop lower into your pelvis.

After Pregnancy

After birth, your uterus will gradually return to its pre-pregnancy size and position. The deflation of your uterus is called involution. It usually takes about 6 weeks for this process to be complete.

Want to Know More?

• How Your Body Changes During Pregnancy
• Medical Terms to Know
• Baby Development Month by Month Video

The post Uterus Size During Pregnancy appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

The development of a baby is a beautifully intricate process. From the moment the egg and sperm meet, your baby is growing. This early part of development lays the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. It is important to be informed in order to address any concerns regarding early fetal development.

If a possible complication in early fetal development is suspected, your health care provider will use a combination of blood tests and ultrasound tests to make a clear diagnosis. A blood test can be used to monitor hCG levels and progesterone levels. Ultrasounds can be used to visually see what development is taking place in the uterus and measure progress.

Because every women is different and every pregnancy develops differently, this information should be used as a general guide for healthy pregnancy development, although early fetal development may vary due to the mother’s health or a miscalculation of ovulation. Gestational age is the age of the pregnancy from the last normal menstrual period (LMP), and fetal age is the actual age of the growing baby.
Most references to pregnancy are usually in gestational age rather than fetal age development, but we have included both so that it is clear what stage development is being discussed.

Gestational Age Week 1 & 2 (Fetal Age: Conception)

At this stage, the menstrual period has just ended and your body is getting ready for ovulation. For most women, ovulation takes place about 11 – 21 days from the first day of the last menstrual period. During intercourse, several hundred million sperms are released into the vagina. Sperm will travel through the cervix and into the fallopian tubes.

When conception takes place, the sperm will penetrate an egg and create a single set of 46 chromosomes called a zygote – the basis for a new human being.  The fertilized egg, called a morula, spends a couple of days traveling through the fallopian tube toward the uterus and dividing into cells (this dividing process is where many chromosomal abnormalities occur).

The morula becomes a blastocyst and will eventually end up in the uterus. Anywhere from day 6 – 12 after conception, the blastocyst will embed into the uterine lining and begin the embryonic stage.

Gestational Age Weeks 3-4 (Fetal Age: 2 weeks)

The earliest change that can be seen through a vaginal ultrasound at this time will be the “decidual reaction,” which is the thickening of the endometrium. The endometrium lining thickens as the blastocyst burrows into it. This cannot always be detected by ultrasound—sometimes it may take a special eye or very good equipment to see this “reaction” in the endometrium lining.
A key fact to remember when choosing an ultrasound is that a transvaginal ultrasound can detect development in the uterus about a week earlier than a transabdominal ultrasound.

hCG, The Pregnancy Hormone

Once implantation occurs, the pregnancy hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) will develop and begin to rise. This hormone will signal that you are pregnant on a pregnancy test. hCG can be detected through two different types of blood tests, or through a urine test.
A quantitative blood test measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood, and a qualitative hCG blood test simply detects the presence of hCG.

Doctors will often use the quantitative test if they are closely monitoring the development of a pregnancy. After implantation occurs, the hormone will begin to rise and should increase every 48-72 hours for the next several weeks.

Progesterone

The follicle from which the egg was released is called the corpus luteum. It will release progesterone that helps thicken and prepare the uterine lining for implantation.  The corpus luteum will produce progesterone for about 12-16 days (the luteal phase of your cycle.)
When the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum will continue to produce progesterone for the developing pregnancy until the placenta takes over around week 10. Progesterone is the hormone that helps maintain the pregnancy until birth.

Sometimes, the failure of the corpus luteum to adequately support the pregnancy with progesterone can result in an early pregnancy loss. Progesterone inhibits immune responses, decreases prostaglandins, and prevents the onset of uterine contractions.

Gestational Age Week 5 (Fetal Age: Week 3)

Around 5 weeks, the gestational sac is often the first thing that most transvaginal ultrasounds can detect. This is seen before a recognizable embryo can be seen. Within this time period, a yolk sac can be seen inside the gestational sac. The yolk sac will be the earliest source of nutrients for the developing fetus.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels can have quite a bit of variance at this point. Anything from 18 – 7,340 mIU/ml is considered normal at 5 weeks. Once the levels have reached at least 2,000, some type of development is expected to be seen in the uterus using high-resolution vaginal ultrasound.

If a transabdominal ultrasound is used, some type of development should be seen when the hCG level has reached 3600 mIU/ml. Although development may be seen earlier, these levels provide a guide of when something is expected to be seen.
Progesterone levels also can have quite a variance at this stage of pregnancy. They can range from 9-47ng/ml in the first trimester, with an average of 12-20ng/ml in the first 5-6 weeks of pregnancy.

With both hCG levels and progesterone levels, it is not the single value that can predict a healthy pregnancy outcome. It is more important to evaluate two different values to see if the numbers are increasing.  Levels of hCG should be increasing by at least 60% every 2-3 days, but ideally doubling every 48-72 hours.

