fifth week of pregnancy

YOU ARE 4 WEEKS AND 1 DAY 
251 days to go... 

YOUR BABY TODAY

This is a microscope view of the amniotic cavity with the cells that will become the baby in a close-up. These cells will repeatedly divide and multiply, becoming more and more specialized at each stage of their development.

The waiting is over. If your period hasn’t started, take a home pregnancy test to find out whether you’ve conceived.

If you’ve missed your period (assuming that your normal cycle is no more than 28 days and that your period is therefore late), you may want to do a home pregnancy test today. 

A home pregnancy test, available at pharmacists and most supermarkets, contains a chemical that reacts if your urine contains the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin). This is produced by an implanting embryo and will be found in your urine if you are pregnant. Levels of hCG are likely to be over 50 mIU/ml on the day your period is due. With between 97 and 99 percent accuracy, the majority of over-the-counter tests are sensitive enough to detect this amount, so they can be used on the first day of your missed period; some can be used earlier. 

The tests only turn positive once there is a certain level of the hCG hormone present in your urine: if you test too early, the result might be negative even though you are pregnant. Therefore, if you don’t get your period but you had a negative result, test again after two to three days. If you are pregnant, the levels of hCG will have risen, giving a positive result. 

If you get a positive result but your period starts anyway, it may be that you have suffered a very early miscarriage.

HOW TO USE A HOME PREGNANCY TEST 

Always read the instructions, but most tests work as follows: 

• You urinate on the stick and leave it for a specified number of minutes. 
• A symbol will appear in the control window to indicate the test is working (if this does not appear, the test is faulty). If a symbol then appears in the results window, you are pregnant. 
• It is advisable to do the test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated. By doing this, the hCG levels are likely to be detected more easily 
• The results symbol gradually fades, so read it after the specified time, not later. Do another test the next morning if you’re unsure of the result 

You can find out within minutes whether you are expecting a baby, but as you await this life-changing result it can seem like a lifetime for the symbol to appear.

YOU ARE 4 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS 
250 days to go...

YOUR BABY TODAY

The embryo until this stage of development has consisted of two layers of cells. Now, a third layer starts to become visible as a “bulge” between the two—this bulge can be seen in the center of this image.

In this third week since conception, the cells that will become the embryo move to form the basis of the central nervous system.

While you’re busy coming to terms with being pregnant, there are incredible changes taking place inside you. The group of cells, that will become your baby is currently shaped as a flat disk and undergoing significant development. A narrow groove begins to form down the middle of the cells. The leading edge of the groove is slightly wider forming a circular “node.” The outer edges of the node and groove are slightly raised. 

The cells move from the rolled edges of these structures downward into the groove to lie between the original two layers of cells. This creates three layers of cells, those on each outer disk surface and those sandwiched between them. The node and groove do not extend along the entire length of the disk. 

At the head end, a separate groove forms. Called the neural groove, this ultimately forms the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system). In four days time, the disk will lengthen and widen at the end that will form your baby’s head. In six days time, the neural groove has folds on either side that will later meet to form the neural tube.

Shown here is the neural tube of an embryo in the early stages of pregnancy. The brain and spinal cord will develop from the neural tube. If the tube does not fully close, it can lead to birth defects, most commonly spina bifida.

ASK A... DOCTOR

I’ve been having difficulty getting pregnant and have now been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. What is this? This condition causes the ovaries to be bigger than normal and they produce a large number of small follicles that never grow to full maturity. Therefore an egg is not released to be fertilized and periods are very irregular. 

The condition is a common cause of fertility problems and treatments are aimed at stimulating ovulation and also reducing some of the symptoms, such as increased body hair. Polycystic ovary syndrome appears to run in families. 

FOCUS ON... RELATIONSHIPS

“You’re going to be a dad!”  

It’s the positive result you’ve been waiting for—hopefully!—but how do you share it with your partner? You could present him with an envelope containing your positive pregnancy test, or explain that you have a “special gift” for him but it won’t be ready until about, oh, nine months. It shouldn’t take him long to figure it out! Ideally, choose a time when you are both alone and feeling relaxed so that it can be a special moment. You may want to do another test with your partner just to make sure and also so that he feels involved. 

Even if you’re excited, and even if you can’t get in touch with your partner for a day, don’t be tempted to tell your mom and close friends first Your partner may be upset, understandably, if others know he’s going to be a dad before he does.

YOU ARE 4 WEEKS AND 3 DAYS 
249 days to go... 

YOUR BABY TODAY 

As the embryo transforms from two cell layers into three, a groove develops along the back of the embryo. This groove (the dark area in the center of this image) will develop in the embryo’s neural tube—the forerunner of the brain and spinal cord. 

Happy? Excited? But a little nervous? There is no greater lifechanging event than finding out you’re going to be parents.

In the few days since you conceived, you may have experienced a whole host of different feelings. Even if you planned to get pregnant, it’s perfectly normal for the initial elation to be replaced with some anxiety as the reality hits you that you are going to be a mom. You might also doubt the result of the test you’ve taken and not actually believe it until you begin to have some of the early symptoms of pregnancy. 

Your partner may react differently than you. If he doesn’t appear as excited, don’t interpret this as meaning that he is not happy about the news; not everyone deals with big events in the same way, and it might be some time before the reality of becoming a dad hits him. Withdrawing into himself may be his way of giving himself some time to process the information. Conversely, you may find he’s actually more excited about the news than you! 

Handling your feelings might be made more difficult by trying to keep the pregnancy a secret, for the time being. Most couples decide not to tell people until after the 12-week scan when the miscarriage risk is significantly decreased, but you may find that confiding in a few close relatives and friends will give you a much-needed outlet to talk about your feelings.

SURPRISED TO BE PREGNANT?

If you’re one of the few women who has become pregnant while using contraception, it is unlikely to have done your baby any harm, but depending on what you were using, here’s what you should do:

• Contraceptive pill: stop taking it. 
• Contraceptive patch: remove it. 
• Contraceptive implant: see your doctor to have it removed. 
• IUD or IUS (intrauterine device or intrauterine system): visit your doctor without delay if you’re using either since there’s a small risk that the pregnancy could be ectopic. Even if a scan shows that the pregnancy is not ectopic, the IUD or IUS should be removed: the risk of miscarriage is greater if it is left in place. 
• Contraceptive injection (DepoProvera): see your doctor if you conceive while using this. Research indicates that it won’t affect the unborn baby, but you should not have any more injections. 
• Morning-after pill: once an egg has implanted, the morning-after pill has no effect so it won’t harm your baby. Do, however, see your doctor if you’re concerned. 

