All about baby
Your baby is now fully formed and will spend the next six months maturing, growing and gaining weight dramatically.
Its eyes are now completely formed and facing frontward. Its bones are growing, although still formed from soft cartilage. With its hands now complete,and fingernails growing, your baby is starting to move its fingers. There are still a few weeks to go before you'll feel your baby moving, however, because it is still so tiny!
The placenta now takes over as your baby's life-support system and the centre of hormone production. From now on it will filter vital oxygen and nutrients from your bloodstream via the umbilical cord and into your growing foetus.
- Measures about 5 - 7.6cm crown to rump
- Weighs in at around 14 grams
Over to you
Now that you have photographic evidence of your pregnancy from your first scan, you may want to begin to tell people about your exciting news - if you haven't already blurted it out in the first surprised days that is! Of course, some of your friends may have guessed pretty quickly, especially women with children who've ’been there, done that.’ But if not, you need to decide who to tell – and when.
Conventional wisdom suggests that you (and your baby's dad) shouldn't inform anyone until the end of your first trimester, or at least until after the baby's heartbeat has been detected. This is really only because of the increased risk of miscarriage during the early weeks - and to protect your own privacy during what could be an upsetting time. However, if you’re happy for people to know, there’s no reason not to let them in on your secret earlier.
Your uterus will rise above your pelvic bones as it's now too large to remain in your pelvis, and you’ll begin to develop a distinct bump. If you’re lucky enough to have strong abdominal muscles, your bump may start to show a bit later. You may also notice the linea nigra (black line), a dark line of pigmentation, from your pubic bone to your tummy button. And yes, now’s the time you’ll start to gain extra weight – if you haven’t already, that is…
In the know
Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common complaints of pregnancy and they're not usually a cause for serious concern. Pregnancy hormones, dehydration, increased blood volume and lack of sleep are just some of the possible triggers for pregnancy headaches. Add to that other factors, such as possible eye strain, sinus infections, exhaustion and emotional stress, and it's no wonder that you might have a sore head!
Although paracetamol is safe to take in pregnancy, aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided – unless your GP gives you the OK. Instead try a few simple remedies that may help relieve your headache even more quickly:
- Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water
- Reduce caffeine slowly to avoid caffeine withdrawal symptoms
- Eat a little something to avoid low blood sugar
- Clear your sinuses by breathing steam, either in a warm shower or with a facial steamer, or alternate cold and hot compresses across your cheeks and forehead
- Lower your stress level. Easier said than done, but some much needed relaxation really could ease the pain!
- Hot and cold cures. A warm bath or shower or an ice pack on your forehead may ward off tension headaches and migraines
- Lie down with your feet up. Relaxing in a dark, quiet room is a good way to de-stress while taking the pressure off your shoulders, neck and head
- Change posture at your desk to prevent shoulder and neck muscle spasms that lead to headaches
Serious Headache Signals
If your headaches is accompanied by a high temperature, or you have other unusual symptoms, it's important to contact your GP or midwife. During later pregnancy a headache could possibly signal that your blood pressure is on the rise or that you have pre-eclampsia - a rare, life-threatening condition unique to pregnancy. Remember that your midwife or GP will be monitoring your blood pressure and urine closely throughout your pregnancy to rule out high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.
Most headaches are just one of the uncomfortable side effects of carrying a baby, but if you're worried, don't hesitate to seek help.
Go to next week's article: Pregnancy Week 13
Please note that the contents of this section are for information only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute to your doctor's advice. For medical care and advice, you should consult your doctor on a regular basis. If you have any problem which concerns you, consult your doctor immediately.
