This week, baby's brain is developing quickly. His eyelids, which have
remained closed up until this point, begin to open and now his retinas
can begin to form. The retina contains specialized photoreceptor cells
that respond to light, called rods and cones. Cones in particular help
us perceive color.
His skin is still wrinkly but by 27 weeks, he basically looks how he
will look when you give birth to him, in just a couple of months!
Mom
Congratulations! You are at the end of your second trimester!
Muscle cramps in your legs may
be more common as your pregnancy progresses. Not only are you carrying
extra weight but slowed circulation and compressed nerves are adding to
the problem. Going for a walk? Stretching your calves and asking your
partner for a massage are all great ways to deal with these pesky
cramps!
The average woman needs 15mg of
iron a day but while you are pregnant you will need about twice that or
30 mg a day. Iron is essential for the production of the protein in
your red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells. This protein
is called hemoglobin.
When you're pregnant, you have about 50% more blood volume than
usual. Therefore, you need more iron to make more hemoglobin. You also
need extra iron for your baby and placenta. Below you will find some
foods that are rich in iron.
- Red Meat
- Eggs
- Peas
- Dried Fruit
- Poultry
- Dark Leafy Greens
- Legumes
You may have heard that liver is a great source of iron but it also
contains unsafe levels of vitamin A and should be avoided during
pregnancy. Also, the iron in vegetables is best absorbed when foods
rich in vitamin C are eaten in the same meal.
It may be hard to get enough iron from your diet alone. If you are
worried that you aren't getting enough iron from your normal diet, you
should ask your physician if an iron supplement may be right for you.