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14 Weeks pregnant: sensory development for babies

Coming along this week is sensory development. Baby’s ears are developed enough to hear all those ‘I-love-you’s’ and if you can’t wait to introduce baby to your favourite music, you can start now.

    3-minutes read

    Introduction

    Your bump is beginning to show at 14 weeks pregnant. Soon people you don’t know will start talking to you.

    Try and limit the more fattening cravings for healthier alternatives such as: popcorn, frozen yoghurt, dark chocolate… mmm! Around this time your little human will have working ear drums. Sing those love songs like someone’s listening. Your immune system is lower now so all pregnant women are offered a free flu jab. Read more on what to expect at 14 weeks pregnant.

    What happens at 14 weeks pregnant?

    Baby is about the size of a lemon now. Thousands of little impulses are darting through your little human’s brain and their facial muscles are constantly moving as they practise smiles and frowns. By the end of this week, baby’s arms will be in proportion with the rest of their body but their legs are still growing. Soft, downy hair is starting to grow all over their body to keep them warm, it’s called lanugo hair and baby will shed it before or soon after birth.

    The sexual organs, which began to develop at week nine, are now complete. It’s hard to spot the gender on a standard scan at 14 weeks pregnant, so most midwives and doctors won’t give you the news until your 20-week scan. So don’t go picking names just yet.

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    What to eat at 14 weeks pregnant?

    Wondering when your cravings for coal toasties will kick in? It may never happen. Contrary to popular opinion not all mums have weird and wonderful cravings in pregnancy, some just fancy normal stuff like pizza and chocolate. In fact, you might find that highs and lows in your blood sugar levels mean you lust for sugary comforts a whole lot more.

    There’s no real harm in indulging the ‘eating for two’ myth occasionally, but the reality is you only need an extra 200 calories a day (a measly half a sandwich) and that’s only in the last three months of pregnancy.

    Satisfying sugar cravings in pregnancy might need a little more creativity than before. Cuddling on the sofa with some sweet popcorn and a movie can feel like a real treat and it’s very low in calories. Other cheats? Close your eyes and frozen yogurt tastes like ice cream. Greek yoghurt, honey and broken biscuits can be a healthy Eton mess. And 90% cocoa chocolate is a healthier choice to the standard bars. It’s worth remembering that what you eat now can have a long-term impact on your baby’s digestive and immune systems. Maybe you are eating for two after all.

    What are the symptoms of 14 weeks pregnant?

    You’re into the second trimester and things are probably starting to feel more real. You may have told close friends and family by now and hopefully you’re feeling less worried and more excited. Your body is starting to look more pregnant too, with a bustier bust and a bumpier baby bump. The latter is because your lower belly is being pushed out as the uterus finally rises out of the pelvic region.

    There’s a chance that you may find the odd yellow stain in your bra, but don’t panic. It’s a sign your breasts are already oozing colostrum milk, the rich yellow first milk produced by mums-to-be. You may notice the veins on your chest and breasts are dilated and the areolas of your breasts may be darkening and growing in diameter– it’s all part of the prep. Find out more about what makes breast milk so amazing.

    With all the hard work your body is doing your immune system is slightly weaker than normal, so you could be more susceptible to colds and flu now. If you suffer severe flu when pregnant it can cause complications, which is why all pregnant women in the UK and Ireland are offered a free flu jab. It’s harmless to baby and can be taken at any time during pregnancy.

    Can you travel when pregnant?

    It’s the perfect time in your pregnancy to take a trip somewhere nice. Just make sure you do a little bit of extra holiday prep:

    • Research healthcare facilities near your destination before booking.

    • Ask your GP or midwife for advice about specific travel vaccinations.

    • Pack any critical medical records, including your maternity notes and your blood type so that you have the information if necessary.

    • Get travel insurance that includes pregnancy-related medical care. If you are planning to travel in your third trimester ensure your travel insurance covers medical care in the unlikely event of premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour.

    • And now you are all set for a lovely trip.

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