5 Weeks Pregnant

After weeks of rapid cell development, your baby takes on a more distinct form. During the 5th week of pregnancy:

• Your baby's heart and circulatory system take shape — a bulge indicates where the heart is developing. By the end of the 5th week of pregnancy, the earliest blood vessels form.
• Around the 5th week of pregnancy, your baby's heart begins to beat and might be visible on an ultrasound.
• The umbilical cord replaces the yolk sac. The umbilical cord works with the placenta to bring nutrition and oxygen to your baby and remove waste.
• At 5 weeks, your baby is the length of the tip of a pen, about 0.15 cm, and growing rapidly every day.

Pregnancy is one of the best times to pump up your nutrition, because the choices you make affect both you and baby.

During your 5th week of pregnancy:

• Continue to follow a balanced diet.
• Remember, balance is not in the individual foods, but in your overall diet.
• Stay hydrated. In addition to water, milk or 100% fruit juices are good sources of fluid too.

Small changes, big differences.

As you begin your pregnancy journey, there are many nutrients, vitamins, and minerals you should ensure you get every day. Here are some simple tips you can use today to get the nutrition you need for the rest of your pregnancy:

• Eat whole grains. This simple switch will add more fiber to your diet as well as increase the magnesium,selenium and iron. Additionally, you'll get more vitamins, such as niacin and thiamin.It will also help you with weight management .Whole grains are available in food such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta and whole grain bread

Regular prenatal care remains a critical part of monitoring your health and the health of your baby throughout your pregnancy. Now is the time to schedule your first prenatal visit. Most Gynaecologist offices will schedule the appointment between your 6th and 10th week of pregnancy.

• Your first prenatal doctor visit will be one of the most involved. Your doctor will confirm your pregnancy and record your medical history. Your doctor will most likely perform a physical exam and a series of additional routine tests to make sure you and your baby are healthy.
• Good communication is the key to success with your doctor. If you don't understand something at any doctor visit, be sure to ask for clarification or additional details.
• Get informed and be equipped. The more informed you are, the more you'll be able to make the best choices throughout your pregnancy.
• Look beyond the belly. Remember to keep up with other areas of your overall health. Schedule routine dental visits and promptly address other health concerns as they arise.