Zofran, Pregnancy Nausea Drug, Won't Harm Fetus (STUDY)

And you may notice some seemingly unrelated to pregnancy symptoms, like a stuffy nose, snoring orfrequent nosebleeds. The baby is approximately 10 inches and nearly a pound. Any odd symptomssuch as severe headaches or excessive weight gain should also be reported to a doctor immediately.

Once your baby arrives, you'll have little time for cooking, so consider freezing a few make-aheadmeals, like lasagna and casseroles. Later, you'll be glad you did.

What's happening to baby: Baby weighs anywhere from 6 ½ to 8 pounds and is 18 to 20 1/2 incheslong. Are you getting nervous about labor? Talk to your doctor about your options for pain relief andask her any questions you might zofran birth defects digestive tract have.

By now, you should have a rough idea of who's going to take over your workload while you're out ofthe office. The fetus has grown to about two pounds and 14 inches in length. To combat morningsickness, which can occur around the clock, eat several small meals during the day and avoid anyfoods with strong odors.

Are you itching to share your news? Many women wait until the end of the first trimester, when therisk of miscarriage is lower, but some can't resist telling family and at least a few close friends. Asyour pregnancy progresses, she'll add to these fat stores, which will give her energy and keep herwarm when she enters the world.

What's happening to Mom: Your breasts are getting ready to provide milk to your baby, so you maynotice that they're growing larger and that more veins are visible.

You're nearly halfway through your pregnancy. He or she is also able to open and close their eyes forthe first time and the baby will begin to develop to more regular sleep cycle.

What's happening to Mom: Along with all the changes your body is going through, you may also bedeveloping stretch marks on your belly or breasts. Several months after birth, the soft spots on hisskull will begin to harden.

What's happening to Mom: You're probably anxious, excited and ready to meet the little persongrowing inside of you. This stage, called lightening, makes it easier to breathe, but now baby isputting more pressure on your bladder, which may mean more trips to the restroom than everbefore. Make a list of any questions you have, and ask your partner if he wants to join you.

What's happening to baby: Baby's organs, hair, eyelids and umbilical cord are all forming. These"practice" contractions can last for up to two minutes as your uterine muscles tighten. She mighteven be able to hear loud noises, in addition to the sound of your beating heart and growlingstomach.

What's happening to Mom: You know the dangers of high blood pressure, but you may alsoexperience low blood pressure during your pregnancy, as your circulatory system expands at thistime. By now, she may weigh up to 7 ½ pounds. Steal naps whenever -- and wherever -- you can. Ifyou are having difficulty sleeping, you might want to change your sleeping position.

You're a quarter of the way there, and you may not even feel pregnant yet! Don't worry, that willsoon change, as baby -- and you -- start gaining weight and you feel those first amazing kicks.

What's happening to baby: Your baby is now the size of a lime, and his head is much bigger than therest of his body.

What's happening to Mom: You're gaining weight, and may have switched over to maternity wear, ormaybe you're wearing pants and skirts with elastic waists. Some women's feet begin to swell at thispoint, often going up a half or whole shoe size. Untreated, gestational diabetes can cause problemsfor your baby, such as trouble breathing and other health problems.

Many moms-to-be have cravings throughout their pregnancies, whether it's for something they can'thave, like a glass of wine, something they'd never normally eat, like a burger for a vegetarian orsomething that's just plain weird: Pickles and ice cream, anyone? Some women even crave dirt,chalk or other non-edibles. Lightening can also increase pressure on your bladder.

It's hard to imagine it now, but many women actually miss being pregnant: The constant attentionfrom strangers, feeling those comforting kicks throughout the day and night and the built-in excuseto indulge in chocolate.

What's happening to baby: Baby weighs anywhere from 5 ¾ to 6 ¾ pounds and may be as long as 19inches. Stretch marks usually appear around this time and skin may take on different textures orshades due to increased melanin. This hair may still be visible at birth, but will eventually go away.

