Baby: Your baby is still tiny, but its heart, brain, spinal cord, muscle, and bones are beginning to develop. The placenta, which nourishes your baby, and the amniotic sac, which provides a warm and safe
environment where your baby can move easily, are still forming, too. The umbilical cord forms and connects your baby to your blood supply. Chromosomes already determine your baby's hair, eye color, and sex. Mom-to-be:
You might suspect by now that you're pregnant. You may also notice some early symptoms of pregnancy: Tip of the Week: You'll want to schedule a visit to your OB-GYN as soon as you suspect you're pregnant. Starting prenatal care early and keeping up with your appointments is a large step toward having a healthy pregnancy and a
healthy baby. Baby: Your baby is shaped like a tadpole, and it's about the size of a BB pellet. The eyes and limb buds are forming. The neural tube forms; it develops into the
brain, spinal cord, and backbone. During an ultrasound, your doctor may be able to hear a heartbeat, and they can now set a due date. Between days 17 and 56 is a vulnerable time because that's when the baby is most susceptible to anything that can affect normal growth. Mom-to-be: You may have gained a few
pounds by now. Or if you're having morning sickness you may have lost weight -- that's normal, too. You may start noticing some changes in your body: clothes getting a little tighter around your waist, fuller legs and breasts. With a pelvic exam, your doctor will notice a change in the size of your uterus. Ask
about the signs of a UTI, which are more common in pregnancy. If you’re having twins, you might find out this week. Tip of the Week: Follow good prenatal habits each day, like eating healthfully and taking
prenatal vitamins. If you haven't already, stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Baby: Your baby is growing. They’re about the size of a pomegranate seed: 0.3 in. Limb buds
appear that will grow into hands and feet. Many parts continue to develop: heart, lungs, intestines, appendix, brain, spinal cord, nostrils, mouth, and eyes. Mom-to-be: You're still not "showing," but by now you're really feeling the
changes in your body. You may still have morning sickness, and your breasts probably still feel tingly and tender. Feeling exhausted is common in early pregnancy, so rest when you can. Tip of the Week: Never let your stomach get completely empty -- that will keep you from feeling queasy. Keep
snacks on hand around the clock, and eat lots of little meals rather than three big ones. To prevent a drop in blood sugar, eat some protein, like adding cheese to crackers. Baby: Your baby is now about in its sixth week of development. Your little bean is about as big as a coffee bean: 0.5 in. It's a big week for growth. Eyelid folds and ears are forming. Your baby develops little webbed fingers and toes and can
even swim around in your womb. Their heart is beating 80 to 180 times per minute. Mom-to-be: Your blood volume is increasing, and your heart is pumping 50% more blood per minute for your baby. Common symptoms for this week are moodiness and queasiness from certain smells. Tip of the Week: Wear a supportive bra. Good breast support during pregnancy will help you feel more comfortable and prevent future sagging. Exercises to keep your chest muscles toned can be useful, too. Your baby's facial features continue to develop. Each ear begins as a little fold of
skin at the side of the head. Tiny buds that eventually grow into arms and legs are forming. So are fingers and toes. The neural tube (brain, spinal cord, and other nerve tissue) is well formed. The digestive tract and sensory organs begin to develop. Bone starts to replace cartilage. You’re officially pregnant! You may have noticed something missing this week—your period. A missed period is what typically leads most people to take a pregnancy test. That positive result can bring a flood of reactions from excitement to fear. And, while your baby might be too small to see, at 5 weeks pregnant, you may already be feeling its presence both physically and emotionally. 5 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months? 1 month and 1 week Which Trimester? First trimester How Many Weeks to Go? 35 weeks Your Baby's Development at 5 WeeksAt 5 weeks, a baby measures approximately 1/17th of an inch or 1.5 mm. That's about the size of a strawberry seed. The baby is growing rapidly, and the major organ systems of their body are beginning are to form, specifically the brain and the heart. Verywell / Bailey MarinerLayers of DevelopmentAt this time, your little embryo begins to lengthen and take on the appearance of a tadpole thanks, in part, to the development of the all-important neural tube that runs from the top to the bottom of the embryo. (This tube will grow to become the spinal cord and brain.) There’s even a tiny blip at the center of the embryo that will soon develop into baby’s heart. Inside of your embryo, the cells are separating into three layers to form different body systems:
Gestational SacThe gestational sac is a ball of fluid that forms around your developing baby. At 5 weeks, your embryo is too small to see yet, but the gestational sac may be visible on an ultrasound. Explore a few of your baby’s week 5 milestones in this interactive experience. A Positive Pregnancy Test: Now What?Your Common Symptoms This WeekThe level of the pregnancy hormone hCG in your body is on the rise, which brings not only a positive pregnancy test but also early pregnancy symptoms. It's important to know, however, that some people don’t experience any symptoms and the lack of symptoms in no way reflects the health and well-being of their growing babies. Even having experienced symptoms in a prior pregnancy can’t predict how you will feel this go-round. Missed PeriodThe absence of menstruation is often one of the first signs of pregnancy that alert a person to take a pregnancy test. The increased production of progesterone during pregnancy prevents your uterine lining from shedding and helps maintain your pregnancy. Breast ChangesYour breasts may feel tender, tingly, or larger. You are more likely to experience early breast changes if you tend to notice them before your period. FatigueYour body is working hard, and you are going through many physical and emotional changes. It’s perfectly normal to feel tired and in need of a nap. Fatigue is considered a universal symptom this early in pregnancy. Morning SicknessNausea, with or without vomiting, is one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy. The exact cause isn’t known, but experts believe the quick rise of pregnancy hormones may be the culprit. It is typical during the first three months, although it can last longer. And, despite being called morning sickness, the queasiness can come on at any time during the day. Extra Bathroom TripsFrequent urination is a common complaint even this early in