5 Weeks

I’m 5 weeks pregnant today. The “baby” is the size of an apple seed, a Pop Rocks crystal, and the fly that Mr Miyagi catches in chopsticks in The Karate kid.

At five weeks pregnant, I’m in what’s known as the embryonic period.

According to my BabyCenter app, at this time, the embryo’s heart, no bigger than a poppyseed, has already begun to beat and pump blood. The heart is dividing into chambers and will find a more regular rhythm soon. The embryo itself is about a quarter of an inch/ half a centimetre long and looks more like a tadpole than a human. It undergoes a growth spurt this week.

Major organs, including the kidneys and liver, begin to grow. The neural tube, which connects the brain and spinal cord, will close this week. The embryo’s upper and lower limb buds begin to sprout – these will form the baby’s arms and legs. The intestines are developing and the appendix is already in place.

Below the opening that will later form the baby’s mouth, small folds exist where the neck and the lower jaw eventually develop. As early as this week, facial features are already forming. Nostrils are becoming distinct and the earliest version of the eyes’ retinas are forming.

So far, I don’t feel much different.

My boobs hurt. That’s about it.

Over the weekend, my friend C was showing me her favourite nursing bra company. She then advised me that I’m likely going to need a size E or F down the line. Ummmm… say what? I already feel like these sweater cows are in the way; I don’t want them to get any bigger!

Oh, they’re gonna be HUGE, C reiterated.

I am not looking forward to that.

But do you know what I am looking forward to?

Two words: Baby Registry.

I’ve waited my whole life for this!

I know, I’m getting ahead of myself with that, but it doesn’t hurt to look, does it?

While looking (just for fun, I swear!) I stumbled upon an absolutely perfect nursery bedding set. Not only is it adorable, it’s appropriately named the Just the Two of Us Collection.

And I mean, who doesn’t love giraffes! Didn’t something like half the world watch a giraffe give birth via live feed?

So, a giraffe theme it is!

I know, it’s early. I haven’t bought anything yet. It’s just prep-work. Not much unlike taking my prenatal vitamins.

No? Not the same thing?

Oh well, I don’t care! I’m googling Giraffe Baby Room and no one can stop me!

In a week and half, on June 3rd, I’m scheduled for a viability ultrasound.

This will determine the baby’s gestational age and corresponding due date (around January 23, 2020), determine single or multiple pregnancy (SINGLE, for the love of all that is good and holy), and confirm it is progressing normally inside the uterus (fingers crossed).

Since I’ve been having little to no symptoms, and feel no different (except for the tender tits, of course), I have thought that perhaps it’s already gone away. I called my fertility clinic and asked if I should come in for another blood test before the ultrasound, and they told me so long as there’s no bleeding, there’s no need.

So, I’ve increased my water intake, I’m allowing myself only one cup of Tetley a day, I cut out Advil (Tylenol sucks, by the way), and I’m getting lots of rest. I’ve also stocked my fridge with more fruits and veggies than usual, and I’ve added walnuts to my morning oatmeal.

I’m thick into Ann Douglas’ The Motherhood of all Pregnancy Books (100% Canadian, friends!), and I’m waiting for a call back from the Midwifery practice I’ve selected.

5 weeks in; the beginning of the second month. Still doesn’t feel real.

I’m anxiously awaiting June 3rd for that confirmation that yes, you bet giraffe there’s a baby growing in there.