Week 5 Pregnancy: The Start of Your Baby’s Major Developments

In week 5 of pregnancy, your baby is growing quickly, and their heart is starting to form and beat. You might feel very tired, a bit nauseous, and notice your breasts are tender. These are normal early pregnancy symptoms as your body changes. This is an important time for your baby’s development, so take good care of yourself.

Just discovered you're pregnant? Learn about your first missed period and early pregnancy signs in Week 4 of pregnancy, when many women first realised they're expecting.

Week 5 body changes

At 5 weeks, you have entered the second month of your pregnancy. This week, taking a pregnancy test can confirm your pregnancy if your hCG hormone levels are sufficiently high. It is common to experience fatigue, exhaustion, and nausea at this stage. Rest assured, these symptoms are temporary and will eventually subside.

The surge in pregnancy hormones is responsible for a variety of symptoms, and you may begin to notice some physical changes. Although your pregnancy may not be visible to others yet, your uterus is already expanding.

Week 5 pregnancy symptoms

Most pregnancy symptoms are not a cause for concern and typically do not last indefinitely. During your week 5 pregnancy, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Morning (afternoon and evening) sickness
  • Nausea and vomiting affect 70% to 80% of pregnant women by the fifth week. While the exact cause of morning sickness is unclear, it is believed that the increase in the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) plays a significant role.
• Breast tenderness
  • Around week five, hormonal changes may cause your breasts to become sore as they stretch and prepare for breastfeeding.
• Fatigue
  • Feeling exhausted is very normal. Your body is working hard to develop your baby's life support system and placenta, which can leave you feeling tired. Ensure you slow down, relax, eat healthily, and get plenty of rest.
• Constipation
  • Prenatal vitamins are crucial for your and your baby's health, but the high iron content can cause constipation. To alleviate this, increase your fibre and water intake.

Your baby at week 5

In the fifth week of pregnancy, your baby's growth enters the embryonic period. This is when important parts like the brain, spinal cord, and heart start to develop. Right now, your baby’s heart is beating regularly, but it might take another week or two for an ultrasound to detect it. The placenta is also forming, which can make you feel very tired. Even though your baby is growing quickly, they are still very small—about the size of a pen tip or a sesame seed, which is around 2 to 3 millimetres.

This week, your baby’s heart starts beating. Blood vessels are forming, and blood is beginning to circulate throughout your baby’s body, including the umbilical cord, which will form soon.

Pregnancy tests & screenings 

Congratulations, you're pregnant! If your hCG hormone levels are sufficiently elevated, your pregnancy test should return a positive result. For confirmation, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.

During one of your initial appointments, your obstetrician and gynaecologist will evaluate your blood type and Rhesus factor, screen for anaemia, hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV, and other STDs, and check for immunity to rubella (German measles).

At around 5 weeks of pregnancy, a mandatory pregnancy test is recommended. Additionally, between 5 to 6 weeks of pregnancy, the hCG hormone level test is also mandatory.

Detailed tests like blood tests and ultrasounds to check for conditions such as Down syndrome and Trisomy usually happen later in the first trimester, but it's good to start your prenatal care early.

When should you see a doctor to confirm your pregnancy?

Discovering you're pregnant is an exciting moment, but it's essential to know when to seek professional medical care. If you've taken a home pregnancy test and received a positive result, here's guidance on when to consult a doctor:

1. After a positive home test

   • Generally, wait about a week before booking an appointment with a gynaecologist. This allows time for the pregnancy to be visible on an ultrasound scan, typically around 6-7 weeks of gestation.

   • If you have irregular menstrual cycles, consider seeing a doctor sooner to confirm the pregnancy and assess its viability.

2. Immediate medical attention

   • Seek medical care promptly if you experience any unusual symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or extreme nausea, regardless of how far along you think you are.

At Thomson Medical, we understand the importance of timely and comprehensive prenatal care. Our team of obstetricians and gynaecologists at Thomson Specialists and Thomson's Women Clinic are here to support you from the moment you suspect you're pregnant. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and our team is here to address your individual needs and concerns.

Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today to begin your pregnancy journey with compassionate care and support.

Preparing for Week 5 pregnancy

In Week 5 of pregnancy, you can start making preparations to support your health and your baby’s development. Here's what you should focus on:

1. Schedule your first prenatal appointment

   • It’s a good time to contact your obstetrician and gynaecologist and arrange your first prenatal visit. Although many first visits happen around Week 8, it's best to secure an appointment early to discuss prenatal care and any health concerns you may have.

2. Start taking prenatal vitamins

   • If you haven't already, begin taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid. Folic acid is essential for neural tube development, which occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

3. Limit caffeine and avoid harmful substances

   • Begin reducing your caffeine intake to 200 mg or less per day (around one 12-oz cup of coffee). Also, avoid alcohol, smoking, and any recreational drugs.

4. Focus on a healthy diet & stay hydrated

   • Prioritise a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Make sure you're getting enough folic acid, calcium, iron, and other vital nutrients to support your baby’s early development. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which can help with common pregnancy symptoms like fatigue and nausea.

Curious about what’s next in the upcoming weeks? Read more about the first heartbeat and brain development of your baby in week 6!

FAQ

What is normal to feel at 5 weeks pregnant?

The early weeks of pregnancy affect each woman differently and while some experience noticeable changes around 5 weeks, others may not feel very different at all. Common early signs can include feeling more tired than usual, tender or sensitive breasts, needing to urinate more frequently, and feeling queasy or experiencing "morning sickness" (which can actually occur at any time).

You might also notice mild cramping similar to period pain, changes in your appetite, mood changes, sensitivity to smells, or bloating.

Remember that experiencing these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong, and not having them doesn't mean your pregnancy isn't progressing normally - every pregnancy journey is unique. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, particularly if you experience severe pain or heavy bleeding, do speak with your doctor for personalised medical advice.

Does your belly start showing at 5 weeks?

At 5 weeks of pregnancy, you typically won't notice any visible changes to your abdomen.

While your body is already working hard to support your pregnancy, your little one is still only about the size of a sesame seed at this stage. Most women begin to show their pregnancy between 12-16 weeks, though this timing can vary depending on factors like body type, whether this is your first pregnancy, and if you're carrying multiple babies. Some women might notice their clothes feeling a bit tighter due to normal early pregnancy bloating, but this isn't the same as a true baby bump.

Is there a heartbeat at 5 weeks?

Around 5 weeks of pregnancy, your baby's heart is just beginning to form, though it may be too early to detect its beating on an ultrasound scan. While some pregnancies might show a heartbeat as early as 5½ to 6 weeks, it's more commonly detected between 6½ to 7 weeks of pregnancy. If a heartbeat isn't visible at 5 weeks, this is completely normal - your little one is still very tiny at this stage, measuring only about 2 millimetres. Your doctor will advise the most appropriate timing for your first ultrasound scan based on your individual circumstances. Do remember that every pregnancy journey is unique, and the timing of these developmental milestones can vary.

Is 5 weeks too early for ultrasound?

While it's possible to have an ultrasound scan at 5 weeks of pregnancy, this timing is generally considered quite early. At this stage, your doctor may only be able to see a tiny pregnancy sac (about 5mm) in your uterus through a transvaginal ultrasound. Most healthcare providers recommend scheduling the first routine ultrasound between 6-8 weeks, when more detailed information can be obtained. However, earlier scans might be recommended in specific situations, such as if you're experiencing concerning symptoms or have a history that requires closer monitoring. Your doctor will advise the most appropriate timing for your first scan based on your individual circumstances.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.