The child
Your embryo is now five weeks old and measures approximately 0.4 inches (1 cm) from crown to rump. The eyes, ears and nostrils have formed. Most of the internal organs—the heart, brain, lungs and kidneys—have taken on their basic shape, and the heart’s capacity has strengthened.
The bones in the arms and legs are hardening and lengthening considerably. The joints in the body are starting to form. A couple of external folds of skin form the external reproductive organs, but at this stage both boys and girls look the same.
Mother
The embryo in your uterus is growing day by day. At this point, you can see the heart beating during an ultrasound. The heartbeat is fast—about 140–160 beats per minute. Your belly might feel a little swollen—are your clothes feeling a bit tighter around your waist? You could be feeling quite ill.
You might now be noticing a milky vaginal discharge. This is entirely normal as long as the discharge is odorless and not accompanied by itching. If that’s the case, it may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal imbalance caused when other bacteria replace your normal lactic acid bacteria. The condition often causes itching, pain and heavy foul-smelling discharge. The characteristic smell is often described as smelling like “rotten fish”. So, there’s no real way to miss it. Bacterial vaginosis normally heals spontaneously, though treatment using vaginal suppository/cream or antibiotics may be necessary. The infection cannot pass to the baby in the uterus.
Your first prenatal visit usually takes place between weeks 8 and 12. You will meet with your healthcare provider to receive your first physical examination. This appointment is usually the longest and the most comprehensive one. In addition to giving you information about what to expect during pregnancy, pregnancy screening blood samples are taken to see if you have rubella and chicken pox antibodies. Samples will also be taken to test for STDs such as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Your urine will be tested for sugar and protein to ensure that you do not develop gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
You will be offered screening tests for more common genetic conditions, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and Tay-Sachs disease. You may also need a pap smear to check for cervical cancer. Most practitioners perform an ultrasound during the first visit, which is the most accurate way of dating a pregnancy. However, some providers wait until a bit later when there is more to see. If you experienced any of these conditions during your previous pregnancy, you will be monitored closely during this pregnancy. You will receive information about prenatal diagnosis, advice on diet and nutrition, alcohol, nicotine and exercise as well as courses you can take to prepare for childbirth.
If you had a less-than-favorable experience of pregnancy and childbirth, you may be worried and afraid about what will happen this time. Talk with your midwife or physician. Prepare a plan well in advance so that you feel calm and secure.
