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What's happening to your baby?
By now, morning sickness and fatigue have probably faded away and you and your baby should be thriving. But don’t worry if you are still a little nauseous and tired, everyone’s body clock is a little different. The good news is, you will start feeling better soon.
At this stage your baby is more active than ever. As its muscles grow stronger, your baby will push against your womb’s walls and do somersaults in the amniotic fluid. Your baby is also making more complex movements, such as fist clenching and pursing lips and it even has fingerprints!
Your baby’s bones are still soft and flexible, but are gradually becoming harder. So eat plenty of calcium-rich dairy foods to keep the developing bones strong and healthy.
Although the genitals aren't fully formed yet, there are obvious differences between boys and girls now. |
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What's happening to you?
Congratulations – you’re now in your second trimester. At this stage, the risk of miscarriage is lower. Also, now you’ve had your dating scan, you might feel ready to share your happy news.
You don’t legally have to tell your employer that you’re pregnant until 15 weeks before your due date. But there are lots of advantages to letting them know in writing earlier. For a start, once you’ve informed them in writing, you’re entitled to take paid time off for antenatal appointments. Your employer is also legally obliged to carry out a health and safety assessment of your job and workstation to make sure there are no potential risks to you and your baby.
Your employer needs to consider how much lifting and carrying you have to do, whether you are sitting or standing for overly long periods and whether you risk being exposed to infectious diseases. Where there are risks, your employer has to reduce or, if possible, remove them.
Find out more about working while you’re pregnant. |
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"If you sit a lot during your working day, make sure your chair is at the right height, your feet rest comfortably on the ground, and your lower back is properly supported. Also ensure you take regular breaks and have a little walk around. If you stand for long periods, try to sit down as often as possible. Avoid certain substances such as chemicals, lead and x-rays, as these can pose a risk to your baby’s health. And finally, avoid lifting heavy objects."
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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| You may discover as your energy level starts to improve and breast tenderness eases, your interest in sex reawakens. |
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| Things you can do to make sure you're feeling your best. |
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All the best,
The SMA Baby Club |
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