Your Baby's Development
As you near the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, your placenta has developed and is providing your baby with oxygen, nutrients, and waste disposal. The placenta also produces the hormones progesterone and estriol, which help to maintain the pregnancy.

In the uterus, the baby's eyelids are fused together to protect the eyes as they develop. Once you take your newborn home, you might be wishing for those eyes to close once in a while so you can get some rest!

Your baby may also be able to put a thumb in his or her mouth this week, although the sucking muscles aren't completely developed yet. Several ribs may now be visible, and tissue that will form bones is developing around your baby's head, arms, and legs.

Your Body
At your first prenatal appointment, your health care provider probably gave you a prescription for prenatal vitamins. Taking these supplements, in addition to eating a healthy diet, ensures your baby gets additional vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, zinc, iron, and calcium, which are necessary for growth and development. Talk to your pharmacist about the best way to take your vitamins and whether they should be taken with food or beverages. In some cases, taking your vitamins incorrectly can inhibit absorption of the vitamins and minerals your baby needs.