Progesterone levels rise much differently than hCG levels, with an average of 1-3mg/ml every couple days until they reach their peak for that trimester. In situations when there is a concern of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, hCG levels will often start out normal, but will not show a significant increase or will stop rising altogether, and progesterone levels will be low from the beginning.

Gestational Age Week 6 (Fetal age: 4 weeks)

Between 5 ½ to 6 ½ weeks, a fetal pole or even a fetal heartbeat may be detected by vaginal ultrasound.  The fetal pole is the first visible sign of a developing embryo. This pole structure actually has some curve to it with the embryo’s head at one end and what looks like a tail at the other end.

The fetal pole now allows for a crown to rump measurements (CRL) to be taken, so that pregnancy dating can be a bit more accurate. The fetal pole may be seen at a crown-rump length (CRL) of 2-4mm, and the heartbeat may be seen as a regular flutter when the CRL has reached 5mm.

If a vaginal ultrasound is done and no fetal pole or cardiac activity is seen, another ultrasound scan should be done in 3-7 days. Due to the fact that pregnancy dating can be wrong, it would be much too early at this point to make a clear diagnosis of the outcome of the pregnancy.

Gestational Age Week 7 (Fetal Age: 5 weeks)

Generally, from 6 ½ -7 weeks is the time when a heartbeat can be detected and viability can be assessed. A normal heartbeat at 6-7 weeks would be 90-110 beats per minute. The presence of an embryonic heartbeat is an assuring sign of the health of the pregnancy.
Once a heartbeat is detected, the chance of the pregnancy continuing ranges from 70-90% dependent on what type of ultrasound is used. If the embryo is less than 5mm CRL, it is possible for it to be healthy without showing a heartbeat, though a follow-up scan in 5-7 days should show cardiac activity.

If your doctor is concerned about miscarriage, blighted ovum, or ectopic pregnancy, the gestational sac and fetal pole (if visible) will be measured to determine what type of development should be seen.  The guideline is that if the gestational sac measures >16-18mm with no fetal pole or the fetal pole measures 5mm with no heartbeat (by vaginal ultrasound), then a diagnosis of miscarriage or blighted ovum is made.

If the fetal pole is too small to take an accurate measurement, then a repeat scan should be done in 3-5 days. If there is an absence of a fetal pole, then further testing should be done to rule out the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy.

Gestational Age Week 8 & 9 (Fetal Age: 6-7 weeks)

By this point in the pregnancy, everything that is present in an adult human is present in the developing embryo. The embryo has reached the end of the embryonic stage and now enters the fetal stage. A strong fetal heartbeat should be detectable by ultrasound, with a heartbeat of 140-170 bpm by the 9th week.

If a strong heartbeat is not detected at this point, another ultrasound scan may be done to verify the viability of the fetus.
If a pregnancy has been diagnosed as non-viable, most physicians will give the choice of waiting to see if the body will miscarry naturally (pending no other health issues) or to have a Dilation & Curettage (D&C) procedure. About 50% of women do not undergo a D&C procedure when an early pregnancy loss has occurred.

The hCG levels will peak at about 8-12 weeks of pregnancy and then will decline, remaining at lower levels throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. If the levels are questionable, an ultrasound scan should be used to diagnose the pregnancy outcome. Ultrasound findings are much more accurate at diagnosing pregnancy viability after 5-6 weeks gestation than hCG levels are.

Guideline to hCG levels during pregnancy:

hCG levels in weeks from LMP (gestational age)* :

• 3 weeks LMP: 5 – 50 mIU/ml
• 4 weeks LMP: 5 – 426 mIU/ml
• 5 weeks LMP: 18 – 7,340 mIU/ml
• 6 weeks LMP: 1,080 – 56,500 mIU/ml
• 7 – 8 weeks LMP: 7,650 – 229,000 mIU/ml
• 9 – 12 weeks LMP: 25,700 – 288,000 mIU/ml
• 13 – 16 weeks LMP: 13,300 – 254,000 mIU/ml
• 17 – 24 weeks LMP: 4,060 – 165,400 mIU/ml
• 25 – 40 weeks LMP: 3,640 – 117,000 mIU/ml
• Non-pregnant females:
• Postmenopausal:

Guideline to Progesterone Levels During Pregnancy:

• 1-28 ng/ml Mid Luteal Phase (Average is over 10 for un-medicated cycles and over 15 with medication use)
• 9-47 ng/ml First trimester
• 17-146 ng/ml Second Trimester
• 49-300 ng/ml Third Trimester

*There are many averages for progesterone levels. These charts are a very broad guideline—speak with your health care professional for more specific guidelines for you
**Remember – These numbers are just a GUIDELINE — every woman’s hormone level can rise differently. It is not necessarily the level that matters but rather the change in the level.

Want to Know More?

