Your Baby
Your baby is not much longer than 1 inch now, measuring from crown to rump; about the same size as a cherry.
Your baby weighs close to 2 grams this week, but may be going through another growth spurt towards the end of the week.
Your baby will more than double his or her weight over the next several days. Your baby’s rapid growth rate is amazing!
In addition to your baby’s overall growth, the cells which will become either testes or ovaries are creating the internal reproductive organs now.
External genitals still don’t have noticeable male or female characteristics, yet, so your baby’s gender cannot be determined if you have an ultrasound.
Even though you can’t tell if your baby is a boy or a girl by viewing images on an ultrasound monitor at this stage of pregnancy, you most likely would be surprised to see him or her moving around and kicking!
Your tiny baby’s movements my already be visible, if you have an ultrasound exam, because he or she is so very active. It’s a bit too early to feel your baby’s activity, but if you were able to touch him or her at this point; it would cause a reaction. Your baby would respond by turning away.
The major internal organs, muscles and nerves are continuing their growth and development. Your baby’s diaphragm is forming now, which is a muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen.
The diaphragm enables your baby to breathe. Your baby’s intestines are growing longer and the digestive system is refining.
Your little one’s fingers and toes have appeared and are in the process of taking their final shape. They are quite obvious, even though the hands and feet still look more like paddles than anything else.
Your baby’s torso is straightening and lengthening and the embryonic “tail”, which is located at the bottom of his or her spinal cord, is disappearing as well.
Your little one’s body is becoming distinctly human in shape, although his or her head is still bent forward onto the chest and quite large compared to the rest of the body.
The tiny face is becoming more rounded and is taking on a more mature appearance, as your baby gradually begins to look more like a baby now.
Your baby’s eyes are fully developed and are covered by a thin membrane, which protects them. This membrane covering is actually the eyelids, but they are fused completely shut, until later in development (towards the end of the second trimester).
Your Body
You may notice some slight changes happening to your waistline by now, as pregnancy gradually starts reshaping your body. Your pre-pregnancy pants may be getting a little tighter, as your waist becomes increasingly thicker. Weight gain probably is happening very slowly as well, especially if you are suffering morning sickness and are unable to keep your favorite foods down. If you’ve been vomiting, you may not have gained any weight at all, yet. Unfortunately, hormones tend to rise this week, making your nausea possibly worsen for a time. If you weren’t pregnant, you’d be having your period this week, which is the second period you’ve missed so far during your pregnancy.
During the first trimester, your face may be breaking out with pimples, as if you were going through puberty all over again! This is caused by increasing hormones, particularly progesterone. The oily, shiny skin of pregnancy is often referred to as “the glow of pregnancy”, but many women would rather that unwelcome “glow” go away and never come back! Also, your increased blood volume brings more blood vessels to the surface of your skin, making it possibly appear plumper and a bit flushed; sometimes smoother. A few very lucky women may actually gain a clearer complexion while they’re expecting, because every woman and every pregnancy is different and discomforts vary greatly. To help keep your skin clear, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
Speaking of water: getting enough fluids during pregnancy can help prevent other common complaints, besides breakouts. Extra fluid intake can help prevent constipation, hemorrhoids and even urinary tract infection (UTIs), as well as reduce your chances of being bothered by edema (excessive swelling). You should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Refrigerate it or add ice to help relieve morning sickness (cold beverages may go down better when you’re nauseous than warm or hot ones). If you have morning sickness, make sure you are getting plenty of water throughout the day to keep well-hydrated. This is particularly important if you are vomiting continuously. You may try and suck on ice chips or popsicles, if nothing else works.
Bleeding during pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean you are miscarrying or that your baby’s well-being is in jeopardy, but it is cause for concern. Approximately a quarter of all pregnant women bleed at some point during the first trimester and not all miscarry. Sometimes bleeding or spotting can be caused from intercourse, strenuous activity or even from your baby burrowing deeper into your uterine lining. Your doctor or midwife may want you to come in for an ultrasound, to check things out. Sometimes no obvious reason is ever found and it just lets up. Your doctor will be able to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. Many times rest and decreased activity is about the only thing advised. If you experience any spotting or bleeding during pregnancy, you should immediately lay down and call your doctor or midwife.
