Pregnancy Diary Week 9: How Is Your Baby Growing?

By the end of this week, your baby should be 13-17 mm now, and he or she should be the size of a green olive. At this stage your baby’s tiny muscles are now forming. He continues to move a lot but you can barely sense his movement. Using a Doppler device, you might be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat.

This week, your baby has graduated from the form of a swimming alien embryo and has ascended to the form of a little human being. Its eyes have become functional and his outer ears have already formed. The inner ears meanwhile are now filled with fluid which is important in maintaining balance.

Strawberries For Pregnancy Nutrition

Strawberries are known for their vitamins, minerals and antioxidant contents. They are excellent sources of Vitamin C, fibre, potassium, calcium, iron and folates which are very beneficial in the baby’s brain development. This fruit is also rich in phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals such as ellagic acid and anthocyanins which are known for their anti-cancer, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory effects. Strawberries are excellent sources of Vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, folic acid, riboflavin and niacin. It contains Vitamin E, Vitamin A, beta carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, iodine, copper, manganese and fluorine. These nutrients are known for their profound benefits to human health.

Its Vitamins B1, A, B2 and C contents are beneficial in making the skin look brighter and softer as well as in preventing wrinkles. Meanwhile, its Vitamin C content is helpful in maintaining the healthy growth of children’s teeth and gums. It also increases one’s resistance to infections. Strawberries are good sources of nutrients that promote heart health. It actually helps in reducing the level of good cholesterol in the body, fights cancer, protects the heart and reducing the level of blood pressure. Strawberries through its powerful nutrient contents are used in the treatment of arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, loss of sight, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It even helps in reducing pregnant women’s risk for cervical, throat and breast cancer.

This fruit is packed with folates which are important in the development and growth of the embryo. It helps in enhancing the growth and formation of red blood cells which are important for the growing foetus. According to research, an insufficient amount of folate during pregnancy can trigger the onset of anaemia in babies and their mothers. Its Vitamin B content is beneficial in reducing the babies’ risk for neural tube defects especially spina bifida.