Je’Kiya Enters 3rd Trimester
Haven mom Je’Kiya recently entered the 3rd trimester of her pregnancy (beginning at 28 weeks). Like any expectant mother, she is tracking all the progress that her little one is making throughout her pregnancy.
Je’Kiya can tell you that 28 weeks means her new baby girl weighs 2 1/4 lbs. and is about the size of a large eggplant. She measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. She can blink her eyes, and is even developing the ability to see some of the light that filters through the womb.
This baby will be Je’Kiya’s second child, joining her 2-year-old sister Zuri. Je’Kiya and Zuri moved into The Haven’s shelter program earlier this month, and Je’Kiya can already tell what a difference the environment at The Haven is making in this pregnancy.
“Before I came to The Haven, I was constantly stressed, worried and depressed,” Je’Kiya says. “Since being here, I’m already feeling less stressed and worried which I believe is good for both of my girls. I think environment is everything during pregnancy because I know my emotions affect my baby’s growth. Places like The Haven help moms stay grounded.”
Toxic stress during pregnancy can hinder a baby’s growth in the womb and can be associated with later vulnerability to physical disorders such as cardiovascular disease. It is clear that environmental effects on fetal development affect emotional, behavioral and cognitive outcomes as well. Children born to mothers who experience toxic stress during pregnancy have shown higher rates of ADHD, conduct disorder and can even show altered brain development. Removing the stress of homelessness for The Haven’s moms is an important first step to later success for their children.
We are so grateful to be able to provide a safe and positive environment for Je’Kiya, Zuri and Je’Kiya’s new baby girl. We look forward to many more milestones to come for all three!