Provided by Kidspot

You

Your skin will need some extra care during your pregnancy. To accommodate the baby growing inside of you, your skin will need to stretch. If you put on weight quickly, or if you have multiple babies, your skin will stretch fast and you have a higher chance of developing stretch marks. Stretch marks occur when the elastin in your skin can't stretch fast enough, resulting in damage to the collagen below. A clear, red or even pocked skin will result - and last throughout your lifetime. To prevent stretch marks, keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids. Get lots of exercise to help moderate the weight gain. Use a lotion with vitamin E and rub it over your abdomen at least once a day. Nothing will guarantee you won't end up with stretch marks, but these suggestions might reduce the severity of them.

If you are planning to paint, organise for someone other than you to paint baby's room. Scraping or sanding any kind of paint during pregnancy is definitely not recommended as it could contain lead.

Your Baby

Baby is 34.6 cm long and weighs 660 grams. Your baby's spine will form this week. The spine is a very complex system, with rings, joints and ligaments all forming to work together to form the backbone. The cartilage will grow harder and become bones in the spinal column. All 100+ bones will be in place, but very small at this point. Make sure you are eating foods rich in folic acid, as this nutrient is said to prevent many spinal cord defects. Orange juice is a great source for your necessary daily intake of folic acid.

Pregnancy Planning From Kidspot

• Find maternity clothing
• Essential pregnancy and baby equipment
• Find baby equipment

Pregnancy Week By Week

• First Trimester weeks 6 - 13
• Second Trimester weeks 14 - 26
• Third Trimester weeks 27 - 41

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