What's happening to Mom: Your health care provider will want to see you every four weeks to checkyour weight, blood pressure and urine; measure your uterus; and listen to the baby's heartbeat.Fingernails have also begun to develop.

What's happening to Mom: In these last few weeks, you're likely still experiencing back pain,sleeping fewer hours than ever and dealing with swelling, mainly in your feet. They may also beleaking a yellowish liquid. If he's in breech position, your doctor may be able to turn him around sohe's in the head down position.

What's happening to Mom: You probably won't gain much more weight after this week. The uterinelining is developing to prepare for a fertilized egg.

You're pregnant! But a pregnancy test won't confirm it yet, so you have to wait it out. In manystates, they'll install the seat for you, or will check to make sure you've done it correctly to ensurethat your baby is safe when riding in the car.

What's happening to baby: He weighs about 5 pounds and is roughly 17 ½ inches long. Have youblabbed yet?

What's happening to baby: The brain, lungs, arms, legs and nervous system are all beginning toform.

What's happening to Mom: In addition to morning sickness, you may find yourself gaining or evenlosing weight, if that nausea means you're eating less. Ideally, you should feel at least 10 movements(everything counts, from harsh kicks to barely-there flutters) in two hours.

What's happening to baby: He weighs nearly 3 pounds, has eyelashes and has opened his eyes!

What's happening to Mom: As your skin stretches to accommodate your growing belly, you may be

dealing with itchy skin. In the meantime, the guessing game can begin: Your baby's gender, eyecolor and hair color have already been determined. The baby has also developed a firmer grasp andhis or her organs have developed enough to sustain life outside the womb. She looks more and morelike a baby and her heart pumps some 25 quarts of blood every day.

What's happening to Mom: Sometime in the next few weeks, you should feel baby's first movement,called "quickening." By the end of your pregnancy, baby's gymnastics will be hard to ignore!

You're pregnant during flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends thatyou get a flu shot to keep you and your baby healthy. If you test positive, you'll get antibiotics duringdelivery to reduce the risk of passing it to baby.

What's happening to baby: Her lungs are nearly fully developed, and she may weigh up to 6 poundsby now! She's likely in position for delivery, too.

What's happening to Mom: As baby's arrival gets closer, you'll get some relief from your breathingproblems as baby drops into your pelvis. Your health care provider will let you know if you're gainingtoo much -- or too little -- weight. He's now roughly 8 ½ inches long and is producing meconium,which will become his first poop when he's born.

What's happening to Mom: Swollen ankles, hands and feet are common in pregnancy -- after all,you've got a lot of extra fluid in your body right now! But if you notice sudden swelling in your handsand face, call your doctor. And some women even feel pregnancy symptoms, many of which aresimilar to those you feel each month before your period begins (backache, headache, breasttenderness, etc.)

You've taken the test and gotten a positive result, but your doctor probably won't want to see youuntil you're eight or 12 weeks along. Consider investing in an ovulation detector so you know exactlywhen ovulation occurs. By the 30th week, the average fetus will weigh about three pounds. The 26thweek of pregnancy can also often bring with it an increase in blood pressure and a few hormonalchanges that can cause lower back pain.

As your second trimester comes to an end, start looking into labor and child care classes, considertaking a tour of the hospital (if it's offered) and ask your mom friends for pediatricianrecommendations.

What's happening to baby: He or she may get hiccups more and more often as your pregnancyprogresses, and you'll be able to feel her hiccupping. If you start leaking an odorless fluid, call yourdoctor.

This week, your doctor may test you for group B streptococcus, a bacteria you may carry that cancause health problems in your baby. But you are, so take it easy if you're nauseous or tired.

Feeling sleepy? The first trimester is a time of exhaustion for many moms-to-be. Your growing uterusis nearly an inch above your belly button, and you're probably feeling pretty good: not toouncomfortable, and with energy to spare!

