Your baby now weighs approximately 1.3kg and is around 27cm from crown to rump.

Red blood cell manufacture will start in your baby's bone marrow around now. Like other developments in late pregnancy this is a step toward your baby being able to live independently.

You may

find that you can recognise some sleeping and waking patterns in your baby's movements. There may be some quiet and quite active periods. In my bub's case he is a wriggler! Today I have felt bubble rolling around especially in the middle of my belly. It can feel very strange.

You may also be noticing Braxton Hicks contractions -these have been occurring since early in your pregnancy. It is currently believed that these contractions may improve the blood supply to the placenta. I have never noticed these at all in my pregnancies but they are common.

Your need for protein will increase from this time onwards. Make sure that you have several serves of good quality protein each day.

Protein is found in

• fish
• eggs
• meat
• dairy foods
• soy products
• lentils
• whole grains.
  

Vegetarian diets generally provide higher than usual amounts of vitamin C, folate, magnesium and potassium. However, good planning is needed to ensure adequate amounts of zinc, vitamin B12 and iron during pregnancy. In some cases supplements may be advisable. I am vegetarian and I have to be aware I am taking in eough iron and protein in particular.