The arms and legs have formed, and the male sex organ is visible. The amniotic sac surrounds the foetus, and the umbilical cord and placenta (at left) are seen.

Week 8

Mum

You’re probably spending a lot of time figuring out what you’re allowed to eat and what sports you’re allowed to play. Different cultures have their own ideas about what’s dangerous for you at this stage of the pregnancy, but in New Zealand we’re told to stay away from raw seafood, undercooked meat, blue cheese, liver (too high in vitamin A), caffeine, and alcohol.

Scientists keep changing their minds about tree nuts and peanuts. Some say to avoid them to prevent allergies in your child, others say to expose them to prevent allergies.

Another controversy surrounds eating fish during pregnancy. Fish is part of a normal healthy diet, but some species contain mercury. In New Zealand, we are fortunate not to worry about mercury as much as other countries might, but for a list of safe fish to consume, please refer to this government website.

Whatever you put on your no-no list, be sure your yes-yes list includes plenty of vegetables and fruit, varied sources of calcium and protein, some form of complex carbohydrates, and a balanced amount of healthy fats.

Dad

Pregnancy might make you feel delighted, anxious and exhilarated. You may worry about the financial implications of raising a child – often on a lowered income if your partner reduces her money-earning hours. You wonder how the additional family member will affect your relationship and your productivity at work. You speculate whether you’ll make a good enough father, a good enough income provider, a good enough husband.

Meanwhile, your partner may be feeling delighted, anxious, exhilarated as well as exhausted – all at once. She may be weepy or be more prone to mood swings (yes, even more than usual). It’s all normal, but she needs you to offer your understanding, support and encouragement.

She herself might not even notice how severe her mood changes have become, and it might be up to you to suggest consulting the LMC to find a solution.

Baby

Hello, tiny little fingers! Hello, gorgeous nose! You even have an upper lip, and your eyelids are almost finished. By the end of the week, all of your essential organs and body systems have begun to grow. Even though mum can’t feel it yet, you’ve started bustling about quite a bit – you are still just the size of a kidney bean.

Things to keep in mind 

  • Time to splurge! …or at least make a realistic plan about what things you need throughout your pregnancy, and for when baby arrives. While you’re indulging in some retail therapy, do pick up an extra pair of stretchy pants. You may not need maternity clothing just yet, but a good pair of comfortable pants might be just the thing you need!
  • It can feel reassuring to start experiencing some of the common pregnancy symptoms, but some symptoms can be a bit more serious so always reach out to your LMC if you’re worried about anything you experience. 
  • During these earlier stages of pregnancy, you’re likely to swing between wanting to throw up and wanting to eat everything in your pantry and fridge. Try your best to use the few times you are hungry to load up on nutritious and healthy foods.
  • Continue taking prenatal vitamins and stay active and hydrated. 
  • Schedule your next LMC appointment if you haven’t already.
  • Read up on non-invasive prenatal testing .
  • You can start planning how you’ll share the news with the rest of your friends and family!

Photos in the bumpandbaby.co.nz/week-by-week/ are by Lenart Nilsson. Lenart's series was bought to fame when his photo, considered the greatest photo of the 20th century, appeared on the cover of Life magazine in 1965. “Everyone interprets images differently, depending on their social, cultural and religious background. In the digital era, I believe it is more important than ever to go back and take a look inside ourselves. What better way of doing that than with these photos?” ~ Jane Stene, art gallery director and curator of Lenart's definitive black and white series, told the The Guardian in 2019. It is Lenart Nilsson's wish that his images are never used for political debate about pro-life.

WELCOME

Lernart Nilsson's foetus series featured in our week by week, is considered the greatest photography of the 20th Century. You may be surprised at the incredible detail seen in his photos.

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