Welcome to pregnancy development series, I started this series some times ago but decided to move it here due to some changes. I know you all will welcome it here and follow along this week development stages.

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PREGNANCY AT 16 WEEKS

This week your fetus is growing rapidly, the bones are becoming stronger as day breaks. The fetus is 18cm long from head to heel, the head is still straightening as the muscles are getting stronger, the ears are still moving from the neck to it's normal position and they can hear and recognize voices. The sense of smell will develop this week and they are getting use to the mother smell, taste bud is developing too which will help the fetus to detect taste of different food that changes the taste of amniotic fluid. So by this time start teaching your baby to like healthy foods by eating well during pregnancy.

Interestingly, you will start to feel the kick of your fetus at this week, the first kick is called quickening I know you will be happy to feel it. You may not feel it everyday, some first time mother don't feel it this week until week 18 or week 20. As your fetus can recognise voices start talking to your baby or read out loud to your baby.

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PREGNANCY AT 17 WEEKS

This is the last month of your 4 month taarah you will be entering 5 month by next week at week 18 💃💃 your baby is going, you can't wait to carry your baby I know, I understand the feelings 😃 Your fetus is 19.6cm long this week and weight over 181 grams. The plancenta is also growing to accumulate the weight of the fetus, it is also supplying the fetus with food and oxygen. The fetus is developing sweat glands, they are also forming a layer of fat under their skin which will help them regulate their temperature. The Fetus also develop swallowing and sucking skills so as to prepare for breastfeeding, the fat continue to form this keeping them warm. The heart beats increased to 150 beats and is now now controlled by the brain. The bones continue to grow stronger can feel notices and recognize voices and respond to the mother mood. Fetus taste bud becomes fully developed to distinguish between sweet and bitter substances in the amniotic fluid.

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MOTHER BODY CHANGES

🤰You will feel movement

🤰 Your bump will increase, causing stretch marks to be visible and itching on your belly.

🤰Skin colour changes.

🤰Veins will be visible on your belly.

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SYMPTOMS

🤰Heartburns
🤰Constipation
🤰Mood swings
🤰 Headache

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WHAT TO DO

🤰 Increase your intake of zinc, protein, vegetables, calcium.

🤰Drink enough water to stay hydrated.

🤰 Engage in light excercise, remember to do your kegel excercise to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

🤰 Endeavour to sleep and rest so as you need to set aside time to sleep and rest.

🤰Your sleeping position needs to be pay attention to , so as to control blood flow to your fetus and the best sleeping position is at your left side.

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WHAT TO AVOID

🤰Avoid junk foods

🤰Do not starve yourself

🤰Avoid alcohol

🤰Do not over workout

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FOODS TO EAT

🤰 Diary products
e.g milk, cheese, yoghurt. It provides calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, magnesium and zinc.

🤰 Legumes; peas, beans, chicken, soyabeans and peanuts. High source of fiber, protein, iron, folate, which is very much needed for fetus growth.

🤰 Omega 3-fatty acid; it helps in developing the baby eyes and brain and it is available in fish , not all fish it is available in salmon fish.

🤰Egg; contains choline which is very vital during pregnancy in developing the brain and prevent abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.

🤰 Water; increases intake of water to stay hydrated, it helps reduce headaches, constipation and risk of urinary tract infections.

🤰 Avocado 🥑; it contains fiber, folate, vitamin K, potassium, vitamin C and E which helps in building the skin, brain and tissues of the fetus. The potassium in it helps reduce cramps.

🤰Grains; oat, pasta, wheat and white rice are rich in protein, fiber and B vitamins.

🤰 Vegetables; it reduces constipation

🤰 Sweet potatoes

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CONCLUSION

I will say this series is the most interesting part everyone really want to know about and it is interesting because it has to do with life. So to all TTC (trying to conceive) and expected mother's be calm while you go through this journey with joy.
Come next week and enjoy another wonderful series, I welcome comment and questions from you all be free to chat me privately for more professional counsel.

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Feel free to leave your questions at the comment section of this post, or chat me up on WHATSAPP 08039426715, if you are pregnant 🤰 and leaving within Uyo, Nigeria please ImaBridge medical center is offering free antenatal check and free delivery to all Pregnant women, come and be a beneficiary as you will be monitored and care for through out your pregnancy journey