Week 5 of pregnancy and no symptoms

Baby and You at 5 Weeks Pregnant

Key Takeaways at 5 Weeks Pregnant

• Missed your period? If you’ve diligently been charting your cycle, you’ve probably taken a test and gotten the good news. Congrats!
• You may also feel pregnant. Symptoms like morning sickness, exhaustion, bloating and sore breasts tend to kick in around this time as hCG is now ever present in your system.
• You might be able to hear the baby's heartbeat at 5 weeks, but it could take more time. Many doctors and midwives won’t schedule your first prenatal visit for another couple of weeks.

You’ve just been initiated to the pregnancy club! Week 5 is a common time for moms-to-be to find out they’re pregnant. That’s because by now you’ve probably realized you’ve missed your period and then thought, whoa—maybe I should take a test! Plus, at 5 weeks pregnant, heightened hormone levels may be giving you symptoms that are tough to ignore, like sore breasts, nausea and fatigue.

Baby at Week 5

Your week-5 embryo doesn't look like much more than a tadpole right now, but they’re already starting to form major organs (heart, stomach, liver and kidneys) and systems (digestive, circulatory and nervous).

How big is baby at 5 weeks?

At 5 weeks pregnant, baby is the size of an apple seed. Yep, your embryo is now measurable—though at week five of pregnancy, it's a wee 0.13 inches from crown to rump (a.k.a. head to bum)—and baby's gearing up for much more growth. In fact, in the next week they’ll almost double in size. Grow, baby, grow!

5 weeks pregnant is how many months?

At 5 weeks pregnant, you're entering your second month of pregnancy. Remember, most doctors start counting pregnancy from the first day of your last period. While many people think of pregnancy as lasting 9 months, it’s really 40 weeks long. If you’re counting four weeks to a month, that adds up to 10 months! Of course, some months have five weeks. That’s why many doctors avoid tracking pregnancy by month and refer to your progress simply by week.

5 week ultrasound

If you don’t have a medical history that puts you at higher risk for pregnancy complications, you won’t likely have a 5 weeks pregnant ultrasound. Instead, you’ll just have to wait impatiently until your first prenatal visit, around week 8 or 9. We feel your pain!

When you do have your first ultrasound, the doctor or technician will measure baby from crown to rump and could adjust your due date based on baby’s size (which would change which week of pregnancy you’re in). You’ll have a slew of blood tests and urine tests to be sure you and baby are both doing fine. So while you’re totally amped up to see baby’s tiny fluttering heartbeat on the ultrasound screen, remind yourself you can wait a few weeks for the blood draws and peeing in a cup.

Is there a heartbeat at 5 weeks?

A heartbeat may be detectable between 5 and a half weeks and 6 weeks, but not always. That’s why, unless you have preexisting conditions or fertility concerns, most doctors wait until at least 8 weeks for your first ultrasound.

3D Views: My Baby, My Body

See their progress for yourself with our 3D interactive tool.

See My Baby in 3D

See My Body in 3D

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 5

The pregnancy symptoms you feel at 5 weeks are just the beginning of the slew of changes your body is about to go through. No need to dread the entire pregnancy based on what’s happening right now: Many moms-to-be say the first trimester is the toughest, so think of it as getting the rough stuff out of the way early. In the meantime, take care of yourself and get plenty of rest, eat right and figure out ways to help yourself feel better. If you’re wondering what to expect at 5 weeks pregnant, here’s what’s most common:

Sore breasts

Morning sickness gets all the attention, but aching breasts may actually be the most common symptom at 5 weeks pregnant.

Morning sickness

This bad boy is so inaccurately named. Nausea in early pregnancy can happen at any time of the day, not just morning. And unfortunately, some pregnant moms feel queasy pretty much all day. In fact, if you’re 5 weeks pregnant with twins, you may be more likely to have severe morning sickness. Experiment with different strategies to find what helps you deal with the queasies best. Eating small, frequent meals is one good one. You might also try Vitamin B6, ginger capsules, special nausea-reducing lozenges or lollipops and acupressure wristbands.

