The average fetus at 12 weeks is about 2.1 inches long and .49 ounces. Now that your baby is fully formed its main job is to grow. Your baby’s digestive system is beginning to work, the fetal digestive system is beginning to flex its digestive muscle as it starts to practice contraction movements. He/She has also developed her reflexes so if you poke her she’s likely to move!
Your Body
As you draw close to the second trimester, your nausea, tender breasts, food aversions and tiredness should be starting to wane. Hopefully you are feeling more energetic. Your uterus is now the size of a grapefruit, it is beginning to migrate from the bottom of your pelvis to front and centre in your tummy which will hopefully bring some relief to your bladder and your constant urge to urinate!
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Your Wellbeing
You are also probably feeling relieved to find the risk of miscarriage has decreased and you can start to tell family and friends your good news!
]]>Your baby is about 1.6 inches long and weighs approximately .25 ounces. He/she is fully formed and although you cannot see it he/she is moving fluidly inside your uterus! Your baby’s head and body are currently equal in ratio and his/her hands and feet are no longer web-liked - individual fingers and toes have formed. Your baby’s body is straightening and her torso is lengthening and he/she can now do stretches, somersaults and forward rolls!!
Your Body
At this stage, your morning sickness could be subsiding which means you’ve got your appetite back. Be careful not to overindulge just because you are eating for two, try and eat healthy, nutritious foods that are good for both your body and the baby and stay away from the junk.
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Your Wellbeing
You may still be having mood swings. Why not try some mind/body exercises to help you relax and feel more zen? Yoga or Pilates are both good options.
]]>Your baby weighs about .14 ounces and is about 1.2 inches long. Your baby has working arm joints and her cartilage and bones are forming. His/her vital organs are fully developed and stating to function, he/she is now swallowing and kicking! More minute features like fingernails and hair are also stating to appear!
Your Body
Your uterus is now about the size of a grapefruit and thus your clothes may start to feel a little tighter!
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Your Wellbeing
]]>Your baby weighs about .04 ounces and measure about .63 inches. Your baby is growing at an amazing rate, about a millimetre every day.
This is a critical period in your baby’s development, as his/her organs are forming and his/her tiny tail is disappearing. Although you can’t feel it yet and probably won’t for some weeks, your baby is moving those arms and legs like crazy! Your baby’s finger and toes are now only slightly webbed and his/her taste buds are forming.
Your Body
Although at eight weeks you probably aren’t showing, your jeans may be starting to feel a bit tight around your tummy. This is due to your uterus increasing from the size of a fist to the size of an orange! Your breasts are also growing and your old bras may start to feel uncomfortable, especially if they are underwired. Now is the time to get fitted for some supportive maternity bras.
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Your Wellbeing
The surge in the hormone relaxin may mean that you need to increase the amount of fibre foods you eat to cope with constipation. Relazxin also loosens ligaments so be careful of your back and pelvis as you do not want to strain either of them at this time.
]]>Your baby is still described as an embryo because he/she still has the remains fo a small tail which will disappear in the next few weeks. At .51 inches it doesn’t exactly tip the scales however he/she is developing like crazy!
Your baby is generating about one hundred new brain cells each minute and its heart is becoming more complex. He/she has also developed a permanent set of kidneys and its arms and leg joints are now forming. In addition your baby’s eyelids are forming and the top of his/her nose is starting to show.
Your Body
Even though you may not look pregnant, your uterus is expanding to accommodate your growing baby. As your uterus starts to expand you may feel some mild cramps in your tummy. Always check with your doctor or midwife if you are experiences cramps and/or bleeding
Common Symptoms:
Your Wellbeing
Try some natural remedies to stave off morning sickness – ginger biscuits or breadsticks can help.
Switch to herbal teas instead of caffeinated drinks.
]]>The average embryo at week 6 is about .25 inches and will double in size again next week! This week the heart has started beating. Although your baby is tiny, the folds of tissue in the prominent bump on top are developing into your baby’s jaw, cheeks and chin and will eventually become one gorgeous face. In addition, your baby’s ears are emerging and the arms and legs look like protruding buds.
]]>The average embryo at week 6 is about .25 inches and will double in size again next week! This week the heart has started beating. Although your baby is tiny, the folds of tissue in the prominent bump on top are developing into your baby’s jaw, cheeks and chin and will eventually become one gorgeous face. In addition, your baby’s ears are emerging and the arms and legs look like protruding buds.
Your Body
Your body may not have changed on the outside but the nausea, tiredness and frequent peeing says otherwise!
Common Symptoms:
Your Wellbeing
Although your baby still looks more like tadpole than a human being at week 5 it is measurable – it’s a wee .13 inches and its gearing up for much more growth! Your baby’s major organs are developing, its kidneys and heart are growing and the neural tube, which protects the spinal cord and connects it to the brain is closing over.
Your Body
By now you should have missed your period, one of the more common indications that you are pregnant. At week 5 the level of hCG in your urine is high enough to be detected by a home pregnancy test so it’s time to pee on that stick!
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Your Wellbeing
Try to get into the habit of eating well. We would recommend small, regular meals with plenty of water and fluids, it can help with indigestion and nausea. Eating a good variety of nutrients will be good for both you and baby – you need to keep your energy levels up and baby will benefit from healthy eating.
]]>Your Baby is now the size of a Poppyseed
The ball of cells, now known as a blastocyst, is settling into its new home (your uterus). The ball of cells is splitting into the embryo and placenta.
]]>The ball of cells, now known as a blastocyst, is settling into its new home (your uterus). The ball of cells is splitting into the embryo and placenta. The embryo now has three distinct layers that will grow into specialized parts of your baby’s body. The endoderm, will develop into your baby’s digestive system, liver and lungs. The mesoderm, will be your baby’s heart, sex organs, bones, kidneys and muscles. The ectoderm, will eventually form your baby’s nervous system, hair, skin and eyes. The amniotic sac and fluid are forming into a protective cushioning for your baby.
Your Body
At week 4, your body is transforming rapidly however chances are you are oblivious to it all. Some women do experience early pregnancy symptoms similar to PMS symptoms (mood swings, bloating, cramping) however many feel no change at all.
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