5 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, Baby Development and More
Congratulations! You’ve made it to your five weeks of pregnancy, you’re welcome to the pregnancy club. That’s because by now you have probably noticed that you have missed one or two of your periods. In this guide, we will help you learn all the changes happening in your body, your baby’s development, what to expect, and will cover your concerns as well.
How Many Months are 5 Weeks Pregnant?
By 5 weeks pregnant, you’re entering your second month of the pregnancy journey. I bet you have just recently found out that you’re pregnant and by now you’re starting to read and learn about pregnancy. First things first, I want you to relax and enjoy every step of this spectacular journey.
5 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms – What to Expect?
The pregnancy symptoms that you start to feel at 5 weeks pregnant or the ones you’ve previously felt earlier indicate the changes you go through. No need to panic or to overthink, I know what comes through your mind, this is totally normal. Many moms-to-be say that the first trimester is the hardest one, but if you learn and get emotionally ready you can get it through. What you should mainly focus on is being positive and taking care of yourself to help you feel much better. The following symptoms on this list are the most common symptoms you should expect during the 5th week of pregnancy:
- Morning sickness: this symptom is a little bit misleading because nausea in early pregnancy can happen at any time of the day, not limited to the morning. In general, expecting moms experience this symptom at 6 weeks pregnant, however, some of them may experience it earlier. In order to relieve this annoying symptom, make sure you eat several small meals during the day instead of the three main meals. You may consult your doctor about taking vitamin supplements such as Vitamin B6 or ginger caps
- Fatigue: your progesterone levels are increasing at this stage, therefore, you may frequently feel sleepy or tired. It’s totally normal to feel you want to nap in the middle of the day even during an exciting event. Just try to get some rest and do some light exercise every now and then.
- Frequent urination: At this stage, your uterus expands to fit the growth of your baby’s size. As a result, it presses against your bladder increasing your visits to the bathrooms. Relax, it’s normal just go when you have the urge to avoid bladder infections.
- Cramps: cramping could be the main sign that the embryo has implanted in your uterus. It could also be a sign of your uterus expansion and stretching to fit the new adjustment. These cramps should be slightly painful so if you face severe pain, consult your doctor right away just to make sure everything is fine.
- Sore Breasts is another common symptom that expecting moms also experience. You may notice that your breasts become swollen, bigger, more tender at this stage of pregnancy. This is totally normal as the baby’s food factory is starting the preparation.
- Mood Swings: pregnancy can bring a variety of emotions; you’ll feel like you’re riding a roller coaster of emotions. This happens due to the changes in hormones that affect your emotions. Your emotions can vary from sadness, stress, excitement, fear, exhaustion, and anxiety.
- Spotting: at 5 weeks pregnant, you may notice light bleeding or spotting in your underwear. This is another sign of implantation and it’s totally normal. You may as well notice spotting after having sex.
- Increase in the hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) levels: you can rely on the at-home pregnancy tests that measure the level of pregnancy hormone.
- Food Cravings and Aversions: Here’s another symptom that your hormone takes control over. You will notice a huge change in your appetite; you may avoid some of your favorite foods that you used t enjoy. On the other hand, you may also start to crave foods that you disliked or even hated before.
- Constipation: you may experience some changes in your digestive system because the food will move slowly to give your body the needed time to absorb nutrients. In order to overcome this annoying feeling, make sure you eat more fiber and drink more liquids.
- Increased Vaginal Discharge: It’s annoying, I know yet it’s very normal. Vaginal discharge will be thin, mild, and smells. However, if the color becomes green or yellowish and has a more powerful smell, it could be a sign of vaginal infection so contact your doctor right away.
Is it normal to not have any symptoms at 5 weeks pregnant?
In fact, yes, some expecting moms who are at 5 weeks pregnant do not experience any symptoms at all. If this is the case with you, just relax and do not panic. Chances are nausea and fatigue will hit over the next weeks.
Abdominal Pain 5 Weeks Pregnant
Experiencing cramps or light to mild abdominal pain at 5 weeks pregnant may lead you to anxiety. The first trimester is the stage where your body is being prepared for your baby’s growth and development. It’s very normal to go through some abdominal pain or cramps at 5 weeks pregnant. In fact, this happens because your uterine is stretching to contain your baby’s continuous size and growth. These cramps are pretty much similar to the menstrual periods’ pain. They may feel like pressure, stretching, or pulling.
When Should You report Stomach Pain During Pregnancy?
Severe stomach pain can be an alerting symptom of a pregnant woman’s worst nightmare; miscarriage. If by any chance you experience severe stomach pain, call your doctor or midwife RIGHT AWAY. it’s totally normal if you feel scared and it’s your right to make sure your baby is fine.
5 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development
At this stage of pregnancy, there are a lot of changes happening not only inside your body, but your baby is developing too. The placenta and the beginnings of the umbilical cord are developing to provide your baby (known as an embryo) with the essential nutrients and oxygen. These essential nutrients include folic acid, calcium, and other vitamins to make sure your baby’s growth is healthy.
At 5 weeks pregnant, your baby’s heart starts to develop and his or her heartbeat can be finally heard at 6 weeks pregnant.
How Big Is Baby at 5 Weeks Pregnant?
At 5 weeks pregnant, your baby’s size is as big as an apple seed! He or she is about 0.14 inches. The baby’s size will almost double in the next few weeks.
5 Weeks Pregnant Belly
You will not look pregnant yet, but you will definitely feel pregnant. As we explained earlier, cramps are totally normal at this stage due to the stretching of the uterus. You will feel bloated, consider wearing looser pants and more comfortable clothes to help you easily. Doctors suggest that pregnant women gain around 1 to 5 pounds in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, you may not have a baby bump and your look may not change at all at this point. Enjoy this stage to the maximum!
5 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound
So exciting, I know! You’ve been waiting to finally see your baby’s at 5 weeks pregnant. At this point, the embryo (your baby) is as big as an apple seed with major organs such as (heart, stomach, liver, and kidney). In addition to the digestive, nervous and circulatory systems.
At your first ultrasound, the doctor will measure your baby from crown to rump (head to toe). You may be asked to run some tests such as blood and urine just to make sure both you and your baby are doing fine.
Wellness and Nutrition at 5 Weeks Pregnant
Keeping a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients is highly recommended throughout your pregnancy. Consider making regular prenatal care visits, your doctor probably will schedule your appointment between the 5th and 10th week of pregnancy.
Your first prenatal care visit is the one where the doctor confirms your pregnancy and starts to record your medical history. They will ask if you have any disease or there are running diseases in your family among your sister, mother, and aunts.
Every little piece of information is highly important so make sure you have good communication with your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns, prepare them ahead so you can ask during your next visit. The doctors or caregivers play a key role in clarifying any misconceptions and making sure you have crystal clear information.
On top of that, you may also ask for a well-balanced diet of all the nutrients your body needs as well as supplements.
5 Weeks Pregnant Checklist
- Schedule your first prenatal care visit
- If you haven’t already done this, quit smoking and alcohol.
- Start a pregnancy journal, this will not only keep you entertained, but it will also help you make memories.
- Figure out a plan to save money for your baby
- Follow our blog to keep you company along your journey.