Pregnancy A to Z
(Family Features) - Most pregnant women - especially first time moms-to-be - have a lot of questions about their own changing bodies and questions about their baby's development in the womb.
When Dr. Christine Harris, Ph.D., was pregnant with her children, she had some of the very same questions. "My practitioners offered good care," she said, "but their answers to my questions about my baby's development always seemed vague."
Like so many other women, she wondered what features were present at different stages and if her baby was processing any sensory information.
She eventually found answers while researching a textbook. She realized that a lot of parents-to-be could benefit from this information, so she developed "The Pregnancy Journal" (Chronicle Books). The third edition of the best-selling book is fully revised with the latest medical information on both mom's health and the baby's development.
"It's my hope that the journal will help parents-to-be feel knowledgeable, aware and comfortable about the process of their pregnancy and development of their baby before birth," she said. "It can also be a keepsake to share with your baby when he or she is older."
With over 1 million copies sold, the journal is a day-by-day guide to what is happening during pregnancy. There are also tips for coping with the many changes to a woman's body and places to record notes, thoughts and feelings.
This A to Z guide comes from information in the journal and will give expectant parents a glimpse into what happens during this amazing time of life.
Appetite.
Day 57: You may find your appetite increasing now that some of the nausea and discomfort has stabilized. If food isn't your friend yet, look for some relief by week 17.
Backache.
Day 116: Most pregnancy backaches consist of low back pain, because the narrowest part of your back has to balance your growing uterus and because the normally stable joints in your pelvis have loosened somewhat.
Cheeks.
Day 22: Between Week 4 and Week 8, the development of your baby's facial features takes place.
Digestive System.
Day 69: Your baby's intestines are now in the abdomen. Over the next two days, the muscles in the walls of your baby's digestive tract will become functional.
Eyes.
Day 165: Over the next four days, brain wave activity will begin for your baby's visual and auditory systems.
Fatigue.
Day 234: You'll notice more fluctuations in your energy level this month. Use your energy bursts wisely doing things you absolutely need to do and preparing for the birth.
Glucose.
Day 40: The metabolism of glucose may play a role in morning sickness. To make sure their glucose level doesn't fall too low by morning, pregnant women are advised to eat a light snack before going to bed (milk, toast, etc.).
Hair.
Day 86: Over the next three days, the baby's scalp hair pattern will be determined.
Iron.
Day 69: Pregnant women need at least 30 mg of iron each day to support the extra volume of blood and increases in red blood cell production.
Jaws.
Day 35: The upper and lower jaws are present in your baby.
Kidneys.
Day 103: Sometime this week, your baby's kidneys will reach their final mature position. This ascent took nearly 10 weeks to complete.
Lunar Months.
Baby development is measured in lunar months, not calendar months. Each lunar month consists of 28 days organized into four weeks of seven days each.
Movement.
Day 176: Your baby's muscle tone is gradually improving. Its hands can grip with some strength now.
Nausea.
Day 13: If you need to settle your stomach, snack on dry crackers or dry cereal. Ginger, lemon, peppermint and licorice are flavors that can help with nausea.
Orienting Response.
Day 242: Your baby will now automatically turn toward a source of light. This permits your baby to practice being more aware of its environment.
Protein.
Day 139: Protein must be provided for the growth of the baby, placenta, uterus, breasts, and to permit necessary increases in blood volume.
Quickening.
Day 143: The first movements you feel your baby make will be caused by arm and leg activity. These first motions are called quickening.
Reflexes.
Day 67: Now when your baby's face is touched, it will open its mouth. This is called the rooting reflex and helps babies find the food source.
Skin.
Day 188: By today, the surface of your baby's skin is smoother and whiter as body fat accumulates under its surface.
Teeth.
Day 82: Baby's tooth buds are present under the gums.
Ultra Sound.
Diagnostic test that uses high-intensity, inaudible sound waves to project a visual image, or sonogram.
Vocal Cords.
Day 74: Over the next few days, the vocal cords will form in your baby's larynx.
Weight Gain.
Day 265: Your weight gain has probably slowed or even reversed itself in the past two weeks or so.
X-Rays.
Day 53: X-ray exposure should be avoided since the radiation can penetrate your uterus.
Yogurt.
Day 172: Yogurt is a good source of protein. Some women who are lactose intolerant can tolerate yogurt.
Zinc.
Day 83: Zinc is a trace element that forms part of the structure of bone and helps protect the development of the brain and nervous system. The recommended daily intake during pregnancy is 15 mg.
For more about the journal, visit chroniclebooks.com/pregnancy.
Need a Baby Shower Gift Idea?
- Give a gift certificate for a photo book from shutterfly.com, kodakgallery.com or snapfish.com. Parents upload baby's photos and create a lasting keepsake of baby's first year.
- Buy a family photo session with a creative local photographer.
- Help parents keep track of baby's health and development with "Baby's First Year Journal" (Chronicle Books). It includes the latest medical information and room for journaling baby's important milestones. For more information, visit chroniclebooks.com/pregnancy.
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