You are 22 Weeks Pregnant!
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOU
Sex may be very fulfilling for you at this stage of your pregnancy, due in part to the increase in blood flow to your clitoris and an increase in vaginal lubrication. On the other hand, some women don’t want to be touched at all — period! Whatever works for you and your partner is best. Just be assured that sex during a healthy pregnancy is safe for both you and your baby.
(If you have a history of preterm labor, recurrent pregnancy loss, ruptured membranes, placenta previa or placental abruption, intercourse and/or orgasm are not recommended. Discuss your concerns with your care provider.)
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY
Your baby now weighs nearly one pound! He or she measures 19 centimeters from crown to rump. Your baby now has eyelids and eyebrows and has developed fat, which helps to keeps it warm. In boys, the testes descend. And, believe it or not, those teeny, tiny ears can now hear sounds from outside.
EATING FOR TWO
This delicious salad is great with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.
Southwestern Bean Salad
2 cups cilantro, chopped
1 1/2 cups cooked corn
1 can black beans
1 can chopped green mild chilis (4.5 oz.)
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 cup red pepper, diced
1/2 cup chopped red onions
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white or red wine vinegar
Combine ingredients and season with olive oil and vinegar. Chill, then serve.
FACT OF THE WEEK
Women who smoke may be passing along carcinogens to their babies, according to a recent study by the University of Minnesota Cancer Center. Of the samples taken from 31 smokers’ babies, 22 tested positive for carcinogens found only in tobacco products. Not one of the babies in a control group of non-smokers tested positive.
In tests performed on hamsters, the same carcinogen resulted in liver and lung tumors. It’s difficult to determine whether the offspring of smokers will develop cancer as a direct result of in-utero smoke exposure, researchers say, because of other risk factors occurring throughout life.