You have missed your period by pregnancy week 5. If your cycle is irregular and erratic, there is a chance that you still haven’t found out that you are expecting but you’ll likely be finding out soon because of the early signs.
If you already know, it will please you to know that while there may not be external evidence of the same, your little one is rapidly growing when you are 5 weeks pregnant.
Development Milestones for a Baby at Week 5 of Pregnancy
At pregnancy week 5, your baby’s body is now made up of three layers; the endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. They have taken a C-shape with a front, a back, a top and a bottom.
The baby is only 5mm long and the size of an orange seed but with time, these layers will gradually start forming tiny organs and tissues. However, they look more like a little tadpole than the munchkin you will be holding in your arms in about 8 months.
Their spine, heart and brain are already forming and their tiny heart will beat for the first time at the end of this fifth week , imagine that! You’ll be hard pressed to find a more precious moment in life than hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time.
Your Changing Body at Pregnancy Week 5
When you’re 5 weeks pregnant, there’s still no physical evidence apparent to you of the little miracle that is growing inside you. The earliest signs of pregnancy are, however, very present and you may be experiencing:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Sore breasts
- Bloating
- Food cravings
You may also experience conflicting emotions at this point. You may feel extreme joy one minute and then sadness at the thought of the new baby the next minute. This is nothing to beat yourself about as your raging hormones are to blame. These mood swings are normal when you are 5 weeks pregnant and you should expect to have the ups and downs throughout the pregnancy period.
However, do not be alarmed if you have no symptoms even if you tested positive. Some women do not experience early signs of pregnancy until later in the first trimester.
Exercise, Rest, and Nutrition at 5 Weeks Pregnant
Week 5 is also the time to talk with your gym or fitness instructor about which forms of exercises will be safe for you to carry on in pregnancy. It is important to maintain an exercise routine because in addition to easing some of the pregnancy discomfort, it will help you snap back into shape after delivery. You will also have an easier labor and delivery and movement also boosts your dipping energy levels.
You need to eat right as well and to rest as much as you can so as to keep your energy levels up. We have created a list of foods to eat and to avoid during each trimester to give you more energy and nutrients needed while preventing complications. Remember also to keep up with your intake of folic acid and the antenatal supplements your doctor will recommend.
See Previous: What to Expect at Pregnancy week 4
See Next: Pregnancy week 6: Baby Development and Body Changes
Get Personalized Antenatal Care at Malaica
If you are a first time mum, now is the time to start doing research on a healthcare expert that will guide and walk with you throughout the journey. It’s recommended you have at least one antenatal visit in your first trimester.
At Malaica, our pregnancy care program and antenatal care includes 24/7 access to a personal midwife, a virtual psychologist, and joining an online group of expectant moms who are as far along as you are. This ensures you have the right medical support whenever you need it as well as peer-to-peer support from other moms.
Schedule your first antenatal clinic visit to meet your pregnancy care team and get the right support for the journey ahead.