You may be feeling tired at the moment and it is no wonder with all that’s going on inside you. Your baby is growing rapidly. Baby’s lungs, liver and pancreas are all being formed and the eyes, inner ears, arm and leg buds are growing this week.

Your baby’s development

Your baby is now approximately 12mm long.

Their digestive tract is developing and their brain has formed into two distinct hemispheres. Tiny breathing passages are beginning to appear where their lungs will form.

Their arms and legs are taking a more recognisable shape and even at this early stage, they are looking more like a baby. Eyelids, toes and fingers are forming, and thick webbing links the individual digits.

The tip of your baby’s nose is starting to emerge from the face and the nostrils are becoming more defined. Muscle fibres are forming now, although it will be some weeks before you can feel the first flutters of movement.

Your Body

Your immune system is adapting to accept and protect your baby, as well as yourself. Now’s the time to give your natural defences as much support as possible by eating a healthy balanced diet and taking added care when preparing food.

Avoid eating food that is not prepared fresh. And think about avoiding foods which could pose a risk, such as unpasteurised brie and other unpasteurised soft cheeses, raw seafood or meat, deli meats or pre-prepared salads. Make sure that all red meat, poultry and seafood is cooked thoroughly and consumed while hot. Be sure to wash all food thoroughly and wash your hands regularly.

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Please note: These pregnancy week-by-week articles, are meant to give you a general sense of the growth and development going on within you. However, it’s important to remember that every baby develops differently, even during pregnancy.