• Bonding With Your Baby: Making the Most of the First Six Weeks
• 7 Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Nutrition

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Current Obstetric & Gynecologic Diagnoses & Treatment, Ninth Ed., DeCherney, Alan H., et al, Ch 8, 14

2. Williams Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F Gary, et al, Ch 3

3. eMedicine

4. Creighton University Medical Center

The post Early Fetal Development appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

Some moms, especially those in their first pregnancy, may not feel movement until 18-20 weeks. Remember that each woman and every pregnancy is different, so you may not feel movement as early as another woman. There is a broad range of when the first detection of movement can be felt, ranging from 13-25 weeks.

Why does my baby move?

As your baby is continuing to develop he/she will stretch and flex his/her limbs. As you get further along in your pregnancy, you will begin to feel more obvious movements, such as kicking, punching, and rolling. Your baby may also move as he/she responds to noise or to your emotions.

If your baby finds a position you are in to be uncomfortable, he/she may also begin to squirm. Certain foods you eat can also cause your baby to be more active, and you may notice he/she follows a sleeping/waking cycle.

How often should my baby move?

As you get further along in your pregnancy, you will need to keep track of how often your baby moves each day. Sometime in the third trimester, you may notice your baby’s movements are more frequent and vigorous and occur in a regular pattern.

However, although movements are still regular, they may change towards the end of the third trimester because the baby is bigger and more restricted in the uterus. Talk with your doctor, if you notice a  decrease in your baby’s movements.

Beginning with week 28, it is beneficial to begin counting your baby’s movements. This will help you to identify potential problems and can also be a great bonding experience between you and your baby. Using a kick count chart can be very helpful.

When counting your baby’s movements choose the same time each day. It may be easiest to lie on your left side and record how long it takes to feel 10 movements. For further information about recording movements see kick counts.

What should I do if I don’t feel my baby moving?

If you have been keeping a chart of your baby’s movements and you notice a significant deviation in the pattern, contact your health care provider. If you do not feel 10 movements within 2 hours, try again later that day.

If you still do not feel 10 movements within 2 hours, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Want to Know More?

• Fetal Life app: count kicks, track vital signs, sign up for remote nurse monitoring
• Pregnancy Nutrition
• Cord Blood Banking
• Nightfood Nighttime Ice Cream: the Official Pregnancy Ice Cream of the American Pregnancy Association

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Count the Kicks. (n.d.). What are my baby’s movements week-by-week

The post First Fetal Movement: Quickening appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

This is why taking quality prenatal vitamins is a great way to assure you are getting all the vitamins you and baby need for a healthy pregnancy. Of course, prenatal vitamins are not meant to replace a healthy diet, but to support one.

Crucial Roles of Vitamin B in a Healthy Pregnancy

The entire B complex of eight vitamins plays a crucial role in your strength and health while your baby is developing. During your first and third trimesters, most women feel more tired and run down than usual.

Even though the B complex can come in great supplements, the best way to absorb these nutrients is through vitamin-rich foods!
Vitamin B rich foods help boost your natural energy with these nourishing vitamins for your growing baby. Take a look at the roles and benefits of all the B vitamins and find out how to get enough of each to ensure a happy, healthy pregnancy.

Vitamin B1: Thiamine

Since Thiamine plays a major role in the development of your baby’s brain, aim to consume 1.4 mg every day. Below are natural sources of vitamin B1, so incorporate these foods into your diet to keep your baby’s brain development on track.

Natural Food Sources of Vitamin B1:

• Peas
• Oats
• Pork
• Lentils
• Pecans
• Salmon
• Brazil Nuts
• Dried Beans
• Wheat Germ
• Nutritional Yeast
• Whole Grain Pasta
• Fortified bread or Cereals

Vitamin B2: Riboflavin

Riboflavin is essential for good eye health and it has the added benefit of giving your skin a fresh, healthy glow – cue the compliments from friends and family about how great you look during your pregnancy! This is also true for your baby.
As with all B vitamins, riboflavin is water-soluble and therefore not stored in your body; this means you need to get a good, healthy dosage of around 1.4 mg each day when pregnant compared to the usual 1.1 mg for non-pregnant women.
Whole grains, fortified foods, and dark and leafy greens are rich sources of vitamin B2.

Natural Food Sources of Vitamin B2:

• Almonds (roasted is an excellent source)
• Sweet Potatoes
• Carrots
• Oats
• Peas
• Tempeh
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Fenugreek
• Asparagus
• Mushrooms
• Whole Grains
• Nutritional Yeast
• Fortified Cereals
• Brussel Sprouts
• Cheese:  cottage and ricotta
• Milk
• Eggs
• Natural Yogurt
• Wild Salmon (highest concentration of B2 found in animal sources)
• Pork, Chicken, Beef (Liver and Kidney offer high amounts)

What Vitamin B2 Aids In Pregnancy

• promotes good vision, healthy skin, the development and growth of baby’s bones, muscles, and nerves.
• lowers risk of developing preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication

Signs You Do Not Get Enough Vitamin B2

Riboflavin deficiency signs include anemia, magenta (dry and red tongue), skin rash, dermatitis, dryness and cracking around the mouth, nose, and/or lips. You also have a B2 deficiency risk if you are lactose intolerant or anorexic. Be sure you are eating nutrient-rich foods AND taking a prenatal vitamin.

