The embryo has graduated to foetus. To get this promotion, the baby has done all the hard work of adding body structures that are needed, and done a thorough check like an efficient commander of a ship sailing off! So, now an important new chapter in the developmental journey starts : the focus shifts towards maturing of these newly-formed structures.

Garbha Vriddhi

तृतीये हस्तपादशिरसां पंचपिंडका निर्वर्तन्तते अंग प्रत्यंग विभागश्च सुक्ष्मो भवति ॥ (सुश्रुत शारीरस्थान)

It means the panchpindak (five small buds-like projections) have appeared for hands, legs, and head to develop upon.

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Your Baby's Development

Basic features

The little pads on finger ends will start getting ready for nails. The eyelids are formed but still fused. The tiny baby has started to move a little but you can’t feel those movements yet. Your intestines were taking up space meant for the umbilical cord space. But this week, they have moved to the abdomen.

Brain

The mass of the brain is increasing. The pituitary gland at the base of the brain has begun producing hormones. That will ensure that this baby will have babies of her/his own in the future! The thyroid is now fully formed.

Internal organs

The placenta is active now. It is sending oxygen and nutrients through the umbilical cord and taking waste products away. For females, ovarian follicles begin forming. For males, the prostate appears.The pancreas has begun to synthesize insulin. Immunity-building white cells are being formed in the bone marrow. And, the tiny digestive tract is working on its muscles.

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Your Pregnancy Symptoms

Golden month

Mum, you have entered the golden month. It is referred to as such because the early pregnancy side-effects that have been making you fatigued and sick have lessened or, in most cases, disappeared.  Your uterus has moved up so the pressure on the bladder may feel lesser now. Since the morning sickness is behind you now, you may start putting on weight.

Discharges

Leucorrhoea (a thin, milky, mild-smelling or odourless vaginal discharge) can bother you but it's normal. It is caused by an increased production of oestrogen. This discharge maintains a healthy balance of bacteria in vagina.

Saliva formation

You might feel dizzy, occasionally. It’s the other hormone progesterone that has kicked in to make blood vessels relax and widen. This increases the flow of blood to your baby but reduces the same to you.

Saliva formation

Some mums complain of excess saliva in the mouth. Excessive salivation is called ptyalism, or sialorrhea, and the condition won't affect your baby.You can chew 4-6 mint leaves for relief.

Headaches

Headaches can also make their annoying presence felt at times. Don’t take medication without consulting your doctor. A glass of jaggery mixed in chilled water helps.

iMumz Wellness Tip

It is important to start light exercises. Yoga can be such a boon for your body as it starts to add weight. How to get started?Balasana, also known as ‘the child's pose’ is ideal for this week. It stretches the back, hips, arms, shoulders, and chest and gives your back and pelvic region a much-needed relaxation as your body weight starts increasing.

Your Pregnancy check-ups

• You’ll still have your weight and blood pressure checked.
• You may be asked to give a urine sample to  check your sugar and protein levels. (High sugar may indicate gestational diabetes,while high protein may be a sign of a kidney or urinary tract infection.)
• You may also get to hear your baby’s heartbeat as the doctor checks the baby’s heart rate.

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What should you eat in this week of pregnancy?

As your nausea starts to go away, you might feel hungry more often. Keep some nutritious snacks handy. Sunflower seeds, walnuts, fresh fruit, and yoghurt fit nicely in your handbag!
Keep that food plate colourful! Eat healthy, nutritious food and at proper intervals. Eat slowly and chew your food well so that you don’t swallow air that causes discomfort later.  
The foetus is forming internal organs hence it is important to pack in protein, calcium, iron and folate in your diet.

‍Baby-Special Bajra Uttapam

1. Take a bowlful of  bajra or pearl millets, urad dal and rice. Soak for six hours.
2. Add methi seeds to the soaked urad daal. Add some water and grind to make a smooth batter.
3. Transfer the urad dal batter to a large bowl and set aside.
4. Add the soaked and drained rice and bajra mixture into the mixer jar along with some water and grind it to make a smooth batter.
5. Combine this idli-bajra batter, along with the urad dal batter and mix well.
6. To this bajra uttapam batter add salt, mix well to combine, and allow it to ferment overnight.
7. Preheat a tawa on medium-high heat; once hot, spread 1 ladleful of the bajra uttapam batter, in a circular motion, ensuring the uthappam is thick like a pancake.
8. Spread a tablespoon of the chopped onions and capsicums over the mini Bajra Uttapam and lightly press, embedding it onto the uttapam.
9. Drizzle a little ghee around the Uttapam and after a couple of minutes, flip the bajra uttapam, to cook on the other side.
10. Once you've achieved a lovely golden brown colour on both sides, remove the Bajra Uttapam from the tawa. Top it with grated carrots, chopped tomatoes and coriander leaves.
11. Similarly make the Bajra Uttapam using the rest of the batter. You can store this batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4 days.

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