Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : December 14, 2014 4:46 PM IST
By now the euphoric feeling of being pregnant has definitely settled down and you probably might have started thinking about the other details of pregnancy and labour -- the choice of hospital, type of birthing option, maternity leave etc. The good news is your baby's crucial organ development phase is over and she is now out of the dangers of developing congenital defects.
Changes that happen to your body
Though many women feel that the common symptoms of pregnancy like morning sickness, nausea and backache begin to subside with the start of week 10, but for many there is still a long way to go. With pregnancy hormones shooting up in volumes the common woes are surely going to still nag you. This week onwards probably you would feel a little heavier though the weight gain isn't going to be much. The heaviness is more due to water retention and bloating.
Fatigue, constipation, backache and mood swings can be at their peak too. This is not the time to stress yourself with strenuous physical activity and household chores, start asking for help around. With the belly slightly bulging out (though very negligible), your pace of work and usual daily activity can become a bit slower. Don't try to exceed the pace, as it can harm your health and that of the baby. Headaches and varicose veins can be a new addition to your pregnancy worry-list. Varicose veins during pregnancy is the result of the excessive blood circulation happening in the body.
If you are about to go for an antenatal check-up this week you will be able to hear your baby's heartbeat as well. For many first time parents this is really a moment of emotional high.
Development of your baby
All the crucial organs of your baby have now been formed. The kidneys, lungs, heart, intestines and the brain are working in tandem now and also developing and growing at a greater pace. Also the joints in the limbs have formed and your baby is able to bend the hands and legs at the elbows and knees too. No you can't feel those movements yet.
Also tiny buds of baby teeth are forming under the gums this week onwards. Bones and cartilage are also forming, strengthening the skeletal system of the baby. Your baby's height isn't more than 25 to 30 mm in length from crown to toe. But now your fetus looks more human like and the little one's systems are secreting digestive juices, urine and important hormones too.
What you should be doing
If you wish to know what happened to your body while you reached week 8 of your pregnancy, then read:
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