If you are dealing with an eating disorder while pregnant, please don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with help, suggestions, and resources!

Contact a Pregnancy Educator at the American Pregnancy Association by calling 1-800-672-2296 M-F 10am-6pm to discuss your concerns, get resources, or to ask questions about your pregnancy.

Vitamin B3: Niacin

Vitamin B-3 has a whole host of benefits for your body; it can improve digestion, reduce nausea and take the edge off debilitating migraines. Aim for around 18 mg every day.

“Intake of more than 35 mg has not been studied in pregnant women” – Merck Manuals Online Medical Library

Therefore it is not recommended for pregnant women to consume doses larger than 18 mg of vitamin B3 when it comes to supplementation.
Sunflower and chia seeds are high in B3, along with organ meats and tuna but too much of the wrong tuna during pregnancy can expose you to high levels of mercury. This is why the American Pregnancy Association stands behind, Safe Catch Elite canned tuna. Below are more natural sources of vitamin B3.

Natural Food Sources of Vitamin B3:

• Turkey
• Venison
• Wild Salmon
• Chicken Breast
• Peanuts
• Crimini Mushrooms
• Liver
• Tuna
• Peas
• Tahini
• Kidney Beans
• Grass-fed Beef
• Sunflower Seeds
• Avocados
• Asparagus
• Tomatoes
• Bell Peppers
• Sweet Potato
• Brown Rice

How Vitamin B3 Aids In Pregnancy

• Essential for your baby’s brain development
• Keeps nervous systems, mucous membranes, and skin healthy
• Improves digestion, eases nausea and can relieve painful migraines for mom

What You Must Know About Vitamin B3 During Pregnancy

Niacin is one vitamin you do not want to overdose on during pregnancy. If you are on a niacin supplement before your pregnancy, you need to speak to your doctor about stopping the supplementation while you are pregnant and taking regular prenatal vitamins.

Vitamin B5: Pantothenic Acid

Pregnancy can do some strange and frustrating things to our bodies, one of which is painful leg cramps. Luckily, vitamin B5 can help to ease these cramps, so aim to consume 6 mg every day. It also has the added benefit of producing important pregnancy hormones.

Whole grains and fortified cereals are a fabulous source for B5 so that’s breakfast covered, but you’ll also find the vitamin in egg yolks, brown rice, cashew nuts, and broccoli, all of which are perfect ingredients for a delicious and nutritious stir fry! Below are several other sources of B5.

Natural Food Sources of Vitamin B5:

• Sunflower Seeds
• Sweet Potato
• Avocado
• Whole Grains or Fortified Cereals
• Crimini Mushrooms
• Oats
• Organic Corn
• Cauliflower
• Wild Salmon
• Chicken Breast
• Milk
• Oranges
• Bananas
• Sun-dried Tomatoes
• Trail Mix (Seeds, Nuts and Chocolate Chips)

What Vitamin B5 Aids In Pregnancy

• Helps metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
• Helps to prevent pregnancy-related muscle cramps
• Aids in the release of stress-relieving hormones

Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine

Pyridoxine is vital for the development of your baby’s nervous system and brain throughout each week of your pregnancy, but it has some beneficial side effects for you, too.

Part of its role in the body is to produce norepinephrine and serotonin, two essential neurotransmitters which aid a whole host of metabolic functions. Vitamin B6 during pregnancy can also help to alleviate nausea and vomiting which are perhaps two of the very worst early side effects of pregnancy.

To maximize both you and your baby’s health, you should consume between 25 and 50 mg each day.  The University of Michigan recommends managing nausea by taking 10 to 25 mg of Vitamin B6 3 times a day.  The National Library of Medicine research reports that excessive vitamin B6 does not show to be associated with any birth defects or malformations for the developing baby.

However, despite it being a very safe vitamin to consume, doctors recommend not to exceed the daily dose of 100 mg (in supplements alone); in this case, more isn’t better.

You can find B6 in beans, bananas, papayas, whole grain cereals, and several other natural food sources great for pregnancy smoothies rich in B6.

Natural Food Sources of Vitamin B6:

• Garlic
• Beans
• Sweet Potatoes
• Chickpeas
• Avocados
• Hazelnuts
• Sunflower Seeds
• Brown Rice
• Prune Juice
• Spinach
• Bananas
• Papayas
• Chicken
• Pork Loin
• Wild Salmon
• Turkey
• Grass-fed Beef
• Safe-Catch Elite Tuna

How Vitamin B6 Aids In Pregnancy

• Helps to prevent low birth weight
• Essential to the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system
• Helps maintain blood glucose at healthy levels
• May help with morning sickness

What You Must Know About Vitamin B6 During Pregnancy

Vitamin B6 in excess amounts can lead to numbness and nerve damage for individuals. Be sure you know the amount supplied in your prenatal vitamin and the amount in your diet does not exceed 100 mg per day.

