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What's happening to your baby?
Your baby is already practising skills like sucking and chewing. The kidneys are working and your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid and weeing regularly. This is important as it helps regulate the amount of amniotic fluid in your womb.
The brain has continued to develop and all the areas you would normally find in a newborn's brain are present.
Your baby enjoys wriggling and stretching, and these small movements help strengthen the developing muscles and bones. Your baby’s skin is still thin and transparent and tiny thread-like blood vessels can be seen through it.
Although your baby's sex organs are developing, the external genitals still look quite similar in boys and girls and it’s not easy to tell them apart until about week 14. |
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What's happening to you?
You’ve probably changed your lifestyle since you found out you were pregnant, but if you’re still smoking or drinking you should talk to your midwife or GP. Doctors recommend pregnant women don’t smoke at all because it increases the chances of a miscarriage or stillbirth. Babies may also be born prematurely or with low birth weight and have health problems. The good news is, if you give up now it will bring huge benefits for you and your baby.
Most doctors also recommend pregnant women don’t drink during the first 12 weeks.
Still feeling shattered? Gentle exercise will get more oxygen in your body and help you feel alert. Low iron levels can sap your energy too, so make sure you are getting plenty of iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, green leafy vegetables, fortified breakfast cereals and beans. |
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"Giving up smoking isn’t easy. But you’re up to four times more likely to quit smoking with NHS support, so talk to your midwife about what help is available. Likewise with alcohol, it can be hard to cut down. However, too much alcohol can cause long-term damage to your baby, so it’s really not worth the risk."
Bev Rolls, Midwife |
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| We answer hundreds of questions a week from parents. For free support and advice, get in touch via our new Live Chat service, call or email.
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Come and get to know us a little better. |
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| Planning to go to antenatal classes? You'll be surprised how quickly they get booked up. Talk to your midwife about classes in your area and make sure you don't miss out. |
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| What to expect at your first scan. |
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All the best,
The SMA Baby Club |
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