4 Weeks 6 Days

It's surreal, honestly, to say that we are pregnant. Just two days ago it was the two of us (well, plus 3 hairy beasts), then, two pink sticks later, we're three. Those little $10 sticks changed our lives forever. It's still strange to think that there's a little bean developing inside me. It was there before I knew it, multiplying cells and releasing hormones.

I have had very few symptoms up till now. Sore and veiny breasts, fatigue (oh the fatigue! I thought I had mono), pressure in my lower abdomen, lower backache, slight nausea. These are pretty normal PMS symptoms for me. I was about 4-5 days late when I finally broke down and tested. I also broke down when the test line popped up AS SOON AS I peed on the stick. The control line was barely visible. An hour later, still in disbelief, I peed on another one and almost the exact same thing happened. I hurried to the doctor's office where they drew my blood. My HCG level was over 5,000, putting me in the 5-6 weeks category.


Tomorrow morning I get more blood drawn to make sure my levels are rising properly and to check my progesterone level. *crossing fingers* I had some spotting for about 45 minutes yesterday, which put the fear of God in me. I'm hoping and praying and wishing that everything looks good! I'm so nervous and scared and cautiously excited. Welcome Baby Lockerby! Please, please, please stick!

Your Baby
Your baby's microscopic heart begins to beat this week—although it won't be detectable with one of those cool Dopplers for a few weeks, so you'll have to wait a little longer to hear that satisfying "whoosh-whoosh" you're so anxious for. Here's what else is under construction:

With the beating of the heart, blood will begin to circulate throughout the body. Your baby's first organ system will be up and running!

The beginnings of the brain; the cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems; as well as all other major systems are under way.

Your baby's new digs—the amniotic sac and the placenta (aka the hotel and the restaurant)—are still forming at this point. (Maybe you should send a housewarming gift.)

All that high-speed development and your baby is only 2 millimeters long—about the size of a sesame seed (check one out next time you're chowing down on a bagel—you won't believe how tiny it is!). (From: http://3dpregnancy.parentsconnect.com/calendar/5-weeks-pregnant.html)