Vitamin B7: Biotin

Pregnancy often causes a deficiency in vitamin B7, so make sure you’re eating plenty of biotin-rich foods such as oats, milk, mushrooms, and Swiss Chard. The US Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine recommends at least 30 mcg of vitamin B7 for pregnant women.
If you’re planning on breastfeeding, note that the recommended intake for nursing moms is 35 mcg, so you may need to slightly increase your intake when your little bundle of joy arrives.

Natural Food Sources of Vitamin B7:

• Oats
• Avocado
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Legumes
• Royal Jelly
• Fortified Cereal
• Brewer’s Yeast
• Blackstrap Molasses
• Swiss Chard
• Wild Salmon
• Mushrooms
• Wheat Bran
• Cheese
• Raspberries
• Cauliflower
• Egg Yolk
• Chicken
• Potatoes
• Soy
• Milk
• Nuts
• Liver
• Pork

What Vitamin B7 Aids in Pregnancy

• Helps hair loss, brittle nails, and skin rashes
• Essential to embryonic growth during your pregnancy

Signs You Do Not Get Enough Vitamin B7

Vitamin B7 deficiencies can cause many symptoms like listlessness, depression, hair thinning, tingling sensations in legs and arms or hallucinations.

What You Must Know About Vitamin B7 During Pregnancy

Too large doses of biotin over long periods of time could lead to rare side effects like allergies, acne or miscarriages during pregnancy. These side effects are rare but always consult with your OBGYN when it comes to prenatal vitamins and your diet.

Vitamin B9: Folic Acid

It’s fairly common knowledge that folic acid is one of the most important B vitamins to take during pregnancy and for a very good reason. The proper amount of folic acid reduces the risk of your baby developing neural tube birth defects like spina bifida. It’s also responsible for helping to produce red blood cells which are obviously important for both you and your growing baby.

You should be consuming 400 – 800 mcg (micrograms) of vitamin B9 every day throughout your entire pregnancy, which translates to 0.4 – 0.8 mg (milligrams). If you’re trying to conceive it’s also recommended that you consume this same amount of folic acid (400 mcg pre-pregnancy is generally fine) to maximize your chances of getting pregnant.

On top of this, try to increase your consumption of foods which naturally contain the vitamin.

Folic Acid Dosages Breakdown

• 400 mcg (0.4 mg) a day if you are trying to conceive
• 400 – 800 mcg (0.4 – 0.8 mg) a day during pregnancy
  • Not to exceed 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) per day during pregnancy

Lentils, citrus fruits, particularly oranges and grapefruits, are high in folic acid, as are dark green veggies like spinach, broccoli, and asparagus.

Natural Food Sources of Vitamin B9:

• Lentils
• Spinach
• Great Northern Beans
• Fortified Cereals
• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Peas
• Nuts
• Dried Beans
• Egg Noodles
• Beef Liver
• Sprouts

What Vitamin B9 Aids In Pregnancy

• Prevents NTDs (neural tube defects) like anencephaly (a brain defect) or spina bifida (spinal cord defect). NTDs can develop at the earliest stage of pregnancy, so it is important to be consuming folic acid from the time you start trying to conceive.
• Reduces the risk of birth defects like cleft lip, cleft palate, some heart defects
• Reduces the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy
• Important for the growth of the placenta, synthesis of DNA and the development of the baby
• Essential for red blood cell production and helps prevent forms of anemia

The majority of prenatal vitamins supply 800 – 1,000 mg of vitamin B9. Be sure to not consume any more than 1,000 mg a day, unless you are advised by your doctor.

When Do You Need Extra Vitamin B9?

• Those pregnant with twins, your doctor could have your take 1,000 mg daily
• Overweight women may need more than 400mg a day, ask your doctor before you become pregnant and before you take extra
• Those taking anti-seizure or diabetes meds may be told to take more daily
• If your developing baby has already developed an NTD, your doctor may have you take 4,000 mg daily
• If you have Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, a genetic mutation that makes it harder to produce folic acid (folate) in your body

It is important you understand all the prenatal vitamin limits when choosing your prenatal vitamins.

Vitamin B12: Cobalamin

Vitamin B12 is important for maintaining the health of your nervous system, but it’s also believed that when combined with folic acid during pregnancy, B12 supplements can help to prevent spina bifida and other spinal and central nervous system birth defects in your baby, too.
You can find B12 in fortified foods (soy or soy milk), fish, poultry, eggs, and milk and should aim for around 2.6 mcg (micrograms) per day, but using supplements to achieve this intake will help.

