Introduction

Baby talk. At 17 weeks pregnant, baby can hear you and feel your pats, coughs and laughs. You may already be showing a small bump, but some women don’t show for another few weeks. Try and keep active, many fitness routines are bump friendly. If you are new to exercise though always best to check with your midwife first. Fats and essential fatty acids are an important part of your pregnancy diet. Omega 3 fats, important for brain function and normal growth and development, are found in oily fish like salmon. Read more on what to expect at 17 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 17 weeks pregnant?

What to expect at 17 weeks pregnant? For starters, it’s different for everyone. Some mums-to-be see a cute little baby bump beginning to show and the pregnancy might be more visible. It can be an exciting time as things start to feel more real. Depending on your usual body shape and whether you have had a baby before, you may already be showing a small bump, but some women don’t show for another few weeks. Either way, those skin-tight jeans will most likely be feeling a bit snug.

But the good news is you may start to feel baby moving by now. In the early days you’ll just feel little flutters or a bubbly sensation, no it’s not indigestion, it’s baby saying a first little hello. If you’re struggling to feel anything don’t worry, it can be weeks before some women get the slightest flutter, and even then it can be very subtle and easily missed. Try relaxing in a quiet room and tuning in to your body.

Also, a good way to tune in to your body is through gentle pregnancy exercises and pregnancy yoga, but check with your GP or midwife first. For any instructor-led activity, ensure they are qualified to teach and let them know that you are pregnant. You can also try our Wellness Studio created by the team at Baby2Body, for workouts, yoga and meditation tailored to your stage of pregnancy.

What to eat at 17 weeks pregnant?

Fats and essential fatty acids are an important part of your pregnancy diet. Omega 3 fats, important for brain function and normal growth and development, are found in oily fish like salmon. Just remember to limit tuna or salmon to one portion per week, and steer clear of fish containing mercury like swordfish, marlin or shark.

Veggie or Vegan? There are plenty of delicious non-meat alternatives to fats and fatty acids like avocados, pulses and soybean, flax seed, chia seed and walnuts.

What are the symptoms of 17 weeks pregnant?

Week 17 pregnancy symptoms can include constipation or piles. What a pain in the bottom….literally. Constipation in pregnancy is quite common and it is caused by pregnancy hormones and an expanding uterus. Piles (haemorrhoids) on the other hand are formed when the blood vessels become enlarged causing swelling which can be itchy and painful around the rectum and anus. These are caused by pregnancy hormones as well, or from a period of constipation. You will need to see a GP to treat them, however, methods to prevent and ease constipation and piles are very similar. Here are some tips below:

• Drink plenty of water

• Eat high fibre foods such as wholemeal breads and pasta, cereals, fruit, vegetables and pulses such as lentils and beans.

• If you have been prescribed iron supplements during pregnancy and are also experiencing constipation speak to your GP for further advice

• Exercise is a good way to prevent constipation. If you are new to exercise always speak to your public health nurse, midwife or GP first.

There will be more info and tips in next weeks article to help keep constipation at bay.

Coping with flu during pregnancy

You’ll be lucky to get away without getting a cold during pregnancy and it’s totally understandable if when you do, you get a little worried for baby. A common cold or a stomach upset usually won’t harm your little one, but before you reach for those painkillers make sure you check with your GP or pharmacist.

Some harmless-looking remedies, even over-the-counter ones, can affect baby, so it’s really important to be sure that what you’re taking is safe for them.

The HSE recommends that all women take the flu jab in pregnancy because they are more susceptible to complications if they fall ill with flu. It’s a very personal choice and not everyone decides to have it but, if you choose to, it’s free of charge for all mums-to-be.

Introduction

Hello mummy. You could start feeling baby move between 16 to 24 weeks. It’s a magical moment especially experienced for the first time. You should be starting to feel the benefits of being in the second trimester such as thicker hair and glowing skin. Pregnancy nutrition is so important. Try and make sure you get a balanced healthy pregnancy diet. Building a good support network early on can really help you through the ups and downs of pregnancy. Antenatal classes in your third trimester will help with this but try and find your tribe early on. Read more on what to expect at 16 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 16 weeks pregnant?

You should be feeling pretty perky this week and looking pretty great too. You’ll be going from lumpy to bumpy by now, plus with glowing skin, thicker hair and sparkly eyes from more sleep, the good symptoms could definitely be winning over the bad.

You will probably notice a bit more weight gain around now and you also might be slightly constipated. The weight gain will be coming from the increased weight of the baby growing as well as the placenta and amniotic fluid, which are doing their job of protecting and nourishing your baby. Ensuring you eat a healthy, balanced pregnancy diet will help keep constipation during pregnancy at bay and can help maintain a healthy weight for your height.

What to eat at 16 weeks pregnant?

