5 weeks pregnant - signs, symptoms and fetal development

Think you're five weeks pregnant? This guide outlines the most common symptoms while detailing how your baby is developing.

Being 5 weeks pregnant can be a confusing time, as you may start to experience symptoms that are similar to PMS. If you haven't already taken a test, now is a good time to get the confirmation you need - as you'll need to start paying particular attention to the foods you eat (and avoid). This advice is shared as part of our pregnancy, week by week guides.

Symptoms at 5 weeks pregnant

During your fifth week of pregnancy your breasts are likely to feel tender and you might also get PMT-like symptoms, but without any signs of your period. Chances are you'll also begin to feel queasy. Stock up on crystallised ginger. Ginger has excellent anti-emetic or anti-sickness properties. While it's not guaranteed to stop the symptoms of morning sickness, many pregnant women find it really helps. Keep a supply next to your bed and chomp a few chunks before you get up.

If you can't stand to wait any longer to get clarification as to whether or not you're pregnant then the good news is that most home pregnancy test kits claim 99% accuracy when used one day after a late period.

Fetal development at 5 weeks pregnant

The fifth week of pregnancy is the start of the embryonic period. By the end of this week your baby's only the size of the point of a peppercorn and yet their tiny heart has started to beat. Major organs, including the kidneys and liver, begin to grow and limb buds begin to sprout - these will develop into arms and legs. Facial features are also beginning to form.Your baby's digestive tract and nervous system is also starting to form.

The changes you should consider at 5 weeks pregnant

There are a few foods you need to avoid during pregnancy in order to safeguard your growing baby. Steer clear of liver products, such as paté, as it contains a lot of vitamin A, which may cause problems for the development of your baby. You are also advised to stop eating shellfish and soft cheeses.

You should be especially careful about avoiding any foods that might be off, of handled carelessey. This is because some bacterial infections that can be caught from food such as listeriosis and salmonella can harm your unborn baby.

Further advice and information:

• Visit the NHS for more pregnancy week by week advice 
• Download a pregnancy tracker app
• View all our pregnancy week by week guides