Recap for Blog 39 – A real little human being in there!: In her first trimester, once Zani grasps the importance of the Moro reflex, she is determined to keep moving to “startle” her baby and, at the same time, keep touching her tummy to calm the little one down.
The next three weeks pass with relative ease. I am starting to feel myself again, empowered by all the knowledge, loved by Jake and supported by Vee and midwife Miriam.
My checklist shows neat and clear ticks next to each of the points indicating developmental milestones for the first trimester on Miriam’s email.
WEEK 11
Yolk sac has served its purpose; blood cells are now formed in liver and spleen
Bone marrow soon starts producing blood cells
Foetus is floating in amniotic fluid, tiny body bent forward
Foetus is not exposed to most infections (placenta filters them out, except rubella and syphilis)
Foetus is floating in amniotic fluid at 37.5 degrees, a little warmer than Mom and hence she feels like she has an internal heater
Foetus’ body jerks, hiccups, flexes and relaxes arms and legs in response to Moro reflex
Fingers can clearly be discerned
Whew! There’s a real little human being in there …
WEEK 12
Foetus is now 90 mm long
The pathway between the balance centre [Jake has made a note: vestibular system] and the brain is complete and the first of all the pathways to mature
Cartilage is softer and more malleable than bone and forms the initial skeleton. Bone shafts begin to show through the translucent skin, but will only become solid bones once the baby has been born.
Jake and I – and Little One, of course – celebrate the end of the first trimester with a night at the Cradle. This is how memories are made…
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