5 Weeks Pregnant? Here’s All That You Need To Know

5 Weeks Pregnant? Here’s All That You Need To Know

16 Nov 2016 | 5 min Read

Sayani Basu

Author | 607 Articles

As you are 5 weeks pregnant, changes in your body are still very subtle and your baby is still too small. However, it is changing and growing very fast, and many structures have already started to take shape. You might also start feeling some changes due to hormonal changes. You might have just found out that you have conceived due to a missed period.

Although there’s still a long way to go before the baby arrives, your body is already working hard than usual to help you support life within. Here are some highlights about this time.

Your Baby’s Development At 5 Weeks

When you are five weeks pregnant, the baby starts developing the structures that will eventually form the unborn’s face and neck.

How Big Is Your Baby At 5 Weeks Pregnant?

When the mum is 5 weeks pregnant, the baby measures approximately 1/17th of an inch or 1.5 mm. It is almost about the size of a strawberry seed.

Pregnancy Week 5 – Foetal Development

Here are some facts about the 5-week foetus: 

  • At this stage, the baby is growing rapidly, and the major organ systems of the unborn’s body have begun to form, specifically the brain and the heart.
  • The structures that will form arms and legs (limb buds) also begin to appear.
  • Plus, the brain develops into five areas and some of the cranial nerves tend to be prominent.

5 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

A pregnant woman might experience some symptoms when she is 5 weeks pregnant. Some of the 5th-week pregnancy symptoms are:

  • Tender and swollen breasts
  • Mood swings
  • Food cravings
  • Mild uterine cramps
  • Morning sickness
  • Exhaustion and fatigue
  • Increased urination

Your Body At Week 5 of Pregnancy

You might experience morning sickness at any time of the day. Nausea and vomiting are more common when you are 5 weeks pregnant. Some women also experience a heightened sense of smell during this time. Besides, you can also notice light spotting or light bleeding at 5 weeks pregnant.

It is a sign that the embryo has been implanted inside your uterine lining which is also called implantation bleeding. However, if the spotting is accompanied by unusual cramping, it is advisable to call your doctor right away.

5 Weeks Pregnant Belly

Your 5-week pregnant belly might look slightly different as if perhaps you had a big lunch. For some expecting women, abdominal bloating due to hormonal changes can also be a common sign at this time. This is why your clothes might feel more snug than usual at the waistline.

5 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound: Do You Need It?

The doctors might not recommend you an ultrasound scan when you are 5 weeks pregnant. In many cases, your doctor will schedule an ultrasound around weeks 8 or 9. 

However, if there are any risks associated with your pregnancy, you might also get an ultrasound when you are five weeks pregnant.

5 weeks pregnant symptoms
It is advisable to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. | Image Source: freepik

Self-Care Tips for 5 Weeks Pregnancy

  1. Start eating vegetables such as leafy greens, fruits, lean animal protein, grains and cereals, and seeds and nuts that meet your nutritional needs during this time.
  2. You can start prenatal exercises after consulting a doctor. This will not only keep you physically active but also strengthen your muscles.
  3. To fight morning sickness, it is advisable to eat at frequent intervals and use acupressure wristbands, ginger capsules, and nausea-reducing toffees.
  4. It is recommended to ensure adequate rest and sleep and keep stress at bay.
  5. Increase your fluid intake and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Pregnancy Checklist At 5 Weeks Pregnant

  1. Smoking and drinking are always big “Nos” if you are trying to conceive or if you are 5 weeks pregnant.
  2. Raw or undercooked meat and eggs should be avoided as these carry the risk of contracting listeriosis and toxoplasmosis which can lead to pregnancy loss and severe birth defects.
  3. Unpasteurised dairy products and unpasteurised juices should also be avoided as these might contain bacteria such as listeria that can cause birth defects in the baby.
  4. According to the American College of Obstetricians Gynaecologists, pregnant women must limit caffeine intake to 200 mg or less.
5 weeks pregnant belly
The doctor might schedule an ultrasound when you are 5 weeks pregnant if there are any complications. | Image Source: pexels

What To Ask Your Doctor?

When you are 5 weeks pregnant, make an appointment with the doctor, as he/she will determine your gestational age, and due date and prescribe a pregnancy diet. The doctor will also probably order tests, review your family history, and schedule an ultrasound if needed.

Conclusion

The 5 weeks pregnant belly can bring several changes. From a positive pregnancy test to the 5 weeks pregnant symptoms, it’s normal to feel anxious. You should enjoy these weeks as your body adjusts to support a new life.

FAQs

What should you expect at 5 weeks pregnant?

You can expect morning sickness, frequent urination, abdominal bloating, mood swings, and mild uterine cramps due to implantation at 5 weeks pregnant.

What should I avoid at 5 weeks pregnant?

It is advisable to avoid weight-lifting and other strenuous exercises like jogging, cycling and swimming. Avoid mercury-laden fish as these contain bacteria that can even lead to pregnancy loss.

Can I have a baby bump at 5 weeks pregnant?

If you’re a first-time expecting mum, you will probably not have a baby bump at 5 weeks pregnant.

Are 5 weeks too early to tell the family?

It entirely depends on you. Many expecting mums wait for week 13 to reveal the news.

How do I know if my pregnancy is going well?

You can include iron-rich vegetables in your pregnancy diet and consume nutritious fruits. Try to be physically active to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Cover Image Credit: pixabay

Also Read: Pregnancy months

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