Great job!

Your baby's growth will slow down soon, but for now, it's his brain that's rapidly growing. As for you, mum, heartburn may be plaguing you. Find out what you can do to prevent it.

Your Baby's Development

In this week by week pregnancy guide, you'll learn that:

• Your baby’s brain and new fat cells regulate his body temperature.
• His lanugo (the soft, downy hair covering your baby's body) is beginning to disappear.
• His bone marrow has taken over the production of red blood cells.
• The surface of your baby's brain, which was smooth until now, will start developing those characteristic grooves and indentations.
• His lungs and digestive tract are nearly mature.

Pregnancy Symptoms

• The mood swings and morning sickness you experienced in the beginning of the pregnancy may return now, thanks to the combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes.
• Heartburn can become a real pain. It can affect you at any time of day but can be particularly uncomfortable at night.
• Because of the hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax. Your joints are looser which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off.
• This relaxation of your ligaments can cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in new shoes in a bigger size.

Pregnancy Care

• Continue practising good posture to help you gain control over your lower back pains.
• Continue to rest and take it easy as you travel through your last trimester. This will help with all pregnancy symptoms, pains, and hormonal imbalances.
• To help combat heartburn during pregnancy:
  • Sit upright while eating and for a couple of hours afterwards.
  • Eat at least two hours before bedtime so that your body has time to digest the food.
  • Prop yourself up against a pillow while sleeping and avoid lying down flat on the bed.

Your Checklist

• Thinking of an herbal bath during confinement? Head to Chinese medical halls or use this easy recipe.
• Visit your doctor for regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and blood tests.