pregnancy week by week ( week 5 )

 

You

Your period is late so pick up a pregnancy test from the pharmacy. The test detects even the lowest levels of a hormone called HCG which is released by the placenta. So that thin blue line actually shows the presence of a placenta, rather than a baby!

Your baby

That bundle of cells isn't all destined to become your baby. Some grow into the placenta – your baby's food factory and oxygen supplier, which will become fully operational at week 14. The umbilical cord - forming out of a line of blood vessels - will link your baby to the placenta.

The place to push

It may seem as if the birth is ages away, but – as your antenatal care depends on where you have your baby – it's a good idea to start thinking about your options. The basic choices are:

• Hospital
• Home
• Birth unit

All have pros and cons, and different choices suit different mums. So it's worth doing a little research including checking out which hospitals offer which facilities. For advice see where to give birth.

CF: is there a risk?

If you or your partner has cystic fibrosis in the family, you may want to do a simple mouthwash test to check whether you are carriers. If you both are, there's a risk your baby will be born with CF. If so, it will give you a chance to find out more about the problems your baby might face.

Mothercare tip

If you aren't already, start taking 400mcg of folic acid – and continue up to week 12. It dramatically reduces the risk of spina bifida.