You are 16 Weeks Pregnant!
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOU
For some women, nasal congestion and nosebleeds are an annoying side effect of pregnancy. This is due to altered levels of hormones, which may cause the mucous membranes in your nose to swell. Increased blood volume and softening of the tissues also contributes to this. Unfortunately, it may continue throughout your pregnancy. A vitamin C deficiency may cause nosebleeds, so an increase in your consumption of vitamin-C-rich foods may help. Do not use nose drops, other than saline, unless recommended by your care provider.
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY
Weighing in at all of three ounces, your little one is now 12 centimeters crown to rump. Baby’s head is now held high, and limb movements occur in a coordinated fashion. The eyes have come closer together so that they face forward, and the baby begins to blink. Tiny toenails are beginning to form. On an ultrasound, you may catch sight of the sucking reflex as your baby sucks his or her thumb. And that’s not all you may see: Gender is now recognizable, if you have an extroverted fetus!
EATING FOR TWO
By the beginning of the third trimester, your blood volume will nearly double, and the heart and kidneys will work hard to pump and filter this added volume. Your body needs to conserve fluids. Remember to drink eight glasses of water a day and, unless advised to do so by your care provider, never go on a low-salt diet. The use of iodized salt is recommended.
On the other side of the coin, don’t overdo salt. Avoid processed or cured meats, salty snack foods and canned soups. Too much salt can result in edema (excessive fluid retention). The bottom line? Salt to taste, and let your taste buds lead the way.
The additional blood volume will mean that your daily intake of iron will need to increase to meet the demands of the added volume and the baby’s requirements as she develops her own blood supply. Eat a high-iron food at each meal. For breakfast eat an egg and/or bowl of Total, Special K Plus, or Product 19. (These cereals are fortified with almost 100 percent of your iron requirement.) For lunch, eat a salad with chick peas or a three bean salad and for supper, eat three ounces of red meat or a sweet potato or a large serving of spinach. Dried fruit is a good snack. Dietary sources of iron are more readily absorbed by your body and better tolerated. (Iron supplements can cause GI distress and constipation.)
FACT OF THE WEEK
Between 15 and 20 weeks, you will be offered a Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Test (MSAFP) or a Triple or Quad Screen. Abnormal levels of some of these markers may indicate a higher risk of a baby with a neural tube defect, Down’s syndrome or other chromosomal abnormality. Ask your care provider to explain the test and then discuss this optional test with your partner.
If your AFP results came back high, or your uterus is larger than dates would indicate, or your morning sickness is especially severe, this could be a sign of more than one baby.