Do leg cramps wake you up at night? They're a common pregnancy complaint. Right now, it's thesize of the head of a pin.

What's happening to Mom: You probably won't feel anything, though some women do feel crampsand notice a heavier vaginal discharge.

At the end of this week, a pregnancy test may confirm your pregnancy. Swollen fingers and handsmay mean you can no longer wear your wedding and engagement rings. Many moms-to-be worrythat their water will break at work or in public. And if you're at all concerned that it's the real thing,call your doctor.

What's happening to baby: Baby weighs roughly 4 ½ pounds and is practicing breathing inpreparation for her birth.

What's happening to Mom: As baby grows bigger, your uterus may begin putting pressure on yourdiaphragm, making it harder for you to breathe. The American Academy of Pediatrics encouragesdonating the blood rather than paying the hefty fees for for private storage.

What's happening to baby: Baby's eyes are quickly maturing: She can tell the difference betweenlight and dark and can focus on light. More changes will begin to take place in the body. Enjoy thesecond trimester: You'll feel more like yourself, without the struggles of the first and thirdtrimesters.

Sleep is much easier in the second trimester; just try not to sleep on your back, as it can decrease

circulation to your heart.

What's happening to baby: Your little bundle of joy now measures nearly 5 inches long, and her eyesand ears continue to develop. If you're among this last group, contact your doctor.

What's happening to baby: Your 13-inch-long baby is busy packing on weight, so when she arrives,she'll have that irresistible baby fat. He now weighs half an ounce or so, and his bones are startingto harden.

What's happening to Mom: If you're dealing with headaches, blame rising hormone levels, increasedblood volume, stress and lack of caffeine.

You may get your first look at baby this week at your first trimester ultrasound. You may begin tonotice changes in your skin including a darkening of the areola and the appearance of dark patcheson your face and neck.Your skin may look great, with that pregnancy glow, or you may be dealingwith breakouts or mask of pregnancy (dark splotches on your face, thanks to increasedpigmentation).

By now, if you're having twins (or more!), you should know it, as either a blood test or ultrasoundcan confirm a multiple pregnancy.

What's happening to baby: Your baby, who now weighs 1 ¼ ounces, has fingerprints and a soft layerof hair covering his skin. She will often experience more leg cramps because of baby weight that hasbeen tacked on to her body. Your little one is now about an inch long and weighs less than a singleaspirin!

What's happening to Mom: You may have gained or even lost a few pounds, but no one can tell bylooking at you that you're growing a baby in your belly. Mood swings are also common during the30th week of pregnancy, as are bouts of depression. If you could sneak another peek at baby, youmight see her sucking her thumb!

What's happening to Mom: Around this time, your doctor may offer you a triple screen or a quadscreen to test for Down syndrome, trisomy 18 (a genetic disorder that infants usually don't survive)and neural tube defects (problems with the development of the brain or spinal cord).

You'll likely be seeing your doctor for another checkup soon, so be sure to share any questions orconcerns you might have.

What's happening to baby: Baby now weighs 2 ½ ounces. The American Congress of Obstetriciansand Gynecologists recommends nuchal translucency ultrasound around this time to measure yourbaby's risk of Down syndrome.

What's happening to baby: This week, your baby's facial features take on a more normal appearanceas the eyes and ears move closer to their final positions. Plan what you'll say ahead of time, then goin and share your exciting news!

What's happening to baby: This week, baby weighs a bit less than 2 ounces (a bar of soap weighs 3ounces) and continues to grow at an astonishing rate.

What's happening to Mom: Your risk of miscarriage is lower now that you're in the second trimester.Don't miss a single appointment!

With the fatigue, morning sickness and weight gain of the first trimester, your boss may havealready figured out that you'll soon be taking a leave of absence, but you still have to make theannouncement. More than a pint of amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus, though the amount of liquidwill decrease as the baby grows and takes up more room in the womb. Brief your boss, employeesand coworkers about what needs to be done while you're on your maternity leave, in case you deliverearlier than expected.