Natural Food Sources of Vitamin B12:

• Wild Salmon
• Soy Milk or Soy Products (fortified with B12 on the label)
• Shrimp
• Grass-fed Beef Liver or Tenderloin
• Yogurt
• Fortified Cereals
• Red Meat
• Swiss Cheese
• Milk
• Cottage Cheese
• Cod

How Vitamin B12 Aids In Pregnancy

• Essential for baby’s neural tube formation, brain and spine development
• Together with Folate (B9), it works to produce DNA synthesis and red blood cells
• Aids the development and functioning of your brain, nerves and blood cells
• Helps improve your energy, mood and stress levels by aiding the metabolization of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
• Helps maintain the normal central nervous system and neurological functions by regulating the synthesis of myelin and fatty acids.

Signs You Do Not Get Enough Vitamin B12

For women of childbearing age, B12 deficiencies are quite rare, but if they occur it increases the risk of your baby developing an NTD (Neural Tube Defect). This is similar to problems that may result from low B9 (folate).

These serious birth defects can include:

• Anencephaly – the spinal cord and brain do not form properly
• Encephalocele – parts of the brain begins to push out
• Spina bifida – the baby’s spine does not form correctly

If any of these birth defects run in the family a triple screen test will be necessary.
If you believe you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency and are suffering from depression, anxiety, fatigue or insomnia, contact your doctor immediately.
Brain damage can occur in severe deficiency conditions, it is very important you share all your concerns with your doctor to prevent any vitamin deficiencies from causing damage to your body or your developing baby’s body.

Do You Need a B12 Supplement?

Your doctor may ask you to supplement B12 with folic acid if you are vitamin B12 deficient before pregnancy. Both of these supplements together will help prevent birth defects in developing babies as well as helps combat defects that affect the spine and central nervous system. Prenatal vitamins should help with most deficiencies, ask your doctor if you have any questions.
It is important to note that while the Institute of Medicine (IOM) does not set an upper limit because of B12’s “low potential for toxicity,” you should still speak with your doctor before adding in an additional B12 supplement (on top of a prenatal vitamin) if you are not deficient.

Vitamin B Roles For Pregnancy Cheat Sheet

Here’s a handy cheat sheet to help you remember exactly how each B vitamin can support you and your growing baby throughout pregnancy.

• B-1 (Thiamine): 1.4 mg – Supports baby’s healthy brain development
• B-2 (Riboflavin): 1.4 mg – Keeps eyes healthy and skin glowing
• B-3 (Niacin): 18 mg – Eases morning sickness, keeps nausea at bay and improves digestion
• B-5 (Pantothenic Acid): 6 mg – Reduces leg cramps and helps produce essential pregnancy hormones
• B-6 (Pyridoxine): 25 – 50 mg – Aids the development of baby’s nervous system and brain (don’t exceed 100 mg)
• B-7 (Biotin): 30 mcg – Deficiency is often caused by pregnancy, so increased consumption is vital
• B-9 (Folic Acid): 400 – 800 mcg – Plays a huge role in reducing the risk of birth defects (don’t exceed 1000 mcg)
• B-12 (Cobalamin): 2.6 mcg – Maintains and supports the development of you and your baby’s nervous system

B Vitamin Complex Supplements During Pregnancy

Typically, prenatal vitamins contain the perfect blend of B vitamin complex to fulfill all the recommended dosages we’ve outlined here. There’s no need to routinely supplement any B vitamins other than taking your prenatal vitamin; simply enjoy a well-balanced diet alongside it and look forward to the arrival of your little one!
If you have any questions be sure to ask your OBGYN. You and your developing baby’s health depend on you asking questions, staying healthy and stress-free. Enjoy being pregnant, and eat healthy for two (your baby needs only about 300 extra healthy calories per day unless otherwise advised by your doctor).

Want to Know More?

• Natural Sources of Vitamin B6 During Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Nutrition

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. MRC Vitamin Study Research Group. Prevention of neural tube defects: results of the Medical Research Council Vitamin Study. Lancet. 1991; 338:131–137.

2. Biotin. (2017, Jan 10).

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/313.html

3. Pitkin RM. Folate and neural tube defects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007; 85:285S–288S.

4. Harvard’s Nutrition Source on Vitamin B.

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-b/

5. Food sources of riboflavin.

https://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Factsheets/Food-Sources-of-Riboflavin.aspx

6. Scott, J. M. (n.d.). Addition of vitamin B12 to folic acid supplements to optimize the prevention of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.

7. Shrim, A., Boskovik, R., Maltepe, C., et al. Pregnancy outcome following use of large doses of vitamin B6 in the first trimester. Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 26(8), 749-51.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17130022

8. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2012 Jul;26 Suppl 1:55-74. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2012.01277.x. Interventions with vitamins B6, B12 and C in pregnancy.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22742602

9. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/

10. The Motherisk Program, Division of Clinical Pharmacology/Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. “Pregnancy outcome following use of large doses of vitamin B6 in the first trimester”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17130022

11. National Institutes of Health (NIH): Vitamin B12 – Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/

12. National Library of Medicine, Pregnancy outcome following use of large doses of vitamin B6 in the first trimester
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17130022
13. University of Michigan, Vitamin B6 for Morning Sickness
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tn9126

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16 Ways to Bond With Your Baby While Pregnant

