| Like most women at
this stage, you're probably discovering that being pregnant has its down side. This is the
time when you may start to suffer from what are known as the minor discomforts of
pregnancy. In the scale of things, they are minor, though they may not feel it while
you're going through them. It might help to bear in mind that they will all pass.
You may have already begun to experience some of these discomforts, such as nausea, breast tenderness,
urinary frequency
and cravings. If you
haven't, some or all of them may develop now. Other problems that you might have include constipation, gum problems and nasal problems. You
may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you do and it makes you very itchy,
or is smelly, go and see your doctor - it could be thrush.
Many women feel unbelievably tired at this stage.
This is quite normal and will pass, but for now try and rest as much as you can.
Some
women also find that the hormonal changes in their body make them very emotional, and they
feel weepy or bad-tempered or sometimes even depressed.
Both you and your partner may find these feelings puzzling and
distressing – especially if you have been trying for a baby for
a long time. It may help to keep in mind the probable causes of you
mood (your hormones!) and tell yourself that things will soon get
better. Often it helps to simply talk about your feelings to
somebody who understands. You are not alone!
A few women do become clinically depressed during pregnancy. If
you think this is happening to you, do tell your midwife or doctor.
They will be able to help.
Your midwife will also be able to direct you to other people
who can help you sort out things that may be causing extra stress
during pregnancy – be it housing problems, violence at home,
or difficulties with older children.
Click here to find out
about other minor discomforts |
Your baby is growing
rapidly, and the placenta is developing too. By the end of week 5, your baby's brain and
spinal cord have begun to form, and the heart is beating. Over the next two or three
weeks, the basic structures of the body will develop. The head begins to form, followed by
the chest and abdomen. The basis of the skeleton is forming. Tiny limbs are growing, with
hands and feet that have ridges in them which will become fingers and toes. The eyes, ears
and nose, and the internal organs, start to develop.
By week 8, your baby is about 2cm long (about the size of the top joint of your little
finger). |
Visit your
midwife or doctor to
get your pregnancy confirmed, and discuss what your options are for antenatal care and where your
baby will be born. In the UK, ask for a copy of form FW8, which will entitle you to free
prescriptions while you're pregnant.
If you're unsure about the date of your last period, your midwife
or doctor may suggest an ultrasound scan at the
hospital to check when your baby is due. Talk to your doctor about possible antenatal testing too. If
you're going to have a CVS test or
nuchal fold scan, you
need to arrange these now.
Visit your dentist as well, to let him know that you're pregnant and to get your gums
checked. In the UK you qualify for free dental treatment while you're pregnant and for a
year after your baby is born.
If you attend an exercise class tell your teacher you are pregnant so
he or she can adjust
you exercise routines. Get advice from your midwife, doctor or coach
if you take part in regular sport.
You may also want to tell your employers that you're pregnant, so that you'll be
allowed time off for antenatal
appointments. However, you may prefer to wait until the pregnancy is more advanced
before letting them know. Talk to your partner about when and how to tell your family and
friends too.
Click here to find out more about your rights
and benefits when you're pregnant.
All pregnancies are different, so don't worry if you're not experiencing everything
exactly as it says here. |
