The little life that is growing in your belly is now slowly starting to develop eyes, nose, and mouth. This week of pregnancy, the beginnings of most of the body's organs are also starting to form. The little body is in the midst of an important development, but it requires energy and nutrients.
Discomforts of pregnancy
The pregnancy is probably not very physically noticeable yet, but many things are still happening in your body as a pregnant woman. One of those things is hormonal changes. The body's reaction to such changes can be the common pregnancy discomforts, such as nausea, mood swings, and fatigue.
Later, as a result of the growing baby and uterus, there may be discomforts related to the stomach and intestines, as the development of the pregnancy puts additional pressure on other organs in the body. These discomforts can include bloating, increased need to urinate, and constipation.
Pregnancy and energy needs
Already from this week in the pregnancy, there is an essential development of the life in your uterus, but especially also in your body. The woman's body is growing, so is the uterus, the placenta, and the breasts, while the milk glands are also developing. These changes, both for the pregnant woman and for the fetus, require energy.
It is therefore essential that you as a pregnant woman pay attention to your diet, so that you consume enough energy and nutrients to meet the increased needs that the body has during pregnancy. It's not about eating for two, but rather just ensuring that you meet the need for energy and nutrients.
Additionally, there are dietary supplements that are often recommended for pregnant women, as well as both prohibitions and recommendations that it may be a good idea for you to discuss with your own doctor.
Development of the embryo
The embryo is the more technical term for the life that is developing in your uterus at this early stage of pregnancy. It is only later in the pregnancy that it is officially called a fetus. However, it is not incorrect to use that term earlier, which is also the case in this overview of the weeks of pregnancy.
This week of pregnancy marks the beginning of the embryo's development of several important organs and bodily systems. This includes the beginnings of the digestive system, lungs, and pancreas, as well as the start of the development of eyes, nose, and mouth, including teeth.
During an early scan around this week of pregnancy, the scan images may also reveal that the head of the fetus in this developmental phase is almost as large as the rest of the little body. However, this proportion changes continuously over the next few months.
Size of the fetus
This week of pregnancy, the fetus has grown to between 7 and 9 millimeters and now weighs about 0.8 grams. This is approximately the size of a blueberry. It is still very small, and perhaps hard to relate to, but even though the fetus is not larger, the important development of the body's and vital functions is underway.
Advice for the partner
A pregnancy at such an early stage can be difficult for a partner to relate to, as you do not notice any physical signs and perhaps your pregnant partner is not suffering from pregnancy symptoms and therefore appears completely unchanged.
It may therefore be a good idea for you to read a guide like this, so you can follow week by week the development and changes that occur, both for the fetus, but especially also for your partner. This gives you better opportunities to contribute the necessary support and encouragement. Additionally, it can be rewarding for you to attend an early scan, so you can see the life that is growing in your partner's womb and in that way be an active part of the pregnancy process.