What's happening to baby: Baby is 15 ½ inches long and may weigh about 4 pounds by now.

What's happening to Mom: At this point in your pregnancy, your breasts are bigger and may havestretch marks. Baby's bones are starting to harden, except for the bones in his skull, which stay softuntil after birth, to make delivery possible.

What's happening to Mom: As you wait for baby to arrive, you're probably feeling moreuncomfortable than ever and not sleeping well. The heart now has four chambers, just like yours.

What's happening to Mom: You may feel more fatigued, thanks to hormonal changes, troublesleeping and morning sickness. You'll have to fast overnight, then swallow a super-sweet drink totest your blood sugar.

OK, so technically you're not pregnant yet, but your due date is based on the first day of your lastperiod, which is considered week one of your pregnancy.

What's happening to baby: Nothing yet, but as soon as fertilization occurs, your baby will beginundergoing thousands of changes over the next 40 weeks.

What's happening to Mom: As you prepare for this long journey, start cleaning up your diet,eliminating drugs, alcohol and caffeine, and ask your doctor about taking a prenatal vitamin.

Ovulation, which may occur this week, kick starts everything. The fetus will begin to mimicbreathing by pushing up the diaphragm up and down.

What's happening to Mom: At this point, Mom may have trouble sleeping and can feel clumsier thanusual. You may not even notice when you pass the mucus plug, but it means your cervix is beginningto dilate, a process that can take hours, days or weeks.

It's time for final preparations: If you haven't packed your hospital bag yet, do it now. You may alsohave darkened areola and breast soreness.

Next week your doctor may want to see you for your first prenatal visit. You should have some ofyour energy back, and you may even be starting to show. The little hairs that were covering herentire body are starting to go away as she prepares for her arrival.

What's happening to Mom: Talk to your doctor about what to expect during delivery. It's best totravel before you reach 28 weeks. Her hair is more lustrous and her nails are growing at a morerapid rate. Your baby is developing more complex reflexes and may begin sucking. You made it! Ofcourse, it's best for him to stay where he is until he's ready, and in some cases, that may meananother four weeks.

What's happening to baby: He's now weighing in at around 7 pounds. She's also probably movingaround quite a bit -- when she's not sleeping!

What's happening to Mom: Your uterus is now the size of a soccer ball. Unfortunately, you can'tprevent them, but they will become less noticeable after the baby is born. If you're at a healthyweight, experts recommend you gain 25 to 35 pounds. Stimulating certain points of your uterus maycause your baby to move, but you won't feel the movement for several more weeks.

What's happening to Mom: You probably don't need maternity clothes at this point, but your uterushas expanded to the point where your doctor can feel it in your lower abdomen. To prevent it, eatsmaller meals more often throughout the day, and avoid heartburn triggers, such as citrus foods,soda and fried or spicy foods.

Once you get baby's car seat, call your local police or fire department. Do ask for a prescription for aprenatal vitamin, and start taking it daily.

What's happening to baby: Your baby is only 0.118 inches long, from head to rump, and his heart isbeating steadily, while his skeleton begins to form.

What's happening to Mom: Morning sickness usually begins around week six, but some womenexperience it earlier. That doesn't mean you're eating for two: It means you should take in an extra300 calories or so a day.

You're almost at the end of your first trimester, which means your utter exhaustion and morningsickness should go away soon.

What's happening to baby: Baby is moving all over the place, but you can't feel it yet. According todata from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a full 31 percent of all deliveries are C-sections.

This week, your baby is officially full-term. When you feel them, don't panic, just do some deepbreathing. Your ob/gyn might be able to vaccinate you.

What's happening to baby: Baby now weighs 4 ounces and is developing fat under her skin. If it is aboy, his testicles will begin to make their descent to the scrotum, a process which typically takes twoor three days.