Discovering that you’re going to be parents is a momentous occasion, and you and your partner are likely to experience a renewed closeness as a result.

AS A MATTER OF FACT

Pregnant women often try to connect with their baby through dreams.

You may find it difficult to fully bond with your baby and believe you’re actually pregnant. A common dream in pregnancy is that you’re swimming; it is thought to be a way of trying to “reach” the baby, who will soon be bathed in water (fluid) inside you. 

YOU ARE 4 WEEKS AND 4 DAYS 
248 days to go...

YOUR BABY TODAY

The embryo seen from above now has a subtle groove (the primitive groove) and a small central depression (the primitive node), both seen here in white. These changes start at what will become the base of the spine and progress toward the head.

You’re probably eager to know when your baby will be born. The chart below will tell you the expected date of delivery.

Until you have an ultrasound in a few weeks’ time, your baby’s due date will be calculated by counting 280 days from the first day of your last menstrual period—see chart, below. At the dating scan, your baby will be measured and his age calculated. The scan date will then be used since it is considered to be accurate. 

While you’re bound to want to know the due date, try not to get too fixated on it. Most babies are born within about two weeks of their due dates but your baby will be considered to be born at term if you give birth between 37 and 42 weeks. So your estimated delivery date is just that, an estimate; your baby may be born earlier or later.

YOU ARE 4 WEEKS AND 5 DAYS 
247 days to go...

YOUR BABY TODAY 

The embryo, still less than 3 mm long, now has a deep and narrow groove extending along its entire length. This groove will soon become so deep and its edges will curl over so much that it forms into a tube running along the length of the embryo.

Although there’s lots of information to take in, try to enjoy this time and remember pregnancy is a natural process.

No sooner than you found out you were pregnant, like most expectant women, you may have begun to worry about all aspects of your lifestyle and your unborn baby’s health. To put things in perspective, remember that in generations gone by pregnancy was considered to be a natural event, and few women made lifestyle changes to accommodate the condition. So in the past, pregnant women were likely to continue eating unhealthy foods, drinking alcohol, and smoking. 

Furthermore, pregnancy tests tended to be much less accurate or sensitive, meaning that many pregnancies ended in early miscarriage without anyone being aware. For this reason, many of the problems now known to be risk factors for pregnancy complications or miscarriage were not analyzed or addressed, or worried about. 

Today, with the benefit of a great deal of research, and precise monitoring of ovulation, conception, and pregnancy, women are very aware of what is happening inside their bodies, and are informed about the potential pitfalls. This is a mixed blessing: while it is important to avoid anything known to adversely affect your unborn baby, it is equally important to relax and enjoy the pregnancy, because stress is not good for you or your baby.

ASK A... DOCTOR 

I’m 40 and in great shape. Will the doctors still see my pregnancy as potentially high-risk? Yes, any woman over 35 is categorized as high risk, regardless of her health status. Although this can be frustrating, the reason for the close monitoring is that, statistically, women over 35 are more likely to suffer from complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, miscarriage, and gestational diabetes; there is also an increased risk of having a baby with a genetic disorder, such as Down syndrome. 

Your doctor will simply want to keep an eye on you to be sure that your pregnancy progresses normally, and that both you and your baby remain healthy. By having regular monitoring, any potential problems can be addressed and hopefully rectified at an early stage. 

Try not to see it as an intrusion. It’s great that you’re in good shape already, and if you continue to take care of your health and exercise regularly, you will reduce the risks of complications from occurring. 

As an older expectant mom, you are likely to have more prenatal checkups. High blood pressure can be a sign of preeclampsia, which is a more significant risk for first-time pregnant women over 40. 

AS A MATTER OF FACT 

Pregnant women used to be advised to drink dark beer because it’s a good source of iron. 

Sadly, this is an old wives’ tale as the iron content of beer is negligible. So, even though they’re not as interesting, stick to your leafy green vegetables! 

YOU ARE 4 WEEKS AND 6 DAYS 
246 days to go...

YOUR BABY TODAY 

The upper part of the embryo is shown. There is still a wide opening along the back of the embryo that will gradually close over the next few days. The head and lower spine portions are the last to close.

The placenta—the structure that will become your unborn baby’s lifeline—is forming.

Your pregnancy test result may be the only sign that you’re pregnant, but there are many fascinating changes taking place inside you. The basic structures that will form the placenta are now in place. The outer layer of cells that originally entered the lining of the uterus are now coated with projections of placental tissue. It is the outer cells that are in direct contact with small lakes of your blood. The inner placental projections or fronds are termed “villi.” 

Some villi anchor the pregnancy to your tissues and, from these, smaller freefloating villi arise. Later, more branches will appear and ultimately resemble the branching pattern of a fern leaf. The villi are still immature and have not established a blood supply of their own. It will be several weeks before the placenta is mature enough to supply all the oxygen and nutrients that your developing baby needs.

If you have any doubts while you’re pregnant, try talking to a close female relative—perhaps your mom—or a friend. You’re likely to find they, at times, had similar doubts, but went on to enjoy their pregnancy and being a mother

ASK A... MOM 

I really wanted a baby, but now that I have a positive pregnancy test result, I’m suddenly not so sure. Is this normal? I felt exactly the same at first and after talking to friends discovered that lots of them had mixed feelings, especially at the beginning. I found a good way to overcome this was to focus on the reasons why I wanted the baby. 

I wrote these down. Then I tried to figure out what I was really worrying about. Was it the thought of giving up some freedom? Financial worries? Concerns that I wouldn’t be a good parent? This helped me get things in perspective and realize I really did want the baby

TIME TO THINK ABOUT 

Seeing your doctor 

If you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, call your doctor’s office to schedule your first prenatal visit, which will be between 8 and 12 weeks. The receptionist will likely ask the date of your last menstrual period to properly time the appointment.

• At the appointment, your doctor will confirm your home pregnancy test results with urine and blood tests and possibly an ultrasound, as well. She will also determine your estimated due date based on the date of your last menstrual period. 
• This first visit will typically be your longest appointment, since the doctor will give you a thorough physical examination, take your family and personal health history, and answer any of your pregnancyrelated questions or concerns. 
• You will be weighed and have your blood pressure checked. 
• You’ll also have blood drawn for several tests, including your blood type, Rh status, and a variety of sexually transmitted diseases.

YOU ARE 5 WEEKS EXACTLY 
245 days to go...  

