Publications
What's the baby up to?
Growth points
You'll notice that your baby is getting more responsive and definitely recognises you and other key people in his life. His ability to focus is noticeably improving.
Month 2 milestones
Baby makes gurgling and cooing sounds.
Follows moving objects with eyes.
Hold head up for short periods.
Take care of you...
Your skin after pregnancy
As your hormones revert to normal, your skin will return to its pre-pregnant state. The pregnancy pigmentation is rarely permanent and will fade in time. Don’t stop wearing sun block as your skin is still vulnerable while your hormones are settling.
The development of stretch marks depends largely on your skin type. They are caused by the pregnancy hormones or fluctuations in weight. Stretch marks may fade and shrink after delivery to whitish lines that are often barely noticeable after the birth.
Oils and wonder creams may feel good and help to relieve the itchiness.
A good fitting bra during pregnancy and breastfeeding will help to prevent stretch marks on the breasts.
Specialists recommend that you wait at least 3 months before seeking serious treatment, to allow for adequate weight loss and your hormones to settle.
Treatments such as sclerotherapy or photoderm laser treatment are available for those needing to eliminate varicose veins, spider veins or sun spots.
... and think about
The first injection
In the past, before vaccines, many children died or had severe complications following infections like polio or measles. Vaccines contain proteins (antigens) which come from the micro-organisms that cause the diseases they are aimed at preventing. Some vaccines contain whole micro-organisms which are killed or are altered so as not to cause disease. These then stimulate the body into producing antibodies and special white cells that will fight the infection if it appears in the future. There is a school of thought that vaccines are not good for the immune system, but for now the Department of Health recommends it.
The Road to Health chart
When you take your baby to the clinic or pediatrician for vaccinations make sure you have your Road to Health chart with you.
This is from the Department of Health and will be given to you in the maternity ward.
All the baby's health details are recorded here, and the vaccination information also needs to be filled in.
Keep it in a safe place as you will need it when your little baby goes to school.
After the visit
Side-effects are usually mild - if you are concerned when your baby is showing severe signs and symptoms of fever, convulsions or allergic reaction you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Your baby may be upset afterwards - so be prepared to give her a feed at the clinic immediately afterwards (breast or bottle). It may not be a full feed but it will comfort her.
Go back to the complete list of Baby week-by-week updates.
