BABY DEVELOPMENT
Ooh, what was that? Felt a movement that didn’t feel like his usual kicking? Your baby might have the hiccups. It can happen if he swallows too large a mouthful of amniotic fluid. You can feel this as well as hear it. Should you be worried? Not at all, this is how your baby trains his breathing movements.
This week the sexual organs of your baby finish forming. And he now sees very well and responds to sound stimuli. Low frequencies of certain music and the voice of his father are particularly well-received, and can trigger movements and increased heart rate, visible on ultrasound.
YOUR BODY
A few weeks ago, you greeted the first movements of your little darling with delight. Now your baby’s gymnastics can sometimes feel less than lovely: your uterus has now grown so much that when he pushes against your ribs with a violent movement, it can hurt. Some mums start to report aches and pains all over right about now. The increased blood flow loosens up your joints, ligaments and muscles (don’t worry, they’ll come back!).
NUTRITION
If you work, you 'll soon be on prenatal leave, if not already. Enjoy the change of pace! Rest as much as you can and gently begin to prepare for the arrival of your baby. This is a great time to refocus on what you are eating. Fruits and vegetables will give you the vitamin C you need to protect your cells and veins. It also improves iron absorption, which will help you to replenish your red blood cells.
TIPS
If your work requires you to sit all day in front of a computer, you’ve probably wondered more than once if it is safe for your little one’s development. The radiation from computer screens does not affect the foetus or the mother. Studies have clearly shown that there is no additional risk of miscarriage or any other problems during pregnancy due to screen time. Another item to cross off your stress list!
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