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14 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect
The 14th week is the beginning of a new phase in your pregnancy. After completing a successful first trimester you’ve now stepped into the second one! Considering everything is on track, you must have already started sporting a cute little baby bump that’s probably visible to most people.
However, even if you are not showing that you are pregnant, there is no need to fret, ladies. The coming weeks will be equally exciting while your baby embarks on a rapid journey of growth. More importantly, your body will undergo quite a few changes, a nice big baby bump is one of them!
Your Baby's Growth During Pregnancy - Week 14
By the 14th week, your baby will have successfully transitioned into a phase where she/he can pull faces, right inside your belly. He will be as big as your clenched fist and will be moving all the time.
Though you may not be able to see or feel much, your baby can grimace, squint and even frown. Your baby’s kidneys have started producing urine, owing to the amniotic fluid that the foetus will inevitably sip. His neck will grow longer and he will actually be standing without any prodding. Apart from these changes, your baby’s heartbeat will be clearer, though this can only be heard or felt by an expert medical practitioner.
What is the Baby’s Size?
By now, you can compare your baby’s size to that of a kiwi, peach or lemon.Your little peach weighs around 50 to 60 grams inside your tummy. Also, your baby is anywhere between 3-4 inches long. Although at 14 weeks pregnant the baby’s size may seem rather unexciting, even the kiwi sized structure is more than enough to make its presence known by creating changes in your body and contributing to pregnancy symptoms.
Common Body Changes
As hinted above, once you are pregnant you are bound to experience many changes. And it’s only fair that your rapidly growing baby will contribute to your body changes during pregnancy.
Your second trimester will certainly be smoother than your first one. Most women feel less tired, have lesser bouts of morning sickness and in general feel better and more energetic. You should watch out for weight gain or loss. It’s advised to gain a kilo or two. However, ensure that you are not losing weight as that could be worrisome.
Of course, the most exciting part of the 14th week of pregnancy is that you will definitely show a bit. Also, the chance of miscarriages has gone down quite a bit so you should be okay to announce the big news.
Symptoms of Pregnancy at Week 14
Every week of pregnancy brings along a new symptom. There will always be some recurring symptoms from the preceding weeks that will continue into your 14th week and the weeks to come. Some of these symptoms are listed below.
Ligament pain
Thick and shiny hair
An increase in energy
An increase in appetite
Mood swings
A decrease in breast tenderness
Nausea
Considerable weight gain
Pain in the stomach
Varicose veins or enlarged veins in legs and feet
Congested nose
Belly at 14 Weeks Of Pregnancy
You should be able to feel your uterus jutting out of your pelvis and showing in your abdomen. As mentioned, most of you will be sporting a baby bump. You are bound to feel a sore and rather aching stomach owing to the fact that your body is trying hard to accommodate your rapidly growing belly.
Since it is recommended to gain some weight, make sure that you also exercise a little to stay fit and deal with those aches and pains that should have already started to manifest.
14 Weeks Ultrasound
It is rather rare to schedule an ultrasound in the 14th week of your pregnancy. Nevertheless, if you do indeed get one, there are some cute surprises coming up. Your little one is going to make you fall in love all over again by showing off his new skill at sucking his cute little thumb!
A closer look will also reveal that your baby can now wiggle his toes. The spleen and liver should be functioning fine, and of course, your little one’s kidneys are producing urine. Your little peach sized miracle will also show the formation of peach fuzz or lanugo, a protective layer made of hair that is going to help him stay warm.
What To Eat?
The choices of food during the 14th week of pregnancy should be varied and full of nutrients that both you and your baby need. In fact, during the entire course of your pregnancy, it’s rather important to eat a rainbow of foods, meaning a food variant having every color of the rainbow. These include beetroots, green leafy vegetables, proteins, foods rich in calcium etc.
A common misconception during pregnancy is that you need to overeat because your baby is getting nutrition from you. Make sure you disregard this idea because what you really need to do is eat for two! It may sound confusing but your doctor will surely chart a diet for you that can supplement both you and your baby without you having to overeat.
