How your baby is growing this week
Bell pepper size — 5.6 inches. Ears are in final position and hearing is functional. Myelin (nerve insulation) forming — speeds up signals. Baby can hear your heartbeat, digestive sounds, and muffled voices.
What your partner is going through
Blood pressure running lower than normal — dizzy spells when standing too fast. She should rise slowly from sitting/lying. Nasal congestion from swollen membranes (pregnancy rhinitis) may start.
What to focus on this week, dad
- 01Talk to the bump daily. Baby can hear low-frequency (male) voices clearly. Read a book, narrate your day, or just say goodnight. This builds neural pathways and the baby will recognize your voice at birth
- 02Anatomy scan prep: make a list of questions for the sonographer. Confirm you can attend — this appointment runs 45-60 minutes and you do not want to miss it
Connect with your partner
Massage her lower back 3-4 times a week. Sciatica risk increases as the uterus grows and shifts her posture. Focus on the lower back and hips. YouTube has good prenatal massage tutorials.
Source: Mayo Clinic
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