Did your pregnancy test come back positive? First of all, congratulations! This is a very special time in your life. At the same time, you probably have a lot of questions in your mind, such as "What's going on now?", "What's happening to the baby inside me?", "What changes will I feel?" Don't worry, it's very normal. In this article, we'll talk about the amazing things that happen to you and your little one in your womb during this small period, that is, between 5 and 8 weeks.
Week 5: The beginning of a little life
What's wrong with the baby?
This week, your baby is still very small, like a tiny sesame seed. But his most important organs are starting to develop at an incredible rate. His heart, brain, spine, muscles, and bones are all starting to develop during this time.
Also, the placenta, which nourishes the baby, and the amniotic sac, which protects the baby and provides a warm environment for it to move easily, are still forming. The umbilical cord, which connects you to the baby and provides nourishment to the baby from your blood supply, is also forming during this time. Amazingly, even the baby’s hair color, eye color, and sex (whether it’s a girl or a boy) are already determined by chromosomes.
Mom, what does that mean for you?
By now, you may have suspected that you are pregnant. You may also be experiencing some of the first signs of pregnancy .
- Morning Sickness: Although this is called morning sickness, you can feel nauseous and vomit at any time of the day.
- Breast changes: You may feel tenderness, pain, or numbness in your breasts. The skin around your nipples may also darken.
- Frequent urination : The need to urinate frequently is very common these days.
- Feeling more tired than usual: It's normal to feel very tired and sleepy all the time for no reason.
- You may also feel bloated .
A little tip for you this week: As soon as you suspect you are pregnant, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Starting prenatal care early and attending your scheduled appointments is a big step toward a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Week 6: Time to hear the heartbeat
What's wrong with the baby?
This week, your baby is shaped like a small tadpole. About the size of a BB gun. Your baby's eyes and limbs are also starting to form during this time. The neural tube, a very important part of the baby's body, is also forming this week. This neural tube is what will later develop into your baby's brain, spinal cord, and vertebrae.
During an ultrasound scan at this time, your doctor may be able to hear your baby's heartbeat. This is the first sound most mothers hear from their baby's tiny heart. The doctor can also get an idea of the due date.
Remember, the period between 17 and 56 days from the day of conception is a very sensitive time for a baby's development, as it is during this time that the baby is most susceptible to anything that could affect their normal development.
What's wrong with mom?
You may have gained a little weight by now. But if you have severe morning sickness, you may have lost a little weight. Both are normal. Your clothes may feel a little tight around your waist, and your legs and breasts may feel a little fuller. Your doctor may notice that your uterus has changed in size during an exam. Also, ask your doctor about the symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is common during pregnancy. If you are carrying twins, you may find out this week.
Week 7: Little limbs are developing
What's wrong with the baby?
Your baby continues to grow. He is now about the size of a pomegranate seed. Little limb buds are beginning to emerge that will become arms and legs. Just imagine, in a few days, these will be the little hands that will hold your hand. Many other parts continue to develop: heart, lungs, intestines, appendix, brain, spinal cord, nostrils, mouth, and eyes, to name a few.
What's wrong with mom?
Even though you may not be visibly "belly-up" yet, you're probably already feeling the changes in your body . Morning sickness may still be there. Breast tenderness and soreness may still be there. It's very common to feel very tired in early pregnancy. That's why it's important to rest whenever possible .
A little tip for you this week: The best way to reduce nausea is to keep your stomach from getting completely empty. Instead of eating three large meals at lunch and dinner, eat several small meals throughout the day. Keep snacks like crackers and fruit close at hand. To prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low, it's a good idea to eat something high in protein, like a piece of cheese, with your crackers.
Week 8: A Little Swimming Champion
What's wrong with the baby?
Your baby is now about the size of a coffee bean. This week is a busy week for his development. The creases in his eyelids and ears are starting to form. He is developing tiny, webbed fingers and toes. The most amazing thing is, he can now swim back and forth inside your womb! His little heart is beating between 80 and 180 times a minute.
What's wrong with mom?
Your blood volume is increasing now because your heart has to work harder for the baby. So your heart is pumping 50% more blood than usual. Common symptoms this week include moodiness for no apparent reason and nausea from certain smells.
A little tip for you this week: It's very important to wear a good, comfortable, supportive bra during this time. Providing good support to your breasts during pregnancy will not only make you feel comfortable, but it will also help prevent sagging breasts in the future.
| Week | Baby's development | Changes felt by the mother |
|---|---|---|
| Week 5 | The heart, brain, and spinal cord begin to form. The placenta and umbilical cord begin to form. | Morning sickness, breast tenderness, frequent urination, extreme fatigue. |
| Week 6 | The shape of a tadpole. The formation of the neural tube. The ability to hear the heartbeat through ultrasound. | Slight change in weight, clothes getting tight. The doctor can feel the change in the size of the uterus. |
| Week 7 | The size of a pomegranate seed. The emergence of arms and legs as a fetus. The development of lungs, intestines, mouth, eyes. | Feeling changes in your body, even if they are not visible yet. Extreme fatigue is common. |
| Week 8 | The size of a coffee bean. Webbed fingers and ears. Able to swim in the womb. Heart rate about 180 beats per minute. | Increased blood volume. Mood swings, sensitivity to smells. |
Take-Home Message
- As soon as you suspect you are pregnant, see your doctor and begin prenatal care.
- Take prenatal vitamins recommended by your doctor every day.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol completely. These can have a very negative impact on the baby's development.
- To control nausea, eat small, frequent meals rather than on an empty stomach.
- Don't hesitate to rest when you feel tired. Your body is working for two people now.
- Although these early symptoms are often normal, if you notice anything unusual or have any concerns, talk to your doctor about it.
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