Family & Friends: Week 10

FACTS??

• The baby, now called a foetus, has obvious elbows, wrists, ankles and clearly visible fingers and toes. It measures between 3-4.5cm in length and its external sex organs have begun to form.

• The inner ear and eyes have developed though the eyes remain sealed. Its bones are forming, made of soft flexible cartilage with muscles stretching over the bones, allowing slight movement.

• The placenta now begins to produce progesterone and by the end of the 14th week, it should be producing enough to supply all the baby's nourishment. Her body produces this extraordinary organ specifically for pregnancy. As well as nourishing the growing baby, it acts as a barrier against infections and manufactures the necessary hormones to support pregnancy.

TIPS

• Sushi may be your favourite fresh and tasty lunch but it's a risk for a pregnant woman. Uncooked fish and cold meats can contain the bacterium listeria which can cause listeriosis, a serious illness that can be transferred to the foetus and at worst can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth.

• Be aware of other high-risk foods including pate, smoked seafood, soft gourmet cheeses and prepared foods that have been in the fridge for more than 12 hours. For more information click here