Week 38: Getting closer to meeting your precious baby

Oh gosh, it's hard not to get excited about the arrival of your precious baby! Even though fully formed, your baby’s brain and nervous system will continue to mature over the coming weeks until your baby is born. And when you meet your baby, its toenails will have grown all the way to the tips of its toes. The vernix coating is starting to disappear now, although some may still be present at birth. And most, if not all, of your baby’s lanugo hair is now gone. 

Essential Nutrients this Week: Choline, Iron, Vitamin K, Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin C, Copper, Zinc, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12

Food of the Week: Green Beens

One cup (100g) of raw green beans have more than 1mg of iron, 12mg of vitamin C, more than 14mcg of vitamin K (which aids blood clotting and is therefore important as you get closer to birthing your baby), and moderate amounts of folate, vitamin B6, zinc, potassium and fibre. Keep a small container of fresh raw beans in your bag and snack on these throughout the day.

Recipes of the Week

Green Bean, Carrot and Quinoa Salad

This nutritious salad tastes best warm. It’s the perfect accompaniment with a protein of your choice or delicious on it’s own for lunch or dinner. Quinoa is an ideal pregnancy food, especially during the second trimester when iron and protein rich foods are needed to nourish you and your baby.

Turmeric Mince with Sneaky Greens

This dish comes together quickly and easily and will be sure to satisfy the tastebuds. Supercharged with greens and green beans, this pregnancy recipe is highly nutritious for you and your baby. Enjoy it as is or serve with rice, quinoa or a colourful selection of steamed vegetables.

Sautéed Greens with Lemon and Garlic

There’s nothing more delicious than a plate full of greens. Especially when they taste this good. Every mouthful is bursting with nutrients and nourishing you and your baby. May this pregnancy recipe become a staple in your household and make a regular appearance on your dinner table.

Pregnancy Articles

The Benefits Of Delayed Cord Clamping — boost your baby’s iron stores to support his or her brain development

How To Supercharge Your Breastmilk — breastfeeding is as beneficial for you as it is your baby

Do This To Enjoy A Smoother Transition To Motherhood — how will you rest, recover and receive support once your baby is born?

Eat These Foods To Recover Faster After Birth — you’ll need to restore and replenish all the energy you expended during labour

Foods To Help You Prepare For Labour — a nutrient-dense, whole and real foods diet can affect the ease and duration of your labour

The Critical Link Between Your Gut Health And Your Baby's Immunity — now is the time to start taking probiotics

Resources To Empower A Positive Birth Experience — resources to support you in realising your dream birth