Welcome to your 5th week of pregnancy! You have just completed your 4th full week.
This week there are some amazing changes taking place with your baby.
Although still only about the width of a grain of rice, the genetic foundation of many of the major organs are beginning to form.
Three basic layers are forming in your baby: the ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm.
Each of these layers contains the start of major body systems.
The ectoderm will be developing into both your baby's brain, spinal cord and other nervous system parts as well as skin, nails and other external features.
From the mesoderm will come most of your baby's muscles, bones and cartilage, along with one of the most exciting developments so far - some of your baby's first heart beats! Finally, the endoderm will be responsible for forming lungs, intestines and other internal organs in the weeks to come.
This week also brings further development of the placenta and umbilical cord as they mature to support the needs of your baby until delivery.
Mommy may be having an exciting week as well.
Chances are you have verified that you are, indeed, pregnant! Although you are probably starting to feel pregnant, it is unlikely that anyone else will be able to notice just yet.
If you have not started prenatal care yet from your doctor, it is a good idea to make an appointment.
You may begin to experience some of the changes and discomfort of being pregnant this week or over the next few weeks to come.
One of the most common complaints is "morning sickness" although the nausea which often accompanies pregnancy can come during any time of the day.
Thankfully, this nausea tends to pass after the first trimester for most women.
But some women will experience Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a much more severe and constant form of morning sickness which results in extreme weight loss, dehydration, and can require medication.
If you feel that this is an issue you are experiencing, be sure to talk to your OB.
Other standard pregnancy symptoms you may experience include fatigue, more frequent urination and tenderness of the breasts.
Just as no two women are the same, no two pregnancies are the same, so you may experience these symptoms to greater or lesser degrees than other mothers-to-be.
You may even notice that certain symptoms may be more or less pronounced at different times, particularly with morning sickness.
As you get further along, you should find that this common complaint will start to fade away and let you concentrate more on the excitement of growing your new baby!