Fatigue

At 5 weeks pregnant, it’s normal to want to nap in the middle of a board meeting, a dinner date, a… well, pretty much any time. You’re zapped from making a baby and there’s not much you can do about it except get some extra rest, do some light exercise and eat every few hours.

Frequent urination

You might notice yourself having the urge to pee more often early in pregnancy. This symptom at 5 weeks pregnant is in part because your kidneys are actually expanding. (Whoa!)

Cramps

Around 4 or 5 weeks, cramping could be a sign the embryo has implanted nicely into the lining of your uterus. Or it could be a sign your uterus is expanding and stretching your ligaments. If you’re feeling cramping at 5 weeks pregnant that’s severe or painful, call your doctor and get checked out to make sure it’s not a sign of a problem.

Spotting

When you’re 5 weeks pregnant, spotting can seem scary, but a little blood on your underwear could also be a sign of implantation. You might also spot a bit after sex, since your cervix is more sensitive now that you’re pregnant. This is totally normal, but if you’re having something that’s less like spotting and more like bleeding at 5 weeks pregnant—or really, if you’re concerned at all—call the doctor.

Some moms-to-be who are 5 weeks pregnant feel no symptoms at all. Or it might feel like, at 5 weeks pregnant, symptoms come and go. And all of that is totally okay! Just because you’re not feeling sick or sore doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with the pregnancy. It just means you’re lucky!

What you might feel like at 5 weeks pregnant

The experience at 5 weeks pregnant can vary a lot from person to person, so it might be best not to expect anything specific, but to prepare for everything. If nothing else, you’re likely to feel more tired than usual, and your body is probably just starting to feel a little wonky, but hopefully you’re not in the thick of it quite yet. If your symptoms are severe, there’s never any harm in calling your doctor to check in (and possibly check for multiples!).

Your Pregnant Belly at 5 Weeks

At 5 weeks pregnant, your belly may look unchanged—or you may be a bit bloated or feel like you’ve already gained a pound. Heck, you might feel so sick that you can’t eat and worry you could have lost a pound. All those scenarios are considered perfectly normal and totally okay! All pregnant women are different and how their bodies change throughout pregnancy varies widely.

You’re probably starting to wonder a bit about overall pregnancy weight gain. The short answer is: You don’t need to worry too much about it yet. Doctors only recommend gaining a few pounds (1 to 5 to be exact) during the first trimester (which ends after week 13), and that will probably happen without you thinking too much about it.

The long answer is that you will need to gain weight during your pregnancy.

Your doctor will discuss personalized weight gain recommendations with you, since they vary based on body type. Here’s what the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends:

If you’re underweight (BMI under 18.5): Your recommended total pregnancy weight gain is 28 to 40 pounds.
In the second and third trimesters, aim to gain about a pound (1 to 1.3 pounds to be exact) per week.

If you’re of normal weight (BMI of 18.5 to 24.9):

• Your recommended total pregnancy weight gain is 25 to 35 pounds.
• In the second and third trimesters, aim to gain about a pound or a little less (0.8 to 1 pound to be exact) per week.

If you’re overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9):

• Your recommended total pregnancy weight gain is 15 to 25 pounds.
• In the second and third trimesters, aim to gain a little over a half pound (0.5 to 0.7 pound to be exact) per week.

If you’re obese (BMI of 30 and above):

• Your recommended total pregnancy weight gain is 11 to 20 pounds.
• In the second and third trimesters, aim to gain about a half pound (0.4 to 0.6 pound to be exact) per week.

If you’re 5 weeks pregnant with twins (and starting at a normal BMI):

• Your recommended total pregnancy weight gain is 37 to 54 pounds.
• In the first half of pregnancy, aim to gain about a pound per week. In the second half, gain a little over a pound per week.

Wondering if you could be 5 weeks pregnant with twins? If you were, you probably wouldn’t know it yet, though as we mentioned above, some twin moms swear they had worse morning sickness. They also may gain weight more rapidly and “start to show” earlier than women having one baby would.

Five weeks pregnant is a good time to ask your partner for a massage. You might not have a big bump, but at five weeks pregnant, your body is working fast and furiously to grow baby, so you deserve a little TLC, right?

