5 weeks pregnant - signs, symptoms and fetal development
At 5 weeks pregnant, you may feel like you're experiencing symptoms similar to PMS
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
Common pregnancy queries
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.
Changes to 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.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Pregnancy milestones in each trimester
We've put together this handy pregnancy milestones one-pager, so you can download it and take a screen-shot on your phone.
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
Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodToKnow is the ultimate online destination for parents. At GoodtoKnow, our mission is 'simple': we're trying to make sense of parenthood. On the site, you'll find everything you need for a happy, healthy family life. Our huge archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles and 1,500 how-to videos. These include expert-backed advice features on parenting, dealing with relationship changes after having a baby, self-care for mums and managing your family finances. We also feature tried-and-tested product reviews and buying recommendations for every stage of family life - from prams and Moses baskets to birthday gifts and top toys.
-
Foods high in iron: How much iron is there in these common foods?
Getting enough iron in foods is crucial, but how do you figure out how much is on your plate?
By Jessica Dady Published
-
How to improve gut health: 7 tips from the experts
Our experts reveal how to improve gut health – from eating fermented foods to reducing your alcohol intake
By Rose Goodman Published
-
Pregnancy week by week guide
Everything you need to know when you're expecting
By Stephanie Lowe Published
-
Week by week pregnancy guide: 32 weeks pregnant
Your baby is starting to grow very fast...
By Stephanie Lowe Published
-
Week by week pregnancy guide: 33 weeks pregnant
Everything you need to know about being 33 weeks pregnant
By Stephanie Lowe Published
-
Week by week pregnancy guide: 30 weeks pregnant
Here's everything you need to know...
By Rosie Conroy Published
-
11 weeks pregnant - symptoms, fetal development and what to consider
Welcome to your second trimester...
By Anna Bailey Published
-
9 weeks pregnant - symptoms, fetal development and what to consider
Greasy hair? Acne? Sickness? Sore boobs? Fatigue? Welcome to 9 weeks of pregnancy
By Anna Bailey Published
-
Pregnancy calendar: Your pregnancy timeline
Just found out you're pregnant? Don't miss out on any important milestones with our guide...
By GoodtoKnow Published
-
16 weeks pregnant - symptoms, fetal development and what to consider
Including your baby's development...
By Anna Bailey Published