Pregnancy Week 5
Baby’s Growth During the 5th Week of Pregnancy
Your tiny baby, about the size of an orange seed is starting to grow quickly. Your baby is looking more like a tadpole than a human. And his or her little heart is starting to form. It’s possible that with an early ultrasound, you may even see it beating. Otherwise, you’ll be in for a treat whenever you schedule your first sonogram, and see your baby for the first time.
Your baby’s circulatory system is the first thing to become operational and the neural tube will eventually become your baby’s brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone is well into construction now. The top layer of your baby, called the ectoderm, will also help to become your baby’s hair, nails, skin, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.
The primitive placenta and umbilical cord have started their jobs of delivering oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
Body’s Changes in the 5th Week of Pregnancy
There’s no surprise that you may already feel a little uncomfortable. Fatigue, sore breasts, and frequent urination may all begin to happen now. You may also feel your moods rising and falling like tides as your body goes through hormone surges.
At this point, you may find that starting or continuing an exercise routine is essential to feeling your best. Starting off a fit pregnancy from the beginning will help you manage the extra weight you’ll soon be carrying and will also help to build strength and endurance you’ll need throughout the pregnancy and for delivery.
Many women also say that exercise throughout their pregnancy also helped them bounce back after delivery. Make sure that you choose a safe, slightly vigorous activity you enjoy, and talk with your doctor before starting your routine. Oftentimes walking and swimming are great choices for exercising during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Tip for Week 5
This week you’re ready to take a pregnancy test to get the most accurate reading (considering that you properly assessed fertilization and ovulation and are really 5 weeks pregnant). If you see that plus sign, know that the little heart is already beating inside you and get ready for the whirlwind that will be the next 8 months, or 35 weeks, of your life!