YOUR BABY TODAY 

The bulge at the lower part of this image will eventually become the baby’s head. Segments called somites (seen as bright, round areas running down one side of the embryo), which will form the baby’s spine, have started to develop.

At this important stage of development, the building blocks of your baby’s spine are being laid down.

By the end of this 5th week, individual elements that will form the embryo have begun to develop.

 Starting at what will become the head end, individual segments, called “somites,” form. Roughly three new pairs of somites appear every day and each forms part of your baby’s spine as well as the muscles associated with each segment of the body. Eventually there will be four somites at the head, eight in the region of the neck, 12 at chest level, five in the lumbar region, and five in the pelvic area. 

More somites develop in the baby below the pelvis but most disappear. In other mammals, these develop to form the tail.  

Doing moderate aerobic exercise during pregnancy—such as walking or running— regularly will burn excess fat, but won’t affect your baby’s development.

FOCUS ON... YOUR BODY

Your metabolism 

Regular exercise will increase your base metabolic rate, which is the rate at which your body burns calories. During pregnancy your metabolism will already be slightly elevated. When exercising your body will be encouraged to use up excess energy and fat reserves, but will always keep enough reserve energy to facilitate the growth of your baby. 

Exercise will also help your body regulate blood sugar and energy levels.

ASK A... NUTRITIONIST 

I’m underweight. Could this affect my pregnancy? You may be more likely to suffer from nutritional deficiencies, which could affect the baby’s health; you are also more likely to give birth prematurely, and have a smallerthan-usual baby, who is more vulnerable to health problems. 

To gain weight, eat bigger portions and choose healthy foods that have plenty of protein, goodquality fats, and unrefined carbohydrates. Opt for nutrient- and calorie-dense foods, such as avocados and whole-milk dairy products; eat lots of leafy greens to ensure you are getting key vitamins and minerals. Eat healthy snacks, such as nuts, fruit, and seeds, and don’t skip breakfast. Your doctor will refer you to a dietician, if necessary 

ACTUAL SIZE OF YOUR BABY

At 5 weeks of pregnancy, the embryo is 0.09 in (2.5 mm) long. 

 

GO to The sixth Week of Pregnancy from here

Read More

Fourth Week of Pregnancy

YOU ARE 3 WEEKS AND 1 DAY 
258 days to go...

YOUR BABY TODAY

This is a cross section of the ball of cells embedded in the uterus at this early stage of pregnancy. It contains fluid in the center and two areas of white cells with a darker streak of cells between them—these will form the embryo, now less than 0.5 mm long.

Pregnancy hormones are being produced, but it may be difficult to detect them accurately, so it’s best to wait before you do a test.

You might be eager to do a pregnancy test as you enter the fourth week of your cycle. Most women use over-the-counter home pregnancy tests. These are simple to use and work by detecting the levels of hCG in your urine—this is the hormone that is produced as soon as the embryo implants in the lining of the uterus. 

There are home pregnancy tests that claim to detect a pregnancy six days before your period is due. But if you use one of these and test this early, your hCG levels may not be high enough to give a positive result, even though you might be pregnant.

ASK A... DOCTOR

I’m worried about doing a pregnancy test because I think my partner is going to be disappointed if I’m not pregnant. Feeling pressured to conceive is stressful, and this can affect the hypothalamus the structure in your brain that governs your menstrual cycle. So your partner’s avid interest may actually be counterproductive. 

Be honest with your partner about how you feel. Explain to him that you share his enthusiasm for having a baby, but that you’re feeling pressured, and that you’re worried it will affect your ability to conceive. Conversely, if you aren’t entirely sure that you are ready for a baby, now is the time to discuss this, too. Pregnancy is a life-changing event, and both you and your partner need to be fully committed, and also aware that it can, in itself, be stressful. 

Have fun together and make sure the pressure to conceive doesn’t take the fun and spontaneity out of your lovemaking.

YOUR PREGNANCY DIARY 

Trying to get pregnant is an exciting experience, so why not keep a written record—it’s a good way to pass time in this interim period while you’re waiting to take a pregnancy test. Rather than just noting down the dates of your period and signs of ovulation, use it to record the highs and lows so far. 

Once you’re pregnant, you can continue to use the diary to record your feelings: for example, your emotions when you saw the positive symbol on the pregnancy testing kit; how you broke the news to your partner and his response; what your baby’s first kick felt like; the best and worst aspects of being pregnant. You may also find that letting off steam about your partner’s quirks or your mother-in-law’s idiosyncrasies is surprisingly therapeutic! 

Besides providing a unique record of your pregnancy, keeping a journal can also help you in subsequent pregnancies: for example, you may find it reassuring to look back and find that morning sickness was just a phase. 

YOU ARE 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS 
257 days to go... 

YOUR BABY TODAY

In this computer-generated image the entire blastocyst can be seen embedded in the lining of the uterus. The cells that will develop into the embryo are seen as the dark area in the 12 o’clock position.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle and improving your well-being are sensible measures now that you might be pregnant.

THE LOWDOWN

Cultural beliefs 

Here’s what some cultures believe: 

• Hindu fathers part the hair on their partner’s head three times upward from the front to the back to boost the development of the growing baby.
• In some countries, there is great emphasis placed on protecting the unborn baby. In Thailand, the pregnant woman’s abdomen may be painted to ward off evil spirits. It is also believed that giving gifts before the birth will attract evil spirits.

AS A MATTER OF FACT 

There are at least 30 chemicals in cigarette smoke that can adversely affect fertility

Because smoking reduces the rate at which cells replicate, it may cause most damage during the first days and weeks of pregnancy. In addition to causing fertility problems in women, smoking can have negative effects on sperm and reduce testosterone in men.

Once your pregnancy is confirmed in the next week or so, you’ll find you’re bombarded with more health information than ever. Is your diet well balanced? Could you cut back on the amount of salt, sugar, and fast food you eat? Are you eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, particularly leafy green vegetables, which are a good source of folic acid. Are you exercising enough and safely? Even though you don’t know you’re pregnant yet, it’s worth being aware of the recommended advice and making some basic dietary and lifestyle changes. Turn to the section on pages 14–29 for some up-todate information. It’s also worth being aware of the early signs of pregnancy so you know what’s normal. 

If you have a preexisting medical condition or are taking medication, seek medical advice.

FOCUS ON... YOUR HEALTH 

Lifestyle changes 

If you smoke, you should quit (so should your partner) for health reasons. Once you’re pregnant, not smoking will reduce the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death. 

