Baby’s Developments
The foetus measures approximately 3 cm and weighs 4 g. Fingers and toes are fully developed and the nervous and digestive systems are starting to develop. The foetus even has fingernails and hair at this stage and can make small uncoordinated movements. Although the eyes are developed (and even the eye colour is determined) the eyelids are stuck shut because the irises (thin circular formations, controlling the amount of light entering the eyes) are still developing.
Changes in the Mother
Due to your hormones increasing rapidly, you may be facing intense mood swings. Another side effect of the increase of the hormone Progesterone is constipation. This happens because Progesterone relaxes the bowels and intestines and this slows the movement of food allowing the body to remove a greater amount of water from your stools causing stools to harden. Wind or gas may also increase during pregnancy.
Tips for This Week
- In order to cope with your mood swings, try to understand that it is the pregnancy which is causing them and be determined not to give into them and get involved in unnecessary fights with your husband, family members, friends or co-workers
- Try involving yourself in some calming activity which is not strenuous such as yoga, gardening, walking etc.
- Activities such as knitting and bead weaving would help to calm and focus your mind
- Drink a lot of water and eat foods rich in fibre in order to avoid constipation
- Avoiding fizzy drinks, drinking water during meals and eating chewing gum will lessen gas