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
Anna Bailey has been the editor of GoodtoKnow since 2018. Before joining the team she was Features Editor at MSN UK, where she oversaw Family Health and Days Out. Previously, she was Digital Lifestyle Editor for the broadcaster UKTV, and Lifestyle Editor for ITV.com. Anna studied Multi-Media Journalism at Bournemouth University and went on to gain her NCTJ and NCE journalism qualifications. Anna is responsible for driving the direction and editorial strategy of Goodto. A mum and experienced baby product tester, she is passionate about providing safe, trustworthy, and relatable advice for families of all kinds.
-
Evolution of Barbie explained: 6 ways the iconic doll has adapted over the years
We look at how Barbie has changed over the years, as the iconic doll celebrates its 65th birthday
By Sarah Handley Published
-
How do air traffic controllers make sure flights stay safe? An explainer for kids by The Week Junior
Air traffic controllers make sure thousands of planes stay safe
By The Week Junior 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