The embryo is in the amniotic sac and surrounded by the placenta.

Week 9

Mum

Speaking of food … have you had any interesting food cravings? Originally, food cravings were probably nature’s way of demanding more vitamin C or more calcium in order to support your pregnancy (which is why pregnant women in North European countries traditionally craved gherkins and pickles, and why women all over the world crave ice cream). It’s also suggested that pregnant women crave spicy food in order to induce sweating and cool their bodies. Another interesting explanation is this one for craving ice: Ice helps relieve the tenderness and dryness in your mouth, tongue and throat if you have an iron deficiency (a fairly common side effect of pregnancy). On the other hand, sometimes there seems to be no scientific explanation for cravings such as bananas fried with bacon, or fresh lemon wedges on chocolate biscuits. It’s all good.

Some women tend to have reverse food cravings, or food aversions. Some go off chocolate, others can’t stand the smell of coffee, or the taste of meat, or coconut flavours in desserts.

Whatever your craving or aversion, listen to your body. Of course, eating two litres of ice cream every day is probably not the best idea, but a small piece of dark chocolate may be just what the midwife ordered. Ask your LMC for advice on your nutrition.

Dad

If the smell of food makes your partner queasy, take over the cooking and grocery shopping. Don’t be surprised if all she ever seems to stomach is bland food like mashed potatoes or microwaved banana. She may not be able to eat a lot, or she may suddenly eat more than usual. Her body will dictate what’s best for her and your baby at any given moment.

Baby

Hey, you’re looking like a tiny little human! Your edges are still a bit fuzzy but at least the tail is gone. Your eyelids are fused shut, but behind the eyelids, your eyes are fully developed. Your heart now has four chambers, and you’re busy working on the valves. Tiny muscles are starting to form, and soon you’ll be kicking and punching all around for mum to feel. And you’re about as big as a grape.

Things to keep in mind 

  • This week might be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster as you go from feeling excited to worried, to happy and back to nervous again. Keep an eye on your mental health and ensure you are getting enough sleep, nutritious foods, physical movement and quality time with loved ones.
  • If you have sore or itchy breasts, you may want to avoid hot showers and baths, as well as soaps that might dry out your skin – apply moisturiser generously.
  • Start writing down symptoms, body changes and questions for your doctor.

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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