You and your baby at 5 - 10 weeks pregnant

Your baby at weeks 5-10

Things keep moving at lightning-fast speed for your growing baby, who is busy developing lots of different parts of their body this week. The limbs start to appear, as well as the lungs, intestines, brain, nostrils, eyes, eyelids, ears, and mouth.

Around weeks 6 and 7, your baby’s heartbeat will start to be visible on an ultrasound scan. At this point, the normal range of beats per minute is between 80 and 180. If you book an appointment before your routine 12-week scan, you can ask your medical professional to let you hear your baby’s heartbeat – trust us, this is one of the most special and unforgettable milestones of any pregnancy!

Bones and teeth are forming

As surprising as this may sound, during this very early pregnancy stage your baby’s bones start forming, as well as their teeth!

Fetal period

From the 10th week of pregnancy, your baby is no longer an embryo but is officially called a fetus. This, therefore, is the beginning of the so-called fetal period.

Your body at weeks 5-10

Your baby is not the only one to be going through a lot of changes during these five weeks. Your pregnant body continues to grow and evolve, and you might experience some new symptoms, too.

Symptoms

Towards the 10th week of your pregnancy, as you are slowly inching closer to your second trimester, you might find that you have started to put on weight. There is no specific weight gain that can be classified as “normal” or healthy, as it all depends on your individual, pre-pregnancy circumstances.

On the other hand, if you are still experiencing very intense pregnancy sickness, you might lose some weight, too. This can be pretty common – within reason. Remember, though, that if you are unsure or worried about anything to do with excessive weight gain or loss, you should consult with your medical professional.

Looking after your mental health continues to be paramount, especially now that you are probably still trying to get your head around the fact that you are growing a little human inside you! Try to take some time to connect with your body and your baby, every day, perhaps by meditating for a few minutes.

Pregnant bump

Whilst your pregnant bump is likely not showing yet (unless this is not your first pregnancy), your uterus is already growing and expanding to accommodate your developing baby. Your usual jeans might start to feel a bit tighter around the waist, and you might notice that your skin is starting to stretch a little, too.

Veins become visible

Have you been noticing some very visible blue veins on your breasts, chest, and tummy? Well, that’s another common pregnancy symptom at this stage. This is completely normal, and it’s related to blood flow.

During pregnancy, your body produces more blood in order to support your growing baby, and this can sometimes make your veins larger and more prominent. Some women go on to experience varicose veins in their lower body, too, but don’t worry if this happens to you! They should either disappear completely or improve soon after you have had your baby.

Fatigue

As your body is busy growing a little baby – or more than one! – and your pregnancy hormones are continuing to increase, it’s totally normal and understandable for you to feel exhausted. If you live with your partner, ask them to take on some of the household chores that you are normally in charge of, and remember to set aside some time, every day, to give yourself some well-deserved TLC.

Something as simple as a long, warm shower with scented oils is a fantastic way to indulge and pamper both your body and your mind.

Food cravings

Towards week 10, your pregnancy nausea might begin to gradually subside, and your appetite might slowly come back. Right now, you might find yourself craving specific foods or flavours, and some of them might definitely surprise you! If safe to do so, follow your body’s lead and let yourself enjoy a few little treats every now and again.

Just remember, though, that in order to protect both yourself and your baby, you should keep steering clear of certain foods, as well as harmful ingredients found in beauty and skincare products, too.