Say My Name, Say My Name

At some point during the week of Christmas, Joshua told me that the baby's name should be "Minnie." He's been enjoying the movie "Twice Upon a Christmas" which features the different Mickey Mouse characters. I thought the name was especially cute, knowing that the baby is indeed "mini" right now! In fact, I decided that it's a great nickname for the little one. For, if it's a girl, Minnie works just fine (in fact, my mom's grandmother's name was Minnie). If it's a boy, "Mini" like "Mini-Me" from the Austin Powers movie also works. I didn't say much more about it, but every time we talk about the baby, Joshua tells me that the baby's name is Minnie. I just smile. He's so excited for the baby! And while it's sad that Christmas is over, I'm so glad that we have the ultrasound to look forward to on 1/12. :)

Here's what's been going on gestation-wise for the past couple weeks:

Week 16

Fetal Development

 Fingernails and toenails are growing too. In fact, some babies need their nails clipped right after birth!If you haven't already, you may begin to feel movement as the baby's bones harden. If you are somewhat overweight, have a thick uterus, and/or if this is your first pregnancy, you may not be feeling baby yet or feeling baby regularly. Don't panic! You will soon. The legs are now longer than the arms, and s/he is moving those arms and legs frequently, especially since there's still lots of room to move within the uterus.
Maternal Changes
Do you have a stuffy nose or nosebleeds? As mentioned before, your blood volume increases 40% - 50%. This affects your estrogen levels which in turn swells your nasal membranes. This increased blood volume also causes your heart to work harder to support your pregnancy. This isn't a problem for a healthy heart. Your ligaments continue to stretch, and you may be feeling achiness and pain in your abdomen.

Week 17

Fetal Development

This is a period of rapid growth as the fat begins to form underneath the baby's skin. Baby and placenta are about equal in size now. The tiny heart is pumping as much as 25 quarts of blood a day! The reflexes are probably in place now as the baby sucks, swallows and blinks.