Vitamin A in pregnancy is important but gets a bad rep, it helps with the development of baby’s heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes, and bones as well as the circulatory, respiratory, and central nervous systems. Vitamin A is also essential for repairing any tissue tears you might have after birth.

The thing is, too much Vitamin A during pregnancy can be quite dangerous. It’s linked to birth defects, liver toxicity and more. If you have a healthy pregnancy diet you should be able to meet your need for Vitamin A through the foods you eat. Bright yellow or orange fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, oranges apricots, melons and mangos; and dairy products like butter, milk or cheese, as well as eggs (especially the yolks) have plenty of Vitamin A too. Make sure that you only choose pregnancy specific vitamin supplements as they will not contain any vitamin A.

What are the symptoms of 16 weeks pregnant?

Week 16 pregnancy symptoms can include things like varicose veins. They may start to develop as your uterus puts pressure on your blood vessels – specifically those that carry blood from your legs to your heart. Pregnancy hormones have relaxed the muscular walls of your blood vessels, which increases the risk of swelling too. They’re not the prettiest things in the world but they’re mostly harmless, and usually shrink when you go back to your pre-pregnant self.

Here’s a few ways to keep varicose veins in pregnancy at bay:

• Sleep on your left side. This helps avoid pressure on your main blood vessels and keeps circulation going.

• Keep moving. Don’t stand for long periods. Put your feet up and flex your ankles when you can.

• Exercise. Brisk walks and swimming are both great to keep circulation going and help prevent those bulgy blues.

• Watch your weight. Each extra pound adds pressure on your circulation. A healthy pregnancy diet will keep your weight gain at a steady gradual pace.

Introduction

Your baby’s sense of smell is progressing, and their legs are now longer than their arms so more in proportion. Hopefully morning sickness is now a thing of the past and you should have more energy too as you’re in your second trimester. Make time to get some exercise in and ensure you are drinking plenty of water. Read more on what to expect at 15 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 15 weeks pregnant?

You could be feeling pretty good in the second trimester. Any morning sickness and tiredness may have lifted so this is a good time to think about second trimester exercises. Swimming, pregnancy yoga, brisk walking or just staying on your feet more than usual will all build your strength for the birth and afterwards. Our Baby2Body Wellness Studio provides tailored workouts for your stage of pregnancy, why not give it a try.

Added energy can often go hand in hand with a renewed sex drive - an even more enjoyable way to work out, perhaps? Of course, for some women it’s the last thing on their mind, and a decreased sex drive is perfectly normal too.

What to eat at 15 weeks pregnant?

Fingers crossed, morning sickness has eased off, so you’re probably feeling a lot hungrier – this is your body gearing up to provide nutrients for baby. It’s also around now at 15 weeks pregnant you’ll start to notice weight gain. Every pregnant woman gains weight differently so there are no official guidelines for how much weight you should gain. The most important thing is to drink lots of water and have a balanced, fibre-rich pregnancy diet, which will help keep constipation during pregnancy at bay and keep weight gain at a healthy level for you and your baby. Most women put on between 10kg (22lb) and 12.5kg (28lb) during their pregnancy, although this varies from woman to woman.

If you notice drastic or sudden weight gain during pregnancy, there is slim chance it could be an indicator of a serious condition called pre-eclampsia. It’s relatively uncommon and only affects 6% of pregnant women but it’s always worth checking with your doctor to rule it out.

What are the symptoms of 15 weeks pregnant?

Week 15 pregnancy symptoms can include itchy skin. Your pregnancy hormones can soften the fibres of your skin making it more prone to stretch marks, and it’s the stretching of the skin that causes the itch. You can try massaging some unscented oil or cream on your bump, thighs, and arms to soothe the itch.

Another pregnancy symptom at 15 weeks can be thrush. Thrush is a yeast infection which is quite common in pregnancy - as the hormones change, so can the bacteria in the vagina. This allows the fungus called candida, which causes the infection, to grow. Signs of thrush is a white lumpy discharge which can also be itchy and can cause stinging when you pee. Wearing loose cotton underwear can help prevent it and use unperfumed soaps or body wash. Thankfully it is easy to treat, just check with you doctor or midwife which thrush medicines are safe to use when pregnant.

What are screen tests in pregnancy?

Some mums might be offered extra optional pregnancy screening tests, the HSE provide information of what’s involved and to help you decide whether or not to have them.

You’ll also get the chance to go over all the options with your midwife or consultant.

Introduction

Your bump is beginning to show at 14 weeks pregnant. Soon people you don’t know will start talking to you.

Try and limit the more fattening cravings for healthier alternatives such as: popcorn, frozen yoghurt, dark chocolate… mmm! Around this time your little human will have working ear drums. Sing those love songs like someone’s listening. Your immune system is lower now so all pregnant women are offered a free flu jab. Read more on what to expect at 14 weeks pregnant.

What to eat at 14 weeks pregnant?

