It is still one of the first weeks of pregnancy, but in this very week, the first steps in the development of an important organ take place. A little heart is now beginning to beat. It can be life-affirming to know that inside your uterus, a little heart is now beating.
A little heart beats
The first heartbeats from the little heart are irregular but quickly become rhythmic. Already 2-3 days after the first heartbeat, it begins to pump blood around in the fetus's own little body. This is despite the fact that the heart at this point is far from fully developed in terms of the division of the heart that will later occur.
However, it is already from this week that this development is initiated. This happens simultaneously with the little heart ensuring that blood is pumped around and supplying the body with oxygen and nutrients, but also removing waste products. It is in the mother's body that the blood is re-oxygenated and where waste products are broken down and excreted.
See the little heart blink
Early in a pregnancy, everything can seem intangible and unreal, of course, aside from any pregnancy symptoms. But one of the things that can make it real for both you can be an early scan.
Already from this week, you can see your child's little heart beating during a scan. It will appear as small blips. However, it will take about another 8 weeks before you will be able to hear the heart beating. But the little heart that blinks is a clear sign that there is life, and it confirms that you have surpassed about 12.5% of your pregnancy.
Size of the fetus
The little fetus in your uterus has now grown to about 0.4 cm and weighs approximately 0.6 grams. It is still small and perhaps difficult to relate to. But in fact, this means that the fetus has now gone from being the size of a sesame seed to now being the size of a small pea.
Advice for the partner
As mentioned above, it can feel intangible and unreal for the pregnant woman. It can therefore feel at least just as much, if not even more so, for you as a partner. However, you are already on the right path by sitting here reading this. It is a sign that you want to keep up with the development.
Another way you can make the pregnancy more tangible for you as a partner is to attend any early scans so you can see the little heart beating. Additionally, it can be rewarding for you and your partner to talk about both big and small things regarding the pregnancy. This gives you the opportunity to be included and allows you to support your partner as best as possible throughout the pregnancy.