What's happening to Mom: How much weight have you gained so far? If you were at a healthyweight pre-pregnancy and haven't been going overboard when it comes to food, you've likely gained16 to 22 pounds, but every woman is different. During the 26th week, the baby's ears have

developed enough to allow him or her to http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-30/zofran/details hearnoises outside of the womb. Until then, make sure you're eating right. You may not be planning for aCesarean section, but you should be prepared in case it happens. Nipples and areolas often getdarker and larger. The baby has also begun to inhale and exhale amniotic fluid, an important part ofdeveloping his or her lungs. Take it easy as much as you can, and remember, it will all be over soon!

Your doctor may suggest that you do kick counts -- taking time every day to see how often your babyis moving. Who will he (or she) look like? Will she get your blond locks?

What's happening to baby: The fertilized egg, now a ball of cells, is called a blastocyst when itarrives in your uterus, attaching to the lining, where it will spend the next nine months. Theexpecting mother may also notice that she has a little less energy than she did during her firsttrimester.

You're in the home stretch now! Welcome to the third trimester. Your body is working overtime andyou deserve the rest!

What's happening to baby: Your baby is now the size of a bean. For most women, it's between days11 and 21 of your cycle.

What's happening to baby: Nothing yet!

What's happening to Mom: During ovulation (when your ovary releases an egg), your chances ofconception increase. Don't want to go without? Slip them on a chain and wear them as a necklace.

What's happening to baby: Baby weighs about 2 ½ pounds, and she will be adding weight quickly inthe next several weeks. If it's high and you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you'll have tofollow a special diet and may also need medication. Excessive swelling should be reported to thedoctor if it does not subside. Lips, eyelids and eyebrows are more defined and although her eyeshave formed, the iris lacks pigment.

What's happening to Mom: Thanks to a surge of hormones, there are lots of changes for mom too.Her brain is hard at work, becoming more complex and growing more tissue.

What's happening to Mom: In the next few weeks, you may be fighting off leg cramps, constipation,hemorrhoids, sleeplessness and other annoyances. Your baby's kidneys may have begun to secreteurine and nerve cells are multiplying at a rapid rate. Does your baby have an in utero nickname?

What's happening to baby: Baby is slightly more than a foot long, and her lungs and brain aregrowing quickly.

What's happening to Mom: In the next few weeks, you'll be screened for gestational diabetes. It'snothing to worry about: The colostrum, or pre-milk, that's coming from your breasts now will alsocome out in the first few days after your baby is born before changing over to the milk that willnourish your baby, if you decide to breastfeed.

You may be feeling Braxton Hicks contractions by now. These are symptoms of preeclampsia, ordangerously high blood pressure.

If you'd like to fit in a babymoon, or one last pre-baby getaway, better do it soon. Try to be patient ifyou go past your due date -- you'll have the rest of your life to spend time with your baby.

. Make sure you have a car seat ready to bring baby home from the hospital and give your partner alist of people to call and e-mail once baby arrives.

What's happening to baby: These last few weeks, baby is mainly just gaining weight and her brainand lungs are still maturing. So take a daily walk, hit the gym or try prenatal yoga to stay in shape.

What's happening to baby: Your baby is now the size of a grape, and the tail at the bottom of hisspinal cord is now gone. His ears, bones, fingers, toes, eyes, ears, lips and nose are all in the processof forming.

What's happening to Mom: You've got up to 50 percent more blood circulating in your body and youruterus is now the size of a grapefruit (it will get much, much bigger).

Between exhaustion and morning sickness, exercise may be the last thing on your mind, but expertsdo recommend that pregnant women stay active. How will you share the news?

What's happening to baby: Your baby is still teeny tiny, and consists of layers of cells that willbecome his organs and tissues.

What's happening to Mom: You may notice some cramping and bleeding as your baby is implantinginside your uterus. Getting regular exercise and stretching your legs before you hit the sheets mayhelp prevent them.

