Week by week

This week at a glance

❤️HeartbeatSteady, ~120–160 bpm; monitored at each visit

🧠Major developmentBrain develops grooves and folds; marrow makes red cells

Baby

Your baby's brain is developing characteristic grooves and folds, allowing more brain tissue to form. The bone marrow has fully taken over red blood cell production, and the baby continues to add fat and practise breathing movements.

Mother

• Increasing pressure and discomfort
• Mood swings and fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Possible leaking colostrum

Nutrition

Lean meats · Dairy or fortified milk · Oily fish · Whole grains · Leafy green vegetables

Tips

Do

• Continue daily kick counts
• Rest on your side to improve circulation
• Begin thinking about a birth plan

Avoid

• Lying flat on your back
• Ignoring painful contractions
• Excessive caffeine and high-mercury fish