Pregnancy Week By Week (Week 10)

Some Basic Pointers (Week 10)

Brain Builders

Choline and DHA can help build baby's brain cells during fetal development and after birth, if baby is breastfed. Choline is found in eggs, milk, peanuts, whole-wheat bread. DHA is found in fish, egg yolks, poultry, meat, canola oil, walnuts and wheat germ. If you eat these foods while you are pregnant and while you are breastfeeding, you can help your baby benefit from these important supplements.


Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

This is a test to detect genetic abnormalities; sampling is done early in pregnancy usually between 9-11 weeks. CVS is done for many reasons. The test helps to identify problems related to genetic defects such as Down syndrome. This test offers advantage over amniocentesis because it is done much earlier in pregnancy; results are available in about 1 week. If a pregnancy needs to be terminated, it can be done earlier and pose fewer risks to the woman. CVS involves placing an instrument through the cervix or abdomen to extract fetal tissue from the placenta. This procedure should only be performed by someone experienced in the technique. If your doctor recommends CVS, discuss the risks. The risk of miscarriage is small - between 1 and 2%. Read Full Article

Your Nutrition (Week 10)

Protein supplies you with amino acids which are critical for the growth and repair of the embryo/fetus, placenta, uterus and breasts. Pregnancy increases your protein needs. Try to consume 6 oz of protein each day during the first trimester and 8 oz a day in the next two trimesters. Protein should however make only about 15% of your total calorie intake. Many protein sources are high in fat. If you need to watch your calories, look out for low fat protein sources. Some protein foods you may choose and their serving sizes are outlined below:

• Chickpeas (Kabuli channa) - 1 cup

• Cheese, mozzarella - I oz

• Chicken roasted, skinless - ½ breast (about 4 oz)

• Eggs - 1

• Milk - 8 oz

• Peanut butter - 2 tablespoons

• Tuna, canned in water - 3 oz

• Yoghurt - 8 oz


Diet and Morning Sickness during pregnancy

Women who suffer from nausea in the first trimester can feel hungry despite the situation. Food does provide temporary relief but the nausea soon returns. To combat the situation women who take small frequent snacks and avoid trigger foods (rich, creamy, spicy foods) and smells (frying food, cigarette smoke) can help the during the difficult weeks. Nausea in pregnancy can occur throughout the day although it is called morning sickness. Work out your good times and use it to prepare your meals and snacks. Starchy foods tend to alleviate the sick feeling but the downside is it promotes weight gain. If it is a question of eating a bun or a cake, it is better to eat that than nothing at all, especially if you are vomiting. The more nutritious variety of carbohydrates includes wholemeal bread, rice and potatoes so eat those rather than sweets, cakes and buns. Here is a list of snacks you can prepare at home or take them to your workplace:


• Slices of whole meal bread

• Nuts and raisins

• Dried apricot

• Unflavored natural yoghurt with honey

• Milkshakes made with skimmed milk

• Diluted fresh fruit juices

• Green crisp apples

• Cottage cheese with crackers

• Carbonated water with slice of lemon

• Commercial muesli bars with bran and fruits

• Raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, peas and tomatoes

• Herbal teas

• Soft juicy fruits such as plums, pears and peaches

• Bitter lemon or lime

The Goodness of Folate (folic acid)   Amniocentesis - the merits and demerits   Morning Sickness (Nausea)   Eating out during pregnancy   Sex During Pregnancy

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