Pregnancy Diary Week 8: How Is Your Baby Growing?

Your baby has grown a lot since conception. In fact, his size increases by around a millimetre everyday. He’s about the size of a kidney bean now and he moves a lot but you can barely feel it. His legs, lips, nose and eyelids continue to take its forms as well.

By this time, your baby’s webbed toes and fingers are now poking out from his feet and hands. His tail is almost gone and his nerve cells now begin to connect with each other. His genitals are not yet fully developed at this point in time. The heart has already divided into four chambers and it is beating around an impressive rate of 150 beats per minute. The elbows are now present and the legs and arms have become longer.

Mangoes For Pregnancy Nutrition

A diet for pregnant women should contain healthy foods which are primarily composed of fruits and vegetables. There are so many wonderful fruits and vegetables to maintain optimum nutrition and mangoes are a fruit that can be very beneficial also during this time. Just like most tropical fruits, mangos are lucky to contain loads of nutritional benefits for the human body. Aside from its Vitamin C content, mangoes contain pectin and other B Vitamins which are beneficial in addressing certain health issues including indigestion and constipation. It also helps in cleansing the intestines and clearing off indigestion. It’s Vitamins E and A content helps in enhancing hormonal system.

Aside from its ability to ward off scurvy, mangoes are fortified with antioxidants and phenolic compounds which are known to have anti-cancer properties. Mangoes, through its mangiferin content, are known to contain anti-inflammatory, choleretic, cardiotonic, diuretic and antibacterial effects to the body. Mangos are also rich in potassium, copper, magnesium, beta-carotene, astragalin, quercetin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamine, folate, Vitamin K, selenium and calcium, and each has its own profound benefits to the body. The fruit contains Vitamin A which is beneficial in preventing the development of Xerophthalmia and measles. Since the fruit is rich in fibre, pregnant women are less likely to suffer from constipation, spastic colon, piles, cancer, heart ailments and some degenerative diseases.

Worried about morning sickness? Mangos can be a great solution to your problem. These fruits are said to be an excellent home remedy for debilitating morning sickness. It actually helps in addressing nausea in pregnant women. Its iron content also helps women during pregnancy. At this crucial stage, a woman’s iron requirement is very essential, thus mango helps in preventing the onset of anaemia. Mangoes are fortified with Vitamin A which performs an essential role in the development of the foetus and the placenta. It actually exerts a great influence on the growth of the mucus membranes, retina and teeth as well as skin metabolism.