Pregnancy Week 14

How big is your baby? This week your baby measures 8.7cm (3.42 inches) and weighs in at around 43g (1.52ounces). This is about the size of your fist. Your baby’s development Your babys ears have now moved from their normal position from the neckto the side of the head, and although the eyes are still moving to their final restingplace it wont be long until they settle. Your babys hands continue to develop and are now becoming more and more functional – as your baby is beginning to use his/her thumb and fingers. There has been lots of development around your babys mouth recently. The roof ofthe mouth has been completed for a few weeks now, and this development continueswith the development of the sucking muscles and the completion of the salivary glandswhich should begin to function during this week. By the end of this week your baby will begin to make breathing, sucking and swallowingmotions as the oesophagus, windpipe and the larynx are now present. The sexual organs continue to develop and it will be getting easier and easier toestablish the sex of your baby by examining the external genitalia by ultrasound. Your development Maternity clothes may be a must for you by now as your weight gain continues,this may also be influenced by any previous pregnancies which you may have had.Many women who have been pregnant before may ‘show’ sooner than those who are havingtheir first pregnancy. Having earlier pregnancies may not mean that you will gainthe same amount of weight as each pregnancy differs from one to another. Many women suffer from hemorrhoids during their pregnancy.hemorrhoids are dilated blood vessels around or inside the anus and are caused bythe increase in blood flow to the uterus and pelvic area, and may tend to worsentowards the end of the pregnancy. Relieving the discomfort of hemorrhoids:

• Rest at least 1 hour everyday with your feet and hips elevated
• Lie with your legs elevated and knees slightly apart when sleeping
• Eat adequate amounts of fiber
• Drink lots of fluid
• Take warm baths for relief
• Apply ice packs or cotton balls swathed in witch hazel to affected area
• Don’t sit or stand for long periods

Another common symptom of pregnancy is constipation,so be aware of what you are eating. Try and maintain a healthy diet with a varietyof different foods, eating smaller meals, exercising regularly and taking in atleast 8 glasses of water a day.