The First Trimester
Week 3 - 4 : The embryo is about the size of a grain of rice, as it attaches to the uterus.
Week 4 - 5 : The body structures are starting to develop.
Week 5 - 6 :The head is beginning to form and the heart is beating. This can be seen on an ultrasound scan.
Week 6 - 8 : All internal organs are formed and the embryo is now about 1 inch long. The limbs, which look like tiny buds are now visible.
Week 10 -11 : The foetus moves around (although you will not be able to feel it yet); eyes are formed; fingers and toes are forming.
Week 12 - 13 : External genitals are forming; facial features are distinguishable, muscles are increasing in strength, movements are becoming more vigorous.
The Second Trimester
Week 14 - 16 : The foetus is fully formed, has all vital organs and is gaining weight fast. It can stretch, turn its head, open its mouth, yawn and frown.
Week 18 : First movement may be felt by the mother as the foetus kicks, bumps, twists, turn and pushes against the uterus wall.
Week 20 : Teeth are starting to form in the jawbone and hair is growing. The foetus is now about 10 inches long. Your doctor will conduct an ultrasound screen to detect abnormalities.
Week 24 : Fingernails have formed, thumb sucking and hiccups begin. The eyes open occasionally. He is now about 13 inches.
Week 27 : Body fat is forming, the body is coated with waxy vernix, which prevents its skins from becoming soggy in the amniotic fluid. He is about 14.5 inches now.
The Third Trimester
Week 28 : The foetus almost completely fills the uterus and may turn head down. You feel much kicking and fluttering of feet and hands.
Week 32 : All parts are now developed and the lungs are maturing.
Week 36 : The head will probably engage now if this if your first baby. Its cord is slippery, making it unlikely to knot during constant twisting and turning.
Week 40 : Most babies are pointing head down by now; the head is the heaviest part of the body and its weight can stimulate labour. You are ready for birth anytime. Congratulations on the arrival of your little bundle of joy!
Diet
Every pregnant woman should have a well balanced diet during her pregnancy. She should avoid excessive sugar and fried food intake as they predispose to developing diabetes and excessive weight gain in pregnancy.
Foods rich in iron, proteins and calcium should be included in the diet.
It is advised to take at least 2 glasses of milk daily, 2 servings of pulses, plenty of green vegetables, salad and fruits. The raw vegetables and fruits should be washed well.
One should avoid eating outside to decrease the risk of food poisoning.
Nutraceuticals in Pregnancy
During the first 3 months of pregnancy it is essential to take folate vitamins as it reduces the chance of neural tube defects in the baby.
Iron tablets are started around 12 -14 weeks of pregnancy and have to be taken till 6 months post delivery to prevent development of anaemia.
Calcium supplements are advised from 20 weeks onwards and should be taken regularly
Please enquire before starting any health supplements.
Exercise
Exercising helps improve your health and well-being. It is advisable to do 30 minutes of moderate exercises on most of the days or everyday.
In our antenatal classes, you are taught the exercises by trained yoga personnel and physiotherapist s.
You are also explained the exercises to be done in the postnatal period which will help you tone up your body and get back to shape soon.
