The baby in your womb is still growing rapidly and is learning movements and techniques that will be beneficial once it is born. You probably don’t notice much of the significant development that is taking place yet, but perhaps you are starting to feel more out of breath?
Pregnancy is hard work
In many ways, being pregnant is demanding, both in terms of the physical changes you experience and the thoughts and feelings that can accompany a pregnancy. This also includes all the energy it takes to grow a baby.
During this week, you may also notice that you get out of breath more quickly than before. The explanation for this is that your pregnant body needs to pump about 1.5 liters more blood around, and your heart beats 10 times more each minute than it did before you became pregnant. The weight gain associated with pregnancy can naturally also affect how your body feels when you are active.
Eating for two?
You may have heard someone say this in connection with a pregnancy. It is not necessary to eat for two, but your body does need more energy than before you were pregnant. How many extra calories this involves is individual.
But there is another sweet development for the fetus this week that might mean you are actually eating for two? Studies show that the fetus already has well-developed taste buds, and that the amniotic fluid can have a faint scent of characteristic flavors and spices, such as chili, curry, and garlic. So in a way, you might be eating for two?
It is also at this stage of pregnancy that the tastes the fetus can recognize from birth are being formed.
Correct proportions and more movements
Although the foundations for body parts and organs have been laid for some time now, not all proportions are yet fully human and developed. But this week, the legs begin to approach correct proportions.
In relation to arms, fingers, and toes, the fetus can now wiggle its toes and clasp its fingers. Elbows and wrists can bend and the little hand can be made into a fist.
The fetus's eyes are also moving closer to the correct position in the face, and small eyelashes and eyebrows are now forming, along with the first preparations for the eyes to open. They have been covered until now and will remain so for a little while longer.
Size of the fetus
If the fetus stretches, it will now measure about 14-16 cm. However, it is rare for fetuses to be stretched out, as they often lie curled up in their little cozy space. From head to bottom, it is about 11 cm. The fetus now weighs around 85 grams, which is equivalent to the size of an average apple.
Advice for the partner
It is hard work to be pregnant, but it can also be hard work to be the partner of someone who is pregnant. It requires that you are supportive, attentive, and that you understand what is going on.
It may therefore be important that you also remember your own needs, and that you share your thoughts and feelings with your partner, so that together you can be more united in the pregnancy and both receive the support and love that you need.
