In your fifth week, you should have a positive pregnancy test, and hopefully, you’ve at least started contacting potential medical providers. You’re likely beginning to see — or rather, feel — the signs that you’re pregnant (though not all women are aware yet), and your baby is growing rapidly (though he’s still not even a quarter of a centimeter!)
If your pregnancy doesn’t feel ‘real’ yet, you’re not alone. Many women won’t feel like they’re pregnant until they have more concrete confirmation of their baby’s presence, such as an ultrasound image or feeling movement.
Your Baby’s Development At 5 Weeks Pregnant
Your baby is about the size of a sesame seed and looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human baby, but that will change soon!
Despite the appearance, important organs and structures are beginning to develop in this tiny being. Your baby now has the beginnings of a spine, brain, and heart.
That tiny structure that will become your baby’s heart will soon begin to take on the function of pumping blood. By the time you have your first ultrasound, there should be a detectable heartbeat.
Mother’s Symptoms At 5 Weeks
The first trimester can be the hardest for many moms.
Though you’re not ‘showing’ yet, you may feel swollen and bloaty and may have already had to size up your bras and pants. (If not, you may expect these changes soon.)
You’re likely suffering morning sickness by now, as researchers estimate that 70-80% of women do during pregnancy. You may mitigate this by avoiding triggers (certain smells, foods, or even sounds or bright lights). Some women find that eating smaller, more frequent meals helps, as can choosing blander foods (like crackers or rice) and staying hydrated.
A small percentage of women will be diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), in which nausea and vomiting are severe and require medical treatment. Even short of HG, some women may need anti-nausea meds to get through pregnancy safely. If you cannot keep food and liquids down, call your doctor.
You may also develop new food aversions and new cravings. Remember that you should speak to your doctor if you’re craving non-food items like dirt, clay, or paper.
You’re likely rushing to the bathroom more frequently than usual, but even though your bladder seems hyperactive, you may also experience constipation. You can fight this by increasing your fiber intake and staying hydrated. If that’s not enough, check with your doctor to see whether they recommend a stool softener or laxative.
In this stage of pregnancy, breasts are often swollen and tender. Choose a comfortable, supportive bra that fits well. You may even choose to sleep in it for added nighttime support. Some women also find that warm showers and/or cool compresses give some comfort.
Fluctuating hormones may cause extreme emotions and mood swings. Give yourself some grace and plenty of rest and self-care. Now is also a great time to seek out a support group of other moms in the same stage of pregnancy with whom to share these woes.
If you find that emotional regulation is a struggle, seek mental health support. Your obstetrician’s office likely has a social worker who can help connect you with resources — in some cases, even helping you skip the long wait times or find a provider available sooner.
Fatigue is a pregnancy symptom that cannot be emphasized enough. Your body is working hard to grow a new human, and hormonal changes may wreak havoc on its regular cycles and functions. Getting enough rest is vital, even if you’re prone to guilt-tripping yourself about it. Remind yourself that your body is carrying out important tasks, even if you’re sleeping or relaxing with your feet up.
When To Contact Your Doctor
Many women will experience implantation bleeding early in pregnancy. Still, if bleeding goes on for more than a few days or is heavy, you should contact your doctor or emergency services right away in case of an ectopic pregnancy.
You’ll also want to contact a doctor if you have persistent cramping that doesn’t alleviate with pain meds or changes in position, or sudden severe pain. These can also be signs of an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening.
Severe nausea and vomiting that make you unable to keep liquids down should prompt a call to your doctor. (Be prepared to state how long it has been since you’ve been able to hydrate.) These symptoms can lead to dehydration that lands you in a hospital for IV fluids, so don’t ignore them.
You should also speak to your doctor or seek emergency services if mood swings become severe enough to place you in danger of self-harm.
What Should Mom Be Doing At 5 Weeks?
If you haven’t yet engaged the services of an obstetrician, it’s time. Depending on availability, You may not have your first appointment for a few weeks, or even a month or more, but it’s better to call earlier than later.
Get plenty of rest, choose nutritious foods, and stay hydrated. Consider adding a multivitamin to your routine if you haven’t already.
Stay active, but do not add new exercises to your routine without speaking to your doctor. Avoid excessively strenuous activity, and choose activities that don’t put too much stress on your body. Always check with your doctor if you’re unsure how much or what types of activity are safe.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and illicit substances, and if you haven’t already, check with your doctor about the prescription and OTC meds you are currently taking. Consider reducing your caffeine intake.
Monitor symptoms (you may even want to write them down or use a pregnancy tracking app) so that you can report any concerns to your obstetrician.
What To Look Forward To
It’s probably not time for cute maternity tops to be necessary, but it’s not too soon to shop for them. Choosing loose and flowy clothing may even help ease nausea and other physical discomforts.
You’ll soon have your first prenatal appointment and be scheduled for that first ultrasound and your first peek at your baby. In the meantime, the baby will begin to develop more vital organs, grow limbs, and look more like a tiny person.
If you plan to join prenatal classes, now is the time to start seeking them out, although you will probably schedule your attendance for some time in your second trimester.
If you haven’t made your announcement yet, the time will come soon!