Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Week 14
You will start visiting your doctor for monthly prenatal appointments soon, but don’t fret—these visits are usually quick and short. Let's see what's up with baby this week!
What’s Going on with Baby
At Week 14, your baby is the size of a tennis ball!
This week, your baby’s neck is becoming more defined and distinct from the head and shoulders. The sex of your baby will become apparent now or shortly! In the baby’s spleen, tiny red blood cells (also known as RBCs) form, which will play a vital role in the circulatory system. Red blood cells are also responsible for several body functions, including:
Oxygen transport. RBCs transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and organs.
Carbon Dioxide transport. RBCs remove carbon dioxide from the body’s tissues.
Acid-base balance. RBCs help the body to regulate the pH of the blood.
Blood viscosity. RBCs contribute to the thickness or viscosity of the blood.
What’s Going on with Mom
Genetic testing is usually completed up to 22 weeks of pregnancy if Mom and Dad want to run the tests. These tests can help provide genetic health information about baby, including identifying potential genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities. There are various types of genetic testing, including:
Carrier screening. This test is performed on Mom and Dad to see if they carry a gene mutation that could be passed down to baby.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing. Common chromosomal abnormalities, including Down, Edwards, and Patau, are tested for.
Amniocentesis. A small sample of amniotic sac fluid is taken in this invasive procedure. Usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, this test can diagnose various genetic and chromosomal disorders and neural tube defects. There is a small risk of miscarriage with this test.
This is likely the first big decision you'll have to make about your pregnancy! There's no right or wrong - discuss all your options with your partner.
What’s going on with Partner
Genetic testing can be a big decision for some couples, so take time to discuss this with Mom so that you both can be on the same page. If you have questions, attend a prenatal appointment with Mom and come with a list of your questions to ask your provider. If you decide to have the testing done and are hesitant about the results, it would be supportive to Mom to attend the prenatal appointment with her where these tests will be done.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
The intensity of pregnancy hormones can come as a shock for many dads, especially if Mom is usually even-keeled. Read this blog for some tips!