You should also stop drinking alcohol entirely. The current advice from the US Surgeon General is to avoid drinking alcohol completely while trying to get pregnant and once you are pregnant, since there is no known safe consumption level for pregnant women.

Get gentle exercise, such as walking or swimming, which are ideal before, during, and after pregnancy

YOU ARE 3 WEEKS AND 3 DAYS 
256 days to go...  

YOUR BABY TODAY

The embryo is implanted and is 10 days old. The entry point at which the embryo buried into the lining of the uterus is now covered by a clot, and this prevents blood loss and protects the embryo.

Try to stay busy to distract yourself from constantly wondering whether you’re pregnant, and think positively.

ASK A... DOCTOR 

I did an early pregnancy test and have failed to conceive again, for the sixth month. Could it be because I have irregular periods? Menstrual cycles that vary more than a few days in length from month to month are considered irregular. An irregular cycle can be troublesome when trying to conceive, but being aware of the signs of ovulation can help you determine when you are approaching your short window of fertility. 

Irregular ovulation and menstruation account for around 30–40 percent of fertility problems. Many factors determine how fertile a woman is, such as her age, whether her cervical fluid is wet enough to sustain sperm, or whether her fallopian tubes are open, but the most important factor is whether she ovulates regularly. 

Sometimes, a condition called anovulation occurs, in which there is irregular menstrual bleeding but no ovulation. If you don’t release an egg each month, you won’t have as many chances to conceive. You may be given medication to stimulate egg production and boost ovulation. 

Waiting for your period to start—or better yet, not start—can be quite stressful when you’re trying to conceive. If your menstrual cycle is irregular you may not know when your period is due and therefore may not know if you’re late and potentially pregnant or not. The uncertainty is likely to make you anxious and every time you go to the bathroom you dread seeing that your period has started. 

Whether or not you know you have fertility problems, the wait can be difficult. If you do get your period, the disappointment can be hard. The cycle of having your period, waiting for ovulation, hoping you’re pregnant, and then finding out you’re not can become very wearing month after month. 

If you have been trying to conceive for a year with no luck then you should go to your doctor for tests. Or go at six months if you are over 35 or know that you may have fertility problems, such as blocked fallopian tubes. Try confiding in a good friend about your problems so that you have someone to talk to, but try not to become obsessive and let it dominate all your relationships. 

If you’ve only just started trying, remember there is a only a one in four or five chance that you will conceive each month, so you’re unlikely to get pregnant in the first month of trying

If you’re over 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months, speak to your doctor about fertility tests. You should both be checked because your partner’s sperm will need to be tested too. You will be given blood tests.

AS A MATTER OF FACT 

Around half of pregnancies in the US could be accidental.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 49 percent of all US pregnancies, and 31 percent of US pregnancies resulting in a live birth, are unintended. Data collected is from 60 percent of US births in 31 states and one city

YOU ARE 3 WEEKS AND 4 DAYS 

255 days to go... 

YOUR BABY TODAY

To embed itself in the lining of the uterus, the embryo-to-be needs the help of progesterone, secreted after ovulation by the empty egg follicle, the corpus luteum. Progesterone helps the lining thicken.

Do you feel different? You’ll find yourself analyzing every twinge in your body as you look for signs that you’re pregnant.

FOCUS ON... NUTRITION 

Diet ban 

If you were dieting before you conceived, it can be tempting to continue once you find out you’re pregnant. Don’t: diet, your baby may become undernourished and is more likely to be premature and underweight at birth. Do, however, eat a healthy, balanced diet. Don’t eat junk food when you’re pregnant since this can increase the risk of your baby developing weight problems. 

If you are overweight or obese, your doctor may recommend that you gain less weight than other pregnant women. The recommended weight gain for overweight women is 15–25 pounds. And for obese women, the recommended weight gain is at least 15 pounds. (By contrast, normal-weight women should gain 25–35 pounds during pregnancy.) 

In an ideal world, you should lose excess weight before conceiving, because obesity makes you more prone to diabetes and high blood pressure and means you’re more likely to need a cesarean. 

It’s still very early and you’re unlikely to have pregnancy symptoms yet—although you may have some light spotting (see opposite). Some women claim to “feel” pregnant, even before changes to their breasts are noticeable or before they start feeling sick. Some women say that they just “know.” You may be very in tune with your body and may notice that your body is changing even before you are able to take a test. Unfortunately, sometimes our minds can play tricks on us: you may want to be pregnant so much that you can sometimes convince yourself that you’re feeling different. If you don’t feel any different, don’t worry, this is also completely normal. 

Either way the only definitive way to know whether or not you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. You don’t need to go to your doctor to confirm your pregnancy since the tests that they use are the same as those bought over the counter. If the test is positive, you’re pregnant! 

ASK A... NUTRITIONIST 

Should I give up coffee in case I’m pregnant? The March of Dimes advises pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant to drink no more than 200 mg of caffeine a day (that’s a 12-ounce cup of coffee). Going without your caffeine fix is a good thing when you’re pregnant, since research shows that, in high doses, it can increase the risk of miscarriage. 

One study discovered that pregnant women who consumed two or more cups of coffee (or a caffeine-rich equivalent) were twice as likely to miscarry as those who gave up caffeine. Before switching to decaff, be aware that decaffeinated drinks may raise cholesterol. The good news is that many women find they naturally stop wanting coffee in early pregnancy 

YOU ARE 3 WEEKS AND 5 DAYS 
254 days to go...

YOUR BABY TODAY 

The first stage of placental development—your baby’s life support system—is shown here. The image shows nuclei (blue) within a continuous network of cells that will become the placental villi. At first the tiny villi are solid; later, they will contain blood vessels.

As the fertilized egg becomes completely embedded in your uterus, it may cause some light bleeding.  

This computer-generated image shows the ball of cells—the blastocyst—as it appears situated within the uterus. The outer ring of interconnected cells that will eventually form the placenta are clearly seen.

The ball of cells, known as the blastocyst, that will form the embryo has now completely embedded within the lining of the uterus and the lining has regenerated over it. 

Unfortunately, in the complex process of conception, only about half of all fertilized eggs progress to become a blastocyst and only about half of these go on to become successfully implanted in the uterus.

 When the blastocyst embeds, there may be some bleeding, known as “spotting.” This often leads to confusion regarding the dating of the pregnancy, not least because it can occur around the time that you would normally start your period. 

The color of the blood can vary. In most cases it is pinkish, although bright red blood (fresh blood) can occur, as can brownish, old blood. As long as it is not profuse, the color really doesn’t matter. If the bleeding lasts for a short period, and you don’t experience discomfort, it’s likely that things are just fine, but do see your doctor for a checkup. 

