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5 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development

5 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby's Development

Even though you’re just five weeks pregnant, lots of changes are taking place. The placenta and the beginnings of the umbilical cord are developing in order to channel essential nutrients and oxygen from your body to the embryo. These nutrients, like calcium, folic acid, and other vitamins, all play a vital role in healthy development. This week, the neural tube continues to develop; it will eventually become the spinal column and the brain. At this point, taking at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day is a great way to support your baby’s healthy growth and development and reduce the risk of neural tube disorders. Your baby's heart will develop from what is now just a bulge in the middle of the embryo, and the heartbeat itself may be detected as early as the sixth week of pregnancy.

The Size of the Embryo at 5 Weeks Pregnant

At five weeks the embryo is still very small but growing quickly! Picture a small orange seed or a grain of rice. At this stage, your little one could be between 0.05 and 0.10 inches long, with a shape similar to that of a tiny tadpole. Take a look at this visual for an idea of all the things that are happening to make your uterus a comfortable home for your baby during your pregnancy.

Mom's Body at 5 Weeks Pregnant

How do you feel knowing that you’re pregnant? If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while, you’re probably ecstatic. Whether you’ve been planning for this, it’s come as a beautiful surprise, or it’s all a bit of a shock, it’s natural to feel a range of other emotions like nervousness, happiness, hope, and wonder. You may also find yourself wondering about all the changes in store and when you may be able to meet your little one. Try our Due Date Calculator to find out! Some symptoms you may notice at five weeks pregnant include fatigue, nausea, and tender breasts, and they're all quite common. You might like to read up on the pregnancy hormone hCG as it plays an important role in pregnancy. Treat your hard-working body to a break by soaking in a warm bath, listening to some soothing music, or taking a nap. You can also give yourself a boost and get your little one off to a great start by adopting healthier habits, starting with quitting smoking and eliminating alcoholic beverages. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to include moderate exercise in your pregnancy, and keep taking any prenatal vitamins your healthcare provider recommends or prescribes.

5 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

Although every mom-to-be is unique, these are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing at five weeks pregnant:

• Morning sickness. Some women start to experience morning sickness at five weeks pregnant. Unpleasant, nauseous feelings can happen in the morning, evening, or all day long, and many women will also throw up. To deal with morning sickness, drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration and avoid any greasy, spicy, or fatty foods that may trigger your bouts of nausea. Many women with morning sickness benefit from eating small meals and snacks frequently.

• Light bleeding or spotting. It’s common to see some spotting at five weeks pregnant, but there should be no more than a few drops of blood — not even enough to cover a small pantyliner. This is likely just implantation bleeding, but you’ll want to mention it to your doctor so that he or she can rule out complications. If you see a lot of blood, if the spotting lasts longer than two days, or you have any concerns, see your doctor right away.

• Breast tenderness. Around five weeks pregnant, a surge of hormones might cause your breasts to ache as they continue to stretch and grow in preparation for breastfeeding.

• Frequent urination. The urgent need to pee can strike any time, especially as your kidneys are starting to have extra fluid to process, thanks to the increasing volume of blood in your body. Although this symptom can be annoying, it’s also completely normal.

• Fatigue. Don’t be surprised if you feel completely wiped out. Your body is dealing with an increase in levels of progesterone, which can leave you feeling more tired than usual. Avoiding caffeine and vigorous activity before bed can help you sleep better at night. Try to keep your daily schedule regular, but also try not to overschedule yourself. It's important to find a healthy balance between your daily activities and rest time. And don't feel guilty about taking time to rest or nap when you need it. You'll be doing yourself and your little one a big favor by getting as much rest as you can now.

• Mood swings. Happy one moment, crying the next? Mood swings are common when you're pregnant, and for some women they feel like PMS at its worst. It may help to find some ways to distract yourself when an unpleasant mood interferes with your normal routine. Try going for a walk or listening to music, for example.

• Acne. Hormonal changes may be to blame for any pregnancy-related acne you are experiencing. Read up on how you can combat some of those spots and blemishes in our article on pregnancy acne, and remember that it’s just one of those pesky pregnancy that should clear once your baby is born.