Meanwhile, if you frequently crave for snacks, keep some fruits handy. Make sure that you stock up on nuts and yogurt because it’s wise to make healthy choices for snacks. Eat foods that are rich in folic acid to prevent birth defects and don’t forget oily fish varieties that contain the required amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids. Milk and milk products should be a part of your diet because bone strength is important.
Tips & Care
In a nutshell, the entire process of pregnancy is to keep yourself and your baby safe and healthy. Since you have successfully completed the 1st trimester and come so far, ensure you practice healthy habits for this one as well.
Go through our list of dos and don’ts that will certainly come in handy not only during the 14th week of your pregnancy but also for the coming weeks.
Dos
Get plenty of rest and regular hours of sleep.
Get a body pillow that should provide you some comfort.
Think positive and stay cheerful.
Read some nice parenting books.
Have sex with your partner.
Take care of oral hygiene.
Take care of personal hygiene.
Ensure that you eat good food that is properly cooked.
Exercise and do some yoga.
Don’ts
Smoke or drink alcohol.
Stay in conditions that stress you.
Worry too much.
Overdo your exercises.
Expose yourself to radiation.
Expose yourself to places with questionable hygiene conditions.
Starve yourself or your baby.
Forget to take your medication as advised by your doctor.
What You Need To Shop For
At this stage of pregnancy, you need to keep yourself as comfortable as possible. Buy cotton clothes that are loose and let you breathe. Investing in stylish maternity wear will be a good call considering you are going to need it later. More importantly, it’s time you switched to comfortable flats, preferably with padding, and ditch your stilettos and fancy shoes. Stock up on lotions because your skin may tend to feel dry. Buy good stretchy bras because your breasts will soon grow bigger. You may also want to invest in nursing bras as you are going to need them soon.
Conclusion: Read all that you can and prepare well to welcome your newborn and you will be able to reduce a lot of stress during this time.
Previous Week: 13 Weeks Pregnant
Next Week: 15 Weeks Pregnant Read more
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6 Months Old Baby Milestones
Babies grow really fast, and by the time your baby is six months old, you will see many physical and intellectual changes happening to her. Every day brings in something new, and you love to see all these changes in your baby. Here, in the following article, we shall acquaint you with some common milestones that your baby may achieve by the time she turns six months old.
Video: 6 Month Old Baby Milestones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTG5rotZwiM
6 Month Old Baby Milestones Chart
The following chart helps you understand the achieved and emerging developmental milestones of your baby:
Your Baby’s Achieved Developmental Milestones
Your Baby’s Emerging Developmental Milestones
Better grasping- can make use of all fingers to hold
Will use index finger and thumb to hold also known as raking grasp.
Can sit without any support
Will try to get into the sitting position
Eat some selected fruits and vegetable
Can eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables
Improved colour vision and depth perception
Will be able to differentiate between more colours and perceive depth in a better way
Better sleep for several consecutive hours at night
Will have better night sleep and lesser feeding breaks in between
Can stretch to grab an object
Will crawl to grab the object
Can roll in both directions
Will roll in any direction, even while sitting and crawling
Can make simple consonant and vowel sounds
Will make more complex sounds
Can recognize familiar faces
Will try and communicate through gestures with familiar faces
Source: http://www.momjunction.com/articles/babys-6th-month-a-development-guide_00103340/
Some Major Developmental Milestones Your Child Should Reach by Six Month of Age
We have categorized the major developmental milestones in the following categories:
Cognitive Developmental Milestones:
Cognitive development deals with your baby’s overall brain development, which includes the intelligence and the thinking ability of your baby.
Enhanced Curiosity: Your baby will become a little explorer and would want to explore everything around. She will touch hold and feel the things that fascinate her.
Copy Sounds: By this time your baby will develop better sound interpretation skills and will and imitate the sounds she hears.
Responds to her name: Around this time your baby remembers the sound of her name, and she is also able to interpret it, and thus she’ll respond when you call her name.
Utters Basic Sounds: Your baby will say common vowel and consonant sounds and may reply with these sounds when you talk to her.
