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1st Trimester (weeks 1-13)

Week 5

About You

Week 5 is the fifth week of the 1st trimester. You probably know that you are pregnant, and if you haven't already confirmed it, can do so with a home pregnancy test. You should start to adopt a healthier lifestyle, if you haven't already done so, such as cutting down or eliminating alcohol intake (as nobody knows what really is a safe limit for a developing foetus), and planning an exercise regime to keep yourself in tip-top shape for your 40-week marathon.

Your pregnancy symptoms such as sore breasts, fatigue and frequent urination may becoming more pronounce, and some women may even be experiencing nausea already (although this usually starts in a couple of weeks).

About Baby

Week 5 is the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until 10 weeks, all of the organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when the embryo will be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with development. It is growing at a very quick pace, and at this stage, is about the size of a sesame seed. The foetus is made up of three layers -- the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm -- which will later form all organs and tissues.

The neural tube from which baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout, is starting to develop in the top layer, called the ectoderm. This layer will also give rise to skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.

His heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. This week the heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood. The mesoderm will also form baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and tissue under the skin.

The third layer, or endoderm, will house lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as the thyroid, liver, and pancreas. In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to your baby, are already working.

This week's activities for the pregnancy to-do list

✔ Pick up a pregnancy book, or go on line to understand what your body is doing

✔Download a pregnancy app to help you stay organized for the next 8 months

✔Drink lots of water

✔Talk to your insurance company to find out which local doctors and hospitals are covered by your plan

✔ Choose a doctor or midwife and schedule an appointment. To prepare, jot down the first day of your last period (so she can determine your due date) and start making a list of any questions that arise. If you don't like the doctor or midwife, find another

✔Talk to relatives on both sides about your families' medical histories, as your caregiver will want to know whether any chronic conditions or genetic abnormalities run in either of your families

Note that this article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.

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