By week 5 of pregnancy, you are more likely to get a positive result with elevated hCG levels of > 25mlU/mL in the body. Some even experience early pregnancy symptoms of nausea, vomiting, unusual food preferences, and more.
It’s indeed magical to hear the heartbeat of the little developing baby, as tiny as the seed of a lemon. The digestive tube gets in place while its neural tube is still shaping itself, and the brain development is marching ahead of the blueprint phase.
In week 5, you are in the second month of pregnancy. Get insights on what you can expect in 5 weeks pregnant.
Also Read: Pregnancy Week 4 Symptoms: Fourth Week Symptoms and Early Signs of Pregnancy Before Missing Period
In this Article
How does the baby look like @ Week 5 of Pregnancy?
In week 5, the baby takes a structure by shaping organs. A micro heart forms with two tube connections for pumping the blood. Once the blood input is in place, the neural tube and digestive tubes get ready to shape their respective organs.
Wondering how the baby looks like at week 5?
At week 5 of pregnancy, the baby is small but grown to the size of a lemon, pearl, or sesame seed. The baby is moved out of its embryo appearance and looks more like a tadpole. With about 2 mm in size, the foetus has a prominent tail that eventually develops into its lower back.
The heart begins to pump
Though primitive heartbeats within at this stage. It is delightfully an amazing feeling to visualise the rustic, micro heartbeat. The heart has two connecting tubes attached, ensuring blood supply. The placenta, the connector between the baby and uterine wall, is yet to be built. And will be formed by the end of the first trimester.
The other tube formations
The heart is one of the early organs formed. While the heart takes care of the blood circulation, other organs like the brain and the spinal cord from the neural tube begin constructing themselves. The digestive tube from the mouth to tail is placed, to eventually form the liver, stomach, intestines, and pancreas.
To-be Mom @ Week 5 of Pregnancy
By week 5 of pregnancy, you must have missed your periods, and the pregnancy tests or home pregnancy tests also show positive results. This week can be a pregnancy confirmation week, with the early pregnancy signs taking you on a hormonal overdrive. But, what are these pregnancy signs you are likely to observe this week?
- Morning sickness- nausea and vomiting during the morning hours. However, this is possible any time of the day.
- Weird food preferences, food aversions, or food cravings
- Mood swings
- Highly sensitive to the smell of certain foods, perfumes, etc.
- Sore breasts
- Frequent urination
- Lightheadedness or drowsiness
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Increased vaginal discharge and mild stomach cramps
These physical changes are subjective to a series of hormonal changes- among them are the mass production of oestrogen, progesterone, and hCG.
- Oestrogen- helps keep the progesterone and hCG levels high.
- Progesterone- maintains the placental function, ensures the uterus muscles are smooth and free from contraction. It also enhances breast tissue growth.
- HCG- supports the corpus luteum until the placenta gets ready to take over.
Is an ultrasound done at week 5?
Normally, an ultrasound is not preferable on week 5. But, if you are advised for an ultrasound, it will be generally done transvaginally- through the vagina.
Things to consider at week 5 pregnancy
As the early pregnancy symptoms start popping, avoid foods that don’t amuse you, and enjoy dishes you wish to. The hormone overdrive in your body, and so, understanding the mood swings and food preferences while taking care of your health is also required. Here are some of the tips for you this week.
- As you get used to the hormonal surges, look for healthier food options rather than high-calorie foods. Or cut down on proportions of food. For instance, have a mini chocolate/ice cream instead of a big block.
- Avoid raw, uncooked, unprocessed, and stale foods. Eat everything fresh and cooked. And cut down on the caffeine intake for a hassle-free pregnancy.
- If you feel exhausted and want to rest. It is always good to listen to your body. During this period, your body, the placenta, and the baby are working hard and may require rest. And resting is an ideal way to energise yourself.
- Do not skip meals is the mantra to avert morning sickness. Have a well-nourishing breakfast, the first meal of the day. It, in a way, works with the hormones to take care of nausea and vomiting.
- Pregnancy hormones can give you an uneasy tummy and keep your mouth watery with excess saliva secretions. Chewing, sugarless candies, gummies, and keep your mouth dry and soothe the uncomfortable stomach.
- Keep on the exercise routine, prenatal vitamin intake, healthy food substitutes, and incorporate a high-protein diet with foods like soya, paneer, pulses, quinoa, nuts, and seeds.
- Refrain from heavy exercises, bending, and lifting weights.
Conclusion/ Take-Away
Week 5 is when you can officially announce your pregnancy with higher ranges of hCG production, as your pregnancy tests are sure to give you a positive outcome. However, it is your call to keep this a little secret as long as you wish. The pregnancy hormones may keep you low, food aversions or cravings will keep you busy, and the morning sickness is more likely to kick off.
While the baby is concerned, the circulatory system is the first system developed in the child this week. A small tiny heart begins to pump the blood with two tube connections to help circulate the blood. The neural tube and the digestive tube also get into action, and the placenta is still under construction.
References:
Overview | Mayo Clinic
