Your Body

The top of your uterus - now the size of a soccer ball - is now an inch or two above your belly button. With the skin on your abdomen and breasts stretching, you may feel a little itchy now and then. This is normal.

Avoid scratching, instead use a lotion or cream to reduce the itchiness. The skin may darken on your nose, cheeks, forehead and nipples. Use a moisturiser if you have dry skin. A dark line may appear from your belly button to the pubic area. This will fade after delivery.

Your Baby

Your baby is now close to 210 mm long from head to toe and weighs a little more than 530 gms. If your baby was a fruit, it would be about the size of a small watermelon. Your baby is growing steadily and she'll soon put on more baby fat.

The skin is wrinkled and appears translucent. The brain is growing rapidly and taste buds are developing. Lungs develop 'branches' of the respiratory 'tree'. Her inner ear is now fully developed and she is getting a sense of orientation. Rapid eye movement has also begun.

Get Tested

• A glucose screening test
• Glucose tolerance test (GTT)

Common Complications

• Any bleeding, even if it is scant or brown in colour.
• Vaginal discharge, especially if it is watery, could be a sign of a leak or rupture in your amniotic sac. Infection is a risk, so call your doctor immediately.
• Maternal symptoms, such as severe or persistent headache, abdominal pain, pain with urination or backache that might indicate a bladder or kidney infection should never be ignored.

It is okay if…

• Your sexual desire skyrockets. This is due to increased blood flow to the pelvic area and the heightened sensitivity it brings. Pregnancy hormones can contribute to increased vaginal lubrication, making intercourse more appealing.
  
  
• You are experiencing aches and pains or are feeling unattractive or just plain tired.
  
  
• Your eyes become sensitive to light and feel gritty and dry. This is a perfectly normal pregnancy symptom known as dry-eye. Use an artificial tears solution to add moisture and ease discomfort.

Stuff to Do

• Time now to plan stuff for your baby. From designing a nursery to baby-proofing your home, it is time to get cracking!

Special Care Tips

• Problem with heartburn? Have frequent smaller meals throughout the day.