Pregnancy Week 6

What’s your baby up to?

Your baby is now about the size of a lentil, measuring about 4mm long. The body is curving into a “C” shape with a tail at the end  like a tadpole. The heart bulges and continues to grow, beating at a regular rhythm of about 100 to 160 times a minute (that’s nearly twice a grown up’s heart rate). This teeny-weeny heartbeat may be heard on an ultrasound if you had one around now. Speaking of teeny-weeny, your little one is also sporting visible tiny limb buds where arms and legs will grow.

Your baby’s face is also undergoing changes. The head-end of the neural tube which is seen as a big bump that is quickly becoming the brain and head, has small dimples on the sides.  No, these are not smile dimples, they are the developing ears of your baby. The eyes, cheeks and jaws are also beginning to form.

Amazingly, your lentil-sized little human is already growing the major organs. The first traits of the lungs kidney, liver, pancreas, spleen are all starting to appear. Talk about being small but mighty!

How are you doing?

You’ve probably done your test and gotten a positive result, and it’s finally sinking in that you are actually pregnant. What else is sinking in at this time? The pregnancy symptoms! Mood swings, morning sickness, you are filling out at the waist line or for some women losing weight.  You are also very tired and constantly running to the bathroom to pee.

Don’t worry mama, it’s all normal, and the morning sickness will reduce by the end of the first trimester.

What should you do this week?

Strange as it sounds, exercising can boost your energy level and help you overcome tiredness. Give it a shot, it’s good for your health and helps prepare you for the task ahead. However, be sure to keep it gentle. The most recommended exercises in pregnancy are swimming, brisk walking and yoga.

Avoid smoking and alcohol. The only “shots” you should be taking are exercising and getting vaccinated (as your Doctor advises).

Eat healthy and nourishing foods, while keeping in mind the foods to avoid in pregnancy.

Take your prenatal vitamins, they are very good for you and you growing baby.

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest.  Connect with other moms-to-be for emotional support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.