• Mild or no symptoms. What if, at five weeks pregnant, you are symptom-free? It’s not unusual for women to feel and look completely normal at this stage, or for certain symptoms to come and go. As for that five weeks pregnant belly, it may appear unchanged, or it may be looking and feeling bloated. If you’ve got severe morning sickness, you may even lose a little bit of weight during the first trimester. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the changes that are taking place, or if the lack of any symptoms has you feeling uneasy.

If this is not your first pregnancy, read up on how the symptoms of this second (or subsequent) pregnancy may be different to your first.

5 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

• If you haven’t yet told your partner you’re pregnant yet, and you’re looking for fun ways to surprise him, check out these cute and creative ways to tell your partner he’s about to become a parent.

• Give some thought to what you're eating, making sure that you're consuming a variety of healthy foods. Avoid fish that could contain high levels of mercury — like shark, swordfish, and mackerel — and skip any food that’s uncooked or unpasteurized. You'll also want to avoid things like sushi made with raw fish and oysters, as well as soft cheeses like Brie and feta. These items can cause food-borne illnesses that can affect you and your little one. Read up on all the foods to avoid eating when pregnant.

• Curious about other early signs and symptoms of pregnancy? Try our Early Signs of Pregnancy quiz to learn more.

• Think about whether to share the news that you’re five weeks along with family and friends. Some people prefer to wait until the end of the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage drops significantly. Others tell at least a select few the moment they’ve got a positive pregnancy test in hand.

• Have a cat? Now is the time to get someone else to take care of the litter box so that you can stay clear of toxoplasmosis, an infection that can harm unborn babies.

• Download our Pregnancy Guide to learn more about what to look forward to over the coming weeks and months. Our guide covers everything from nutrition and weight gain to all the questions you'll want to ask your healthcare provider.

• If this is your first pregnancy you might like to read up on the trimesters of pregnancy so that you know more about what’s to come in the coming months.

• Start a journal. It’s normal to feel a range of different emotions as you adjust to the idea that you are pregnant. Whether it’s something you’ve been hoping for for a long time, or come as a bit of a surprise, your feelings about it may be different to what you had expected. And, they may even change from one day to the next! Writing in a journal is one way to get your inner-most thoughts and feelings out of your system and journaling can help you navigate the emotional highs and lows of early pregnancy.

• Although you won’t be showing just yet, you may want to start a month-by-month baby bump photoshoot using our free downloadable bump to baby monthly milestone cards. You can either save the photos as a private keepsake or share the images on social media (once you’re ready to share news of your pregnancy). In the years to come, you’ll love to look back on how your bump grew during your pregnancy, and your little one will also love to see his first “home.”

5 Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your Doctor

Your prenatal visits are usually scheduled about once a month until the last two months of your pregnancy, when they will become more frequent. These regular checkups give you the perfect opportunity to ask questions and bring up concerns.

• Are there any possible risks for your pregnancy based on your health, age, or family history?

• What should you do if you notice slight bleeding at this stage of pregnancy?

• What is normal pregnancy discharge?

• How often should you see your healthcare provider during your pregnancy?

• How far along are you and when is your due date?

5 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

• Read up on how to choose a prenatal care provider– that is unless you already have one.

• Schedule your first prenatal appointment. Your healthcare provider will be able to fill you on the specifics of your care, but you can read up on prenatal care to get a general idea of what’s coming.

• Find out who to call if your healthcare provider is unavailable or if it’s after hours and you have a medical concern.

• Save your provider’s number to your phone and have emergency contact numbers stuck on your fridge and saved to your contact list, too.

• Be ready to feel anxious or excited, worried or ecstatic — all normal reactions to becoming pregnant.

• Soothe any cramps and backaches with a warm bath or a nap.

• Cut out smoking and alcohol, if you haven't already.

• Although rare, it’s a good idea to read up on the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy just in case.

• Sign up for even more weekly pregnancy tips:

5-8 weeks of pregnancy

The fifth week for a baby

The fifth week of embryo development is significant for the separation of the body of the unborn child and extra-embryonic auxiliary structures - the yolk sac, amniotic bladder, chorion. The process of active formation of organs and tissues continues. At this time, the birth of all the main systems of the future organism is taking place.

