Support and information from NCT
NCT offers reliable support and information about the various stages of pregnancy, week by week.
Your developing baby
Your baby's skeleton will probably be fully formed now. Their knees and wrists will begin to take shape and they will start to develop webbed toes.
The external part of their ear will also be forming. Although they're moving around a lot, your baby is still less than 2cm so you won't feel anything just yet.
Bigger breasts
At around eight weeks of pregnancy you may notice your breasts getting bigger. This is a common symptom of pregnancy as your breasts are starting to prepare for breastfeeding.
Your nipples may darken in colour and the skin area surrounding your nipples may spread a little, due to the extra melanin (a group of natural pigments), which is produced when you're pregnant.
Getting enough iron?
Some women start pregnancy with low iron stores causing you to feel tired, headachy or weak. Your blood will be tested at your first appointment, and you will be advised to take iron supplements if you need them.
Increasing the amount of iron in your diet may help you to avoid having supplements, which can cause constipation and interfere with the absorption of other nutrients. Good sources of iron include red meat, kidneys, fortified breakfast cereals, bread, pulses such as baked beans and kidney beans, eggs and green vegetables.
Keeping active
Staying active with exercise in pregnancy will boost not only your own wellbeing, but also that of your baby.
Walking is a great way to improve aerobic fitness and an easy activity to incorporate into your day. You could get off the bus one stop earlier, park the car further away, or take the stairs rather than the lift. A good supportive bra can help to reduce breast movement and keep you comfortable particularly if you're walking briskly.
Checklist
Have you talked with your partner about the pregnancy and how it may effect you both as people and as a couple?
Further information
NCT offers reliable support and information about the various stages of pregnancy, week by week. Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.
Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
