Pregnancy - 23
Your baby
Your baby is now practising breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid into his developing lungs. He’ll also grasp at your umbilical cord when he feels it. Around this time, most mums feel an increase in movement, kicking and even hiccups from their baby. As his skin develops, oil and sweat glands start to work. Your baby is now 29cm long or more, and weighs about 1lb 1oz.
You
You and your growing baby need calcium for strong, healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is also needed for the healthy functioning of your muscular, circulatory and nervous systems. If your diet is short on calcium, your baby will take all he needs from your bones, leaving you at risk of bone damage in later life. Your need for calcium increases by 50% when you’re pregnant and all of this extra calcium must come from the foods you choose each day.
Dairy foods are the best source of calcium, so milk, cheese and yoghurt should be included in your diet every day. Drink the milk in your cereal bowl, have a yoghurt at break time in work, have a glass of milk with your dinner and grate some cheese on top of a salad. Try cooking with these foods too. Cheese sauce, custard, lasagna, hot chocolate or porridge made with milk will all top up your calcium each day. Non-dairy sources of calcium include tinned salmon (with bones), green leafy vegetables and baked beans.
Did you know?
Low-fat or skimmed milk contains the same amount of calcium as regular, whole milk. Switch to low-fat dairy foods and you’ll be top of the calcium chart without overloading your calorie counter.
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4 week baby with yellow loose stools
Posted by suzanneo
crying
Posted by mother off four