At the fifth week, the size of the embryo is 1.2-1.5 mm. It is possible to see the anterior pole - the place of the future head, as well as the posterior pole - the place of the future legs. The formation of the body occurs according to the law of symmetry - a chord is laid along, which is the axis of symmetry. It is around it that the laying of future symmetrical internal organs takes place. In the future, some of them will be formed by merging the rudiments (liver, heart), and some will remain double (lungs, kidneys, etc.).

The fetus in this period is in a curved state and looks like the letter C. By the end of the fifth week, the heart begins to pulsate, which has already formed. From the middle germ layer (mesoderm) begins the formation of the pancreas, liver, lungs, thyroid gland, trachea and larynx.

On the fifth allotment, the formation of the central nervous system also begins. The cells, which were previously located flat, begin to roll up, i.e., the formation of the neural tube occurs. The viability of the fetus is largely dependent on the complete closure of the tube, so the fifth week is of great importance. Folic acid is able to contribute to the high-quality closure of the tube. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, specialists recommend taking drugs containing this substance. Also, folic acid is needed throughout the first trimester, but its role is especially important during 5-7 weeks. Along the tube there are bulges from which the formation of the brain sections will occur.

The processes located along the neural tube are called somites and represent future muscles.

Also, the fifth week is characterized by the beginning of the formation of germ cells in the embryo - this is another important moment in his life. In future people, at the stage of early development, the rudiments of eggs and spermatozoa are already laid.

Expectant mother at the fifth week

The period of five weeks is quite early, so if changes occur in the female body, they are insignificant. At this time, the cycle delay is one week, which not every woman pays attention to. If she is aware of her situation, thoughtfulness, peace, or, conversely, high activity may appear.

Odor intolerance and nausea are likely from the fifth week. Most women are prone to early toxicosis, which manifests itself in the form of vomiting, which usually occurs in the morning. Toxicosis can be both mild and severe. The second is accompanied by incessant vomiting. Women who are faced with a severe form of toxicosis are subject to hospitalization.

A feeling of heaviness in the chest or slight pain when pressed is also a sign of early pregnancy.

Sixth week for baby

During the sixth week, the embryo grows from approximately 3 mm to 6-7 mm. At this time, the shape of the embryo is cylindrical and resembles to a certain extent the embryo of a fish. The rudiments of arms and legs appear along the body, which in the sixth week have the form of processes. The arms are formed faster than the lower extremities; by the end of the sixth week, the rudiments of the hands are formed. The legs are not yet formed at the moment and remain in the rudimentary stage. At this time, the tube must completely close, and the rudiments of the hemispheres are formed from the brain bubbles.

The heart at this stage is characterized by intensive development and active pulsation. Inside this organ, division into chambers and compartments occurs, ventricles and atria appear. If you use highly sensitive ultrasound equipment, the heartbeat of the fetus can already be caught. 100-160 beats per minute at this stage makes the heart.

Also on the sixth week, the digestive tube is formed, which ends with the formation of the large and small intestines, stomach.

The sex glands continue to develop, the ureters are formed. An important process at this stage is the formation of chorionic villi, i.e., the laying of the future placenta. The sixth week is marked by the active stage of vascular growth and the "training" of the placenta. Of course, as a separate organ, the placenta has not yet formed and does not fulfill its functions, but the first trial steps are already being taken - there is an exchange of blood between the mother and the embryo, such an exchange is the precursor of future blood circulation.

The sixth week for the expectant mother

If the cycle is delayed by two weeks, which corresponds to the sixth obstetric week, the manifestations of toxicosis may increase in a woman. Nausea often leads to vomiting. If this happens more than two or three times a day, you should contact a specialist. In the chest, vascular permeability changes due to changes in the hormonal background. Therefore, a periodic sensation of tingling may join the feeling of fullness of the glands.

A woman in the sixth week is often accompanied by irritability, drowsiness, fatigue and weakness. All of these symptoms are the result of the influence of the hormonal background, which tries to create the best conditions for the development of the child. Experts note that the severity of the course of toxicosis directly depends on the emotional state of the woman. Therefore, the expectant mother should limit physical activity, avoid stressful situations, provide positive emotions and good mood.

