5 Weeks Pregnant

Mom's Changing Body

Feeling overjoyed one minute and equally stressed out the next? It's all part of the normal mood swings that come along with pregnancy. You might feel elated, depressed, angry, sentimental, powerful, and insecure—sometimes all in the same hour. Your hormones are flaring, so it's only natural for emotions to do the same, especially when a major life change is on the way. Mood swings are often the most intense during the next month, and they sometimes surge again toward the end of pregnancy. Also, you may be surprised to learn that about 10 to 12 percent of women will experience depression during pregnancy—nearly as many as those who do postpartum. If at any point during your pregnancy you feel depressed for more than two weeks, call your practitioner.

Weekly Tip

No matter how you're feeling, remember that getting enough sleep is a sure mood-booster. Eight hours or so of shut-eye can make a world of difference. And right now, you might feel like dozing off all the time—at work, in front of the TV, in mid-sentence—thanks to soaring progesterone levels, lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and increased blood volume.

What Week 5 of Your Pregnancy Is Really Like

This Week's To-Do List

Pick up a pregnancy book.
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Download a pregnancy app to help you stay organized for the next 8 months.
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Buy a journal or memory book to record your milestones, symptoms, and questions for the next nine months.
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Sign up for a due date club or join an in-person pregnancy support group.
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Be sure to drink lots of water.
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Talk to your insurance company to find out which local doctors and hospitals are covered by your plan.
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