Breastmilk is the best for babies. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. After six months of age, infants should receive age-appropriate foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.
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Week 19 of Your Pregnancy
This week, your baby will be developing one of the most unique human features: fingerprints! Whether whorl, arch or loop, these patterns will not change with age. Don’t forget to take enough zinc to promote your baby’s healthy development!
If your ultrasound scan were in colour, you would notice that your baby looks kind of red! That’s because your baby’s blood vessels are visible in their skin. Vernix – a creamy-white protective coating – will also be developing1, just as a fatty substance called “myelin” forms. Myelin forms around your baby’s nerves2 in order to support movement1.
Your Baby
You must be feeling overwhelmed with what’s been going on. Oh, that warmth and happiness you feel whenever your baby kick, wriggle or even punch! As you head into week 19, your baby is busy with forming its own unique set of fingerprints, as well as growing its fingernails and toenails. It is also now able to make a firm grip!
Your body
The increased blood flow can be felt in various places in your body. For example, swelling in the nasal mucosa can cause a feeling of a constant runny nose. The nails may be brittle. Cut them regularly and wear gloves when gardening.
Stuffy nose?
Have a stuffy nose? Try steam baths for your nose. Prepare a salt steam bath with a level tablespoon of salt in a bowl dissolved in a litre of boiling water. Be careful not to touch the scalding water with your bare skin! Bend forward over the steam bath with a towel over your head and close your eyes. Inhale slowly through your nose and out through your mouth again. After 10 minutes, dry your face, then apply your facial cream and relax for 20 minutes with your placed feet high up.
Do not forget!
It is time for the second ultrasound examination. In contrast to the first ultrasonic examination, the second will be against your abdominal wall. A gel will be applied to your abdomen and your doctor or health care professional makes the ultrasound head slowly glide over it.
Complete Pregnancy Nutrition from A to Zinc
Make sure your body is in the best possible shape during pregnancy! Plan to ensure you are eating a balanced diet, and be sure to include good sources of zinc as well. Zinc helps your body process the fat, protein and carbohydrates in food4 in order to nourish your growing baby. The average woman needs around 7mg of zinc per day, which you should be able to get from your diet5.
Heading to the supermarket? Think zinc! Get your hands on these zinc-rich foods6:
- Red meat such as beef and lamb
- Poultry, especially turkey
- Wholegrain breads and cereals
- Nuts
- Milk, cheese and eggs
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