Women may develop new taste preferences. Undoubtedly, it is necessary to ensure the comfort of the expectant mother, but one should not forget about common sense when choosing a diet. Even if it attracts to harmful products, they should not be consumed, of course, smoking and alcohol are contraindicated. It is undesirable to use smoked meats and any products containing chemical elements. The more correct the diet, the more benefits it can bring to the unborn baby.

Special attention should be paid to the water balance. Dehydration can only aggravate toxicosis, so it is important to monitor the amount of fluid consumed. Sometimes fruits, water and juices even become the only possible food for a woman.

Seventh week for a baby

At this age, the embryo reaches a length of 8-11 mm, its weight at the seventh week is less than a gram. The head is equal in size to half the body, while the shape of the body is arched. You can see in the lower part of the pelvic end a continuation of the coccyx, which outwardly resembles a tail.

On the seventh week, the formation of the embryo occurs quite intensively. On the hands, you can already see the interdigital spaces, but there is no division into individual fingers yet. The embryo begins to develop a face, on which a nasal fossa appears. In this place, a nose is formed a little later. Also in the seventh week, the initial development of the auricles occurs. They begin to form from two elevations on the head, both jaws are formed.

The seventh week is characterized by such an important event as the formation of the circulatory system of the female body and the fetus, as well as the umbilical cord. There is uteroplacental blood flow. From now on, tissue respiration and nutrition of the fetus occur through maternal blood. The unborn child falls under the protection of the mother's body. The future placenta (chorion) not only nourishes the embryo, but also acts as a protective filter, preventing harmful microorganisms and toxins that can significantly harm the fetus.

The seventh week for the future mother

From the seventh week, the growth of the uterus begins in a woman, this can be determined by a specialist during a gynecological examination. At this stage, many expectant mothers have an increase in the abdomen, which is one of the main signs of pregnancy. The growth of the uterus and the size of the embryo cannot cause an increase in the abdomen. This is due to the action of progesterone, which leads to lethargy of the intestinal loops, as well as a decrease in the tone of the anterior abdominal wall. Bloating occurs, which is the cause of visible changes in the abdomen.

Increased urination is a consequence of the fact that the total volume of blood in the female body increases. Such a change will accompany the expectant mother throughout the pregnancy and will especially manifest itself in the last trimester. If pain occurs during urination, then there is a reason for a visit to the doctor, since this is not considered the norm. Changes in bowel function are possible, constipation and diarrhea can occur with equal probability. The reasons may be a change in the usual diet or hormonal levels. Since regular daily stools ensure the timely removal of toxins from the body of the expectant mother, it must be carefully monitored. If you have problems with bowel movements, you should consult a specialist.

Eighth week for baby

The embryo is 15-20 mm long by the beginning of the eighth week and 40 mm by the end of it. The mass of the embryo is five grams. After the eighth week, the embryonic period ends and the fetal period begins. After eight weeks, experts no longer use the term embryo, the unborn child is called the fetus until it is born. The main features of the eighth week are the intensive development and modification of the embryo. There is a straightening of the body, and it is increasingly divided into segments - limbs, head and torso.

At this stage, the nervous system is actively developing. Also on the eighth week, the brain is divided into sections, the hemispheres are more clearly outlined, convolutions are formed.

The face of the unborn child becomes more prominent, ears, nostrils, eyes are formed. By the end of the eighth week, the upper lip is fully connected, and the face looks quite distinctly formed.

The process of ossification of the skull, arms and legs belongs to the features of this period. Bones harden. The formation of the fingers occurs, and the large one becomes isolated and opposed to the palm. Large joints (elbows and knees) are formed.

Brain structures, which are responsible for muscle tone, and the muscular system itself are also being actively formed. This allows the embryo to perform a variety of movements. The development of the digestive tract is almost completed by the end of this week. The intestines and stomach are supplied with nerve endings, which in the future will be able to provide motor functions of the gastrointestinal tract, the cavities of the kidneys, heart, bladder and ureters are formed.