1.  Sing – Your baby loves the sound of your voice, as it soothes them. It is the primary vibration they know. Sing nursery rhymes, your favorite songs, the alphabet, or make-up songs on your own. Either way, they’ll enjoy it and may recognize the songs once they’re born.
2.  Listen To Music – Whether you use a pregnancy/prenatal music belt or just play your music loud, you and your baby will enjoy the vibrations together. Children’s music, your favorite songs, or classical music exposes them to different genres.
3.  Dance – Gentle movement releases endorphins and is the perfect way to bond with your developing baby. When a mom feels good, baby feels good. This carefree way to happiness is ideal for bonding.
4.  Read Out Loud – It’s never too early to start reading to the baby – they’ll learn to love books at a very young age. The sound of your voice will soothe them. Read a book out loud every night to get them accustomed to a nighttime routine. If you read during the day start reading out loud, this is great for your little one.
5.  Talk To The Baby – Talk to the baby in a calm, loving tone. They’ll quickly recognize the sound of your voice. Call out people by name, have conversations with the baby, and describe actions and places. Most importantly, do not forget to say “I love you” often.
6.  Call Your Baby By His or Her Name – Call your baby by his or her name and nickname. Put it in a song or something. The baby may turn its head to the sound of your voice faster than you think. Try this during an ultrasound. Sing a song you regularly sing or say her or his name and see if you get a response.
7.  Meditate – Meditate with your hands resting on your belly to relax baby. As you focus on bonding, the baby will be focused on your heartbeat while making a connection. Deep calming breaths will bring a healing focus inward towards your little pumpkin.
8.  Family Time – Acclimate the baby to family time, so the sounds and voices are familiar. By encouraging dad, family, and friends to talk to your bump, they’ll bond faster with their loved ones after they’re born.
9.  Yoga or Gentle Exercise – The easy motion of prenatal yoga, stretching, walking or swimming will rock baby to sleep. You could even do it at the same time every evening, and that might become a baby’s bedtime.
10.  Rub Your Belly – Massage your belly frequently and while talking to the baby. A simple trick to remember to do this is, talk to them while you rub olive oil on your belly to prevent stretch marks. You can tell them about your hopes and dreams for them or describe what you are gonna do that day. When they kick, gently nudge them back.
11.  Start a Pregnancy Journal – Start writing in a pregnancy journal and read your entries out loud to your little one. When your pregnancy is over, you and your child will enjoy re-reading your entries together.
12.  Create Some Belly Art – Find someone to paint your baby bump with non-toxic paints. This is a fun way to bond. Afterward, you can show your child the pictures of the artwork and let them know they were a part of making it.
13.  Do a Belly Cast – Find someone to create a belly cast to help preserve your bump after pregnancy. When they are older, your belly cast will be a reminder of your closeness.
14.  Book a Maternity Session – A maternity shoot is another great way to bond with your baby during pregnancy. The photoshoot is all about you and your baby. Afterward, you will have beautiful pictures reminding them of your bond before they were born.
15.  Schedule Some Relaxation – Whether you choose a prenatal massage, chiropractic adjustment, facial, or a relaxing soak in the tub, your baby will feel relaxed with you. Stress is an enemy to a healthy pregnancy. Finding ways to manage stress and relax is a wonderful way to bond.
16.  Smell the Roses – Pick your favorite flowers from the garden, stop by a flower shop or enjoy the flowers at a local Botanical Garden. Artificial smells can be dangerous for you and your baby, but natural flowers will brighten any day with scent and color.
Pregnancy bonding lays the foundation for the baby’s future relationships. This is the perfect time to bond with your sidekick and allow them to enjoy your voice, favorite songs, foods, sounds, and smells.

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This ecosystem has been developing since conception reaching maturity at 12-weeks and continuing to function for the next 32 weeks with the primary purpose of supporting the growing life that resides inside it.

The Maternal Ecosystem Pre-Birth

The female anatomy takes over, or goes on autopilot, in supporting the ecosystem and growing baby in some of the following ways:

• The internal basal body temperature rises .5-1.50F as the body serves as an incubator for the growing baby.
• Gains body mass, fat to support the increase of body mass to be used later as stored energy for breastfeeding and other bodily functions.
• Increases body fluids and blood by 50% as more blood vessels grow in the placenta and blood flow to the heart slows with the increasing pressure from the uterus.
• Organs shift over time to adapt to a growing baby.
• Hormone levels increase to prepare for birth and breastfeeding.
• Bones and joints become flexible with the creation of the relaxin hormone. The spinal cord realigns to maintain balance.
• Maternal respiration increases as more oxygen is needed for maternal organ consumption needed for the uterus, placenta, and baby.

The health of the ecosystem is supported by the mother through consuming prenatal vitamins and nourishing foods, avoiding caffeine and bad foods, getting adequate rest and a host of other self-care actives.

A mother tends not to realize that she has been nurturing “herself”, or nurturing the best ecosystem she can create so that adequate nourishment, oxygen, water, antibodies and so on may easily flow to her growing baby.

