Week 5 of Pregnancy

At 5 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of an orange seed or apple seed - roughly 2-3 millimeters. This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period, where all major organs and systems begin their development. Your baby's heart, which started as a tube, is beginning to beat - although it is too early to detect on most ultrasounds. The neural tube is closing, which is why folic acid intake has been so crucial. Tiny buds that will become arms and legs are starting to emerge. The digestive system and lungs are beginning their earliest formation. The placenta is developing rapidly, establishing the connection that will nourish your baby throughout pregnancy. Despite being almost invisible to the naked eye, your embryo is undergoing the most critical period of development - this is when the foundation of every organ system is laid.

Listen to your body - if you are exhausted, rest. First trimester fatigue is not laziness; your body is building an entire human and that requires enormous energy. Eat small, frequent meals to combat early nausea; keeping crackers by the bed for morning queasiness is a tried and true method. Stay hydrated, but if plain water triggers nausea, try adding lemon or switching to sparkling water. Start taking photos of your belly now, even though there is nothing to see - you will appreciate the comparison later. Talk to your partner about how you are feeling; early pregnancy can be isolating when you cannot share the news publicly. If you have not already, cut out alcohol completely. Reduce caffeine to under 200mg daily (about one 12-oz coffee). Continue your prenatal vitamins, ideally taking them with food to reduce stomach upset.