During the first seven weeks of a baby’s life, the baby’s body is developing rapidly, and it is important to know what to expect from this time period. Some of the things you might see are changes in your baby’s face and hands, as well as growth spurts in the brain and digestive system. You can also expect to see diarrhea and spotting.
Excess salivation
During pregnancy, excess salivation (also known as ptyalism) can occur. It is a normal part of the body’s defense mechanism. It helps protect the mouth and throat from acid in the stomach.
It can be caused by a variety of things. This includes medications, oral infections, and illnesses. It can also be a side effect of a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum.
While excessive saliva during pregnancy is not serious, it can make the nausea and vomiting worse. You may also find yourself unable to swallow your saliva. To get relief, drink lots of water and brush your teeth regularly. You can also use mouthwash to prevent dryness.
Mouth, nostrils, ears, and eyes
During the first seven weeks of pregnancy, a newborn’s nose, eyes, and mouth are all on the verge of becoming fully functional. This is a time when babies are most susceptible to colds and the flu. The best way to prevent this is to be sure to keep the baby’s nasal passages clean.
This is also the time when your baby may begin to show signs of yellowish drainage from both of his or her eyes. If this happens, the health care professional may prescribe a antibiotic ointment to alleviate the problem.
The most efficient way to cleanse the eyes is to dip a cotton ball into warm water and wipe the eye area. You can do this several times with each cotton ball to ensure the area is completely cleaned.
Pulmonary and digestive systems
During the early stages of a baby’s life, the pulmonary and digestive systems of a baby are beginning to take shape. In the first two years of a child’s life, the digestive system becomes responsible for nourishing the baby. At the same time, the lungs are beginning to develop.
At the end of week four, the first lung buds form in the fetus. These buds are formed from the endodermal tissue in the primitive foregut. These cells form respiratory epithelium, which eventually forms the respiratory bronchioles.
When the primary bronchial buds divide, they give rise to secondary bronchial buds on either side. These buds continue to divide during this stage, giving rise to the lobes of each lung. In the final stage of development, these buds branch and give rise to the bronchopulmonary segments of the mature lung.
Diarrhea and spotting
During the first trimester, expectant mothers are susceptible to various ailments. Diarrhea is one of them, though it usually goes away on its own. If you are experiencing diarrhea, try to drink plenty of fluids, and avoid caffeine and dairy products to speed up the process. Keeping your fluid levels up will also help prevent dehydration.
While it’s not likely you’ll need to seek medical attention for this condition, you’ll still want to keep some electrolyte replacement solutions on hand in case the diarrhea proves to be more than a minor annoyance. The old adage that water is life is true when it comes to pregnant women.
Food cravings and aversions
During pregnancy, many women may experience food cravings. These can be sporadic or severe. They can occur during the first or second trimester of pregnancy.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics supports healthy pregnancy and diet. It recommends that women eat a variety of foods to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
A variety of hypotheses have been developed to explain why women develop cravings. Some of these theories suggest that cravings are a protective mechanism designed to help ensure adequate nutrition during pregnancy. Others say that cravings are simply a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. Some women also report a change in their taste receptors, which can be super sensitive.
Growth spurts in the brain and digestive system
During the first few years of a child’s life, he or she experiences significant growth. In the first year alone, the average baby gains 10 inches in length. A growth spurt can occur at any time.
In addition to the physical changes, a child also goes through significant cognitive and emotional growth. As the brain grows, new connections between fibers are strengthened or cut away. Similarly, the child’s appetites and sleeping habits will also change.
The most important thing to remember is that growth spurts are a natural part of child development. The good news is that they aren’t harmful. In fact, they can be a very positive experience.
