Hey mom,

Ta-dah! I’m no longer just a mere ball of cells. You are now the carrier of an embryo, one that has settled into your uterus for a good long rest. Not that I’m not busy, of course. I’m actually busy splitting into two groups – half of which will make me, your baby, and the other half, which will form the placenta. The placenta is what gives me nourishment and oxygen while I’m growing in your belly. And that protective layer called the amniotic sac and fluid is fully formed so I’m nice and cushioned. Despite all this development, I’m still pretty teeny tiny – no bigger than a poppy seed.

Now here’s the exciting part. This week you should for sure be able to tell whether you’re pregnant. Take a home pregnancy test, and visit your doctor to confirm things. Many prenatal doctors won’t see moms-to-be until they’re about six-to-eight weeks along, but you can always visit your family doctor for a pregnancy test. If you haven’t taken a test just yet, there are some other early signs you’re pregnant. A lot of women describe their early symptoms as similar to PMS – mood swings, spotting, cramping, and bloating are all pretty common at this stage. Of course, if you’re bleeding with a heavier flow, it’s probably a good idea to visit your doctor and get things checked out if you’ve received a positive pregnancy test.

Once you know you’re pregnant, it’s time to make a few more changes. You’ve hopefully already phased out drinking, drugs and alcohol – but what about those medications? Ask your doctor or pharmacist what prescription and over-the-counter drugs are safe to take while pregnant. One pill I do recommend? A prenatal vitamin, ideally one loaded with folic acid to help me avoid neural-tube defects like spina bifida.

You’re pregnant, I’m an embryo – life is good. And don’t forget, “The thing that’s nice about pregnancy is that in the end, you have a baby.” – Ann Romney (Former First Lady of Massachusetts and Mother of Five)

Love,
Baby

 Pregnancy Affirmation of the week