Should I see a doctor at 5 weeks pregnant?

Unless you have any reason to believe there’s a problem with your pregnancy, there’s no real reason to see your doctor quite yet. The first prenatal appointment often takes place around week 8 or 9. But while you may need to wait a little bit longer to have your pregnancy officially confirmed, now is the time to call and schedule that first visit and ultrasound. If you have any concerns, share them when you call so you can get in to see your doctor when you need to.

"Most OB providers will see you around 8 to 10 weeks of gestation, unless you’re particularly high risk. But don’t call at 8 weeks expecting to get in the next day; do your homework early and make sure the office takes your insurance, delivers at the hospital you like and check out with friends about their philosophies. " - Heather Bartos, MD, an ob-gyn and medical director of Be. Women’s Health & Wellness in Frisco, Texas.

Tips for 5 Weeks Pregnant

You’re at the very start of this long and exciting journey. Here’s what to keep in mind as you get your footing.

Skip certain foods

Now that you know you’re pregnant, there are certain foods you’ll have to put aside. As annoying as it is, some foods pose a safety concern for you and baby. Until your child is born, hold off on alcohol, raw dough and batter, raw or undercooked meat, hot dogs and cold cuts, paté and other refrigerated meat spreads, raw and undercooked seafood and eggs (including eggs with runny yolks and cured fish like lox), fish known for having high mercury levels, unwashed fruits and veggies, raw bean sprouts and any cheese, milk or juice that’s unpasteurized.

Break your coffee habit

The effects of too much caffeine on baby are unknown, so it’s smart to cut back on your habit. As exhausted as you probably are right now, limit yourself to less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day—or about two small cups of coffee or less. If you’re a tea drinker, the same general rules apply.

Avoid smoke

If you’re a smoker, stop smoking right away as it’s harmful to baby. If you are around people who smoke frequently, ask them to stay a significant distance away when they smoke so you’re not inhaling secondhand smoke (and so the smell of the smoke doesn’t make you nauseous!).

Pass on the litter box

You are officially off the hook for cleaning the litter box, as there’s the potential for contracting an infection called toxoplasmosis, which could harm baby. Oh darn. Enjoy passing this unpleasant task (that could make you heave anyway) off to someone else! It’s a good idea to avoid uncovered sandboxes and gardening without gloves too, since outdoor cats often use garden beds and sandboxes as their own personal toilets.

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Pregnancy Checklist at 5 Weeks Pregnant

Reminders for the week:

• Establish a healthy diet
• Start a pregnancy journal
• Come up with a plan to save for baby

Baby and You at 6 Weeks Pregnant

Key Takeaways at 6 Weeks Pregnant

• Things are getting real! If you’re not experiencing morning sickness, extreme fatigue or other unpleasant early pregnancy symptoms, consider yourself lucky.
• Baby’s heartbeat is most likely detectable by ultrasound at this point. If your doctor gives you an ultrasound at that all-important first visit, you’ll hopefully be able to see (and hear) that pitter-patter activity.
• It’s only been a few short weeks, but that embryo is looking more and more like a baby every day. They’re growing by leaps and bounds, developing complex organs and regulatory systems.

At week six, pregnancy is still new to you, so it’s normal to feel a little emotional. Add to that some pretty uncomfortable early pregnancy symptoms (which include hormone fluctuations that can feel like PMS—on steroids!), and it’s understandable to feel uncertain. That’s probably part of why you have 40 weeks to adjust to pregnancy. Of course, it’s also because baby needs all that time to get all their working parts in order.

Watch Week 6 Highlights

Baby at Week 6

So what’s going on inside your 6-week pregnant belly? Well, many of the crucial areas of baby development have already started. Baby's circulating blood with an increasingly sophisticated circulatory system. Baby might even be wiggling their paddle-like hands and feet. Your 6-week embryo is about to get cuter too, since they’re starting to sprout a nose, eyes, ears, chin and cheeks.

How big is baby at 6 weeks?

At 6 weeks pregnant, baby is the size of a sweet pea. The average embryo at week six is about .25 inches and will double in size again next week. Wow!

