If you eat Vitamin C rich foods at the same time as eating non haem iron foods (wholegrain bread, cereals, vegetables, legumes, dried fruit, nuts and seeds) it increases the absorption of iron. Have a glass of orange juice or a piece of fresh fruit such as kiwifruit with your breakfast cereal or include vegetables such as tomatoes and broccoli as an accompaniment to your main course.
Your baby’s development
Your baby is now about 3 cm long and weighs 4 grams. By this week all vital organs are formed. The digestive system continues to develop and the buds of the milk teeth start to form around now. Because their brain is developing faster than any other part of their body, their head looks very large. Their toes are separating and they are getting more active with every passing day. They are even starting to sleep, wake up and exercise their muscles. Their arms bend at the elbow and if you could peer inside, the spine is clearly visible through the skin.
You & your body
Your uterus has doubled in size and is now as large as a grapefruit but your bump is probably not yet showing. Indeed, your pregnancy might still be a secret from the world! Hopefully by now, you have already adopted some healthy pregnancy eating habits.
When it comes to a healthy balanced diet, iron is one of the key nutrients you need. It is important for carrying extra oxygen around in your red blood cells and your baby needs it for their developing brain. If you are deficient in iron you may feel very tired, have poor concentration and have increased risk of infection and feel generally unwell. Anaemia increases the risk of post partum haemorrhage (bleeding after birth).
Your health care professional may recommend an iron supplement. If not, make sure you're eating well and pay particular attention to the haem iron (easily absorbed) foods in your diet such as well cooked lean red meats. Non haem foods are still important in an overall diet and include eggs, dried fruit, wholegrain breads and cereals, legumes and green leafy vegetables such as spinach.