Around 25 percent of women will experience some bleeding in early pregnancy, but most go on to full term. However, in some cases, bleeding does mean a miscarriage is occurring so always report the fact that you’ve bled to your doctor. 

AS A MATTER OF FACT

It is thought that around 50 percent of pregnancies might miscarry before implantation. 

Up to a third of pregnancies miscarry up to the fifth week and around a quarter will end in miscarriage between the fifth and seventh week. Thankfully, the risk of miscarriage becomes much lower as the weeks go by, decreasing dramatically after the 12th week of pregnancy.

DOUBLING UP

As with many parents, you probably thought long and hard about trying to conceive your second child. There’s no ideal age gap between children, but consider: 

The pros: 

• You are in “baby mode” and will be used to the routine and all aspects of baby care. You will have all the equipment you need from bottles to a carriage and crib. 
• A two-year-old might find it easier to accept his new sibling than a four-year-old who is much more conscious of having the sole attention of his parents. 
• There will always be squabbles, but children close in age tend to play better together. 

The cons: 

• It’s tiring caring for a one- or two-year-old while pregnant. 
• It can put a strain on your body to have pregnancies close together. 
• If you have a second baby before the first one can walk, you could be doing a lot of carrying, increasing the chance of backaches. 
• You won’t have as much time to get to know your first child before your second is on the scene. 

YOU ARE 3 WEEKS AND 6 DAYS 
253 days to go... 

YOUR BABY TODAY

This microscope view of an embedded blastocyst shows the amniotic cavity (semcircular white area at top), with the cells that will develop into the baby just below (dark oval at the 12 o’clock position). The yolk sac is the pink area below.

Complex changes are taking place inside your uterus to create a safe and nourishing environment for your unborn baby

The ball of cells embedded in the uterus is already laying down the foundations for its future life as an embryo. At two layers thick, the germ cells form a flat disk that divides the fluid-filled inner part of the ball of cells into two chambers. 

The smaller of these fluid-filled chambers will become the amniotic sac. The larger chamber, lying closest to the future placenta, will become the yolk sac that supports the You’ll gain weight in the months to come but not necessarily an excessive amount. Try not to become obsessive about weighing yourself. early embryo. The umbilical cord will eventually develop close to the smaller chamber. The inner germ cells have been developing at a slower rate than the rapidly expanding outer cell layers. 

 At first the umbilical cord is a simple stalk, containing no blood vessels but simply anchoring the embryo to the future placenta, which will eventually become your unborn baby’s lifeline.

ASK A... NUTRITIONIST

I’m hoping I’m pregnant, but I’m already worrying about the amount of weight I might put on, and am scared I’ll never be slim again! These days, it is almost impossible to pass a newspaper stand without seeing the latest celebrity who has not only fit right back into her clothes after having her baby, but who actually weighs less than she did before pregnancy. However, this is concerning for health professionals, since a dramatic weight loss after the birth is not good for mother or baby. 

The recommended weight gain during pregnancy is 25–35 lb, if you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the normal range. Your baby and her support system will make up a good proportion of this, as will the increased pregnancy fluids, fats, and an enlarged uterus. Much of this extra weight will be lost as soon as your baby is born. Also, after the birth, some of this extra weight provides nutrients for breast-feeding, which uses up to 500 calories a day. 

The most sensible approach to controlling your weight during pregnancy is to eat a healthy diet and get gentle exercise to ensure that weight gain is not too dramatic. You should be aiming to eat around 2,100– 2,500 calories a day, increasing this by 200 calories in the last trimester of pregnancy—the equivalent of a banana and a glass of milk. 

AS A MATTER OF FACT

Newborns are getting heavier.  

This is mostly due to improved diet and living standards. However, obesity in the mother is another factor—if the mother is overweight, there is an increased risk of diabetes, which can increase the baby’s weight.

You’ll gain weight in the months to come but not necessarily an excessive amount. Try not to become obsessive about weighing yourself

 YOU ARE 4 WEEKS EXACTLY 
252 days to go...

YOUR BABY TODAY 

This highly magnetized image shows that the embryo consists of two layers of cells— those of the upper, darker layer are more rectangular in shape and lie on the side of the amniotic cavity, and those on the lower layer lie on the side of the yolk sac.

Are you feeling irritable and tired, and are your breasts tender? Well, you might just be pregnant!

Nature has a strange way of working. You might feel low if you have your usual PMS symptoms and think it means that you haven’t conceived, but in fact, there are many similarities between the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and those of early pregnancy. This is because the hormones that cause PMS are raised in pregnancy and so can cause the same symptoms. In addition to this, you might be irritable and emotional even without having PMS, just due to the anxiety of wanting to be pregnant and waiting to see whether or not your period arrives. 

While you are in the middle of this storm of hormones and raging emotions it can be difficult to remain calm. Talk to your partner about your emotions and anxieties—just expressing that you’re finding things stressful can help you get through this tense time.

Alternatively, confide in a female relative or friend, who might be able to relate to how you’re feeling. 

Frustratingly, at this point it is still a waiting game; all you can do is try to be patient until you take your pregnancy test. If your period was due today—day 28 of your cycle— and hasn’t made an appearance, you can take a test as early as today or tomorrow. Good luck! 

FOCUS ON... YOUR BODY

Start squeezing! 

It’s never too early to start Kegel exercises and you’ll be glad you did once you become pregnant. The pelvic floor is a broad sling of muscles that stretches between your legs and extends from the pubic bone in front to the spine at the rear. It holds and supports your bladder, uterus, and bowel in place and controls the muscles which hold closed the anus, urethra, and vagina. 

Try these simple steps to tone your pelvic floor: 

• First try to locate your pelvic floor: sit on a chair and close your eyes—now visualize the sling of muscles stretching right across your body holding your uterus and bladder. 
• Next contract your pelvic floor muscles pulling inward and upward, hold for a count of five, then release. Repeat this exercise at least 10 times a day. 
• Test: if you’re having trouble identifying the muscles, imagine that you are trying to stop the flow of urine; the muscles you feel contracting are those of the pelvic floor. 

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Third Week of Pregnancy

 Your 3rd Week

YOU ARE: 2 WEEKS AND 1 DAY 
265 days to go... 

WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE?

 Here the egg is shown surrounded by sperm. Although only one sperm will fertilize the egg, several hundred are thought to be necessary to break down its defensive layers and enable fertilization to take place.

