Week 15

BABY DEVELOPMENT

Everything is in place for your baby’s sense of smell this week. His thorax – his chest, basically -  begins to rise and fall. They are irregular movements for the moment, but it means that he inhales amniotic fluid. It is through this mechanism that his olfactory system starts to “smell” your environment, driven by the aromatic molecules in the amniotic fluid. However, your baby won’t really perceive odours for real until the seventh month , when his nervous system is sufficiently mature.

YOUR BODY

You are in your 17th week of amenorrhea – absence of your menstrual period – which translates as your 15th week of pregnancy.  Your baby should be making her appearance in about 24 weeks.  You may be feeling wonderful, thrilled to be pregnant and full of energy. Conversely, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, like your body is not your own. Guess what? Both scenarios are totally normal. Let us repeat – totally normal.  If the latter is true for you and you are also feeling a bit blue, talk to your doctor about it. You aren't the first and she may have some solutions that can help you feel more yourself.  

NUTRITION

Feeling a bit ‘clogged up’? There are things you can eat to relieve your constipation problems. Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. To remedy this, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in fibre, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals (and the grains themselves!), and dried peas and beans. If the problem persists, try to include a small bowl of bran cereal in your breakfast every day. If you’re still not eliminating as you normally would, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you with some prescribed medicines.

TIPS

Sex during pregnancy. Been wondering? You don’t need to worry from a medical point of view. Sexual intercourse will not harm or traumatise the unborn child. She is tucked safely away! It is more a question of your desire. Some women are so preoccupied with their pregnancy that they aren’t really in the mood. Plus, hormonal changes can have an effect on the female sexual organs. And some fathers-to-be can have difficulty in adjusting to the new situation. However, many couples experience pregnancy as a sexually intense time. No need for contraception – not much risk you’ll get pregnant! – and many men find their partner even more attractive at this time. Your curves become softer, your breasts larger than usual. All clearly erotic signals. And all good reasons to feel especially attractive.