What does baby look like at 6 weeks?

Your 6-week-old-embryo is starting to look more baby-like. While that curled up little pea-size body still has a wee tail, it’s growing and developing fast. Baby now has an optic ventricle, which will eventually become the eyes, and a heart that has divided into four chambers and will start to beat this week. There are little limb buds that will become the chubby arms and legs you won’t want to stop kissing. Facial features are beginning to form too.

6 weeks pregnant is how many months

Remember, doctors generally refer to pregnancy by week, not month. If you’re wondering, “how long is 6 weeks pregnant?,” you’re one month and about two weeks pregnant—even though it’s probably been only a week or so since you learned you're expecting. Pregnancy is measured starting with the first day of your last menstrual period. You probably conceived in week 2 or 3, and didn’t discover your pregnancy until you missed your period around week 5.

6 week ultrasound

If you’ve let your doctor know you’re 6 weeks pregnant, they may have asked you to go in for your first prenatal appointment right away, but more likely, they may have told you to wait a few weeks. In fact, the first prenatal checkup is usually at about 8 or 9 weeks. So unless yours is a high-risk pregnancy, you probably won’t have a 6-week ultrasound. We know the anticipation is killing you!

If you did have a 6-week ultrasound, the doctor might be able to see a fetal pole or fetal heartbeat—a clear sign that you’ve got an embryo developing in there. However, if the doctor doesn’t see a fetal pole or heartbeat, don’t panic—you might not be as far along as you thought. The doctor will probably ask you to come back in a few days or a week for another ultrasound.

And yes, if you are 6 weeks pregnant with twins, you’ll likely be able to see two distinct gestational sacs or yolk sacs on the ultrasound at this point.

While you wait for your doctor’s appointment, you probably have a million questions on your mind. Write them down so you have them ready to ask your OB at your first prenatal visit. (Until then, we hope we’ve answered—and can continue to answer—a bunch for you.)

3D Views: My Baby, My Body

See their progress for yourself with our 3D interactive tool.

See My Baby in 3D

See My Body in 3D

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 6

Because it’s still early in your pregnancy, you may not yet be experiencing symptoms—at this point, some women are terribly nauseous, while others feel almost nothing. At 6 weeks pregnant, either is normal, but the most common 6 weeks pregnant symptoms include:

Fatigue

You’re so drained because your body is still getting used to your changing hormones. Get extra rest if you’re feeling wiped out.

Nausea

Hate to break it, but morning sickness doesn't just happen in the morning. It can be an all-day affair. And moms-to-be who are 6 weeks pregnant with twins might have even more severe nausea. It’s a good idea to find foods that help settle your stomach and to keep them on hand for regular snacking, since having an empty stomach can trigger bouts of nausea.

Sore breasts

Your breasts are likely sore thanks to increased blood flow. Can you believe your body is already starting to prep to breastfeed your baby? Yep, even at just 6 weeks!

Frequent urination

If you find yourself having to pee more than usual, it’s in part because the pregnancy hormone hCG is directing extra blood flow to the pelvic area. Heading to the bathroom more often is normal, but if you have painful urination or have the urge to go but are unable to, tell your doctor right away. Those are signs of a UTI, which you’re at higher risk for starting at week 6 of pregnancy.

Gas and bloating

The pregnancy hormone progesterone can cause these tummy troubles. Drink lots of water and eat fiber-rich foods to avoid constipation (yuck), which contributes to bloating (double yuck).

Mood swings

Yup, crankiness and emotional extremes are because of the hormones. Fatigue and fluctuations in blood sugar can contribute, too, so get extra rest and regularly eat healthy meals and snacks to help keep your mood (at least sort of) in check.

Cramping and spotting

At 6 weeks pregnant—and any time in early pregnancy—cramping and spotting are both common. We know these symptoms can make you worry about problems like ectopic pregnancy at 6 weeks and other types of miscarriage. Know that if any abdominal pain is severe (stronger than period cramps) or if bleeding becomes heavy like a period, you should call the doctor.