Physical Development Milestones:
By the time your baby is six months old, she will be able to achieve the following physical development milestones and gross motor capabilities:
Better hand-eye coordination: Your baby will have more precise and better hand movements because of better vision. She will hold and observe the objects carefully.
Improved depth perception and colour vision: Since birth, your baby’s vision improves tremendously and by this time she is not only able to differentiate between wide varieties of colours but she is able to estimate the distance and track objects.
Uses all fingers for grasping: Your baby will make use of all fingers to hold tiny or small objects, this is called raking grasp.
Sits without any support: Your baby develops strong back muscles and thus is able to sit and manage her entire body weight. Though she may still not be able to get to the sitting position on her own.
Communication Skills:
Here are some the communication skills that your baby will by the time she is six months old:
Your baby will start responding to her name.
Your baby will start making sounds that will show her happiness or displeasure.
Your baby will respond to different sounds by making sounds.
Your baby will start babbling and will try taking turns while making different sounds, with parents or siblings.
Sleep Pattern:
Your baby will develop a better sleeping pattern by six months of age, and some of the following milestones may also be achieved:
Your baby will have longer uninterrupted sleep sessions at night.
Your baby may sleep for 6 to 8 hours at a stretch.
Your baby will be able to roll over independently.
Your baby may not get up for feeds at night.
Senses:
Here are some of the sensory, developmental milestones that your six-month-old baby will achieve:
Your baby likes to touch and feel various textures. She will like to touch her food, toys, water and various other objects to feel them.
Your baby develops better vision and thus will get attracted by bigger, brighter and bolder objects.
Your baby will feel comforted by touching, rocking and gentle sounds.
Your baby may not feel upset by everyday sounds.
Your baby will hold objects or toys with both hands and try and bring it towards her mouth.
Social And Emotional Developmental Milestones:
Here are some social and emotional developmental milestones that your six-month-old baby will achieve:
Recognises familiar people: Your baby will recognise and may also feel comfortable in the company of known or familiar people that you may meet on a regular basis. On the other hand, she may fuss or cry on seeing new or unfamiliar faces.
Enjoys playing: Your baby will show interest and will also enjoy playing with parents, siblings or caregivers.
Varied Expressions: By this time your baby will develop various different expressions for various things. You may notice her making different faces for hunger, sleep, discomfort or pain.
Respond’s to emotions: You will see your baby responding to familiar people. She may make happy and sad faces according to different situations.
When to Worry?
Every baby will reach the above-mentioned milestones sooner or later, but there are some indications that may alarm the parents. These are:
Your Baby Is Unable To Sit Even With Support: Babies develop stronger back muscles which help them to sit. However, if your baby is not able to sit even with support, this means there is a delay in your baby’s physical growth.
Your Baby Makes No Sounds Or Respond to Sounds: Though babies at this age do not talk they make sounds and also responds to sounds. If your baby is doing neither, then it may indicate that there is some problem with the vocal cords or your baby may have hearing issues.
Your Baby Does Not Recognise Familiar Faces: If your baby does not recognise familiar people, this means there may be some problem in the vision or cognitive development.
Your Baby Appears Inactive Or Shows Poor Motor Skills: Most babies love to play with toys by this age. If your baby appears inactive or shows no interest in playing this could mean that your baby is facing developmental delays.
Ways to Help Your 6 Month Old Achieve the Milestones
As parents, you help stimulate your baby’s growth and development by following some simple tips:
Tummy Time: It is very important that give your baby some time to lie on her tummy. This helps in strengthening and toning your baby’s muscles and makes her agiler.
Engage Your Baby In Conversations And Play Time: By talking and playing with your baby you are stimulating your baby’s listening skills.
Outdoor Activities And Reading: Taking your baby to gardens, parks or various other outdoor locations help in stimulating baby’s vision. You can also read colourful books to your baby.
Social Interaction: It is very important that your baby meets and sees new faces and people. This will help your baby develop better social and communication skills.
A well-nurtured baby may achieve all the above-mentioned milestones by six months of age. However, it is recommended that you remain watchful as parents and register any developmental delays. It is advised to get in touch with your paediatrician as soon as you register any developmental delays.
