5 WEEKS PREGNANT

• The dark area you see is the fluid filling the gestational sac.
• Eventually, this fluid will be replaced by a sac containing the amniotic fluid.
• This will be your baby's home for the next few months.
• The white circle within the fluid is called the yolk sac, which plays an essential role in providing necessary nutrients for your baby-to-be's growth.
• Adjacent to the yolk sac, the little + marks show a very tiny embryo.
• The sonographer measures the length of the embryo to confirm or update your estimated due date, or to evaluate the embryo's growth.

At this stage you may or may not have any symptoms, but your baby is growing fast. Well, the embryo might look more like a tadpole now, but believe it or not, your baby's kidney and heart have already begun to develop. The neural tube, which connects the brain and spinal cord, closes at this stage of development.

What to expect at 5 weeks pregnant?

• Sore breasts : Your breasts might feel very tender, heavy and sore to touch. Your bra might suddenly feel too tight and uncomfortable. You may just want to wear loose-fitting T-shirts.
• Drooling : Do you wake up every morning covered in drool? Don't worry about this, it's just another symptom and generally stops with the first trimester.
• Tiredness : Loss of energy is very common and may trouble you every now and then during your pregnancy. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day and consume foods rich in fibre as it will make you feel much better and a lot less tired.
• Nausea and vomiting : This is one of the healthiest signs of pregnancy in the initial weeks. You can have anything that your stomach can handle like whole-wheat crackers, cheese, curd, cereals etc. Focus on small meals that will give you essential carbs and proteins.
• Cravings & aversions : Are you hating the sight and smell of your favourite food suddenly? Do you feel like eating a specific dish, for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Don't worry. Cravings and aversions to food and smell are very common in pregnancy.

• With most of the symptoms kicking in slowly now, you may feel strange at this stage and very very tired.
• This is also the time to watch out for any warning signs such as excessive bleeding or severe pain in the lower abdomen.
• By now you would most probably have identified a gynaecologist.
• Keep track of these symptoms so you can discuss them with your doctor in the next visit.
• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet in the initial weeks of pregnancy so that your baby gets all the essential nutrients.
• Try and have small, regular meals and avoid food items that make you sick.
• Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.