Wondering when your cravings for coal toasties will kick in? It may never happen. Contrary to popular opinion not all mums have weird and wonderful cravings in pregnancy, some just fancy normal stuff like pizza and chocolate. In fact, you might find that highs and lows in your blood sugar levels mean you lust for sugary comforts a whole lot more.

There’s no real harm in indulging the ‘eating for two’ myth occasionally, but the reality is you only need an extra 200 calories a day (a measly half a sandwich) and that’s only in the last three months of pregnancy.

Satisfying sugar cravings in pregnancy might need a little more creativity than before. Cuddling on the sofa with some sweet popcorn and a movie can feel like a real treat and it’s very low in calories. Other cheats? Close your eyes and frozen yogurt tastes like ice cream. Greek yoghurt, honey and broken biscuits can be a healthy Eton mess. And 90% cocoa chocolate is a healthier choice to the standard bars. It’s worth remembering that what you eat now can have a long-term impact on your baby’s digestive and immune systems. Maybe you are eating for two after all.

What are the symptoms of 14 weeks pregnant?

You’re into the second trimester and things are probably starting to feel more real. You may have told close friends and family by now and hopefully you’re feeling less worried and more excited. Your body is starting to look more pregnant too, with a bustier bust and a bumpier baby bump. The latter is because your lower belly is being pushed out as the uterus finally rises out of the pelvic region.

There’s a chance that you may find the odd yellow stain in your bra, but don’t panic. It’s a sign your breasts are already oozing colostrum milk, the rich yellow first milk produced by mums-to-be. You may notice the veins on your chest and breasts are dilated and the areolas of your breasts may be darkening and growing in diameter– it’s all part of the prep. Find out more about what makes breast milk so amazing.

With all the hard work your body is doing your immune system is slightly weaker than normal, so you could be more susceptible to colds and flu now. If you suffer severe flu when pregnant it can cause complications, which is why all pregnant women in the UK and Ireland are offered a free flu jab. It’s harmless to baby and can be taken at any time during pregnancy.

Introduction

The second trimester is when you start to see the positive pregnancy symptoms such as glowing skin, thick hair and a lot more energy. Your face could be in one of those skincare ads, enjoy your glowing complexion while it lasts. Feeling perkier at 13 weeks pregnant? Time to book that couples break away. It could be the last for a while. You don’t have to go away, but it would be nice to spend some time just the two of you before baby arrives. Read more on what to expect at 13 weeks pregnant.

What to eat at 13 weeks pregnant?

The second trimester is all about growth – and calcium in pregnancy is important for baby’s growing bones, teeth and muscles.

You’ll probably find it quite easy to get calcium into your pregnancy diet. It’s in most forms of dairy: milk, cheese and yoghurt. It’s recommended to avoid blue or mould-ripened cheese as these can carry listeria. It’s rare but not worth the risk when you’re 13 weeks pregnant.

If you’re vegan you can find calcium in leafy greens and tofu. Many non-dairy milks are fortified with calcium so have a quick check of the labels.

To help absorb calcium, you need Vitamin D. The recommended daily amount is 10 micrograms – in theory you should be able to get enough from natural sunlight but in the UK and Ireland many people are vitamin D deficient. So, while you’re pregnant it’s recommended to take a supplement. Bear in mind the darker your skin the more vitamin D you need. Talk to your doctor or midwife if you’re unsure. In the meantime, get out and about in the sunshine while you’ve still got a bit of skip in your step.

What are the symptoms of 13 weeks pregnant?

Phew. At 13 weeks pregnant, you’ve finally made it to the second trimester, one of the most popular of all trimesters. It’s usually around now that things start to look up. Energy levels are up, nausea is down and nicer symptoms emerge. A big thank-you to your pregnancy hormones for your thicker hair, long nails and glowing skin. Those hormones stimulate your metabolism making your complexion look wonderful.

So you’re feeling perkier and prettier? Now’s the time for city breaks, theatre trips and dining out because soon your little human will be calling the shots. If you do fancy a trip somewhere nice take a little extra care of yourself. For example, check with your midwife about any travel vaccinations that may be needed as not all are safe during pregnancy. It’s also well worth checking that your destination has adequate healthcare facilities. Take your medical records with you too, so you can give doctors all the information they need, if anything unexpected does happen. Also, if you’re going abroad, make sure your travel insurance covers any pregnancy-related medical care you may need.

If you are saving the pennies for when baby arrives, a city break could feel a bit unnecessary. The most important thing is to just spend some time together as a couple. So why not book some time off work and do some fun things together locally. Picnic in the park, watch a film at your local cinema, go to your local café or pub for a nice lunch. It doesn’t have to cost a lot, but you will be glad of some quality time together.

And when you’re getting dolled up to go out or you have noticed a couple of temporary pregnancy brown spots, all’s good, help is at hand, check out our pregnancy skincare and makeup tips.