All about baby
Your baby would still fit into the palm of your hand, but is now looking more like a baby with a proper neck and a button nose, which has an upward tilt for breathing during breastfeeding.
Now that your baby is beginning to move around more smoothly and rhythmically in the amniotic fluid, you may feel the very first fluttering sensations of your baby’s movements – although these can easily be mistaken for bubbles of wind!
These foetal movements, or ‘quickening’ as its traditionally known, can occur as early as week 14. If it’s your first pregnancy it’s more likely to occur between weeks 18 – 22, whereas if you’ve been pregnant before you’ll probably recognise the foetal movements earlier.
- Measures about 9cm crown to rump
- Weighs in at around 45 grams
Over to you
Your uterus is now about the size of a grapefruit and growing rapidly. In fact, during your entire pregnancy, your uterus will increase by 20 times in weight and fourteen times in size! Hormones are settling down, so your mood swings will probably calm down too - although most women experience heightened emotions throughout their pregnancy.
Antacid will have become your new best friend if you’re being plagued by heartburn. If you’ve never experienced it before, it’s a burning sensation from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat, which is caused by both hormonal factors and your uterus pushing up against your stomach. Avoiding spicy or fatty foods, eating little and often and not too soon before bedtime will all help. A glass of milk may also help ease discomfort during the night. Speak to your midwife about which antacids are safe to take during pregnancy.
You may also find that your aversions to certain foods disappear during your second trimester. However, you may continue to find the smell of cigarettes, coffee or alcohol quite distasteful. This could be your body's way of preventing you from consuming anything harmful to your baby.
In the know
Work and pregnancy
Maternity rights
Legally, you need to inform your employer of your pregnancy and when you want your maternity leave to start 15 weeks before your due date. But it can be a good idea to tell them earlier so you can find out about what benefits you're entitled to, like paid time off for antenatal care throughout your pregnancy, including classes if your doctor or midwife advises them.
According to current law, you can't be made redundant, dismissed, or given unfair treatment because of your pregnancy. Also, your work mustn't put your or your baby's health at any risk. If your employer can't adjust your working hours or conditions to make them safe, you're entitled to be offered a suitable alternative job, or else be suspended on full pay for as long as needed.
For more information on your maternity rights, and what maternity leave and benefits you're entitled to, visit: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/Pregnancyandmaternityrights/index.htm.
Paternity rights
Dads-to-be can take a period of paternity leave after the baby's born and are entitled to Statutory Paternity Pay. Like you, they will need to inform their employer in writing about their leave plans no later than 15 weeks before the due date. Find out about paternity leave in our Dads section and visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/index.htm for more information.
Safety at work
If you haven't done so already, you might want to share your news with your boss so that you can start to make plans for your maternity leave - and make sure the health and safety of you and your baby are being considered in the workplace. If you work in an environment that exposes you to potentially harmful chemicals, germs or heavy pollution, then it’s best inform your employer as soon as possible.
Another exception to the no-tell rule is if your pregnancy is making it difficult for you to perform your job. So if you need time off because you’re feeling awful, or need to go for another round of tests, it's probably time to let your boss know what's going on, if for no other reason than to quell the gossip. Once you've informed your employer, you're entitled to paid time off to attend antenatal appointments and classes.
Taking care of you and bump at work:
- If you're sitting at a desk all day, make sure your chair supports your back and keep your feet flat on the floor or raised on a stool or box. Get up and stretch every so often.
- Working at a computer - although there were some previous concerns, latest research has found no links between working with VDUs and birth defects or miscarriage
- No heavy lifting!
- If you're suffering from morning sickness, have snacks and mints to hand, drink plenty of water, find somewhere quiet to sit while it passes and consider telling a colleague or your boss for support
- Take regular breaks - get up and move around of you've sitting; take a load off if you've been on your feet
Go to next week's article: Pregnancy Week 15
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.
