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Sing to your bump
You don't need a great singing voice to impress your baby – who will love to listen to you. Why not practise some popular nursery rhymes? You might be surprised at how many words you can remember.
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Your baby
Your baby now has fingernails and eyelashes.
You
You might notice an increase in vaginal discharge. This is normal in pregnancy. If it is smelly, itchy, or a yellowy greenish colour, contact your doctor or midwife. You may have an infection that needs to be treated. Use a pad if the discharge is heavy. Don’t use a tampon.
You’ll probably feel your baby move about more.
If you’re lucky, glowing skin may replace any spots!
But on the other hand, you may suffer from piles (swollen veins on the inside of the anal canal – the short tube that connects the rectum (back passage) with the anus). To avoid piles, eat plenty of fibre-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals, and drink plenty of water. If you do get piles, talk to your midwife about remedies.
Reality check time. You’re going to be a parent. It’ll soon be harder to take time off on your own. Go for a coffee with your friends now while you can!
Things to do
Make sure your diet is rich in calcium, which is good for you and your baby’s bones. Calcium is found in dairy products and broccoli.
If you work, you must let your employer know by week 25 that you're pregnant, and the date you want to start your maternity leave.
It is important to put this in writing to qualify for maternity pay and benefits. Your employer must make sure your workplace is free from risks to your pregnancy, and make other arrangements for you if necessary. Visit our working pregnancy section for more information.
More information
Sources
- 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
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