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How your baby’s growing
Your baby is about the length of a kidney bean. Her tiny heart beats and the head is taking shape. Organs, such as kidneys and liver, are forming.
The neural tube that connects the spine and brain closes.
How your body’s changing
Your nipples may look darker and may be a bit swollen. Your pregnancy hormones are working hard to prepare your breasts for breastfeeding.
Your heart rate goes up as the volume of blood that is being pumped through your heart increases. This will make you feel more tired than usual.
Hormonal changes may make you feel or be sick – at any time of day. Find out more about morning sickness.
You may notice that you need to wee more often; this often starts early in pregnancy and continues as the baby presses down on your bladder.
How you might be feeling
Your baby is growing at an incredible rate, so you should rest when you can. You might feel right now as if you can’t go another seven months feeling so tired. But it will get better!
It can feel like a long wait between telling your doctor and having your first antenatal appointment. You may feel a bit lonely and unsure about things.
Ask your doctor if you have concerns about your or your baby’s health. If you have more questions about pregnancy health you can ring the Tommy's PregnancyLine on 0800 0147 800, or email us at info@tommys.org.
How to have a healthy pregnancy
Stick to a healthy diet. There are some foods that you should avoid.
Eat little and often. Try ginger biscuits and rice cakes if you’re feeling sick.
Keep drinking plenty of water or juice. Avoid fizzy sweet drinks and too much caffeine.
Things to do
If you’re working and think your job could be a health risk to your pregnancy, tell your employer in confidence about your pregnancy. They are legally bound to make any necessary adjustments to protect you and your baby's health.
Make an appointment to see your doctor, or make an appointment directly with a midwife, if you haven’t already done so. They need to sort out your antenatal care.
You can start thinking about screening tests. These check your baby for specific conditions.
More information
References
- C Henderson, S Macdonald (2009) Myles Midwifery: A Textbook for Midwives, 15th edition, Churchill Livingstone, London
- Department of Health (2009) The Pregnancy Book, NHS, London (downloadable version)
New! Comments
We welcome comments here. Please note though that our midwives do not check or read these comments. Before taking advice from others, you should email info@tommys.org or call 0800 0147 800 to talk to a trained midwife. Please keep your comments relevant, civil and respectful of others. To read more about our policy on comments, please click here.
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