Baby Developments
The embryo is growing very fast at this point and all the major organs (such as the heart, brain, spinal cord and the gastrointestinal tract) start developing. It would be about 2 mm long, the size of a pin head, and could actually be seen by the naked eye. The embryo is cushioned by the amniotic sac which is full of a clear yellowish liquid called amniotic fluid. This protects the embryo. The embryo is now producing ever increasing amounts of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the hormone that is detected by pregnancy tests. The placenta has already developed. It is this which feeds and nourishes your baby as well as disposes of all the toxic waste for the 9 months of your pregnancy.
Changes in the Mother
You will miss out on your period. But you may get slight cramping due to the hormones making your womb get ready to expand. Due to the increase in hCG you may also feel nauseous and also feel a frequent need to urinate. Your breasts may feel a little oversensitive at this point and you may feel a little unwell in general, but don’t worry, that’s just because of all the hormones in your body fluctuating.
Tips for This Week
Constantly take your folic acid supplements since a lack of folic acid can cause your baby to not develop the neural tube (which develops into the brain and the spinal cord) properly, a situation which is known as spina bifida. Spina bifida can cause severe disabilities and can sometimes even result in miscarriage.