Second trimester officially by all standards (I think). That's really exciting for me. I didn't feel all that different this week. Definitely didn't wear the sea bands as much and less gagging. The extreme hunger that makes me nauseous seems to have faded a lot over a few weeks.
I feel so far behind the rest of my facebook sept 2012 moms. I'm 3 weeks behind those at the beginning of the month. At this point, 3 weeks makes a lot of difference. Those moms, FTMs or not, are feeling kicks and flutters. I can't wait for it. I've still only felt the one twitch that I think was the baby.
Baby's heartbeat is still about the same and DH never fails to find it :) I told him at our next Dr. appointment he needs to tell the Dr. where the HB is... haha! Three weeks and one day until our anatomy u/s!
How your baby's growing:
This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.
In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.
Welcome to your second trimester! Your energy is likely returning, your breasts may be feeling less tender, and your queasiness may have completely abated by now. If not, hang on — chances are good it will soon be behind you (although an unlucky few will still feel nauseated months from now).
The top of your uterus is a bit above your pubic bone, which may be enough to push your tummy out a tad. Starting to show can be quite a thrill, giving you and your partner visible evidence of the baby you've been waiting for. Take some time to plan, daydream, and enjoy this amazing time. It's normal to worry a bit now and then, but try to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby, and having faith that you're well equipped for what's ahead.
