Week 5: Pregnancy Week by Week

Week 5: What to avoid, steps to a healthy lifestyle

It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready for change and others are not.

-James Gordon, M.D.

What's Happening in Your Body?

Your uterus is beginning to expand, and if this is your first pregnancy, it will be about as big as a tennis ball. With subsequent pregnancies, your uterus will become larger earlier in your pregnancy.

What's Happening with Your Baby?

The baby's neural tube is already visible. In the coming weeks this will become your baby's spinal cord and brain. Nerves and a rudimentary backbone are beginning to form as well.

Confirming Pregnancy and Establishing Due Date

Part of this early time of celebration of your new pregnant state includes taking stock of your lifestyle. Are you living a life that is compatible with the growth of a new human being? Are there changes you need to make? Here are some Health Changes You Need to Make When Pregnant.

Nourish Yourself

Drinking enough liquids is vital. When you are pregnant, your body increases all its normal needs for fluids. Water moves nutrients through your body and to your growing baby. It is also very helpful in removing toxins from your body if you have just quit smoking or consuming caffeine. Water will regulate your temperature, cut down on constipation and help avoid fatigue.

You need eight to twelve eight-ounce glasses of water every day. You can drink this water straight or make teas, juice, or soups with it. It might help to put your targeted water consumption into a pitcher or water bottle every morning and then drink it throughout the day. Choose a safe plastic water container that is not lined with the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA). Recent research shows that using those containers exposes a fetus to risks that include cancer and higher chances of childhood hyperactivity. There are many new water containers on the market now that are both safe and green.

Body Wise

Sore breasts are a pregnancy symptom that many women notice immediately. Other women may not feel any tenderness at all. For some women the pain of sore breasts can be intense. Fortunately, this symptom usually fades away as the second trimester approaches. Until then, you may need to wear a much more supportive bra or an athletic bra. Many women find it helpful to wear one to bed.

Natural Soothers

When you think about how hard your body is working right now, it makes sense that you tire easily. Sometimes, however, we just can't lie down and take a nap. Using lemon essential oil can help spark your energy. Add a few drops to a bowl of warm water and allow its smell to permeate the room or your office. You can also find a lemon-scented soy or beeswax candle. Add a couple of drops to some grape seed, sunflower or sweet almond oil and rub it into your forehead and on to your temples. Maybe your partner will rub some onto your shoulders and back.

Higher Ground

Steps Toward a Healthy Lifestyle
There are a number of different steps to developing a healthier lifestyle--such as improving nutrition, getting more exercise, finding time to relax and unwind and giving up substances such as tobacco and caffeine. Making changes can be challenging, so give yourself time to adjust and look for strong support. Check out Steps Toward a Healthy Lifestyle to get you started in the right direction.

Image by Durga Yael Bernhard

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