Pregnancy ~ week 15

I feel like time is going very slow. I’m excited to be 15 weeks, but on the other hand I’m only 15 weeks. I don’t know if it’s the anticipation of my upcoming appointment with the specialist or just my lack of patience. Either way…I’m only 15 weeks, lol.

I had a general OB appt today. It was really quick, probably all of 10 mins. He said well you’ve already got your NT results and are heading to Bronson on Monday so lets hear the HB. Which he found right away and it was 158. It was such a glorious sound and put a huge smile on my face.

After that he asked if I had any questions and I told him how I’ve been feeling heart palpitations more often lately (They are something I deal with normally due to the MVP). So he asked about caffeine...negative, chocolate...a lot less than I ate pre-pregnancy. So he said well I guess it’s time to head to the Cardiologist. We knew there was a possibility I would have to go there sometime due to the MVP since I have had symptoms (many people have MVP and don’t even know it because it can be symptomless and you can have no complications from it what so ever). So I wasn’t surprised by this. Unfortunately I do have to see a different physician than the one who diagnosed me since he was only an Internist. bummer. But it’s better to be with someone who is a specialist in the heart just incase there were something wrong...which I’m sure there isn’t. My guess is it’s just my heart trying to get used to the extra blood in my body, as palpitations can also occur in pregnancy just because. So I’m not to worried about it and I’m sure everything will check out just fine at the cardiologist. Besides I was due for another Echo anyways as it’s been over 3 years since my last one.

Other than that I am in perfect health. My blood pressure was great, and actually on the lower side. Which is great since I have high blood pressure pre-pregnancy. I’ve also lost a few more lbs since my last visit. Yes, pregnancy agrees with my body.

And my weekly update from similac.com:

Baby's Growth and Development at 15 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby's internal and external growth continue at a remarkable pace throughout the 15th week of pregnancy.

• When you're 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 4 1/2 inches from head to rump, and weighs about 2 to 3 ounces. She’s about the length of a large apple.
• Your baby's hair might appear on her scalp and eyebrows. Hair follicles even begin to generate the pigments that give hair its color.
• By your 15th week of pregnancy, your baby's ears probably have reached their permanent position on the side of her head, and her eyes are moving to where they belong on the front of her face.
• Your baby's skin is developing, but remains extremely thin.
• Your baby's skeletal system and muscles further develop and strengthen.
• By the end of your 15th week of pregnancy, your baby might be able to wiggle fingers and toes, make a fist, or even suck her thumb!

Your Changing Body at 15 Weeks Pregnant

By your 15th week of pregnancy, your body has made major adjustments to nurture your growing baby inside. Starting at about 15 weeks pregnant, your body's next challenge is to make room for your growing baby.

• Your lung capacity increases, allowing your body to carry more oxygen to your baby.
• Your rib cage might enlarge — up to 2 to 3 inches around — to accommodate the increasing size of your lungs!

Hello, Heartburn!

• At 15 weeks pregnant, if you have heartburn — that burning or sour sensation in the back of your lower throat — you're not alone.
• Heartburn begins when muscles (that are more relaxed than normal due to increased hormones) allow digestive acids to back up into and irritate your esophagus, which connects your throat to your stomach.
• The bad news? Unlike some pregnancy symptoms, this one might continue throughout your pregnancy!
• The good news? With a little care and guidance from your doctor, you often can find relief from heartburn irritation.

Hints for Heartburn

• Watch what you eat, and don't give up the balanced nutrition your body needs.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• Eat slowly.
• Avoid eating late at night and don't lie down for several hours after eating.
• Ask your doctor about antacids that are okay to take during pregnancy.

Heartburn and Hair - It Is Related!

• Chances are you've heard the old wives' tale: The more heartburn you have throughout pregnancy, the more likely your baby will be born with a full head of hair.
• Actually, recent research turns this tale into truth!
• The specific hormones that are causing your heartburn are the same ones that prompt fetal hair to develop.

Wellness and Nutrition at 15 Weeks Pregnant

By your 15th week of pregnancy, you've accomplished a lot. Whether it has been smooth sailing or a bumpy road, it's not unusual to have concerns or occasional worries about your baby's health.

Prenatal Testing: Knowledge Is Power.

• The more you and your doctor know about your baby's health, the better equipped you can be to address any potential problems.
• You might want to know specifics about your baby's health before she is born, particularly if you have any increased risk factors.
• Prenatal tests include screening tests, which your doctor can describe for you, and diagnostic tests, which are done when a screening test indicates the doctor needs more information.
• Many women choose to have ultrasounds, blood tests, or other tests for a variety of reasons. You and your doctor should discuss which tests you need.
• When examining prenatal testing options, you may want to ask yourself:
  • What will you do with the information?
  • Will the information help your doctor better care for you and your baby?
  • How accurate are the results?
  • What are the risks?

• Triple test is a screening test that checks for chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome, and spinal abnormalities, such as spina bifida, by measuring:
  • AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) (Produced by your baby's liver, this protein might show up in your blood.)
    • HCG (hormone produced by your placenta)
    • Estriol (an estrogen produced by your baby and your placenta)
  • This test is most accurate when completed between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy.

Nutrition Now
Good nutrition now can help protect your baby after birth from diseases. It's yet another reason to eat well!

Your Fit Tip
As your body shape begins to change, so should your exercise routine. By your 15th week of pregnancy, you might need to make changes to stay safe, balanced, and comfortable while working out.