WEEK 05
How does the baby grow?
Deep in moms’ uterus, the embryo is growing at an intense rate. At this time, the fetus is about the size of a sesame seed and looks like a small tadpole. The baby is now made up of three layers – the epidermis, the mesoderm and the endoderm – which will later form all organs and tissues in the body.
The neural tubes, from which the baby’s brain, spinal cord, nerves, and spine form, begin to grow in the outer layers called the epidermis. This layer will also create skin, hair, nails, breasts, sweat glands and tooth enamel.
The baby’s heart and circulatory system begin to form in the dermis. This week, in fact, the little heart begins to divide into compartments, beat and pump blood. The mesoderm layer will also form muscles, cartilage, bones, and subcutaneous tissue.
The third layer, also known as the endoderm, will be home to the baby’s lungs, intestines, rudimentary urinary system, the thyroid, liver, and pancreas. Meanwhile, the early placenta and the umbilical cord have started working to provide nutrients and oxygen to the baby.
Changes occurring in the mother’s body during the 5th week of pregnancy
- Moms may feel some discomfort during pregnancy. Many women report feeling pain in their breasts, tiredness, and frequent urination from the first weeks. Some may also be nauseous, although this symptom usually appears in the next few weeks.
- This week, signs of strong growth taking place in moms’ bodies cannot be seen with eyes, so sometimes moms forget they are bearing a little baby. It is important to always remember to avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy because alcohol can harm the baby’s development.
- Moms will also want to continue or start an exercise routine. Exercise helps increase strength and endurance, manage body weight. Exercise also helps prevent pregnancy pains, and many women find it a great way to reduce stress. Exercise can also make giving birth easier and less painful. Importantly, regular exercise throughout pregnancy helps easily recover after giving birth. Walking and swimming are good options for pregnant women.
Activities mom should do this week
The first months of pregnancy are an important time for the baby’s development.
- Moms need to go for an early and full prenatal visit with the doctor. Good prenatal care is essential for the health of the baby and the mother. At the first antenatal visit, moms will be screened to check whether any possibility of complications exits.
- Remember to have vitamin prenatal supplements. Most prenatal supplements contain more folic acid, iron, and calcium, which are what pregnant women really need.
- Getting enough folic acid is especially important in the first trimester of pregnancy because it significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida.
- Consult the doctor about the medications moms are taking.
- Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of a range of problems, including miscarriage, placental problems, and premature birth. It also slows down fetal development and increases the risk of stillbirth and death in a newborn. Some studies also show that smoking increases the risk of having a baby with a cleft palate or cleft palate.
- Stop drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of low birth weight and reduces the baby’s ability to learn, speak, focus, language, and hyperactive. No one knows exactly how bad alcohol affects babies. So it’s best to give up alcohol completely.
