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 Week by Week Pregnancy Diary

WEEK 4

Mum:
Is actually the week that you missed your period, and although are already pregnant, probably only just did a pregnancy test that is positive. Congratulations!!! You will be delighted and terrified. Baby is producing hormones to tell your body to stop ovulating, and you may be experiencing the very first signs of pregnancy, fatigue, sore or tingling breasts, nausea… and mood swings could become the norm!

Pregnancy diary week by week with ExpatWoman
Take good care of yourself, make sure you are eating an adequate supply of proteins, dairy and green leafy veg, try to cut out unpasturised cheeses, raw eggs in any form and undercooked meats as these can be harmful to an unborn baby.

Baby:
The early stages of pregnancy are called the embryonic period, and mark the beginning of development and growth for your baby. Over the next 10 weeks, all of your baby's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. These first few weeks are the most fragile and your baby will be vulnerable to interference with her development. During these early weeks, your baby is still an embryo and about the size of a poppy seed. However, your pregnancy is well on the way now.

You have produced the amniotic sac within which the baby will grow; cushioned by the amniotic fluid. The yolk sac has also developed, this produces baby’s red blood cells and provides nourishment to baby until the placenta has developed and can take over the responsibility. During these early weeks some women continue to experience familiar symptoms of their monthly cycle, and some also have cramping and spotting and may mistake this as their monthly period.


WEEK 5

Mum:
The rest of the world can not see that you are pregnant yet, and you may wish to keep the news for yourself at the moment, but start to make the small changes you need to have a healthy pregnancy, consider cutting out alcohol, its not known exactly how much — or how little — alcohol can harm a developing baby.

Continue or start an exercise programme, you will need extra strength to cope with the rigors of pregnancy, and have your body in the best condition you can for the upcoming months, try swimming or walking in the fresh air.

Baby:
Your embryo is growing at an astonishing rate now, and will have started to take on a very distinct shape. Your embryo is about the size of a sesame seed now. The neural tube, which will ultimately form the spinal cord, brain, backbone and nervous system, is starting to develop. The heart and circulatory system have also begun forming.

During this week, your baby’s heart will divide into chambers and may actually start beating; although it is unlikely to show on any scans at this point. The placenta and umbilical cord are now providing nourishment and oxygen to your baby.


WEEK 6

Mum:
No visible changes on the outside, but its all happening on the inside… the pregnancy hormone hCG is causing all sorts of stuff to happen, your kidneys are much more efficient, and you will be peeing often. You may feel bloated and have food cravings….

Think about making a visit to the doctor, so you can have the pregnancy officially confirmed, and have the blood tests required to check for Rh factor and your immunity to rubella etc. Your urine will be tested at each doctor visit for glucose, protein. Your emotions will still be a roller coaster still, and this will continue throughout the pregnancy, however, you and everyone around you will get used to it!

Baby:
This week your baby has grown to be about the size of a lentil, around a quarter of an inch. Her brain and nervous system are developing rapidly and her optic vesicles, which will later form her eyes, have also begun development. However, the biggest development is that of the nose, mouth and ears which are all beginning to take shape.

If you could see inside, you would see baby’s eyes, nostrils and limbs all beginning to form. Your baby’s heart rate will be beating about 100-160 times a minute, but may not be detected on an ultrasound just yet.

WEEK 7

Mum:
By now, your blood volume has increased by around 40% uterus has doubled in size, and you will have developed a mucous plug at the opening of your cervix, this seals off your uterus, and protects your pregnancy from harm.

You will be used to the idea now of being pregnant, and will start to make plans for a baby in your life. Morning sickness may be the norm, and will make you feel yukky, and may not happen only in the morning, but the bright side of it is, that normally will lessen or stop

Baby:
The umbilical cord is now formed, and you have a physical connection between you and your baby that allows you to provide your baby with all the oxygen and nourishment your baby needs.

Your baby’s lungs and digestive system are forming well and your baby’s facial features are becoming more defined. Your baby can now move her arms, elbows and wrists. In the last week your baby has doubled in size and is about the size of a blueberry.


WEEK 8

Mum:
Your breasts are now visibly bigger, and probably still tender, your body is shaping up for breast feeding your baby. If you have not been to the doctor, you should start now, you will have regular appointments throughout your pregnancy, typically once a month for the first 30 weeks, then fortnightly, and from 36 weeks, weekly.

These visits are to check on the progress of your pregnancy, you will have your weight and blood pressure taken, and doctor or midwife will check on the position of your baby, and listen to baby’s heartbeat. You will have your urine checked and any other tests necessary as the weeks progress. Remember, keep a note of any questions you may have, and ask them when you are there.

Baby:
Baby will now start to develop fingers and toes from what previously looked like little paddles. She has grown to around the size of a kidney bean and, although you won’t feel any movement, your baby will be very active now.

Your baby’s eyes are now developing a more defined colour. Your baby’s genitals have also started to develop, but are simply a small bud at this point so no clear indication of sex is possible just yet.

Your baby’s respiratory system is developing and the connection from throat to lungs is starting. Your baby’s primitive neural pathways are also developing and are connecting to the nerve cells in the brain.



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