14 WEEKS PREGNANCY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

This week which falls into the second trimester (13 to week 28) is to be the most energetic and comfortable stage of pregnancy.

The baby at this week measures 3 ½ inches – about the size of a lemon – and weighs 1½ ounces.

 In this week, some exciting developments start occurring between the mother and child-

·        The mother begins to develop a pregnant body; that is, the top of her uterus will push up above her pubic bone as it expands to make room for her growing baby.

·        The baby is starting to develop an ultra-fine downy covering of hair all over her body.

·        The baby's facial muscles are getting a workout from squints, frowns, and grimaces.

·        He can grasp.

·         Getting to the end of this week the baby's arms will be in proportion with the rest of her body.

·        The kidneys start producing urine which is released into the amniotic fluid, this surrounds the baby and will continue until delivery.

·        The brain of the child start kicking.

Mothers see this trimester as a very amazing experience so they take out time to do most things they have not done in a while-adding some items to their to do list, daydream and also plan for the welcoming of the baby.

The mother and father of the baby is faced with decision of knowing if they would love to know the sex or gender of the baby or keep it as a surprise until delivery,

Most parents prefer waiting, if the sex of baby is not a big deal-most parents who wait until delivery are always very delighted and very surprised; Majority of them believe it’s like a parcel yet un-opened until the right time or moment.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BABY AT WEEK 14 PREGNANCY?

1.  His facial muscles are getting a serious workout which is due to brain impulses, now the baby can squint, frown, and grimace. 

2.  The neck is easier to find.

3.  The baby’s body is adding length. From head to rump, and now measures 3 ½ inches, about the size of a lemon, while weighing 1½ ounces.

4.  The baby can urinate. The kidneys at this stage starts producing urine, which is released into the amniotic fluid.

WHAT IS AN AMNIOTIC FLUID?

Amniotic fluid is the fluid-filled bag (also called the amniotic sac) found in the uterus (the womb) which cushions the baby and also protects the baby from being hurt.

For instance, having a blow to mother’s tummy, or if mother’s bump is squashed. The amniotic sac also helps the baby's lungs and digestive system to mature; protecting the baby against infection.

The amniotic fluid aids in both protection and development of the fetus.

At the early stage of pregnancy, the fluid is mainly just water from the mother's body. This may explain why women become so thirsty for the first trimester. About 98% of the amniotic fluid is water, and the remaining 2% is salt and cells from the baby.

NORMAL AMNIOTIC LEVEL.

The baby regularly swallows amniotic fluid, and passes it out of his body as urine; meaning, the amount of fluid in the amniotic sac normally rises and falls every day.

The amount of amniotic fluid increases as pregnancy progresses. It starts off with just a few milliliters, but will have between 800ml (1.4 pints) and 1,000ml (1.6 pints) by the time pregnancy is about 36 weeks. From 38 weeks onwards, the fluid gradually begins to reduce, until the period of childbirth.

OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS and POLYHYDRAMNIOS, OR HYDRAMNIOS.

A situation when the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is little is called Oligohydramnios, while a situation when the amniotic fluid is much is called polyhydramnios, or hydramnios.

Identifying a low amniotic fluid.

One of the ways to identify if an amniotic fluid is low is if mother’s tummy or baby appears smaller than expected (small for dates).

Amniotic fluid levels should be checked if a mother have:

·        Baby who was small for dates or a low birth weight

·        A particular medical condition, such as lupus

·        Problems with your blood pressure

LIKELY CAUSES OF LOW AMNIOTIC FLUID

Often no cause can be found, except in special delicate cases but in such cases the following are the likely causes:

·        One of the major causes is when waters have broken.

·        Being more than 42 weeks pregnant.

·        Placental insufficiency-placenta problem.

·        Medications.

·        Inherited medical problems by the baby from the parents with kidney development.

ANTIDOTE TO LOW AMNIOTIC FLUID

1.  Staying well hydrated;

2.  Eating healthily

3.  Resting. Try not to let worry stop you from sleeping.

Baby and mom should be well looked after during pregnancy. They should both be carefully monitored by midwives and doctors to make sure that they receive the best possible care.

HEALTHY EXERCISE TO ENJOY IN WEEK 14 PREGNANCY (SECOND TRIMESTER).

Below are some healthy exercises to be engaged in during the second trimester-

·         Swimming

·         Jogging/walking

·         Cycling/indoor spin classes

·         Pregnancy exercise classes

·         Strength training

·         Yoga

UNHEALTHY EXERCISE TO AVOID IN WEEK 14 PREGNANCY (SECOND TRIMESTER).

·         Intense aerobic classes.

·         Crunches, planks and full press ups.

·         Chin ups-places too much stress on weakened core muscles.

·         Off road running.

WHAT TO EAT DURING WEEK 14 PREGNANCY (SECOND TRIMESTER)?

A healthy diet is not a diet that is often very expensive but a diet that consist:

·         carbohydrates

·         fats

·         proteins

·         vitamins

·         minerals

·         plenty of water

Each meal should include at least three different food groups.

During your second trimester, it’s very important to eat foods that are rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. These nutrients will help your baby grow strong bones and teeth. It’s also important to eat foods containing omega-3 oils, which are vital for baby’s brain development.

LOVING MAKING DURING THE SECOND TRIMESTER (WEEK 14).

The second trimester is said to be one of the best times to have sex Your bump may be showing, but it is usually not large enough to be in the way during lovemaking.
positioning that best suits mothers in their 14^th week-

·         Spooning: the both partners lie down side-by-side. The male partner lie behind the female. The female can enjoy her man as he gets into her from behind. This position cannot put pressure on her belly. The penetration will be shallow providing more comfort.

·         Female on top: the female is usually on top during sex is a good idea to keep off the pressure from your belly. Leaning forward and holding the headrest of the bed or handle of sofa depending upon where you are having sex, will provide extra support to your belly.

·         Scissor position: Making love lying face to face develops new intimacy throughout the sex. Scissor position provides that comfort during intercourse. Penetration are going to be shallow that reduce the discomfort during intercourse.

TAKEAWAY: Four ways to stay healthy during week 14 pregnancy.

·         Exercise frequently but avoid intense exercise.

·         Eat a healthy balanced diet rich in nutrients to health to help baby’s growth and development.

·         Have more bedroom fun with your partner.

·         Then, take a lot of water.