pregnancy. Those pregnancy hormones cause an increase in blood flow and fluid in your body. So, your kidneys are working overtime to get rid of the waste. A Range of EmotionsThere is no one universal emotion or feeling that every person who is pregnant experiences and your feelings about your pregnancy may change from week to week or even hour to hour. Whether you’re excited to learn you’re pregnant or not, it’s important to know that pregnancy can be emotionally complicated. Just remember that your reaction—whether positive, negative, or ambivalent—is normal. What Experts Say“You may even surprise yourself by your reaction. The most important thing is that you don’t feel guilty about how you feel.” —Shara Marrero Brofman, PsyD Self-Care TipsMost people find out they're expecting during week 5. Learning that you're pregnant can be overwhelming, but so can thoughts of all you have to do to prepare over the next 35 weeks. Take a deep breath and take it one step at time. End the WaitIf you haven’t already, it’s time to take the big test. A positive home pregnancy test on the first day of your missed period is up to 99% accurate. Take Folic AcidContinue to take a folic acid supplement or prenatal vitamins. As your baby’s nervous system is forming, folate is an essential nutrient that helps prevent neural tube defects. Make Safe Food ChoicesYou don't have to give up all your favorite foods now that you're pregnant. A healthy pregnancy diet is balanced, and you can still enjoy some less nutritious treats now and then. But, some foods can increase your risk of illness and infection, which can be dangerous to your developing baby. You will want to stay away from:
Learn About Pets and PregnancyIt is typically not dangerous to have pets such as a cat or dog during pregnancy. But, all animals have the potential to cause harm or pass diseases to their humans. You can keep yourself, your unborn baby, and your pet healthy and safe by talking to your doctor and the vet about the best way to care for your pet while you’re expecting and after you bring your new baby home. Visit the DentistWhile you’re likely hyper-focused on scheduling—and going to—your first prenatal appointment, you should also consider making an appointment to see a dentist. In fact, the American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) all encourage people to see the dentist while they are pregnant. The same hormonal changes that bring about nausea and breast tenderness can cause gum inflammation (pregnancy gingivitis). If ignored, pregnancy gingivitis may lead to a more serious gum infection called periodontitis, which increases the chance of preterm birth. Avoid Pregnancy DangersStaying away from toxic substances during your entire pregnancy is wise. However, the first trimester is particularly crucial. During the embryo stage, your baby's organs and tissues are developing. It's a sensitive time when outside influences can affect your baby's body parts as they form. Talk to your doctor about any prescriptions, over-the-counter medicine, or herbal supplements you're taking. You should also avoid harmful substances such as alcohol, smoking (including second-hand smoke), and recreational drugs as well as potentially hazardous activities such as sitting in a hot tub, going on a roller coaster, or getting a tattoo. Your Week 5 ChecklistAdvice for PartnersLearning that you and your partner are soon-to-be parents is heavy for both of you, whether your pregnancy was planned for or not. While they may be going through the physical symptoms, both of you are going through a natural emotional roller coaster. Compassion and empathy all around is always the way to go. What Experts Say“Try your best not to minimize stresses or insecurities. At the same time, both parties should seek out emotional and practical support from books and friends.” —Shara Marrero Brofman, PsyD At Your Doctor’s OfficeOnce you learn that you are pregnant, go ahead and call the doctor to schedule your first prenatal appointment. Don’t forget to have the date of your last menstrual period ready to share. Your doctor may want you to go to the office or to a lab to have your blood drawn before your appointment. Blood tests can confirm a home urine pregnancy test. If you are high risk or undergoing fertility treatments, you may have blood drawn to check these numbers a few times. You may also have an ultrasound this week to check for a gestational sac. Your embryo is too small to see yet, but the gestational sac may be visible when your hCG level is around 2000 mIU/ml. Special ConsiderationsNow that you know you're pregnant, you may be wondering about your due date, worried about the health of your pregnancy, or concerned about upcoming travel plans and dangers. Calculating Your Due DateYour doctor will calculate your due date at your first prenatal visit, but you can figure it out yourself. Pregnancy lasts 280 days or 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. You can:
Ectopic PregnancyAn ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. It occurs in approximately 1% to 2% of pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy is dangerous, so symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, pain, and dizziness should be reported to your doctor right away. If you are at risk for an ectopic pregnancy, or there is any concern about your pregnancy, your doctor will order blood work and an ultrasound. The Zika VirusPregnant individuals should avoid traveling to areas in the United States and worldwide where there’s a risk of contracting the Zika virus. The virus and resulting fever can lead to several birth disabilities, including microcephaly in which babies develop smaller-than-normal heads and possible brain damage. Zika is spread by infected mosquitoes and through sexual contact with an infected person. Since there is no vaccine and no cure, it’s essential to check the CDC’s Travel Health Notices to see the most current areas where the Zika virus is spreading. If you must travel to an area where Zika risk is high, talk to your doctor first. Learn how to properly prevent mosquito bites and protect yourself when engaging in sexual activity. A Word From VerywellWeek 5 brings big news. It’s amazing how two little lines or a plus sign could be so life-changing. As it begins to sink in, you may be feeling your first pregnancy symptoms. Next week may bring an increase in symptoms, your first prenatal doctor visit, and the possibility of seeing a tiny heartbeat. Is 5 weeks too early for pregnancy symptoms?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.
How do your stomach feel at 5 weeks pregnant?You may experience mild cramping or bloating. This can be caused by the egg implanting or from your uterus stretching. While mild cramping shouldn't cause alarm, contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain that doesn't go away.
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