Week 5-8

Week 5

The baby: the baby is approximately 0. 05 inches long. The foundation of what will later become the heart, the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and the muscle and bone formation are taking form. As well, the placenta and amniotic sac are both continuing to develop.

The mother: There are still no obvious signs of pregnancy present in the mother. However, some early pregnancy symptoms are likely to be present which will confirm the mother's suspicions of pregnancy or reinforce what she already knew. These symptoms include morning sickness (nausea and vomiting), sensitive and/or tingling breasts, change in color of the areola and nipple, fatigue sets in easily, and more frequent urination. If pregnancy has been confirmed, now may be an ideal time to book her first OB-Gyn appointment. Early prenatal care is paramount in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

Week 6

The baby: the baby is now 0. 08 to 0. 16 inches in length from the top of his head to the bottom of the buttocks - this measurement is known as crown-to-rump, and is used most often because the baby's legs are usually bent or undeveloped and thus difficult to measure accurately. All measurements from this point on will be crown to rump unless otherwise stated. This week is the beginning of the embryonic period which lasts until the end of week 10. Early brain chambers, eyes, and arm and leg buds begin to form, and a heart beat can be detected using ultrasound.

The mother: At his point the mother may begin to notice changes in her weight. It is common to have gained a few pounds by now, or lost a few due to morning sickness. Extra weight will typically be first evident in the breasts and legs. A pelvic exam done by a physician will reveal that the mother's uterus has grown. During this time other symptoms become more likely such as heartburn, constipation, and hemorrhoids.

Week 7

The baby: the baby's growth has become rapid and typically grows from 0. 16-0. 20 to 0. 44-0. 52 inches at the end of the week. Some of the more important developments include: hand, arm, and leg buds grow bigger, the bronchi of the lungs develop, eyes and nostrils further develop, pancreas is present, intestines are developing and the appendix is present, the cerebral hemispheres of the brain are growing, and the heart has grown and divided into chambers.

The mother: There are still no visible physical changes in the mother. She will however start to feel more dramatic changes in her body such as tingling breasts.

Week 8

The baby: the baby is now roughly 0. 56-0. 80 inches long. The rapid growth is continuing as eyelid folds are forming, the tip of the nose becomes prominent, ears form internally and externally, aortic and pulmonary valves of the heart become distinct, tubes from the throat to lungs branch out, the torso of the baby straightens and lengthens, elbows form, arms and legs lengthen and extend forward, and the digital rays form which create the base of fingers and toes.

The mother: Any obvious physical changes in the mother are still unlikely especially if it is her first pregnancy. Pelvic exams will reveal an enlarged uterus which may cause sciatic nerve pain - as the uterus expands pressure is placed on the nerve causing pain in the buttocks and backs of the legs.

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