Your newly released egg will only survive 24 hours, but hopefully in that time it will meet sperm and be fertilized.

You are likely to have ovulated and your unfertilized egg now begins its journey. Once it has been released by the ovary, the egg is swept up by one of your fallopian tubes and, moving in the direction of the uterus, comes to rest in the widest portion of the tube, awaiting fertilization. 

It is no exaggeration to say that for each sperm released the chance of even reaching the site of fertilization is in the order of one in a million. Around 300 sperm reach the tube but only one will fertilize the egg. 

Once the sperm has penetrated, it triggers a reaction that makes the surface impenetrable. Each sperm and egg contain 23 chromosomes, half of the total genetic material required. The egg will always contain an X chromosome but the sperm will carry either an X or Y chromosome and therefore determines the sex of the embryo. The sperm and egg chromosomes combine forming the “zygote” and fertilization is complete.

A few hundred sperm survive the journey and encounter the egg in the fallopian tube, but it is just one sperm that actually fertilizes the egg.

FOCUS ON... DADS

Fit but not fertile? 

If you want to become a dad, there are many reasons why you should ensure you’re in good shape, not least to support your partner as she prepares for pregnancy. However, while a couch potato lifestyle isn’t desirable for men who want to conceive, it seems that pulling out all the stops at the gym might not be the best course of action either. 

Researchers asked a group of fit young men to exercise intensively four times a week for two weeks. Afterward, their semen was tested and found to contain fewer sperm and lower levels of the hormones essential for conception. These hormonal changes were temporary and returned to near normal within a few days of the men resuming previous levels of activity. 

The concern is that recovery might not be so fast among older men, or in those who have poor sperm counts and/or low hormone levels. So stay in shape but don’t overdo it

AS A MATTER OF FACT 

The hormones responsible for the production of sperm are released every 60 to 90 minutes. So a man is constantly producing sperm cells

In theory, this means that a male is always fertile, but it takes sperm a 72-day period to fully develop. So leading an unhealthy lifestyle during that time will impinge on the quality. For this reason, if you’re trying to conceive, your partner should embark on a healthy lifestyle for three months to produce good sperm.

Genes and inheritance  

The genes that parents pass on to their children at least partly determine their children’s physical and mental characteristics. In some cases, an abnormal gene may be passed on, resulting in an inherited genetic disorder.

HOW GENES ARE PASSED ON

Through the generations 

Through each generation, genes are shuffled and re-shuffled. Half of a baby's genes come from its father and half from its mother. The baby's parents in turn inherited half each of their genes from each of their own parents. One quarter of each person's genes therefore come from the grandparents. So how does this happen? 

Instead of containing the full complement of 46 chromosomes, each egg and each sperm has just half, or 23, chromosomes each. When they meet at conception the chromosomes pair up to again make up the full complement that now forms the genetic blueprint for the new individual. One of the 23 pairs of chromosomes are sex chromosomes, so gender is also determined at conception. 

Each egg carries an X chromosome and each sperm either an X or Y. If two X chromosomes combine, the baby will be a girl; if an X and Y chromosome combine, the baby will be a boy (see right).

Genetic inheritance means that successive generations can share certain characteristics. 

 What are genes?

Genes are located on rodlike structures called chromosomes that are found in the nucleus of every cell in the body. Each gene occupies a specific position on a chromosome. Because genes provide instructions for making proteins, and proteins determine the structure and function of each cell in the body, it follows that genes are responsible for all the characteristics you inherit. 

The full genetic instructions for each person, known as the human genome, is carried by 23 pairs of chromosomes, and consists of around 20,000–25,000 genes.

How inheritance works 

At conception, the embryo receives 23 chromosomes from the mother’s egg and 23 chromosomes from the father’s sperm. These pair up to make a total of 46 chromosomes. Pairs 1 to 22 are identical or nearly identical; the 23rd pair consist of the sex chromosomes, which are either X or Y. 

Each egg and sperm contains a different combination of genes. This is because when egg and sperm cells form, chromosomes join together and randomly exchange genes between each other before the cell divides. This means that, with the exception of identical twins, each person has unique characteristics

How gender is determined Of the 23 pairs of chromosomes that are inherited, one pair determines gender. This pair is composed either of two X (female) chromosomes, in which case the baby will be a girl, or of one X and one Y (male ) chromosome, in which case the baby will be a boy.

An egg always contains one X chromosome, while a sperm can carry an X or a Y chromosome. Whether your baby is a boy or a girl will therefore always be determined by the father. If a sperm carrying an X chromosome fertilizes the egg, the resulting embryo will be a girl. 

If a sperm with a Y chromosome fertilizes the egg, the resulting embryo will be a boy. In the male, both the X and Y chromosomes are active. In females, however one of the two X chromosomes is deactivated early in development of the embryo in order to prevent duplicate instructions. This could be the X chromosome from either the mother or the father.

Gene variations Each gene within a cell exists in two versions, one inherited from each parent. Often these genes are identical. However, some paired genes occur in slightly different versions, called alleles. There may be two to several hundred alleles of a gene, although each person can only have two. This variation in alleles accounts for the differences between individuals, such as color of eyes or shape of ears. One allele may be dominant and “overpower” the other recessive one (see box, right).

Why genetic disorders occur 

Genes usually exist in a healthy form, but somtimes a gene is faulty. Genetic disorders arise either when an abnormal gene is inherited or when a gene changes, or mutates. Genetic disorders may follow a dominant or recessive pattern of inheritance (see right). They can also be passed on via the X chromosome. 

Such sex-linked disorders are usually recessive, which means that a woman can carry the faulty gene without being affected, because she has another healthy X chromosome to compensate. If a boy receives an affected X chromosome, he will be affected; a girl will be a healthy carrier like her mother. An affected male could pass on the affected gene only to his daughters. 

YOU ARE 2 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS
264 days to go... 

WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE ?

Here a human egg cell 24 hours after fertilization is artificially colored purple. Around the egg is a thick layer (yellow) that has now become impenetrable. The two red areas, or pro-nuclei, contain genetic material from the mother and father before it has fused.

When your egg has been fertilized, hormonal changes naturally occur to stop your normal menstrual cycle.

At this early stage following fertilization of your egg, the developing embryo will signal its existence to the pituitary gland in your brain and switch off your menstrual cycle. It does this by producing a new hormone, called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). This hormone overrides your usual monthly cycle and maintains the high progesterone levels that are essential for your pregnancy. The hormone progesterone is essential to an embryo’s survival in the uterus, and therefore to your baby’s well-being and development before birth. 

