Your baby’s brain is now growing rapidly. The part of their brain which registers conscious thought is gearing up – soon they’ll be able to store memories from their time spent inside the womb, ready to be recalled after they’re born.

Your baby’s development

Your baby measures around 36cm long and weighs almost 670g.

Over the next few weeks, they will go through a significant growth spurt and you should be feeling frequent strong movements and kicks.

This is the week that your baby opens their eyes for the first time. At this stage their vision is very blurred and they can only see different shades of brightness. You may feel them respond if you shine a bright light on your belly.

As their heart becomes stronger and is able to circulate blood more efficiently, their heart rate falls to an average of around 150bpm.

Your Body

Staying active during pregnancy will help you adapt to your changing shape. It will also give you the strength and stamina needed for labour and may make it easier to get back into shape after your baby is born.

It’s important to exercise safely and within your body’s limits. These guidelines are especially relevant during pregnancy:

• Listen to your body and don’t exhaust yourself
• Adjust your expectations as you get bigger – you may not be able to maintain your pre-pregnancy routine
• A daily amount of low-impact exercise can help you stay active – walking is a safe, simple option
• Swimming or water-based classes can feel good for your body – the water supports you and there is no stress on your joints
• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Drink plenty of fluids
• If you are participating in group classes – make sure any instructors know that you’re pregnant

If you’re in any doubt about whether a form of exercise is safe, talk to your doctor or midwife.

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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.