March 1, 2008

• We have hit week 21….

  

  You are 21 Weeks Pregnant!
  
  WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOU
  
  At your prenatal appointment your provider has probably been measuring the height of your uterus (fundal height) since it appeared above your pubic bone. After about 20 week, this measurement generally correlates with your dates. Fundal height measurements assess growth from visit to visit. If the measurement is consistently “small” or “large,” the first thing to look at is the accuracy of dating. More than one baby is a possibility if your uterus measures “large for dates.” If the fundal height is “small for dates,” this might be an indication that your baby is smaller than expected. Ultrasound would be performed for any inconsistency in fundal height. After about 36 weeks the measurement for fundal height becomes less accurate as your baby settles into your pelvis.
  
  WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY
  
  Weighing in at 13 to 14 ounces, and measuring 17.5 centimeters crown-to-rump, your baby is now busy putting fat onto those bones. Most likely, you have felt your baby’s in-utero gymnastics. With lots of amniotic fluid providing room to move, your baby will be very active. Babies have sleep and wake cycles and you may find that these get more predictable as the months progress. Babies are typically active in the late evening, just when Mom is trying to get to sleep.
  
  Find Out if Insomnia is Normal during Pregnancy?
  
  EATING FOR TWO
  
  Do you need more veggies in your diet, but you’re bored with the usual salad? Here’s a twist:
  
  Blueberry salad (great with poultry dishes):
  
  2 cups fresh blueberries
  2 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  2 tablespoons olive oil
  1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  
  Serve chilled.
  
  FACT OF THE WEEK
  
  Studies by Dr. Miriam Labbok, director of the breastfeeding division at Georgetown University Medical Center, indicate that the U.S. could save two to four billion dollars each year in health costs if all mothers breastfeed their newborns for at least the first three months. Here are a few more reasons to consider breastfeeding:
  There is strong evidence that breastfeeding reduces the incidence of diarrhea, lower-respiratory infection, ear infections, urinary tract infections, bacterial meningitis, Crohn’s Disease, colitis and other diseases (American Academy of Pediatrics).

  • Studies have shown that breastfed babies have significantly higher IQs (about eight points) than their formula-fed counterparts.
  • There may be a link to a decreased incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome among breastfed babies.
  • Numerous benefits to mothers include a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancers, as well as a lower incidence of hip fractures during the post-menopausal period.

  • 7:31 pm
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