First Trimester

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 7

At this point your morning sickness means that your diet consists entirely of water, tea, toast, and crackers. That’s ok. Your body will make sure that your baby gets the nutrients it needs, even if you feel like you’re running on your last legs. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to get more calories where you can. There are tons of tips and tricks out there – check the web or ask other women who have had similar experiences. You may even find a ‘magic’ food, one that you can eat with no problem (ginger biscuits is a common favourite), or you can always try some natural morning sickness remedies.

As for your baby, all is progressing quite nicely. A mouth is developing, and the brain is rapidly forming. Eyes are in place, although there are no irises as of yet. Baby is almost as big as a tic-tac – amazing something so small could cause so much havoc!

Tip

Although you may be tempted to ‘shout from the rooftops’ about your pending baby, it’s a good idea to wait until you reach 12 weeks and have had your first hospital visit before telling anyone other than close family. By then your pregnancy will be well established, and there is much less chance of a miscarriage. However, if your vomiting at work is calling attention it may be a wise idea to tell your boss before the water cooler talk reaches his ears!

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 8

For some women the morning sickness can be so severe that it causes dehydration and weight loss, which can lead to other problems like anaemia, dizziness and extreme fatigue. Don’t feel like you have to be a hero, seek medical advice about prescription medication out there that can temper the nausea enough so you can start keeping water and food down. Do it as a favour to yourself, and your rapidly developing foetus.

Your baby has eyelids, ears and is starting to get a nose. Fingers are beginning to form and the heart has divided into four chambers. Baby is slightly over ½ of an inch, and weighs a few grams. Amazing to think that this tiny thing is going to be your baby in a mere 32 weeks!

Tip

It’s time to sort out who is going to care for you and your baby during your pregnancy. Luckily you have a lot of choices. Firstly see your GP. Most women will have combined care. This involves seeing your GP and a midwife or obstetrician for alternate visits. Ask other women you know what they chose, and what their experience was like. And while you’re at it why not book an appointment at the spa or buy some body/beauty products? After all, your body is a temple, and you need to keep it in pristine condition.

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 9

If you always thought your breasts were a bit, er, undersized, then you probably love them right now! Enjoy, you’ll have these girls until you wean your baby, so you might as well go out and buy a few new bras (and maybe some lingerie?). While your significant other may be digging your new curves, it’s likely that they are still sensitive enough that you don’t want them touched. Oh well, what’s a few more weeks anyways?

Around this week your baby’s genitals will start to develop, but it will take until 20 weeks for this to become visible on an ultrasound, in case you really want to know if it’s a ‘blue’ or a ‘pink’. Baby is now about 1 inch long.

Tip

Pretty soon you’re going to find that your favourite clothes are getting snug. Keep an eye out for maternity sales, ask your girlfriends, or even check out bargain stores to supplement your wardrobe. Remember you’ll only be wearing these duds for a few months, and you’re going to need the cash for nappies and formula!

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 10

Hang in there – once the first trimester is over, and your body adjusts to the hormone changes it all gets much easier.

You can help your body make the transition to baby-incubator by taking care of it. This means getting lots of rest, eating well (most of the time), and exercising regularly. And if you need to have a cry once in a while (or daily), that’s perfectly acceptable.

Meanwhile, your baby is starting to look like – a baby! No more tail and a face is taking shape. The skeleton is beginning to harden, and little tooth buds are forming under the gums. Baby now weighs about 4 grams, and is 1 ½ inches long. Still tiny, but definitely growing!

Tip

While you may think that the most important item in the nursery is a crib, or a change table, what you really need is a nice comfy chair and a nursing/pregnancy pillow. Having a nice chair to relax into while you are feeding several times a night can help you relax, and you’ll get back to sleep more quickly.