Baby can now make a fist
Their legs and arms have grown significantly in the last few weeks and their body is now longer than their head which developed more radidply to begin with.
Baby is practicing breathing by inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid
This breathing practice will help their lungs to develop and grow. Your little one can now make different facial expressions and they are becoming more active.
Your baby's eyes are closed and will stay that way until about week 28 of pregnancy
Your baby is now starting to store fat underneath their skin. This will help to keep them warm and provide energy so make sure you are including healthy source of fat in your diet.
Your baby can now hear your heart beating and soon they will hear noises in the outside world too
Your heartbeat will become a source of comfort to them over the coming months as they hear it gently beat they will get used to the rhythm.
Baby's leg muscles are strengthening so soon you may be able to feel slight kicks
Their legs have reached roughly the size that they will stay at but the muscles continue to grow. Make sure you are including foods rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein to support healthy muscle function.
Your baby can now hear your voice clearly
Speaking to your baby each day will help them to get more and more familiar with your voice and when you welcome them to the world they will know that familiar sound. Make sure to get Dad talking to your bump too!
You are now officially halfway through your pregnancy, congratulations! Your baby can now hear voices, music and sound from the outside world. Your voice will become familiar to them and soothe them after birth so make sure to have a little chat with your bump each day! Nerve cells which serve each of the senses: taste, smell, sight, hearing and touch are now developing into their specialised area of the brain. Their skin is now getting thicker and their heart can be heard with a stethoscope.
Iodine, potassium and vitamin C are all key nutrients which support a healthy nervous system during this phase of development. Vitamin C and potassium can both be found in foods such as oranges and tomatoes and iodine is found in fish and dairy foods. Remember that you need 350 extra kcal per day to support your baby's rapid growth at this stage so include 1 to 2 extra healthy snacks per day such as a small fruit salad with yoghurt or a small bruschetta. Remember to keep hydrated and drink water throughout the day.
The sweet taste of amniotic fluid means that babies naturally have a preference for sweeter flavours once born
Your baby is now rapidly gaining fat and their skin is covered in a white waxy substance called vernix caseosa to protect it and to help with delivery.
Your baby now has their own regular sleeping and waking routine
Your movements may wake baby when they are sleeping, in the same way that their movements or kicks may keep you up at night!
Baby can now tell if they are upside down or the right way up
Now that baby's inner ear is developed they have some sense of balance so they can turn from side to side or head over heels. They are also now proportioned like a newborn baby!
Strange tastes may now make baby's taste buds tingle!
It is still important to make sure you are getting a healthy balanced diet to support yours and your baby's nutritional needs. Remember to include 3 portions of dairy foods per day to provide calcium for healthy bones.
Baby is getting more & more curious and explores their surroundings by touching the cord and feeling their face & hands
Their hands are now much more developed and they can make a fist or clasp as well as getting more familiar with their surroundings.