Week 9
Baby updates
Your baby is the size of a grape.
Her essential body parts would have formed, though they will be refined in the coming weeks. With this basic physiology in place, weight gain will be more rapid from this point forth.
The valves in the heart and teeth are starting to form, and the organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The eyes are fully formed but will only open at 27 weeks. The placenta is also developed enough to take over the job of producing hormones for your baby’s development.
Mummy updates
If you didn’t have mood swings before, this might be the time they go into full swing until you reach your second semester. Your waist will also be thickening, though your pregnancy might not yet be obvious.
Week 10
Baby updates
Your baby is the size of a kumquat.
The embryonic development of your baby would be complete and this marks the start of the fetal period, where tissues and organs in the body develop.
His limbs will be able to flex and the spine will be clearly visible. Minute details like the nails on fingers and toes, as well as hair on skin will begin to form.
Mummy updates
Maternity wear might be required at this stage because of weight gain and bloating. If you’re not ready to purchase maternity clothing yet, elastic waistbands, low-rise clothing’s and loose dresses will provide comfort.
Week 11
Baby updates
Your baby is the size of a fig.
The hands can now open and close into fists, while the bones will begin to harden. She’s starting to kicking and stretch, though you may not feel it for another month or two.
Mummy updates
Your energy levels should be up from previous weeks. The downside though is that you may be suffering from constipation and heartburn.
Week 12
Baby updates
Your baby is the size of a lime
Your baby’s fingers and toes can now curl, while the eye muscles can clench and the mouth can make sucking movements. His intestines will have grown into the umbilical cord and will move into the abdominal cavity. The kidneys will also begin excreting urine into the bladder.
Baby’s brain continues to develop furiously, together with the nerve cells. Face-wise, his eyes will have moved from the sides to the front of the head.
Mummy updates
The placenta will have producing a lot of progesterone that relaxes the valve that separates the oesophagus from the stomach. This can cause gastric acid to seep back up the pipe, especially when you are lying down, causing a burning sensation known as heartburn. If you have not experienced it yet, you might this week.
Week 13
Baby updates
Your baby is the size of a medium shrimp.
Her veins, organs and fingerprints are visible, while the head is roughly a third of her body size in total.
Mummy updates
Your risk of miscarriage is now much lower than previously. Your libido may be more active now and your breast will be starting to make colostrum for your baby.
The above information is courtesy of NUH Women’s Centre. For more information on your growing baby, click here. Do note that every baby develops differently and this is a general guide to your baby’s growth. If you have any concerns, please speak more to your doctor.
