Once it is official that you are pregnant and you have done everything but alert the media, it is a good time to check into how your pregnancy will affect your work and what benefits you can use.
MOM
Though some women are too sick to have cravings, you might begin to have cravings. Of course if you crave harmful things like alcohol or sushi, it is best to fight it off. Craving things like paint chips or dirt can be a sign of pica and is often related to a deficiency. Other craving may be related to other deficiencies like if you crave oranges you may be lacking in vitamin C. Some cravings have no rhyme or reason.
Vegetarians will need to pay close attention to their diet and may need to work harder planning their diet to make sure the baby gets adequate nutrients, especially complete proteins.
Migraine headaches may disappear or become more frequent. If severe consult a health care professional what is safe to take to relieve them. Use natural alternatives when possible. Eliminate any known triggers. Though you can’t do anything regarding the change in hormones, other triggers like the following can be avoided:
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Caffeine
• Smoke
• Strong odors
BABY
The baby will have a growth spurt and will be about the size of a large blueberry and weighs between 1/3 lb and 1/ 4 lb. During week 7 of your pregnancy the baby will be developing the following:
• Facial features
• Mouth
• Tongue
• Eyes have a retina and lens attached
• Major muscle systems
• Begins to produce own blood type
• Teeth
• Intestines
• Appendix
• Liver starts to producing red blood cells
• Veins
The brain is growing about 100 cells per minute.
LIFE
Some bloating is normal as you body prepares for the extra work it is doing now. You won’t need maternity clothes just yet, but you might want to buy a few pants that are less snug or have an elastic waist. Purchasing a few loose tops that are long will also bridge the gap between when your pre-pregnancy clothes get snug and there is no question that it is time for maternity clothes.
It is best if your supervisor hears it from you first that you are pregnant. This is a good time to gather work related information about maternity benefits, any changes in duties at work while pregnant, and to go over your budget.
Make some plans on when you will begin your maternity leave and how long you will be out for. Combining some vacation time with maternity leave could help ease the financial impact.
Save a couple vacation days so that you can use them if needed if something comes up with the baby. Look into being able to work from home options after the baby is born.
You are now about half way through your first trimester.
6 Weeks Pregnant
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