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Staying active
Exercise is still important when you're pregnant, but you may need to make a few changes. Save the sit ups and abdominal crunches for later, and avoid exercising on your back, as the weight of your growing baby could restrict blood flow.
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Your baby
This is a busy time for your baby’s growth. Your baby's body has grown bigger and is more in proportion with her head. She is beginning to grow hair, as well as eyelashes and eyebrows.
You
You may feel the baby elbow or kick you!
You may notice dark spots on pale skin and white patches on dark skin. This is called ‘pigmentation’. The marks usually disappear a few months after the birth.
Stretch marks are common in pregnancy, and there’s little you can do to avoid them. Creams that claim to work on stretch marks are applied to the external layer of skin, but it is the layer underneath this which stretches. You can, however, take care not to put on too much weight by eating a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
You may feel a bit clumsy and forgetful – it’s natural in pregnancy – those hormones again!
Things to do
Keep up with those pelvic floor exercises. They‘ll make a big difference during and after the birth.
You may need to check the fitting for your bra again.
You’ll usually have another ultrasound scan between weeks 18 to 21.
Your midwife will give you form MATB1 at around 20 weeks. It confirms your estimated due date. If you work, you’ll need to give this form to your employer so you can claim leave and pay due to you.
More information
Sources
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