Dear Pooh Bear,

Happy 21 weeks little one! We have moved on into the 2nd half of this pregnancy, and you are treating your mommy well. So much has been going on recently to start preparing for your arrival. Last week your daddy and I ordered your nursery furniture, started to register, and began the plan to start clearing out what will be your room. Some people may think that I am starting too soon, but I want to do as much as possible while I am still feeling so good. Nothing is wrong with being prepared right?

I can feel you moving around so much more little one! Sometimes, I lay down in the afternoon just so I can feel and watch you move. It’s my favorite part of the day. It seems that your most feisty time is between 5:00 and 6:00. I’m not sure what you are doing in there little guy, but I am certainly starting to feel those real kicks people have been telling me about. It’s even funny to watch my belly move and twitch as you move. I just have to wonder what you are doing in there?

This past week my stomach has been very mad at me. I’m not sure what I am eating to make it so upset. Do you think  you could let me know? My current theory? A new lactose intolerance! How weird! So this week I am going to investigate what it is. Your mommy’s always had a bad stomach, so it really could be anything….nerves, stress, bad food choices, or a combination of both.

Still no consistent cravings. The common theme is fatty foods though, but luckily I haven’t put on too much weight thus far. There’s still a long way to go though! The current craving is for creamsicle! The good news is that I bought a box of creamsicle pops today! A few things have gotten put on the “do not have in the house list”, and they are blueberry waffles, and cantaloupe. Both of those items seem to really affect my sense of smell! Also, I have had a constant battle with preparing chicken, but I am trying to overcome since it’s really a signature dish in this house.

Pooh Bear: 21 Weeks

 

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she’s practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby’s eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you’re having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.
You’re probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You’re not too big yet, and the usual discomforts associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. If you’re feeling good, relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints.

That’s not to say you won’t have some minor glitches to deal with now. For example, increased oil production may contribute to the development (or worsening) of acne. If that’s the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day, and make sure that any moisturizer or make-up you use is oil-free. Don’t take any oral acne medications — some are very hazardous during pregnancy — or use any topical acne products without first checking with your practitioner.

You’re also more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, there’s increasing pressure on the veins in your legs; higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. You’re more likely to get varicose veins if other family members have them. Also, they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you age. To help prevent or minimize varicose veins, exercise daily, prop up your feet and legs whenever possible, sleep on your left side, and wear maternity support hose.

You may also notice so-called spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin), particularly on your ankles, legs, or face. They may have a spider- or sunburst-like pattern with little branches radiating out from the center, they may look like the branches of a tree, or they may be a group of separate thin lines with no particular pattern. Though they may be a bit unsightly, spider veins don’t cause discomfort and usually disappear after delivery.

Look at you little guy! You are getting so big!! And don’t worry, your mommy’s belly is growing to accommodate! I still feel very blessed to be having such a wonderful pregnancy. I still love this nice hot summer weather, I am comfortable and best of all I still get to wear my regular sundresses! Over the next couple of weeks I am sure things will start to change, but for now I will enjoy it! What do I enjoy the most? Feeling you bouncing around inside my belly. Thanks for saying hi to your mom every day!

Love,

Mommy