It is the beginning of the 2nd month of pregnancy, the fetus is 5 weeks old and its growth accelerates; it now measures between 5 and 7 mm.

The process of organogenesis that started the previous week continues:

• at the level of the digestive system, the liver, the pancreas and the primitive intestine continue their development. The stomach is not yet there but the dilation which will welcome it is widening;
• the heart is growing rapidly and will double in size during this week, so that it forms a protrusion on the abdomen. His beat is now visible on ultrasound;
• on his head, proportionally very large compared to the rest of the body, the face gradually takes on a human appearance with the appearance of the five primordial facial buds: the primitive mouth which forms a kind of dimple, the nasal buds, the outlines of the eyes and ears;
• the two cerebral hemispheres are formed;
• the buds of the arms lengthen and are segmented into forearms and upper arms; at their end a blank hand in the form of a pallet is formed. The buds on the legs gradually flatten out, like fins. Precartilage is formed in the buds of the limbs and in the future spine. The embryo’s tail is still present, but it will disappear as the leg buds develop.

À 7 weeks of amenorrhea (5 SG), the hCG hormone level continues to increase, which can accentuate the various ailments of pregnancy, or even cause new ones to appear: nausea;

• tired ;
• salivation excessive ;
• stomach pains ;
• constipation;
• drop in tension and minor discomforts.

The appetite and even the tastes of the expectant mother can be modified at the beginning of the 2nd month of pregnancy, even if no study has validated the existence of the famous “strawberry cravings” of pregnant women. Some expectant mothers will have an irresistible craving for pickles, while others will not be able to stand the smell of meat. This can be valid for the 1st trimester or throughout pregnancy. 

This hormonal climate associated with fatigue can promote hypersensitivity and mood swings. Don’t worry, it’s completely normal at the start of pregnancy. It is essential to get as much rest as possible through daytime naps throughout the 1st trimester.

Food, in addition to being sparing, is really very important for the health of the pregnant woman and even more for the 5 week embryo. We must prevent deficiencies, which can affect the development of the baby. A special pregnancy diet can be set up with her doctor. Be careful, here the diet does not mean strict restrictions, salad for lunch and soup in the evening, especially during pregnancy. In the case of a pregnant woman, these are simply good food habits. 

For example, the consumption of fiber is important. The fibers are found in cereals (oat bran, wheat, etc.), vegetables (cabbage, potatoes, beans, etc.), oilseeds (seeds such as almonds, walnuts, plain pistachios) and legumes (peas, beans dry, lentils …). Throughout pregnancy, these foods should be consumed for their many benefits, in fiber, but also in vitamins and other nutrients essential for fetal growth. In addition, by the 5th week of pregnancy (7 weeks), organs are forming and developing, hence the importance of eating properly. 

A woman who is one month pregnant should start eating a diet rich in fiber to avoid gestational diabetes and constipation. It also helps control weight gain. Balanced meals must, of course, always be associated with optimal hydration (at the very least 1,5 L of water).

Digestive disorders can appear from the 2nd month of pregnancy. Walking 30 minutes a day is a great way to prevent constipation. Walking facilitates digestion and therefore transit. 

• If you haven’t already done so, make an appointment with your gynecologist or midwife for the first prenatal visit;
• perform the various examinations prescribed during this first visit;
• start thinking about where you will give birth and find out how to register.

It can be tempting to dig into your medicine cabinet to treat pregnancy ailments such as nausea, heartburn or constipation. Be careful, however: during pregnancy, some drug molecules are very dangerous for the 5 week embryo, especially during this sensitive period of organogenesis, which begins in the 7th week of amenorrhea, ie the 5th week of pregnancy. Certain drugs, known as teratogens, can indeed cause malformations. We therefore avoid in principle any self-medication during pregnancy and we systematically ask for advice from his doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking a drug, even the most common.

Homeopathy, on the other hand, is harmless for the baby and is an interesting resource to fight against the various ailments of pregnancy.