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Pregnancy Calendar

Week 05: Your pregnancy

Week 5: Your pregnancy

Your baby's growth: Embryo cell layers

Just a bit bigger than an apple seed, the embryo' has already divided into three layers that will later form organs and tissues. Here's how each layer will develop:

  • The top layer. By the end of the week, the neural folds in the top layer of cells begin to fuse into a tube running from the top to the bottom of the embryo. The folic acid in your diet will help this take place. The top part of this neural tube has begun to flatten out and will eventually form the front part of the brain. A bulge in the center of the embryo will develop into your baby's heart, which will begin to beat this week. The rest of the neural tube will form your baby's spinal cord and backbone.
  • The middle layer. These cells will produce the circulatory system, bones, most muscles, cartilage, sex organs and kidneys.
  • The bottom layer. These cells will form the lungs, intestines and beginnings of the urinary system.

What's happening with you

  • Missed period. You should have missed your period or have experienced slight spotting.
  • Pregnancy symptoms. As your blood flow works to catch up with your rapidly expanding circulatory system, you may experience morning sickness (nausea), and fatigue.
  • Unappetizing smells and tastes. It may help to avoid foods with very strong smells or tastes, such as oily or fried foods and spicy dishes. Even strong-smelling cleaners and disinfectants may bother you right now.

If you aren't experiencing these symptoms, don't be concerned. You may be one of the lucky moms who sail through early pregnancy without feeling nauseous at all.

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