Week 19
(counting
from first day of last menstrual period)
Around 17
Weeks After Conception
 Fetal
Development:
Along with the lanugo, vernix
caseosa forms on your baby's skin. Vernix is a white
cheesy substance that protects your baby's skin from its
aquatic environment ~ imagine how your skin would look
if you sat in water for nine months! The placenta
continues to grow and nourish the baby.
Multiples: If you're expecting twins, you're
probably half-way there already! Check our Multiples
Cubby for more information on the duration of multiples
pregnancies.
Maternal Changes:
You may be noticing several skin changes. These are
hormone-related and will disappear after delivery. You
may have the "mask of pregnancy" - blotchy patches on
your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Itchy skin is also
very common. Your skin may be dry and flaky in certain
areas and many pregnant women develop rashes,
particularly on the stretched skin. You can't prevent
stretch marks but lotions or oil can ease the dryness
and itching. Drinking lots of water and eating a healthy
diet will go a long way in reducing dryness.
Ideas for Dad:
You've felt your baby
move within Mom's womb, and BLAM! It hits you like a ton
of bricks - YOU'RE GOING TO BE A FATHER! You're excited
and then terrified. You may be questioning yourself as
to whether you're ready to be a father or whether you'll
be a good dad. If you didn't have a good role model as a
child, you may be even more concerned. You may be
wondering if you can take care of a family or if you can
provide for one. This one little kick can open a
Pandora's Box that you weren't prepared to handle. If
you find yourself preoccupied with such thoughts, don't
worry. You're experiencing a normal reaction to
impending fatherhood. Mom is probably having similar
thoughts about herself in her role as mother. Go ahead
and discuss these feelings with Mom. Read up on
pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. And - give yourself
a break when you need one. The fact that you're here
reading this already says a lot about the kind of parent
you'll be!
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