Previous Month: 5 Months Old Baby Milestones
Next Month: 7 Months Old Baby Milestones Read more
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Vitamins for Babies - Necessity and Common Supplements
As a baby grows up, the body’s demand for nutrition starts going up as well. A well-balanced diet is a key to achieving this. However, in certain cases, there might be a need to complement the current routine with supplements, such as Vitamin D for babies. These are usually recommended by doctors but it is important to know why supplements are necessary at all.
Does Your Baby Need Vitamins?
For most babies, breastmilk or formula milk is all that they are given in the early years. For older babies, certain solid food items might be introduced gradually. But despite that, vitamin supplements might be required by some babies. These are usually the ones who are suffering from health conditions or are born with them, where the body cannot synthesize certain elements well. Premature babies usually face these issues. Also, the mother’s diet plays a key role in ensuring the baby’s nutrition. So if the mother is strictly vegan or is on a specific diet that lacks a wholesome nutrition, your baby might need that separately.
Supplements are generally not harmful to the toddler as long as they are within the recommended dosage. No supplements should be initiated without the recommendation of your doctor.
What If You’re Breastfeeding Your Baby?
Breastmilk is usually considered the best food for babies, especially for a newborn child. As much nutrition and antibodies it might have, breastmilk usually does not contain vitamin D and iron in the quantities that are needed. One is highly required for healthy bone development, while the other is the core element in blood and brain development. In such cases, additional supplements for vitamin D and iron are usually recommended by doctors for the child. Even though you might switch to eating food items that rich in iron, a supplement is still required since the demand for iron is quite high in babies.
These vitamins are also available in the form of a syrup that is lightly flavoured to favour the baby’s tastes. You can either administer drops directly to the baby or mix them with breastmilk if he is on the bottle. The vitamin D through sunlight is usually a synthesis process and sun’s rays might not always be the best bet for your baby, too.
What If You’re Formula Feeding Your Baby?
If you are facing breastfeeding issues and your baby has his daily food from formula-based milk, the requirements are completely different in these cases. Most of the baby formulas that are available in the market are boosted with supplements of vitamin D and iron, along with a bunch of other elements that are all essential for a healthy development. All of these are well absorbed by the body as long as the daily quota of the formula is met.
As your child grows up and starts opting for solids over formula, the daily quota will undergo a reduction. In such a case, it would be necessary to check if the vitamin contents are still at an optimal level or not. Your doctor might advise you to start your baby on supplements when there is a good ratio of solid food to formula.
Most Common Supplemental Vitamins for Infants
Here are some of the common vitamins that are recommended for infants.
1. Vitamin D
This is one of the core supplements that doctors highly advise for babies when they are growing up. Vitamin D and Vitamin D3 for babies are together responsible for good bone development. Sunlight is one option, yes, but babies cannot be exposed to the sun for long duration. Therefore, opting for diet choices such as eggs and fishes can help bring up the vitamin D content. If your baby has started having solids, he can be introduced to a little bit of cereal liquid as well. These are usually fortified with vitamin D and can help him attain the daily quota.
2. Vitamin A
Another vitamin that plays an important role in the development of eyes, strengthening the immunity system, and keeping the quality of skin healthy and clear. Vitamin A can be easily obtained in various fruits and vegetables as well as dairy products. Fat spreads that are vitamin A fortified, carrots, mangoes, sweet potatoes, dark green vegetables, are great sources of vitamin A.
3. Vitamin C
This is one of the easiest vitamins to be obtained and to be maintained at a good level in the body. Most babies do get the necessary amount through natural means since a lot of fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, kiwi, oranges, lime, and so on contain vitamin C in substantial quantities.
4. Iron
This one is a little tricky to manage since the mother’s milk does not contain iron. The baby’s development requires it in quite large quantities. Any skimping on it can cause physical conditions to manifest in the child as well as behavioural issues and delays in healthy development. Formula-based feeding can help attain that quantity and certain cereals do have fortified iron in them. If your baby is premature, he needs iron supplements irrespective of whether his diet is proper or not.
