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Sign InWeek 5 — Something's Growing in There
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
sesame seed
Your baby is now officially an embryo — about the size of a sesame seed. Three distinct layers of cells are forming this week, each with a specific job: one becomes your baby's skin, brain, and nervous system; one becomes the heart, bones, and muscles; and one becomes the lungs, stomach, and intestines. The heart is already starting to take shape, and blood vessels are beginning to form throughout the embryo.
Your hCG levels are rising fast right now, which is why pregnancy symptoms can hit harder this week. Nausea, sore breasts, fatigue, and bloating are all completely normal — your body is flooded with hormones doing important work. Some people also notice light cramping or spotting around now, which is usually just your uterus adjusting. If you haven't booked your first prenatal appointment yet, now's a great time — most providers schedule the first visit around Week 8.
Your baby's heart starts forming just 18 days after conception — before most people even know they're pregnant. The first cells to organise into what will become the heart do so with zero instruction from the brain, which hasn't developed yet. It's essentially self-organising. Your baby's heart decided to get to work entirely on its own.
If morning sickness has shown up, try eating small amounts every 2 hours instead of three big meals. An empty stomach makes nausea so much worse. Keeping something bland in there — crackers, plain toast, plain rice — gives the acid something to work on. Keep crackers on your nightstand and eat a few before you even sit up in the morning.
Bland, easy-to-digest foods are your best friends this week. Crackers, bananas, plain rice, and dry toast can all help manage nausea without overwhelming a sensitive stomach.
Take over cooking duties if cooking smells are triggering nausea. Cold meals and food prepared outside the home can make a big difference right now.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer