Pregnancy: Weeks 5 to 8

Even if you haven�t taken a pregnancy test yet, you�ll still have some confirmation of your condition this month�in the form of a missed period. But if you�re pregnant, a missed period means there is plenty going on inside your body! At this time, you�re producing estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones at record levels to help your baby grow. By the end of month two, your baby will be as big as a raspberry, which is 10,000 times bigger than it was at conception! This month brings continued growth spurts for your baby-to-be. Your baby is getting smarter, as well. By the end of month two, he or she is generating roughly 100 new brain cells every minute! That tiny heart is already completely formed, too, and is hard at work pumping blood to other developing organs. Arm and leg buds are now growing into full-fledged limbs, while fingers and toes are separating into individual digits. All that growth is great for your baby, but it�s bound to leave YOU feeling exhausted. And you�re probably having some trouble sleeping, due to pregnancy�s infamous side-effects. As your uterus expands, it puts more pressure on your bladder. The result? You�ll need to urinate more frequently. Nearly 75 percent of pregnant women also experience morning sickness. Despite its name, though, this queasiness and vomiting can strike at any time of day. These symptoms are unpleasant, but don�t worry: They�ll become less frequent during your second trimester! Despite morning sickness, you�ll probably begin experiencing food cravings. Pickles and Jell-O? Bring it on! You may also find yourself desiring foods you don�t usually like. Fulfilling these cravings (within reason, of course!) will help you gain the two to five pounds you need during your first trimester. By far the most noticeable changes this month are happening with your breasts, which are getting ready to feed your baby. They may have grown a full cup size by now! Your nipples and the surrounding area will be darker, and will stick out a bit more. Your breasts will also become extremely tender to the touch, so go easy on them! At your first visit with your ob-gyn this month, your doctor will conduct a full diagnostic workup on both your blood and urine. Your vagina will be examined, and a Pap smear may be taken. Your doctor will also test you for genetic abnormalities that could affect your child, such as sickle-cell anemia or Tay-Sachs disease. Are you ready for the big news? This visit is also the first time you�ll see your baby�s heartbeat, as the doctor confirms your pregnancy with an ultrasound. Remember to take care of yourself during month number two of your pregnancy�and every month thereafter! Your healthy baby is worth the work (and the wait).