Your baby at week five of pregnancy
At week five of pregnancy, your baby is around 5 mm long, approximately the size of an apple-pip! From here on in your baby is going to start developing at increasingly rapid rates. Right now your baby appears as a simple head and tail shape with no limbs yet, however a lot is developing inside this little miracle!
Your baby’s circulatory system is so advanced by now that the heart is ready to start beating, which you will be able to see and hear in early scans, a truly magical experience. The baby’s head will also process change this week, with an advancing neural tube which connects the brain and spine to the neural system, which is critical so the baby can regulate his or her vital functions such as heart and blood supply.
In addition to maturation of the internal features, your baby, has also begun to grow stubs which will soon become limbs that will be recognizable in ultrasounds. The baby’s skeleton will also begin to form as well as the further development of the umbilical cord due to enlargement of the placenta.
Your body at week five of pregnancy
By now you have enough levels of HCG (the pregnancy-announcer hormone) in your urine, to confirm your suspicions that you actually are expecting! You will probably still be feeling the same symptoms you have been experiencing for the last couple of weeks similar to pre-menstrual symptoms, in addition to your heightened sense of smell and nausea.
What you may be feeling at week five of pregnancy
You can expect to experience extreme mood swings from elatedness to absolute panic on the confirmation that you pregnant, which is predictable behavior due to the hormones now rampaging around your body, emulating your pre-menstrual stress emotions, as the reality of parenthood sinks in. Don’t worry! It’s normal to have anxiety, fears and doubts in your ability to care for a new-born, but you have eight months to learn and prepare for your little boy or girl, and once you have your little bundle of joy in your embrace, any doubts will disappear!
Common symptoms at week five of pregnancy
Expect to feel any or all of these symptoms at varying times; some women experience more symptoms than others, but all combinations are normal:
- By now you will have missed a period
- Tender heavy breasts
- Prickling sensation in breasts
- Fatigue
- Moodiness
- Lightheadedness
- Sensitivity to taste and smell
- Food aversions
- Nausea
- Frequent urination
Tips for week five of pregnancy
- If you haven’t already done so book your first antenatal appointment.
- If you are feeling nauseous try eating small meals interspersed with snacks rather than larger meals to keep your energy levels up.
- Make sure your meats are fully cooked and avoid high mercury seafood and unpasteurized dairy to prevent potential illness and complications.
If you have any symptoms that concern you it is important to consult your doctor as soon as you can.