Pregnancy week by week: Week 1-4
It's still so early in the journey of your pregnancy that you might not even know whether you're pregnant. But there are some steps you can take, regardless of whether you’re now pregnant or still trying.
It's still so early in the journey of your pregnancy that you might not even know whether you're pregnant. But there are some steps you can take, regardless of whether you’re now pregnant or still trying.
Chances are, you’ll find out for sure if you’re pregnant this week. Most home pregnancy tests measure the hCG levels in your urine, and they should be high enough around week 5-6 to get a positive test result.
By the time you’re 6-7 weeks pregnant, your baby has a large bulge where the heart is, and the beginning of a brain and head. Even though the heart is very small, it will start to beat around this time, and you might even see it on an early scan. But at this point, your baby is only around 5-6mm long – roughly the size of a pea.
For most women, nausea hits hardest during the 1st trimester, so chances are, you’re probably feeling it right about now. There’s no miracle cure against morning sickness, but there are few ways to maybe ease the nausea a little bit.
So much around pregnancy is focused on the mother, but your partner is also facing many changes. Remember to talk openly to each other about your feelings, without judgment.
This week, your baby is busy developing its muscles, brain cells and nervous system. Your baby will start to move its elbows and joints in small jerks, but the movements are still too small for you to feel anything yet.
Exercise is still good for you during your pregnancy, as long as you listen to your body, take it slow and look for pregnancy-adjusted exercises. Keeping your body strong will only help as your baby gets heavier to carry and during the birth.
This week of your pregnancy, your baby’s tiny heart is beating fast and strong. You might start getting mood swings and lots of thoughts about the pregnancy and life with a baby.
This week, your baby still only measures around 5,5 centimeters, but is growing fast and strong. You’ve now reached the 2nd trimester, which is often called the honeymoon phase of the pregnancy.
You might start to feel your clothes getting tighter at this point in your pregnancy, so it’s time to get a bit creative with your wardrobe. It’s also a great time to plan a little getaway.
By the end of week 14, your baby is around the size of a pear – it's going fast now! Be extra diligent with your SPF during pregnancy, since most pregnant women will produce more melanin due to hormones.