5. DHA
Out of the multiple omega-3 fatty acids, DHA is a core one that acts directly on the development of brain and eyesight. This can be easily transferred to the baby via breastmilk if the mother ensures having DHA rich food items in her diet. Most baby formulas have DHA in them. This is usually found in meat, which is why mothers who are vegetarians or on a strictly vegan diet, might need supplements of DHA to ensure their babies get a good quantity.
6. Fluoride
As your baby grows up, the requirement for fluoride will start making itself felt, right from the time the first teeth emerge. Supplements of fluoride are present but they do have the side effect of staining the teeth. Fluoridated water is a better choice in that regard. Most of the water available in cities does have fluoride in it. If you usually make use of groundwater, your doctor might recommend you an alternative.
FAQs
Should I Give My Baby Vitamins if He's A Picky Eater?
Your child could be one of those that make the most disgusting faces when he sees any green leafy vegetables. He might totally distaste having vegetables completely, and you cannot force him to eat it at a very young age. Ensuring that other dietary choices are rich in the requisite vitamins is a good technique to undertake. In case you have a doubt if your baby does have the right diet or not, your doctor might recommend taking a blood test to confirm it and then opt for prescribing supplements if needed.
Can I Give Multivitamin to My Baby?
Multivitamin syrup for infants can be easily found in the market. These contain a wide range of nutrients in a variety of quantities. That being said, there are certain chances that a particular element could cause a side effect in your baby if it is not present in the right dosage. It is good to stay away from multivitamins unless the doctor explicitly prescribes one for your baby.
Should I Be Concerned about Vitamin Supplements?
Take the right precautions in ensuring that supplements are given in the requisite quantities, even if your baby keeps asking for more. If your baby can move around, keep the supplements on higher ground so that he can’t reach and eat them up.
Vitamins and other minerals play an essential part in the baby’s development. But be it iron supplements for babies or any other multivitamins, the healthy name should not take away from the fact that these are artificial external doses. All of these can work well only when they are in the quantities that are required. With this in mind, your baby can continue growing healthily and soon start himself on a full-fledged solid food diet. Read more
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How to Stop Biting at Preschool
Your little angel is slowly turning into a pint-sized dracula? Fret not! Here's the lowdown on preschooler biting tendencies. Is it normal? Read on to find out.
It's kindergarten time and everything is going okay till one day your innocent little angel's teacher gives you some news. Your baby has developed a method of getting his way – biting! When did your non-aggressive child learn this habit?
Don't worry, biting is completely normal at this age. You need to remember that your baby’s mouth is the first part of the body that learns to get tense. That is why when your child is troubled, all the tension goes straight to his mouth and results in a bite. This bite is not intentional; the poor chap does not know how else to express the trouble! It is actually his way of crying out for help.
Here Are Some Ways Parents and Teachers Can Tackle The Situation with Care
1. Give Space
Some children are a lot more sensitive than others about space. Teachers who recognize this could perhaps find a spot for the child to play that would not enable other kids to encroach. Of course, this does not mean the child sits separately. It is just enough space for the child to feel secure and safe.
2. Reduce Noise
Loud sounds can aggravate some children. Play-time usually means 'noisy-time’. Maybe the child could wear earmuffs or if that idea is not supported by the school, teachers could use soothing music during play time to change the atmosphere of the room.
3. Mentor
Some schools assign a member of the staff to keep an eye out for the child who is resorting to biting or other forms of aggression. This is so that the staff member can calm the child down gently. Most kids pick up on habits soon, so correcting this issue does not take too long.
4. Stories
You can also make up stories of brave children or animals who get their toys stolen and want to bite, but control their urge and use gentle words instead. Examples and positive reinforcement works greatly for children at this age.
Of course, you are the biggest influencer in your baby's life so gently talking to your child will help too. Studies and experiments show that redirecting the impulse to something else works better than trying to correct it.
Once a child learns to express better, the biting stage eventually wears out. The only thing to keep in mind is that at no cost must you encourage it, lest it lead to aggressive personality traits in the future. Your little vampire will soon learn that biting is solely for food and you can have a good laugh about it then! Read more
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
9 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
8 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
4 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
4 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
8 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
4 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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