5 Weeks Pregnant

This week the embryo takes on a distinct shape with a top and bottom, left and right. It is no longer just a ball of cells. Tissue is forming, which will later form muscles and other body tissue. The pathways are being carved out to prepare for the brain, spine and heart.

Fast Growth

By the fifth week all of the baby's major organs are under development. An early version of the placenta is in place and is fully functional. The neural tube now separates into three parts to eventually form the brain. The heart starts to beat and is now fully functional, using all four valves to pump blood to the rest of the body. The lungs also appear this week. Because the spine and spinal cord are growing at a faster rate than the rest of the baby’s organs, it will take on the temporary appearance of a tail. The tail is nothing to be concerned about and will look like a normal baby’s bottom in the coming weeks. It is amazing how much your baby has changed already and the next few weeks will bring even more change.

Eating for Two

During this stage of pregnancy many women have an increase in appetite and a heightened sense of smell. You may feel bloated and have the need to frequently urinate in small amounts. Your digestive process has slowed to allow the baby to absorb nutrients from you. The umbilical cord develops and serves as your lifeline to your baby, so it is important not to skip meals and to eat more frequently than you are probably used to. By adding an extra 500 calories per day to your diet, you will be able to eat lot more food as long as you make healthy choices with your baby's development in mind.