It is the right time to speculate as there are still uncertainties about the pregnancy. It gets settled during the fifth week when the body produces enough H.C.G. to give you a “Positive!” in a pregnancy test. That’s when your reason to rejoice and feel delighted and proud of yourself finally gets announced!
Physically, you might be encountering some early pregnancy symptoms, including;
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Mood swings
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Exhaustion
- A feeling of fullness
- Bloating
- Spotting
- Light cramping
Though, as you may have already heard from “fellow mothers” or your doctor, each woman experiences pregnancy separately. It is not assured that you will encounter all these symptoms. You may experience a few, or not even one of them mentioned above. If so, count yourself lucky!
Blood flow raises in your body during the first trimester. This is to help transfer maximum oxygen and nutrients to your evolving fetus. According to research, your blood volume increases 25 to 40 percent during pregnancy. As a result, your heart rate rises by about 9 to 12 B.P.M. (Beats Per Minute). This added charge on your circulatory system may weaken you suddenly at times. Remember: your body is working remarkably hard even if you are resting. You need to take things easy. Keep drinking lots of fluids regardless of the constant urination you may be encountering, eat right, and sleep well. All this is bound to help you fight tiredness.
What’s happening to the baby?
This week, the amniotic cavity and yolk sac – which will wrap and protect your little baby for the next months – is developing. Your baby is now developing into an embryo, which comprises three layers.
- The top layer, known as the ectoderm, is where the neural tube will form. It’s from here that the nervous system, including the brain and the spinal cord, as well as skin and hair, will originate.
- The middle layer, termed mesoderm, gives rise to muscles, bones, kidneys, heart, and reproductive organs in due course.
- The third layer is known as the endoderm, and this is from where the baby’s bladder, liver, pancreas, and intestines will develop.
The origin of the connective stalk that will ultimately become the umbilical cord has also developed by now. The baby’s heart nears maturity in function during this week. This means that the circulatory system is the first system to start functioning in the body. Until the placenta is intact and functioning, a yolk sac – now present and attached like a small balloon – will feed your baby. It slowly fades as the placenta takes over this extraordinary task.
What will you be going through?
As soon as you are sure you are pregnant, the next step is to set up an appointment with your doctor for your first prenatal visit. If this is your first baby and your general physician doesn’t do Obstetrics (Ob), make sure you select yourself. Ask her and other moms whom you may know, and be sure to make the right choice. Having a doctor you trust is vital; they’re the ones to guide you for the next eight months, after all! The earlier you choose and start visiting one, the better.
