Women’s Services
This week, your baby is as big as a strawberry.
The following information was reviewed by Dr. Cheng Ka Ning, Katherine
Your baby is reaching an important milestone. From now on, your baby no longer lives as an embryo, but as a fetus. This week, the 'tail' and 'webbed feet' of your fetus will disappear and it will begin to look less like a tadpole and more like a baby.
Early pregnancy symptoms such as frequent urination, headaches, fatigue, and mood swings persist. You may suffer from constipation during your pregnancy too. Ensuring you are eating enough fibre, staying hydrated and keeping mobile will help.
When changing in the morning, do you find that your pants are a little too tight and your belly is starting to grow? This is one of the necessary processes of pregnancy, so why not take a selfie in front of the mirror, record the process of your baby growing in your belly, and save some good memories?
Apart from the head, your baby no longer looks like a tadpole with a small "tail," and has distinctly grown fingers and toes.
The outline of your baby's face is getting clearer day by day; the eyes are now almost completely covered by eyelids, the nose and mouth are taking shape. Will the baby look like their father or their mother? So exciting!
Your baby's heart is now beating at a rate of 150 beats per minute. The little heart is working hard to facilitate the body's development and growth.
The pregnancy hormone oestrogen rises, increasing blood circulation to your pelvis. You will also notice a thin, milky white discharge, but don't worry, it's normal. Don't use wet wipes or detergent to clean it up, as it serves a purpose. It will stimulate the ecological balance of your reproductive system; just remember to keep your underwear dry.
Morning sickness and nausea can be inevitable for pregnant women but some manage to avoid it. Although eating can feel like the last thing you want to do, it is sometimes the best remedy.
Changes in your preferences for certain foods and increased appetite during pregnancy may indirectly affect your weight. However, the baby's current need for additional nutrients is low. Don't overeat because of a sudden craving for certain foods, although an occasional indulgence is acceptable. If you have too much of an appetite, try something distracting: call a friend, read a book, go to the gym, or go for a walk.
Fatigue, hunger, and stress can all cause headaches. Your obstetrician may prescribe certain remedies depending on your situation. A simple home remedy could be to try lying in a room with the lights turned off, applying a cool compress to your cheeks or neck, and getting some fresh air.
If you suffer from dizziness, make sure to avoid quick and sudden movements. If you start to feel dizzy, try lowering your head to reduce the dizziness, and then slowly sit or lie down to avoid falling. To reduce dizziness in the future, keep healthy snacks with you to quickly boost your blood sugar levels and stay hydrated.
The increased blood supply to the abdomen and breasts is also what causes the veins to crisscross like a road map. These veins are supplying your baby with nutrients and blood, so just wait for them to fade away.
Don't be stubborn; seek help from others when you are tired and take a break. While it may seem counterintuitive to sometimes go for a walk before bed, you may sleep better afterwards.
You can jot down the foods you have eaten to see if certain foods are associated with gas and then avoid those triggers.
In the tenth week of pregnancy, mothers-to-be can have fetal chromosome examination. Down syndrome (T21) is the most common chromosomal abnormality and inherited intellectual disability, with two more common trisomies being Edwards Syndrome (T18) and Patau Syndrome (T13).
The traditional fetal chromosome test is the OSCAR Ultrasound Serum Screening, which uses ultrasound scans at 11-13 weeks and 6 days to measure the thickness of the subcutaneous transparent layer of the fetal back neck (commonly known as the neck skin), and then combines blood sampling with the age of the mother and the number of weeks of pregnancy to calculate the chance of the fetus having Down syndrome with 90% accuracy. However, there is now a more accurate screening method: "Noninvasive Fetal Chromosomal Screening" (NIPT). The expectant mother's blood contains a small amount of fetal chromosomes, and NIPT can detect fetal chromosome problems through the expectant mother's blood test as early as 10 weeks of the fetus. NIPT is 99% accurate in detecting Down syndrome and can also be used to detect sex chromosome-related disorders and microdeletion syndrome.
Pregnancy toxemia is a serious pregnancy complication that usually appears after the twentieth week of pregnancy. Pregnant women will develop high blood pressure and proteinuria, and may also experience symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, there may be cramps or strokes, and it may also affect the liver, kidney, and blood coagulation function. Studies have pointed out that one out of thirteen pregnant women is affected by pregnancy toxemia, which leads to placental insufficiency and cannot provide enough blood to the fetus, affecting the health and life of pregnant women and fetuses. Therefore, pregnant women can be screened for pregnancy toxemia from week 11 to 13 and 6 days of pregnancy, so as to take drugs early to reduce the chance of occurrence.
It is time to make an appointment for the above two inspections! Contact your obstetrician and gynecologist as soon as possible and arrange appropriate examinations to protect the health of the mother and fetus.
Whether you’re planning for an addition to your family or are already pregnant, OT&P’s Maternity Team is here to help.