What’s Happening Inside

This is a crucial time for your developing baby as the neural tube is forming. This tube will later become the brain and spinal cord. Do you know that this week will also be the first week where your baby’s heart starts beating? By the end of this week, your baby’s heart is rapidly developing and circulating blood. The umbilical cord develops and the eyes and ears begin to form as well. Protruding buds that will later develop into arms and legs are also noticeable.

Maternal Changes

The first change you will most likely notice is your chest. Your breast may increase in size quite rapidly, looking bigger and feeling heavier. The skin around the nipples wills also become darker and you may notice blue veins appearing around your breasts. Feeling emotional one minute and happy the next minute? Craving for chocolate, durian or laksa? Experience dizziness in the morning or at any time of the day? All these cravings and experiences are normal due to the fluctuating oestrogen hormone in your body.

A Matter of Fact

It’s time to shop for new lingerie! Each of your breasts will increase on average, by 5cm and 1.4kg during pregnancy. It is important to find the right fit of the bra, even in the early stages of your pregnancy.

Tips for Daddy

If your partner is already experiencing morning sickness, try to keep smells that make her queasy away from her as certain smells can trigger nausea. Give her some ginger biscuits to nibble on before she gets out of her bed. Or brew some ginger ale or ginger tea. Ginger contains properties that help to ease nausea.

A Quote for Mummy-to-be

“A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside… when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.” ~ Unknown

* * * * *

This is part of our New Age Parents Week By Week Pregnancy Guide! This article was first published in New Age Pregnancy.

With this guide, we hope it will help to give you some reassurance and shed some light on the changes you will come to experience for the next 40 weeks. Now, let the countdown begin.

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind the information provided in this guide is just an approximate gauge for your pregnancy. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact your gynaecologist.

* * * * *

If you find this article useful, do click Like and Share at the bottom of the post, thank you.

Like what you see here? Get parenting tips and stories straight to your inbox! Join our mailing list here.