11 Weeks

I am now 11.5 weeks and counting! Here's what's been going on in my tummy this week...

Baby Emmett:
Our baby, just over 1.5 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden. She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. I won't feel these acrobatics for another month or two, nor will I notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphram is forming.

Mommy Emmett:
Most women feel a little bit more energetic now with lessening nausea (not yet for me). Unfortunately, constipation is common due to hormonal changes which slow digestion (no comment). Heartburn is also common due to hormones which relax the valve between my stomach and esophagus. I shouldn't worry if nausea has made it impossible to eat a wide variety or healthy foods or if I haven't gained much weight yet. Most women gain 2-5 lbs during the first trimester. My appetite should return soon, and I'll soon start to gain a pound a week.

Interesting fact I heard on the radio last week...pregnant women experiencing heartburn are more likely to have hairy babies. Ha! The same hormone responsible for heartburn is responsible for the production (or overproduction) of hair. The lady who wrote "What to Expect When You're Expecting" sorted this myth vs. fact tale. It's true!

No heartburn for me, although my acid reflux (a different kind called GERD) is acting up lately since I'm unable to take my normal medication for the problem. It doesn't cause heartburn because the acid goes into my throat. Just annoying coughs and clearings of my throat. No pain.