You are 5 Weeks Pregnant!
(Counting from the first day of your last menstrual period)
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOU
Your body is working overtime to produce a special new life. You may feel exhausted and unusually cranky. Of course, running to the bathroom every few minutes doesn’t help. This is due to your increased metabolism and growing uterus. Your breasts may be particularly tender now and you may find that sleeping in a sports bra helps. Don’t worry, breast growth will slow within the next three weeks.
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY
During the next few days, your baby’s heart will start early contractions, which later become distinct beats. By the end of the third week of gestation (five weeks in menstrual age) the length of the embryo is about 1.5 to 2 millimeters long. All of your baby’s major organs are under development, and facial features, such as ears and eyes, begin to form. The neural tube, which will later be referred to as the spinal cord, will fuse this week. And buds appear that will soon be the arms and legs. No wonder you are so tired!
EATING FOR TWO
In certain areas across the country, tap water may be unsafe during pregnancy. High levels of lead have been identified in some cities and can cause birth defects. Although drinking bottled water may seem like a preferable alternative, it, too, may contain contaminants and the lack of fluoride may have an effect on your baby’s teeth. Your best bet is to speak with your practitioner. Local water testing may be available to you through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well.
FACT OF THE WEEK
If your café latté is a morning addiction, instead consider ordering a steamed milk with froth on top. Having a soothing (and healthy) drink will help you continue your morning ritual, while giving your baby added calcium and avoiding too much caffeine. Minerals such as calcium and iron are not affected negatively by steaming — so enjoy!