A week by week guide to what’s happening to you and your baby

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU

For some women, nasal congestion and nosebleeds are an annoying side effect of pregnancy. High levels of hormones cause the mucous membranes in the nose to swell and an increased blood volume puts pressure on capillaries. Unfortunately, it may continue throughout your pregnancy. A vitamin C deficiency may cause nosebleeds, so an increase in your consumption of vitamin C-rich foods may help. Do not use nose drops, other than saline, unless recommended by your doctor.

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

Weighing in at all of three ounces, your little one is now 12cm crown to rump, or 5 1/2 inches head to toe. Baby's head is now held high, and limb movements are co-ordinated. The eyes have come closer together so that they face forward, and the baby begins to blink. On an ultrasound, you could catch sight of the sucking reflex as your baby sucks his or her thumb.

HEALTHY EATING

Blood volume and bodily fluids will increase by 40 per cent during pregnancy. Do not go on a low-salt diet (unless recommended by your doctor) but don't overdo salt either. Avoid processed or cured meats, salty snack foods and canned soups. Too much salt can result in water retention. Salt to taste, to flavour your foods. Let your taste buds lead the way.

FACT OF THE WEEK

Perhaps your AFP results came back high, or your uterus is larger than normal, or the ultrasound revealed two gestational sacs. Maybe the very first sign was that your morning sickness was doubly bad. Any of those could mean twins, triplets or more.

It used to be that one out of 100 women experienced multiple gestations. Today, it's one in 50, partly because of the increased use of fertility drugs, as well as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. Another factor is that maternal age during pregnancy is increasing. Women over 35 may experience erratic ovulation, causing an extra egg to be released, resulting in multiple gestations.

There are risks to carrying twins, but it's important to note that more than 90 per cent of twin pregnancies have no major complications. However, if you're carrying multiples, learn to recognise the signs of preterm labour. It is more common for twins to arrive a few weeks early, but seriously premature delivery poses extreme health risks to the newborn.

Find out what to expect in week 17 of your pregnancy.

For a list of all the pregnancy week by week articles click here