The vascular system develops in the future placenta. The chorionic villi penetrate deeply into the wall of the uterus. Utero-placental circulation becomes full. The complex supply of the growing fetus is provided by the vessels of the umbilical cord, through which it receives blood enriched with oxygen and a variety of nutrients. Also, through these vessels, metabolic products and carbon dioxide are removed.

The eighth week for the expectant mother

The eighth week does not bring significant changes to the woman's body. All manifestations of toxicosis do not change their character, but are already much easier to bear. This is due to the fact that by this time pregnant women get used to their condition and find factors that facilitate it and create comfort. These can be certain foods, good sleep, one or another diet, walks, etc.

In this material, the gestational age is indicated as obstetric, that is, it is calculated from the first day of the preceding pregnancy menstruation.

5th week of pregnancy: signs, sensations, size and development of the fetus

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Now ultrasound already shows the heartbeat of the embryo, its eyes and ears are being formed. Small outgrowths begin to appear on each side, which will eventually become the arms and legs of your baby.

At the 5th week of pregnancy, you may have suspicions that something is happening. Your period didn't come when you expected it, and you're at least a week late.

You may even feel different than usual, but you can write it off as imagination. If you haven't done a pregnancy test yet, now is the time. Remember that it is best to take the test immediately after waking up, when the level of pregnancy hormone (hCG) will be maximum.

Some women never visit an antenatal clinic during the first trimester, but it is better not to do so. If you contact your doctor now, he will be able to calculate the planned date of delivery. You can also calculate it using an online calculator, indicating the first day of the last menstruation. The countdown has officially begun!

Early symptoms of pregnancy are fairly standard. For example, a future mother develops nausea and more often wants to go to the toilet, many women say that at that time they were a little "not in themselves". Even your partner may notice that you are more melancholic than usual. Despite the fact that outwardly you have not changed at all, now you are officially 2 months pregnant, and there are only 7 of them left!

Physical changes this week

• You may be feeling the same as last week. Don't worry. Every woman is unique, as is every pregnancy.

• You may feel sick, especially after waking up in the morning or after a long break between meals. You may even vomit or feel like you're about to vomit.

• You may feel weak or dizzy and need to sit down and rest. If you have low blood sugar and haven't eaten in a while, this feeling can be quite strong.

• Your sense of smell can become very sensitive and even react to smells to which you usually do not pay any attention. Perfumes, food, car exhaust, or body odor can make you feel physically uncomfortable.

• You may feel heaviness in the uterus - it feels like the onset of menstruation. It's all about the abundant flow of blood to the pelvic organs.

• The placenta and fetal bladder are still forming. They will protect, feed and care for your baby, as well as provide him with all the necessary conditions for development until the end of the pregnancy. All this is happening inside you now, which explains your unusual sensations.

• Your breasts may become fuller and more tender than usual. Because she is now so tender, you may not be able to sleep on your stomach for a while.

Emotional changes this week

• You may be feeling tired and emotionally unstable right now. At the same time, you can feel the widest range of feelings - from anticipation and joy to anxiety and guilt. This is a very emotional week, especially if you just found out you're pregnant.

• If you did not plan to become pregnant, you may experience very different feelings. Many women find it very difficult to accept the fact of an unexpected pregnancy and come to terms with their new position.

• You may be torn apart by opposite desires - to seek advice from girlfriends who have given birth or to keep the news secret. Many women prefer not to tell anyone about their little secret until it is obvious to the rest of the world that they are pregnant.

• You may begin to worry about whether everything is in order with your health and the development of your baby. This is a difficult time because many of the things you are going through are completely unfamiliar to you. You may even wonder how your partner is feeling or how pregnancy might affect your relationship.

• Most likely, you are not sure whether to talk about this with family and friends. The first 12 weeks are full of risks, and not all pregnancies make it past this milestone. Many couples wait until the end of the 12th week, when the risk of miscarriage is reduced, and only then share the news with others.

What's going on with the baby this week

• It is already the size of an orange seed and can only be seen with an ultrasound.

• Your baby looks like a tadpole and already has a primitive heart that has begun to beat and supplies blood to a small body. Although the chambers have not yet formed in the heart, it does its job perfectly.

• Sometimes you can see the baby's heartbeat on ultrasound.

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