Later, starting around weeks four to five, your embryo will make all the hormones needed to maintain its own life. Of course its nourishment and shelter come from you, but even in the very early weeks of pregnancy the embryo behaves like an independent human, at least as far as its hormones and genes are concerned.

ASK A... DOCTOR 

I’ve been doing ovulation tests, but they’ve all been negative. Does this mean I haven’t ovulated this month? Even if you don’t appear to have ovulated this month, you may still have. It’s possible to miss the LH surge just by chance. This is more likely if you don’t test at the same time each day, or you drink a lot of water. 

Remember too that ovulation tests are imperfect, and it’s possible to get a false negative. If you had other symptoms of ovulation, such as pain, or changes in your mucus, it’s likely that you ovulated anyway. However if you have gone two or three months with consistently negative tests, then you might not be ovulating regularly. In that case, it’s worth seeking medical advice.

HEALTHY CONCEPTION 

When you’re trying to conceive, you’ll find you are much more aware of your general health. As a rule, colds, flu, and other common infections are unlikely to affect your fertility or your unborn baby if you have conceived. Some infections and viruses, however, can have a more serious impact: 

• Shingles and chickenpox (both caused by the same virus) are best avoided around the time of conception if you haven’t had chickenpox before. 

• Food poisoning, for example caused by listeria bacteria, can be harmful. 

• Toxoplasmosis can be contracted from handling cat feces.

AS A MATTER OF FACT

Too much testosterone can affect a woman’s fertility.

Small quantities of testosterone are secreted from the adrenal gland and the ovaries. In low levels it may aid fertility, but too much can affect the menstrual cycle and lead to infertility

 YOU ARE 2 WEEKS AND 3 DAYS 
263 days to go...

WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE? 

When the two nuclei have pooled their genetic material to create a cell containing its full complement of 46 chromosomes—23 each from the mother and father—the cell can start dividing, shown here at the first division creating a two-celled body

Vital cell divisions are now taking place as the fertilized egg begins its journey toward implantation.

The chromosomes from the sperm and egg joined over 24 hours ago. It takes around 30 hours for the resulting zygote to complete its first cell division. The zygote, at only 0.1 mm in diameter goes on to divide into 16 cells, forming a compact ball. 

Cell division is such that the ball of cells is hardly any larger than the  original zygote. The ball of 16 cells, now known as a “morula” (as it resembles a mulberry), travels toward the uterus, entering on day three after fertilization. Every cell within the morula is totipotent, meaning it is able to form any type of cell. From this point onward the cells will lose this function as they start to specialize.

FOCUS ON... IVF 

From eggs to embryos

Egg collection will be scheduled (see right), following the first stage of IVF. Not all follicles that were stimulated will contain eggs. Two days after egg retrieval, you will be given progesterone to thicken the uterus lining. Two to five days after fertilization, the most promising embryos are chosen to be transferred. If you’re under 40, you’ll have one or two embryos transferred. 

If you’re over 40, you may have up to three or more transferred. The goal is to achieve a pregnancy, yet limit the risks of a multiple pregnancy. Any leftover embryos can be frozen for future treatment cycles. Recent research suggests that frozen embryos are better than fresh ones—this may be because only the best embryos are selected for freezing and survive the freezing and thawing process. 

The outcome of IVF depends to a great extent on the woman’s age, but on average each cycle has a 20 percent success rate.

ASK A... DOCTOR 

I’ve been doing ovulation tests. I’ve now ovulated so do my partner and I need to keep having sex to make sure I conceive? You can’t be sure that you’ve conceived already, so the usual advice would be to continue lovemaking. Even if you’ve been tracking your ovulation by monitoring your temperature or cervical mucus, or by using an ovulation kit, you can’t be sure exactly when it occurred. It won’t be possible for you to pinpoint the exact time of ovulation. 

Since the fertile window is several days, you may as well continue having sex for at least a couple of days after what you think is your most fertile time. 

Furthermore, since sex says “I love you” more strongly than most other means of communication, it’s good for both you and your partner to stay intimate at times you’re not trying to conceive. 

Remember also that abstention doesn’t usually have the hopedfor effect of banking up and improving the quantity and quality of sperm. In fact, the opposite may happen.

 YOU ARE 2 WEEKS AND 4 DAYS 
262 days to go...

WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE? 

This is an embryo at the 16-cell stage, when it has changed from a zygote into a morula. It is in the process of dividing into a hollow ball of cells—the blastocyst—which will eventually implant in the lining of the uterus.

Significant changes are taking place daily within your uterus and within just 72 hours from now, the fertilized egg will implant.

Around four days following fertilization, fluid begins to collect within the morula. This creates a separate outer cell layer, one cell thick that encapsulates an inner mass of cells. The inner layer will become the embryo, and the outer layer the placenta. The whole structure now consists of approximately 58 cells and is termed the “blastocyst.” 

The blastocyst spends several days within the cavity of the uterus before implanting. The morula had an impenetrable outer surface as it traveled, but this disappears as the blastocyst prepares for implantation.

ASK A... MOM 

Why are people so interested in whether I’ve conceived? I certainly found that once I’d told people I was trying to have a baby, they were inordinately interested in the process. It was difficult, especially in the week when I was waiting to find out if I’d conceived. The best way to deal with it is to respond by saying that you’ll let people know if there’s news. If you’re struggling to conceive, telling people you’re having difficulties should help stop them from asking.

FOCUS ON... HEALTH 

Fertility: the alternative approach 

If you’re having difficulty conceiving, or just want to improve your chances, consider using a complementary therapy. Always inform the practitioner that you might be pregnant

Reflexology works by manipulating pressure points in the feet to improve energy flow to specific parts of the body. While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that reflexology helps conception, this isn’t currently backed up by scientific research. However, it may help relieve stress, which can be a factor in couples who have problems conceiving. 

Acupuncture works on the principle that problems such as infertility are caused by blockages in the body’s energy flow or “qi.” By inserting tiny needles into energy points that are linked to the reproductive organs, the flow is restored. In 2008, after reviewing seven studies of more than 1,300 women having fertility treatment, researchers concluded that acupuncture given around the time of embryo transfer increases the chances of pregnancy. 

It’s not as clear whether acupuncture can improve fertility in couples not undergoing treatment, but it is thought to improve male fertility by improving sperm health and reducing stress, a factor that can impede the chances of conception. 

YOU ARE 2 WEEKS AND 5 DAYS 
261 days to go...

WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE?