When the ecosystem is no longer needed

Within hours of the body birthing the life it held inside, and the placenta, the body begins its transition back to a non-pregnant state. Just as the ecosystem was lovingly created by the female body it carefully begins to disassemble the system it no longer needs to support a growing life. This undoing happens at a much faster rate of only six weeks, as compared to the 12-weeks of development and 10-months of functioning.

Post-Birth: Phase I – 0 to 6 weeks

Pregnancy is roughly 280 days. Within the first 0-6 weeks or Phase I of the transitioning process, 90% of the shrinkage of the perineum organs and ideally 80-85% of the hormonal rebalancing takes place. This is only 15% of the time a woman spends pregnant. This indicates there is an intense, frenzied healing process that takes place during this period. It should be noted that birth is a trauma to the body, but it is a “natural trauma“ which is why the female body is able to recover so quickly.

Most new mothers do not realize the magnitude of Phase I and the amount of healing and repair that takes place automatically, without her being aware of what is going on other than evidence of increased urination and possibly perspiration.

Proof of Phase I – Intense Healing Process

Every woman sheds her pregnancy weight at their own pace. It is also claimed that breastfeeding could burn as many as 500 extra calories per day. Depending on the mother’s eating habits breastfeeding may or may not have an impact on weight loss.

During childbirth, 10-12 lbs may be lost due to the baby, placenta, and fluids being pushed out which is a healthy start. The average weight loss is another 10-20 lbs of fluid and fat by Weeks 3-4 post-birth. The two charts below illustrate the intense healing process that goes on directly after childbirth. The Mayo Clinic Diet is designed to jump-start your weight loss and help you lose weight in a safe and healthy way.

Resources cited:
http://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/body-changes-infographic

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What Happens In The Womb During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, changes take place that causes early pregnancy symptoms to prep your body for growth and birthing a baby. So many changes take place in a pregnant woman’s body to help grow and birth a healthy bouncing baby and most are unseen for a long time. A baby’s development in the womb is an amazingly delicate process and this video brings the cycle to life in a beautiful way.

Did you know that the term “Fetus” in Latin means “offspring”? This is can be found at the (21:00) mark.
At 8 weeks old and less than 3 cm long, a baby can be seen making his or her first movements with a 4D scan. Check it out on the video at the (29:38) mark.

How about this fact, fraternal twins have separate placentas and amniotic sacks. That can be seen at the (34:00) mark. Well, maybe a few of you smartypants already knew the last one. That is what is encouraging about you mommas today, you seek to learn everything about your baby.  And that is what we love about you!

If this is your first pregnancy, this is a video you want to make time for, along with all the week by week emails you have subscribed to receive.

Happy Momma, Happy Baby = Healthy Momma, Healthy Baby

I can bet you have heard the phrases, “happy momma, happy baby” or “healthy momma, healthy baby”. (This will not be the last time, promise!) Both of these phrases are completely true. In fact, in the womb, your baby experiences everything you experience, from your emotions, your surrounding environment to the food you eat.
When it comes to food, you can prep your baby’s palette while pregnant by what you eat. Check out the (54:00) mark on the video and see how strong smells and tastes pass through the amniotic fluid.

(Side note: I must have consumed a lot of garlic hummus during my pregnancy because my LO is a garlic and hummus connoisseur.)

As for your emotions and the surrounding environment, an advanced study done at Emory University School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences has shown startling outcomes related to The Effects of Maternal Stress and Anxiety During Pregnancy. High levels of constant stress or anxiety during pregnancy can create immediate long-term issues for the developing baby.

Some of the findings/effects on the baby are low birth weight, preterm birth, miscarriage, fussiness,  temperamental, delayed mental development, attention issues, emotional issues and in cases of severe conditions such as famine or natural disaster, mental illness in adulthood.

Whoa, momma! Finding ways to handle pregnancy stress is crucial for a happy and healthy pregnancy. If you have experienced pregnancy loss or infertility, you are not alone! We have a great love for you and embrace you with a virtual hug right now. Hope is truly all we have to share and hold on to.

Seek support from women that have been there too through a great organization like Hope Mommies. Tell them we sent you, the ladies there are so kind. They have been there too. Having a community is extremely important, so find one that fits you.

There are several videos out there to check out when it comes to what is happening inside during pregnancy. If you have a favorite let us know, we would love to check it out!

References:
Johnson, K. The Effects of Maternal Stress and Anxiety During Pregnancy. Emory University School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Monk, C. (2001). Stress and mood disorders during pregnancy: Implications for child development. Psychiatric Quarterly, 72(4), 347-357.
Sullivan, R., Wilson, D.A., Feldon, J., Yee, B.K., Meyer, U., et al. (2006). The International Society for Developmental Psychobiology Annual Meeting Symposium: Impact of early life experiences on brain and behavioral development. Developmental Psychobiology, DOI 10.1002, 583-602.

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