The Bloom of Pregnancy
At twelve weeks the mother will probably have gained about 2.2 lb/1 kg. If she is gaining too much, the doctor may advise her to go on a diet. Her body is beginning to show definite changes. The top of the womb emerges from the pelvic girdle and at about sixteen weeks is about halfway up to her navel. Her bump is beginning to show, although probably not when she is dressed.
Any unpleasant symptoms, such as morning sickness, usually disappear after the third month and many women start to experience a heightened sense of well being. Now is the time when most mother to be begins to bloom in that characteristic glow of pregnancy. This may be partly psychological, for those women for whom motherhood is a fulfillment, and partly physiological. The hormones that the placenta produces usually clarify her skin and lend luster to her hair, her contours fill out, and her own excitement makes her eyes sparkle. A few women, however, are not so lucky, and occasionally the skin and hair become drier.