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.
Your baby is now about 12mm long and their digestive tract is developing. Tiny breathing passages are beginning to appear where their lungs will be. Their arms and legs are taking a more definite shape and they’re starting to look a little bit more like a baby!
Eyelids, toes and fingers are forming, although they have thick webbing between them. Their nostrils are becoming more defined and the tip of their nose is starting to emerge. Muscle fibres are forming so that they can start to move in jerky little movements, although it’ll be some weeks before you can feel anything.
If you like a drink now and again, it’s time to consider how it might affect your growing baby. Although one glass of wine isn’t likely to harm your baby, no level of alcohol has been proven to be entirely safe during pregnancy.
The safest bet is to avoid alcohol altogether. Excessive alcohol intake has been associated with many foetal problems, and even moderate alcohol consumption can impact your baby’s brain development.
Have a look at our pregnancy and alcohol page for some tasty alcohol–free alternatives!
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