Your Body Is Doing Incredible Work
Your body is doing incredible work right now—even if most of that work feels invisible.
This week, baby's neural tube is developing, which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord. At the same time, hormones like progesterone are rising quickly to help support pregnancy and the rapid changes taking place behind the scenes.
That sudden exhaustion? The nausea? Feeling unlike yourself?
There's a reason for it.
Baby at Week 5
This week, baby is about the size of a sesame seed, but important development is already underway. One of the most significant milestones right now is the formation of the neural tube, which will eventually develop into the brain and spinal cord.
Early structures that will become the heart, digestive system, and other major organs are also beginning to take shape. While baby is still incredibly small, growth is happening at a rapid pace.
Why You Feel So Different Right Now
Hormone levels continue rising quickly to support pregnancy. Progesterone, in particular, plays an important role in helping maintain the uterine environment needed for growth.
These hormonal changes can affect nearly every system in the body. Fatigue, nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, food aversions, and emotional changes often begin becoming more noticeable around this time.
If you feel more tired than usual, you're not imagining it. Your body is directing an enormous amount of energy toward supporting early development.
Common During Week 5
Exhaustion
Nausea
Bloating
Breast tenderness
Food aversions
Increased sense of smell
Mood changes
Mild cramping
Small Things That May Help
Keep simple, protein-rich snacks nearby. Eating small amounts throughout the day may help support energy levels and reduce nausea.
Many women find that waiting too long between meals can make symptoms feel worse. Keeping easy-to-tolerate foods available may help you stay nourished even on days when your appetite feels different than usual.
Hydration and rest are important this week, too.
Support During Pregnancy
Pregnancy-focused physical therapy is not only for pain. Many women benefit from support with posture, breathing mechanics, movement strategies, pelvic floor awareness, and overall comfort as pregnancy progresses.
Follow Along With Our Pelvic Health PT
If you'd like guided support for this week's movement and breathing strategies, you can follow along with our short therapist-led video here.
Rest Is Productive, Too
You do not have to power through pregnancy to be doing it well.
Your body is adapting to enormous changes, many of which are invisible from the outside. Resting, slowing down, and listening to what your body needs are all productive parts of this process.
Even on the hard days, you are adapting, growing, and doing important work. You're doing more than you think.
From Your Modern Woman Care Provider