What's happening to baby: Your baby has hit the 1-pound mark! If you're having a boy, his testes aremaking their descent; if you're having a girl, she's already developed her uterus and ovaries.

What's happening to Mom: You're probably running to the bathroom more than ever, as yourgrowing uterus continues to put pressure on your bladder.

Many moms- and dads-to-be give their baby a cute, weird or amusing nickname like Peanut, Lemonor Chaka Khan before she's born. But it's not that dramatic for most women, and, luckily, it usuallyhappens at night when you're sleeping. This is another reason to take it easy in these final weeks ofpregnancy.

Take a few minutes now, while you have the time, to call your insurance company and find out what -- if anything -- they need from you, your employer or your doctor before or after your baby arrives.

What's happening to baby: Baby now measures about 16 ½ inches from head to foot, and is steadily

gaining weight.

What's happening to Mom: Got heartburn? Blame your ever-expanding belly. If you fly, be sure todrink plenty of fluids and get up and move around every hour or so.

What's happening to baby: Baby weighs 14 ounces and is looking more and more like a newborn:Her eyes are fully formed, her lips are becoming more noticeable and she even has eyebrows! At 22weeks pregnant, an expectant mother is in the middle of her second trimester and may start to feelsome movement in the womb. Her organs are developing at a rapid rate and she may now be movingher limbs and exploring her face. How's your partner holding up? Tell him specific ways he can helpyou as your pregnancy progresses, whether you want him to come to your doctor's appointments,help out more around the house or just rub your aching back.

What's happening to baby: Grow baby, grow! She's now more than 6 inches long and her ears areworking. The fat her body is developing will help her regulate her body temperature outside thewomb.

What's happening to Mom: You're likely seeing your doctor weekly now, and pelvic exams will helphim or her determine baby's position and whether (or how much) your cervix is dilated.

Welcome, baby! Your little one should make his appearance any day now, and you're likely desperateto meet him! Enjoy every minute.

What's happening to baby: At birth, he'll weigh between 6 ¾ and 10 pounds and will be between 19and 21 inches long, though, of course, every baby is different. It can help prevent excess weightgain, boost energy and help you get your Zzzs. If you do, you can really step up your nursery-planning and name-choosing!

What's happening to baby: Baby now weighs 9 ounces and she might be putting pressure on yourlungs and bladder.

What's happening to Mom: Your 20-week ultrasound is a chance for your doctor to see how thebaby's growing, check out the placenta, amniotic fluid, look for birth defects and, of course,determine the baby's gender.

How's the name game going? Check out the top 10 names from 2010, courtesy of the Social SecurityAdministration.

What's happening to baby: Baby is now big enough to be measured from his head to heel. Ward offany dizziness by making sure you don't stand up too quickly.

How are you holding up? If you're dealing with back pain, headaches or other nagging pains, talk toyour doctor before you take any medication to make sure they won't harm your baby.

What's happening to baby: Baby weighs in at about 7 ounces this week, and he is starting to growhair!

What's happening to Mom: You may start experiencing round ligament pain, a sharp pain in yourstomach or hip caused by stretching of the round ligament, which supports your uterus.

Right about now, you're likely going in for an ultrasound, and you might be able to find out baby'sgender, if you're so inclined. These things actually are pregnancy-related, as the increased bloodflow throughout your body can restrict airflow in your nose and airway.

You're almost there -- just 14 weeks to go! If your baby were born now, there's a very good chancehe'd survive: 80 percent of babies born at this time do, according to the March of Dimes.

What's happening to baby: By the 26th week of pregnancy the fetus has grown to about one or twopounds. In the next few weeks, you may lose your mucus plug, which blocks the cervix throughoutyour pregnancy, keeping your baby safe from bacteria. Ease the itch by keeping your bellymoisturized.

If you're planning on donating or storing your baby's cord blood, you should get the paperwork inorder before you deliver your baby