How you might feel at 6 weeks pregnant

At 6 weeks pregnant, reality is sinking in. You might feel excited or nervous, or you might feel completely overwhelmed by the prospect of carrying baby for the next 34 weeks. These feelings are normal, and you might find you swing from one feeling to the next—also normal. Expect things to feel like they’re changing, because they are, and whether or not you feel physically different, it’s okay to feel however you feel.

Your Pregnant Belly at 6 Weeks

Though it’s common to be bloated at 6 weeks pregnant, you likely don’t look pregnant at all. Inside your 6 weeks pregnant belly, your rapidly growing pea-sized embryo will soon take up a greater amount of real estate in your belly. So if you’re not ready to share your news with the world, you can enjoy your little secret for a little longer. Of course, if you’re 6 weeks pregnant with twins, belly expansion will happen a little sooner than it will for other moms-to-be.

What does a pregnant belly feel like?

So how does your stomach feel in early pregnancy? Your 6-weeks-pregnant bump isn’t much of a bump yet, so you’re the only one who will notice any differences. That said, since you’re probably starting to feel some cramping and bloating, your belly might feel a little bigger than normal. If pants feel tight or uncomfortable, now’s the time to integrate some stretchier waistbands to give that tummy room. Whether that tummy expansion currently comes from your growing baby or just gas doesn’t really matter as long as you’re as comfy as possible.

“Whether it's due to concern for the well-being of your baby, struggles around your changing identity or kicked up by hormonal acrobatics, anxiety in the earliest weeks of the pregnancy is really common and often manifests physically for mamas. This is one of those times where really trying to connect with your body through mindfulness and meditation can be very powerful in managing your anxiety and getting you through those first few weeks!” - Aparna Iyer, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist in Frisco, Texas.

Tips for 6 Weeks Pregnant

Ready to feel like yourself again? Here, some tips to live your best life at 6 weeks pregnant.

Prepare for your first prenatal appointment

You’ll have a lot of questions at the first appointment, so make sure you write down anything that comes to mind before you see your doctor. Take note of symptoms, family history and any concerns that might arise as you get closer to your very first prenatal checkup.

Be conservative

Baby is still in the early stages of developing all their critical systems, so now is the time to play it safe. Go light on caffeine, get extra sleep and steer clear of any activity that could expose you to chemicals or extreme temperatures (hot tubs and saunas are a no-no). Just focus on taking good care of yourself instead.

Go when you gotta go

Pregnant women have a higher risk of developing UTIs, so make sure you drink lots of water and don’t hold it when you have to pee. Needing to pee often is normal when you’re pregnant, but feeling like you constantly have to go or feeling burning or pain when you pee are signs of a UTI.

Find balance

It’s hard to eat all the right things and get daily exercise when you’re exhausted and want to puke all the time. You don’t have to be perfect—just find balance. Sneak in a walk or a light yoga session when you have the energy. Eat well when you can stomach it, but when all you can handle are bland carbs, try rice cakes or popcorn to get a little nutritional value.

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Pregnancy Checklist at 6 Weeks Pregnant

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5th week of pregnancy

5-8 weeks of pregnancy

Fifth week for the baby

The fifth week of embryo development is significant by the separation of the body of the unborn child and extraembryonic auxiliary structures - the yolk sac, amniotic bladder, chorion. The process of active formation of organs and tissues continues. At this time, the birth of all the main systems of the future organism is taking place.

At the fifth week, the size of the embryo is 1.2-1.5 mm. It is possible to see the anterior pole - the place of the future head, as well as the posterior pole - the place of the future legs. The formation of the body occurs according to the law of symmetry - a chord is laid along, which is the axis of symmetry. It is around it that the laying of future symmetrical internal organs takes place. In the future, some of them will be formed by merging the rudiments (liver, heart), and some will remain double (lungs, kidneys, etc.).

The fetus in this period is in a curved state and looks like the letter C. By the end of the fifth week, the heart begins to pulsate, which is already formed. From the middle germ layer (mesoderm) begins the formation of the pancreas, liver, lungs, thyroid gland, trachea and larynx.

