Women’s Services
This week, your baby is as big as a sweet pea.
The following information was reviewed by Dr. Cheng Ka Ning, Katherine
Your baby continues to develop rapidly this week. Many major body parts including your baby's head and limbs, are taking shape. Eyes, ear canals and a nose will form over a few weeks.
Frequent urination is one of the symptoms of pregnancy, especially in the early stages. In the 6th week of pregnancy, the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the body increases, which accelerates the blood circulation near the pelvis. The effect is compounded by the growing fetus pressing on your bladder. Fortunately, as the uterus rises into the abdominal cavity in the second trimester, this pressure is usually relieved.
Heartburn is an unfortunate side-effect of pregnancy that can last until the baby is born. It can be managed by reducing acidic food like citrus and tomato, as well as greasy and spicy food.
The baby still looks a little like a tadpole, only now the head is beginning to become visible and tiny limbs are beginning to develop.
Your baby's heart starts beating as early as week 5, and during this week, you might be able to see that little heart flickering on an ultrasound.
You read that right! Your breasts will become bigger at this time, and the nipples will be more protruding than usual. That's because the body is preparing for breastfeeding, and the darkening of the areola will help your baby latch on more easily.
Being pregnant requires a lot of energy, so it's normal to become tired. Women in the early stages of pregnancy are particularly prone to fatigue so it's important to listen to the needs of the body more and rest when you are tired. However, it is equally important to maintain some exercise as this will help the body release endorphins, improve mood, and help you sleep soundly.
Far from being embarrassing, this is completely normal. Rising levels of progesterone in the body relaxes the smooth muscles in the digestive tract, slowing digestion leading to bloating and increased need to fart.
Don't force yourself when you feel tired or uncomfortable in early pregnancy. Resting will help lead to a healthy pregnancy. In weeks 4 to 8 of pregnancy, you should consider making your first prenatal appointment with your obstetrician or midwife. It is best to make an appointment for antenatal check-up as soon as possible after confirming pregnancy. Effective monitoring of your pregnancy will maximise chances of viability.
It is worth noting that the risk of miscarriage is higher when you are 4 to 15 weeks pregnant. If you find any abnormal symptoms, you should make an appointment with a doctor for examination immediately.
Whether you’re planning for an addition to your family or are already pregnant, OT&P’s Maternity Team is here to help.