By the fifth week of pregnancy, the blastocyst would have implanted itself into the uterine wall and growing at a fast rate. Many women around this time realize they might be pregnant because of the missed period and some of the early pregnancy symptoms. By week 6, the inner group of cells in the blastocyst would have grown into an embryo and started developing features.
What happens during week 5 of pregnancy?
The embryo has burrowed deep into the uterine wall by this time, and women might experience week 5 pregnancy cramps. The embryo that is about 2mm in size now has cells that will form into all the major organs, and it is within the amniotic sac- a bag of fluid that will protect the fetus. Some of the earliest systems to develop are the brain, spinal cord and face. The spinal cord, which looks like an open groove at this point, is called the neural tube. The head is noticeable on one end of the embryo, being larger than the rest of the body. The baby’s heart will also start beating this week, and a thin string-like blood vessel that connects the embryo to the uterus will eventually become the umbilical cord.
The week 5 pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, tender breasts, tiredness and missed period prompt women to take up a pregnancy test. At this point, home pregnancy test kits can detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and confirm pregnancy.
What happens during week 6 of pregnancy?
Throughout week 6, the embryo develops rapidly and grows to about 4mm in size by the end of the week. By this time, it resembles a curved tadpole with a head and a tail. The organs inside are developing, and a week 6 pregnancy ultrasound scan at the clinic can even show the beating heart. The different layers of cells at this stage have different functions and develop into various organs. The eyes and the jaws are starting to form, and tiny buds that will become the limbs also start to appear.
Women continue to experience week 6 pregnancy symptoms such as mood swings, sore breasts, morning sickness, bloating and fatigue, while the tummy still remains the same without any visible signs. The 6th week is also the best time to consult a doctor and confirm pregnancy through a blood test so preparations for pregnancy can start. The first ultrasound scan will most likely be scheduled for the 8th or 9th week unless the woman has underlying causes that can turn the pregnancy into a high-risk pregnancy. It is also essential to consume a wide range of healthy foods throughout to support the body’s increasing demand for nutrition.
Wrapping up
Weeks 5 and 6 is when a pregnancy test can be taken at home. For further confirmation, a meeting with the doctor needs to be scheduled so a blood test can give positive confirmation and preparation for pregnancy can begin. The embryo at this stage would have started showing features that eventually develop into different organ systems.
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