Many discover their pregnancy around this week. Perhaps the menstruation has been missed, and you are a few days overdue. Otherwise, are you perhaps more tired or irritable than usual? Both can be signs that you are pregnant.
The pregnancy symptoms begin
It is very normal to experience the typical signs of pregnancy early on. These can include nausea, fatigue, and mood swings, to name just a few.
It is also not unusual to experience some light bleeding and menstrual-like cramps in the lower abdomen. At the same time, many do not experience any symptoms at all during the first weeks and months.
What is happening in the belly?
By week 5, the baby will have developed to the point where the foundation for the spine and skull is formed. The egg has implanted, and the outer part of the egg is developing into the placenta, while the inner part is developing into the small fetus.
What was once a cluster of cells has become a blastocyst, which is now forming the plate that, in week 5, creates what is called the neural tube. This tube has the shape of a C and will close during this week. At the top, a small skull will develop, and the remaining part is the precursor to the back.
The small being in the belly is now referred to as an embryo. The growing embryo will now have the first beginnings of several important organs, such as lungs, skin, and the stomach and intestinal tracts.
By week 5, a blood supply has been established between mother and child, but even though the circulations are measured, the blood will not mix. The blood does not mix; instead, the small embryo has an outer layer that is surrounded by the mother's blood. It is through this that the exchange of, among other things, oxygen, nutrients, and waste products occurs, thereby creating the conditions for the fetus to grow.
Size of the fetus
This week, the fetus is still microscopically small. However, it is now “in place,” and the significant development is slowly starting. It is about the size of a sesame seed, weighing around 0.1 grams and measuring between 1.5 - 2.5 mm in length.
Advice for the partner
When you find out that you are expecting a child, suddenly there are a lot of emotions at play. Perhaps it was a big wish, or maybe it was a huge surprise.
No matter what, know that both your and your partner's thoughts and feelings are completely normal. You are mentally overwhelmed when you find out that there is a child on the way. Do what you can to talk about things, and remember to let all thoughts have space.
If you are going to be parents, you will eventually need to find your footing in the role, and all the thoughts will follow. This also applies even if the first period may seem hectic.
Support as much as you can
The first time as a pregnant person can be tough, where your partner may be plagued by pregnancy symptoms. This can include nausea, fatigue, and much more.
The best thing you can do as a partner is to support as much as you can. Make sure to have some crackers on the bedside table, so the worst morning sickness can be avoided, and let her take an extra nap. It is hard work to grow a baby, and therefore there will most likely not be as much energy as usual.
Ask extra about how you can best help your partner. This way, you can avoid misunderstandings during a time when emotions are particularly high.
