The fifth week of your pregnancy
Your changing body
By this week, you might have realized that you are pregnant, though it might not be apparent to others. Now is the time to ascertain this by doing a pregnancy test. You begin to experience some of the early signs of pregnancy: nausea or morning sickness, tenderness of the breasts, darkening of the Areola and the frequent tendency to urinate. Some of you may also have the feeling of fullness or cramps in the Uterus.
Fatigue is more commonly observed during the earlier weeks of pregnancy, so you may easily get tired while doing your normal chores. With the sudden surge of hormones around this time, you may have headaches and go through spells of mood swings. Also, there may be times when you start craving for a particular food, which is quite normal. It is quite possible that some or all of the changes at this stage during pregnancy may not be apparent.
Your growing baby
By the end of this week, the vital organs of your baby begin to develop. The Embryo is about the size of a sesame seed. Your baby is now composed of three layers: ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. The uppermost layer, the ectoderm, houses the neural tube, which gives rise to the brain, nerves, spinal cord and backbone. Skin, hair, nails, tooth enamel and some glands also develop from the ectoderm.
The middle layer or mesoderm forms the heart and blood vessels. By this week, your baby’s heart will start pumping blood and acquire a steady rhythm. Muscles, cartilage, bones and subcutaneous tissue also develop from the mesoderm. Organs that begin to evolve from the endoderm are the lungs, intestines, urinary system, Thyroid glands, liver and pancreas. Your baby’s facial features, nostrils and Retina of the eyes also begin to form.
In your womb, your baby receives a steady supply of nutrients through the placenta, a tissue that starts developing too. Apart from this, the environment in your womb that cushions your baby with warmth called the amniotic sac also starts functioning.
Tips for the fifth week of pregnancy
If the pregnancy test comes out positive, schedule a meeting with your obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN). A close discussion with your obstetrician will help you shed off your apprehensions regarding your pregnancy. Before the visit, make a list of the possible questions you may have. You must now take into consideration the fact that everything you eat and drink will affect your developing baby.
Smoking and alcohol are harmful to the growing fetus; your OB/GYN will advise you to give them up. Ensure that you eat a balanced diet comprising of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, calcium and protein. Adequate amount of rest and sleep is equally important. Keep up with the regular intake of supplements as prescribed by the doctor.
Activities for the fifth week of pregnancy
Begin exercising! This will improve the blood circulation in your body, reduce stress and depression, enhance your physical endurance and prepare you for the tasks ahead: carrying extra weight of the baby and undergoing the rigors of labor.
Supplements to be taken during the fifth week of pregnancy
Folicacid supplement about 600 mcg is vital for the developing nervous system. It helps in preventing Neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The iron stores in pregnancy are reduced to a great extent to meet with the increased demands of the baby.
Adequate iron intake in the form of supplements, about 30 mg, along with good dietary sources will lower your chances of having a preterm and Low birth weight baby. It will also prevent you from being Anemic.
Calcium is another important mineral that is required for the healthy development of bones, teeth, heart, nerves and muscles of your baby. The daily requirement of calcium during pregnancy is around 1000 mg.
Common problems in the fifth week of pregnancy
Nausea, sore breasts, increased frequency of urination.
Common tests in the first week of pregnancy
Pregnancy test.
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