My Little Poppyseed 2

Week 4 Update- About Baby Smith

This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until 10 weeks, all of your baby's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when she'll be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with her development.

Right now your baby is an embryo the size of a poppy seed, consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all of her organs and body parts will develop.

The primitive placenta is also made up of two layers at this point. Its cells are tunneling into the lining of your uterus, creating spaces for your blood to flow so that the developed placenta will be able to provide nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby when it starts to function at the end of this week.

Also present now are the amniotic sac, which will house your baby; the amniotic fluid, which will cushion her as she grows; and the yolk sac, which produces your baby's red blood cells and helps deliver nutrients to her until the placenta has developed and is ready to take over this duty.


Week 4 Update- About Mama Smith

Baby Bump:  None yet

Weight Gain:  I don't know what I weigh currently since we're in Japan and don't have a scale, but I'm going to visit the local OBGYN office here in Toyota City next week to see if I can get a weight.  If anything, I feel like I've stayed even or lost a pound or so since my appetite has decreased.

Maternity Clothes:  Nope.

Stretch Marks:  Nope.

Aches & Pains:  Yesterday, I had my first hormonal meltdown in public and had a bout of morning sickness. (see post below)

Sleep:  Same as week 3

Baby Movement:  Way too soon yet

Food Cravings/Aversions:  Nope.

Gender:  Don't know for sure yet, but Scott says boy and I say girl.

Belly Button:  Way in still.

What I Miss:  A hug from my parents after we told them the news.

Looking Forward To:  Telling Scott's extended family at Thanksgiving and my family at Christmas!

Energy Level:  Normal.

Baby Bump Week 4