Remember... It's all worth it!

Your baby is officially a fetus! He can now make tiny movements thanks to his equally tiny muscles on his hands and feet. As for you, loss of appetite may lead to weight loss, though you may need loose-fitting clothes thanks to your ever-expanding belly. Go ahead and shop if you must--it may be the best therapy to keep things off certain discomforts you may be feeling.

Your Baby's Development

In this week by week pregnancy guide, you'll learn that:

• Your little one is no longer an embryo but a fetus–yes, a living, breathing, growing baby in your womb.
• His facial features are forming quickly. He looks less like a tadpole and more like a person. His head and neck more are erect and show up during the scans.
• His heartbeat is detectable through ultrasounds at the gynaecologist. His heart has finished dividing into four chambers and the valves are beginning to form.
• Other organs such as the liver and spleen are developing.
• His nipples and hair follicles are forming.
• His embryonic tail at the bottom of the spinal cord is completely gone.
• This little one might get caught in action during ultrasounds, too, moving his arms and legs. But it’s still too early to feel movements yet.

Pregnancy Symptoms

• Morning sickness hits you all day long! Whoever termed it as “morning sickness” just didn’t get it right. Some of us sail through the first trimester with nary a sign (Lucky you!). But take heart, there are ways to beat the nausea.
• Fatigue, backaches, inability to focus, loss of appetite, or maybe even weight loss (Yes, it’s possible!) may have taken over, as your body adjusts to the new baby developing within.
• Your mood swings are likely to be in full swing at the moment.

Pregnancy Care

• Your gynaecologist might have prescribed some prenatal vitamins such as folate and multivitamins for you to help your body cope with the additional nutrient requirements for your growing baby. So one of the best takeaways in this week by week pregnancy guide is to have smaller frequent healthy meals instead of three large meals, so it is easier on your stomach.
• As bland as it might be, water is key to staying hydrated, especially if you have been throwing up. Down juices if tasteless water makes you nauseated, or go for healthy soups or isotonic drinks to replenish lost electrolytes. Severe nausea should be highlighted to your gynaecologist. In cases of dehydration, patients may be put on an IV drip, so let’s stay water-balanced.

Your Checklist

• You may experience some bloating around the abdomen, and that’s completely normal. Consider wearing loose-fitting clothes or dresses if your usual pants are sinking into your waistline.
• You may start thinking about your maternity leave. Look at your company handbook to check out the policy.