The formation of the central nervous system also begins on the fifth allotment. The cells, which were previously located flat, begin to roll up, i.e., the formation of the neural tube occurs. The viability of the fetus is largely dependent on the complete closure of the tube, so the fifth week is of great importance. Folic acid is able to contribute to the high-quality closure of the tube. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, specialists recommend taking drugs containing this substance. Also, folic acid is needed throughout the first trimester, but its role is especially important during 5-7 weeks. Along the tube there are bulges from which the formation of the brain sections will occur.

The processes located along the neural tube are called somites and represent future muscles.

The fifth week is also characterized by the beginning of the formation of germ cells in the embryo - this is another important moment in his life. In future people, at the stage of early development, the rudiments of eggs and spermatozoa are already laid.

Expectant mother at the fifth week

The period of five weeks is quite early, so if changes occur in the female body, they are insignificant. At this time, the cycle delay is one week, which not every woman pays attention to. If she is aware of her situation, thoughtfulness, peace, or, conversely, high activity may appear.

Odor intolerance and nausea are likely from the fifth week. Most women are prone to early toxicosis, which manifests itself in the form of vomiting, which usually occurs in the morning. Toxicosis can be both mild and severe. The second is accompanied by incessant vomiting. Women who are faced with a severe form of toxicosis are subject to hospitalization.

A feeling of heaviness in the chest or slight pain when pressed is also a sign of early pregnancy.

Sixth week for baby

During the sixth week, the embryo grows from approximately 3 mm to 6-7 mm. At this time, the shape of the embryo is cylindrical and resembles to a certain extent the embryo of a fish. The rudiments of arms and legs appear along the body, which in the sixth week have the form of processes. The arms are formed faster than the lower extremities; by the end of the sixth week, the rudiments of the hands are formed. The legs are not yet formed at the moment and remain in the rudimentary stage. At this time, the tube must completely close, and the rudiments of the hemispheres are formed from the brain bubbles.

The heart at this stage is characterized by intensive development and active pulsation. Inside this organ, division into chambers and compartments occurs, ventricles and atria appear. If you use highly sensitive ultrasound equipment, the heartbeat of the fetus can already be caught. 100-160 beats per minute at this stage makes the heart.

Also on the sixth week, the digestive tube is formed, which ends with the formation of the large and small intestines, stomach.

The sex glands continue to develop, the ureters are formed. An important process at this stage is the formation of chorionic villi, i.e., the laying of the future placenta. The sixth week is marked by the active stage of vascular growth and the "training" of the placenta. Of course, as a separate organ, the placenta has not yet formed and does not fulfill its functions, but the first trial steps are already being taken - there is an exchange of blood between the mother and the embryo, such an exchange is the precursor of future blood circulation.

The sixth week for the future mother

If the cycle is delayed by two weeks, which corresponds to the sixth obstetric week, the manifestations of toxicosis may increase in a woman. Nausea often leads to vomiting. If this happens more than two or three times a day, you should contact a specialist. In the chest, vascular permeability changes due to changes in the hormonal background. Therefore, a periodic sensation of tingling may join the feeling of fullness of the glands.

A woman in the sixth week is often accompanied by irritability, drowsiness, fatigue and weakness. All of these symptoms are the result of the influence of the hormonal background, which tries to create the best conditions for the development of the child. Experts note that the severity of the course of toxicosis directly depends on the emotional state of the woman. Therefore, the expectant mother should limit physical activity, avoid stressful situations, provide positive emotions and good mood.

Women may develop new taste preferences. Undoubtedly, it is necessary to ensure the comfort of the expectant mother, but one should not forget about common sense when choosing a diet. Even if it attracts to harmful products, they should not be consumed, of course, smoking and alcohol are contraindicated. It is undesirable to use smoked meats and any products containing chemical elements. The more correct the diet, the more benefits it can bring to the unborn baby.

Special attention should be paid to the water balance. Dehydration can only aggravate toxicosis, so it is important to monitor the amount of fluid consumed. Sometimes fruits, water and juices even become the only possible food for a woman.

