The embryo is growing rapidly and is already around 15 millimetres this week – a tiny size with big changes! The heart begins to beat, the organs are developing, and small arms and legs are taking shape – a fantastic milestone in pregnancy.

Baby: The embryo develops and grows every day, so by the end of this week of pregnancy the embryo is about 15 millimeters!

Development of the embryo

During this week, the major organ systems such as the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and lungs are formed: so they are now starting to both grow and develop in full! The brain, stomach, central nervous system and vertebrae also do the same, imagine that all this happens inside the tiny 15 millimeter embryo? It’s actually quite amazing.

There are huge developments going on this week: the heart begins pumping blood around all the small blood vessels that have formed, the arms and legs continue to grow and the hands begin to take the shape of little paddles, the feet and toes also begin to develop and the embryo can make small, tiny movements.

Two indentations that will become eyes are formed, and the eyelids are created, as well as two small buds that will form the ears. The mouth and nose are developing but so far they share a single space where the tongue is starting to take shape.

Mother: You have now entered the eighth week and have probably known about the pregnancy for a few weeks 💜

For some, the news is happy and easy to digest, while others receive the news as a surprise that takes some time to accept. Whatever you feel and regardless of how far you have had time to process all the thoughts about your pregnancy, remember that all feelings are okay. You have about 32 weeks left to prepare for everything that lies ahead!

Diet and stomach problems

When you are pregnant, your body secretes the hormone progesterone, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. It can help your bowels work more slowly than usual, and you may become constipated or feel like your stomach is bloated.
To ease or counteract these problems, it usually helps to eat fiber-rich food, drink a lot of water and to move – it helps the intestines to keep moving. If you still have problems with a sluggish stomach or constipation, certain foods can help you. Among other things, you can try kiwi or pear and different seeds (pumpkin or sunflower seeds) as part of breakfast or snack. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids so that the fibers don’t make you constipated. You can also use over-the-counter medicines for constipation, your midwife can guide you in this.

Fiber-rich diet

Tips for foods with a lot of fiber include; vegetables, fruit, root vegetables, beans, lentils, cereals, groats, pasta and whole grain rice. And drink plenty of water so that the fibers are useful! If you suffer from IBS, however, it may be healthy to avoid a diet that is too high in fiber – talk to your midwife for advice if you are unsure about what type of food is right for you.

Exercise during pregnancy

Movement also helps the bowels to work and is a good way to prepare the body for the stress that pregnancy entails, especially at the end.

You may have heard of pelvic pain, It can affect some women and often occurs in the latter half of pregnancy. Pelvic pain is due to the hormone relaxin, which is secreted during pregnancy to soften the joints and make the joints in the pelvis more mobile, so that the baby can pass.

Unfortunately, some women can experience incredible pain, but by exercising the muscles around the joints, you can stabilise the pelvis and hopefully counteract any pain as the pregnancy progresses. If you have been exercising before you became pregnant, you can continue exercising as usual as long as it feels good. If you haven’t exercised before, it might be a good time to start strengthening your body a little now – if it feels right for you and you have the energy for it! The most important thing is that you give your body what it needs.

If you feel that you have energy and feel well, fiber-rich food and exercise can contribute to continued well-being during pregnancy. Listen to your body and what it can handle, and keep going to the extent that works for you. We know it can feel heavy! A good balance of doing what you know is good in the long term with what you need right now is the absolute best equation, but don’t push yourself towards something that costs you more energy than it gives. If cardio training feels difficult to find motivation for, strength training with a focus on shoulders, back, inner trunk muscles, seat and thighs is recommended. Light pelvic floor exercises are great throughout pregnancy.

Partner: Have you had time to process the news of the pregnancy yet?

Anxiety at the beginning of pregnancy

This first missed period is usually marked by some anxiety about the pregnancy, but also about the future. Remember to talk to your partner about your thoughts, and don’t forget that you have roughly 32 weeks to prepare yourselves for what’s to come. Take one day at a time.

Support the pregnant woman

Pregnancy is and will be a great strain on your partner’s body. Support her by asking how she is doing and what she needs from you. Many co – parents-to-be take care of the everyday chores during pregnancy to relieve the pregnant woman as these can feel extra exhausting.

It can be difficult to get used to the fatigue that the pregnant woman feels, but imagine it being like having the flu as the fatigue is both physical and mental. Do what you can to relieve your partner and support her in what she is going through.

However, if your partner is doing well, you can go about your lives as usual and do great activities together! No two weeks are the same in the pregnancy journey, so take each day as it comes.