This is an embryo at the blastocyst stage, five days after fertilization. It is seen hatching from the shell that originally surrounded the unfertilized egg. At this stage, the blastocyst has moved into the uterus and is preparing to implant.

While playing the waiting game, you may want to consider how you’d feel if there are two fertilized embryos waiting to implant!

Have you conceived, and might it be twins? Twins can be nonidentical or identical and each type of twins is conceived differently. 

Nonidentical (dizygotic) twins are the result of two separate eggs being fertilized by separate sperm. They may also occur as a result of IVF if two embryos are placed in the uterus. 

Identical (monozygotic) twins occur when a single egg is fertilized by a single sperm and divides into two embryos. This split can occur at any stage up to nine days after fertilization and its timing is critical to the way the placenta(s) and amniotic sac(s) are formed. If the zygote splits within the first three days, two separate placentas and amniotic sacs develop. If the split occurs at blastocyst stage (see opposite), four to nine days after fertilization, the fetuses will share a placenta but have separate sacs; when the split occurs after day nine, the fetuses will share a placenta and a sac. 

Having nonidentical (fraternal) twins, which come from two separate fertilized eggs, depends a lot on family history. It’s often said that twins skip a generation, which isn’t quite true. In fact, your chances of having twins are simply higher if you have a close relative with twins, but twins never become inevitable, however many members of your family have them. 

Family history is most relevant with nonidentical twins, and when the twins are on the mother’s side. This makes sense because this kind of twin relies on a woman releasing two eggs in any one cycle, which may be hereditary. However, for reasons that aren’t clear, a family history of twins on the father’s side can be important too. It may be that the male of the species can carry a gene which makes his daughter release more than one egg at a time when she ovulates.

The lining of the uterus, when fertilization occurs, becomes secretory to nourish an embryo. The lining prepares itself in the same way, no matter how many embryos implant. 

THE LOST TWIN 

Twin conceptions may be more common than they appear. Without knowing it, some women miscarry one twin in early pregnancy. It is sometimes possible to have symptoms of a miscarriage, yet, confusingly, the pregnancy then appears to continue until term, culminating in the birth of a completely normal singleton baby. 

Nobody is quite sure how often this happens, or why. While one in every 31 births in the US today is a twin birth, research using scans in very early pregnancy suggests that at conception the figure is much higher. Some experts believe that 15 percent of all births may start off as twins. Their loss could simply be nature’s way of dealing with imperfections. 

AS A MATTER OF FACT 

The odds of having identical twins are about 3.5 in 1000.

Some estimate that the chances of having twins after fertility-enhancing treatment is as high as 1 in 38.

YOU ARE 2 WEEKS AND 6 DAYS 
260 days to go...

WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE?

The blastocyst prepares to embed itself in the lining of the uterus—the endometrium. Once it is completely implanted—usually around seven days after fertilization— the pregnancy wlll become established.

Your reproductive organs undergo complex processes that will enable your body to maintain the pregnancy.  

 If you have conceived, the ball of cells known as the blastocyst that ` will eventually form the fetus will now be preparing to embed in the lining of your uterus, and the placenta will be starting to form.

 Before this happens, however, there is another important change going on. After you ovulate, the empty ovarian follicle develops into a structure called the corpus luteum (which means, literally, “yellow body”). This small, fluid-filled sac becomes increasingly “vascular,” developing blood vessels and beginning to produce the hormone progesterone. This is required to create mucus to allow your fertilized egg to survive, and build up the lining of your uterus, in which the blastocyst will soon imbed (see opposite). 

The corpus luteum also produces a little estrogen. By about 8–12 weeks of pregnancy, your placenta will take over the production of progesterone, but the corpus luteum continues to play a small role in hormone production until about six months, when it usually shrinks away.

THE MIRACLE OF CONCEPTION 

When you consider the multitude of events that have to fall neatly into place before a baby is conceived, it’s hard to believe that anyone can become pregnant. No wonder they talk about the miracle of life! 

To become pregnant the following have to happen: 

• Your hormone balance must be correct for the egg to develop. 
• Ovulation must take place: if you don’t release an egg, there is no way for fertilization to occur. 
• You need to have sex at the right time in your menstrual cycle; sperm can last about three days in healthy cervical mucus, but if your timing is off, egg and sperm are unlikely to meet. In some cases there may be only two or three days each month when you can conceive. 
• Your partner needs to produce plenty of good, healthy sperm that can penetrate your cervical mucus to reach the egg. 
• When the egg has been fertilized, the blastocyst has to implant securely in the lining of the uterus.
• The right levels of the hormone progesterone must be produced by the corpus luteum to maintain the pregnancy.

ASK A... DOCTOR

Should I stop taking medication in case I’ve conceived? Many medicines are safe to take, but some are not, or have not been fully evaluated. This last group includes many antihistamines for allergies, over-the-counter sleeping pills, and many analgesics. 

If you’ve accidentally taken an over-the-counter remedy that’s not considered appropriate for use in pregnancy, you’re unlikely to have done any harm with just one dose. However, seek medical advice if you’re concerned. 

If you need to continue using a medicine in pregnancy, ask if it’s safe to do so. While pharmacists are well-informed on all medicines, your doctor is the best person to consult on prescription-only drugs. 

YOU ARE 3 WEEKS EXACTLY 
259 days to go...

WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE? 

The blastocyst is firmly embedded in the lining of the uterus. Once this has happened, the placenta (the temporary organ that supplies the growing embryo with oxygen and nutrients) will begin to develop.

It’s a week since the egg was fertilized and it now implants in your uterus, where it will soon develop into an embryo.

Around seven days after fertilization, the blastocyst implants in the lining of the uterus. The outer cell layer, no longer protected, is able to attach to the lining of the uterus. The lining is now more receptive and has undergone changes that make it more “sticky” to aid attachment. The blastocyst erodes cells to sink beneath the surface. 

What was originally a single outer layer of cells now transforms into two layers. The outermost layer of cells creates space by eroding the lining, and it secretes hormones. These hormones inform your body that you’re pregnant and stimulate the uterus to support the pregnancy rather than shed its lining in what would normally be your period. The innermost cell layer will become the placenta and the amniotic sac that encloses the embryo. Within the blastocyst there is an inner cell mass that will form the embryo. 

STRETCH AND UNWIND 

It can help to relax in this interim period, before you do a pregnancy test. Fill some time by getting in shape with these simple stretches. Getting into the habit of doing these exercises now will help your body deal with the increased demands once you know you’re pregnant. Stretch before and after exercising to prevent muscle strain.

 

 

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