Seventh week for a baby

At this age, the embryo reaches a length of 8-11 mm, its weight at the seventh week is less than a gram. The head is equal in size to half the body, while the shape of the body is arched. You can see in the lower part of the pelvic end a continuation of the coccyx, which outwardly resembles a tail.

On the seventh week, the formation of the embryo occurs quite intensively. On the hands, you can already see the interdigital spaces, but there is no division into separate fingers yet. The embryo begins to develop a face, on which a nasal fossa appears. In this place, a nose is formed a little later. Also in the seventh week, the initial development of the auricles occurs. They begin to form from two elevations on the head, both jaws are formed.

The seventh week is characterized by such an important event as the formation of the circulatory system of the female body and fetus, as well as the umbilical cord. There is uteroplacental blood flow. From now on, tissue respiration and nutrition of the fetus occur through maternal blood. The unborn child falls under the protection of the mother's body. The future placenta (chorion) not only nourishes the embryo, but also acts as a protective filter, preventing harmful microorganisms and toxins that can significantly harm the fetus.

Seventh week for the expectant mother

From the seventh week, the growth of the uterus begins in a woman, this can be determined by a specialist during a gynecological examination. At this stage, many expectant mothers have an increase in the abdomen, which is one of the main signs of pregnancy. The growth of the uterus and the size of the embryo cannot cause an increase in the abdomen. This is due to the action of progesterone, which leads to lethargy of the intestinal loops, as well as a decrease in the tone of the anterior abdominal wall. Bloating occurs, which is the cause of visible changes in the abdomen.

Increased urination is a consequence of the fact that the total volume of blood in the female body increases. Such a change will accompany the expectant mother throughout the pregnancy and will especially manifest itself in the last trimester. If pain occurs during urination, then there is a reason for a visit to the doctor, since this is not considered the norm. Changes in bowel function are possible, constipation and diarrhea can occur with equal probability. The reasons may be a change in the usual diet or hormonal levels. Since regular daily stools ensure the timely removal of toxins from the body of the expectant mother, it must be carefully monitored. If you have problems with bowel movements, you should consult a specialist.

Eighth week for baby

The embryo is 15-20 mm long by the beginning of the eighth week and 40 mm by the end of it. The mass of the embryo is five grams. After the eighth week, the embryonic period ends and the fetal period begins. After eight weeks, experts no longer use the term embryo, the unborn child is called the fetus until it is born. The main features of the eighth week are the intensive development and modification of the embryo. There is a straightening of the body, and it is increasingly divided into segments - limbs, head and torso.

At this stage, the nervous system is actively developing. Also on the eighth week, the brain is divided into sections, the hemispheres are more clearly outlined, convolutions are formed.

The face of the unborn child becomes more prominent, ears, nostrils, eyes are formed. By the end of the eighth week, the upper lip is fully connected, and the face looks quite distinctly formed.

The process of ossification of the skull, arms and legs belongs to the features of this period. Bones harden. The formation of the fingers occurs, and the large one becomes isolated and opposed to the palm. Large joints (elbows and knees) are formed.

Brain structures, which are responsible for muscle tone, and the muscular system itself are also being actively formed. This allows the embryo to perform a variety of movements. The development of the digestive tract is almost completed by the end of this week. The intestines and stomach are supplied with nerve endings, which in the future will be able to provide motor functions of the gastrointestinal tract, the cavities of the kidneys, heart, bladder and ureters are formed.

The vascular system develops in the future placenta. The chorionic villi penetrate deeply into the wall of the uterus. Utero-placental circulation becomes full. The complex supply of the growing fetus is provided by the vessels of the umbilical cord, through which it receives blood enriched with oxygen and a variety of nutrients. Also, through these vessels, metabolic products and carbon dioxide are removed.

The eighth week for the expectant mother

The eighth week does not bring significant changes to the woman's body. All manifestations of toxicosis do not change their character, but are already much easier to bear. This is due to the fact that by this time pregnant women get used to their condition and find factors that facilitate it and create comfort. These can be certain foods, good sleep, one or another diet, walks, etc.

This material indicates the obstetric gestational age, that is, it is calculated from the first day of the preceding pregnancy menstruation.

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