Pregnancy Week By Week (Week 14)

Week 14 Fetus

Must-ask Questions this Week (Week 14)

What should I expect from this month's prenatal checkup?

You can expect your doctor to check

• The size of your uterus (to verify that your uterus is roughly the size that it should be at this stage of pregnancy)

• Your weight (to see that you are gaining steadily)

• Your blood pressure (to spot any signs of pregnancy related hypertension or preeclampsia)

• Your urine (to ensure that your sugar and protein levels are within the normal range as they can indicate early warning of any emerging problems)

• The fetal heart rate (to keep tabs on your baby's general well being) Note: your baby's heart beats much more rapidly than your own - at a rate of 120 to 160 beats per minute on average. This is normal as a baby's heart does beat more rapidly than an adult's

• A discussion of prenatal testing options (your doctor will talk to you about the pros and cons of having the quadruple screen blood test and or amniocentesis performed during pregnancy. Because these tests have to be performed during specific points in your pregnancy, you may have to make up your mind relatively quickly about what to do about these tests in you intend to have them done.)

Some Basic Pointers (Week 14)

Skin Tags and Moles

Pregnancy can make skin tags and moles alter in size and appearance. Skin tags are small tags of skin that may appear for the first time or may grow larger during pregnancy. Moles may appear for the first time or existing moles may grow larger and darken. If a mole changes it must be checked. If you notice any change, show it to your doctor to rule out other possibilities.


Hemorrhoids

Dilated blood vessels around or inside the anus are a common problem during or following pregnancy. They are caused during pregnancy by the decreased blood flow in the area around the uterus and the pelvis because of the weight of the uterus causing congestion or blockage of circulation. Hemorrhoids may worsen toward the end of pregnancy. They may also get worsen with each succeeding pregnancy. Treatment involves avoiding constipation by eating adequate amounts of fiber and drinking lots of fluids. Use stool softeners if you have to. Other measures include suppository medications which can be obtained without a subscription. It is very rare to treat this condition with a surgery during pregnancy. After pregnancy the condition usually improves but they may not go away completely. If hemorrhoids bother you a lot, discuss this with your doctor. You may also try these suggestions for relief:

• Rest at least for an hour everyday with your feet and hips elevated

• Lie with your legs elevated and knees slightly bent when you sleep at night

• Eat adequate amounts of fiber and drink plenty fluids

• Take warm (not hot) baths for relief

• Suppository medications without subscription may help

• Apply ice packs to the affected area

• Don't sit or stand for long periods


Dental Care

Don't avoid visits to your dentist or ignore your teeth during this time. See your dentist at least once and inform him of your pregnancy. If you need dental work postpone it until after the first 12 weeks if possible. You may not be able to wait if you have an infection; untreated infection could be harmful to you and your baby. Antibiotics or medications may be necessary. Consult with your doctor before taking anything. Many antibiotics and pain medications are OK to take. Be careful with anesthesia for dental work; local anesthesia is Ok. Avoid gas and general anesthesia when possible. If general anesthesia is at all necessary, make sure an experienced anesthesiologist who knows about your condition administers it. Dental X-rays are sometimes necessary and can be done during pregnancy. Your abdomen must be shielded with a lead apron before X-rays are taken. If possible wait until the end of your first trimester to have any dental work done.

Your Nutrition (Week 14)

Being overweight at the start of pregnancy may present special problems. You may be advised to gain less weight than the average 25-35 pounds required for a normal- weight woman. You will probably have to choose low-calorie, lower-fat foods to eat. A visit to the nutritionist may be necessary to help you develop a healthful food plan. You will be advised not to diet during your pregnancy. Extra weight brings in more problems including gestational diabetes or high blood pressure; backaches, varicose veins and fatigue intensifies for heavier women. If you put on much during your pregnancy - beyond what your doctor advised - chances of a Cesarean delivery increases. If you are overweight, visits to your doctor will be more often. Ultrasounds may be needed to help establish your due date because it is harder to establish the position and size of the fetus. Extra layers of abdominal fat may make manual examination harder. Your doctor may order for gestational diabetes tests, along with other diagnostic tests as you near your due date.