Pregnancy Calendar – Week Five

The embryo has grown to a little over one eighth of an inch long this week—about the size of a sesame seed! Even at this tiny size, the placenta and the umbilical cord are working, passing oxygen and nutrients to your baby. Layers of cells already are becoming specialized. The outer layer will become the nervous system; the middle layer will become the skeletal system, circulatory system, and reproductive organs; and the inner layer will be the digestive and respiratory systems. The microscopic group of cells that will become your baby’s heart has formed, and the brain and spinal cord are beginning to take shape.

Some women start feeling nausea at or around the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy. (For more information, see “Survival Guide: Morning Sickness.”) Remember, it is also normal not to feel these symptoms at this time—each woman experiences pregnancy differently. Morning sickness typically rears its ugly head between four and thirty-six weeks of pregnancy and can, unfortunately, occur at any time of day. You may also feel a little more tired in the evening or completely exhausted in the middle of the day. There are several reasons for this fatigue. During early pregnancy, your body makes more of a hormone called progesterone, which can make you feel tired. Additionally, your body is working harder to provide nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetus. These physical changes, as well as emotional stresses, can add to your feelings of fatigue. If possible, try to get an hour or two more of sleep each night, or take a short nap in the afternoon. Instead of reaching for a soda or caffeinated drink, drink water with a high-protein snack in mid-afternoon to give you some energy. Mild exercise and fresh air can also help with fatigue. Most women also report they get some energy back after the first trimester is over. 

A Mom’s Suggestion: Avoid overheating, especially during the first trimester.

If your body temperature gets too high, it can cause dehydration and potential complications during pregnancy. Try to avoid the following: