Your Baby's Development
As you begin the second trimester of pregnancy, your placenta
has developed and is providing your baby with oxygen, nutrients,
and waste disposal. The placenta also produces the hormones
progesterone and estrogen, which help to maintain the
pregnancy.
By now, the baby's eyelids have fused together to protect
the eyes as they develop. Once you
take your newborn home
, you might be wishing for those eyes to close once in a while so
you can get some rest!
Your baby may also be able to put a thumb in his or her mouth
this week, although the sucking muscles aren't completely
developed yet.
Your Body
At your first prenatal appointment, your health care provider
probably gave you a prescription for prenatal vitamins. Taking
these supplements, in addition to
eating a healthy diet
, ensures your baby gets additional vitamins and minerals, such as
folic acid, zinc, iron, and calcium, which are necessary for growth
and development. Talk to your
pharmacist
about the best way to take your vitamins, such as whether they
should be taken with food or beverages.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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