Pregnancy Calendar at Week 5

What's Happening with the Baby

The little spot on the ultrasound, which not everyone can see, is the future baby. The 3.5 grams of weight isn't even noticeable to the pregnant woman yet. But it already has:

a head;
the beginnings of arms and legs;
mouth and nose openings;
ears;
a tail.

Granted, these body parts are still hard to recognize. Where the ears will eventually be, there's just a small pit right now. But underneath it, there's already an inner ear, which looks like a snail. The future arms and legs at this stage are called limb buds, which have a tendency to grow rapidly.

It looks like a tiny curved tube, measuring just about 5-7 mm in length. Inside this little organism, the spleen, liver, sex glands, and upper respiratory tract are starting to form. The neural tube is gradually closing, laying the foundation for a complete nervous system: the spinal cord, brain, and vertebral column.

The 5th week is the period when the baby's heart starts to beat for the first time, and the beginnings of blood vessels and the entire circulatory system appear.

The functioning of the endocrine organ, the thyroid gland, is in its early stages. It begins to synthesize red blood cells, and it is already possible to determine the blood type. As the fetus grows, there is a need for metabolic exchange with the mother's body. The baby starts to learn this process intensively. The placenta forms, through which the fetus receives nutrients and oxygen and eliminates waste products.

The outer tissue layer of the body is actively developing. The skin, hair, nails, tooth enamel, mammary and sweat glands, and eyes are forming.

Development of Twins

The development of twins at the fifth week of pregnancy progresses similarly to that of a single embryo. Each future baby weighs an average of 2 grams. Their length barely reaches one and a half to two millimeters. However, during an ultrasound, you can already distinguish the head, tiny buds of limbs: arms and legs. An experienced specialist can identify eye indentations. The fundamental processes are:

formation of blood vessels;
development of the digestive and urinary systems;
division of the neural tube into the spinal cord and spine.

The formation of the placenta can follow two paths: for fraternal twins, each embryo has its own isolated placenta, while for identical twins, there is a single placenta. The two placental sites are often located very close to each other, so they often appear as a single entity on an ultrasound.

What's Happening with Mom

The gradual growth of the uterus starts to put pressure on the bladder, leading to frequent urges to urinate. Along with the absence of periods, there are abdominal pains, breast tenderness, swelling, and darkening of the nipples. Nausea and vomiting are common, and there may be occasional fainting spells. Taste preferences change, and irritability and tearfulness often appear.

Abdominal pain. At the 5th week, this pain is not yet related to uterine contractions. It is more likely caused by changes in the gastrointestinal tract, especially bloating. This is particularly common in those who are sedentary, spending most of their day at a computer. It's concerning when the pain is pulling in nature. This is one of the symptoms of hypertonus. A doctor should determine the cause.

Nausea. Early toxicosis is a common occurrence. It usually manifests in the morning:

The woman has no appetite;
Nausea can lead to vomiting;
There is mild dizziness, and rarely, fainting.

The sensations vary from day to day. They can start suddenly and end just as quickly. Often, nausea is triggered by the smell of cooking food or specific dishes.

Breast pain. From the moment the egg is fertilized and attaches to the uterine wall, hormonal changes begin in a woman's body. Estrogen levels increase thirtyfold. This not only affects changes in appearance but also stimulates the processes of preparing for lactation. The breasts enlarge, and milk ducts develop.

Increased appetite. This sign is secondary because it is not diagnostic on its own. However, it often accompanies the early stages of pregnancy. Increased appetite can be for food in general or for specific products.

Fatigue. This is a symptom that can start at the beginning of pregnancy and last until the baby is born. The body undergoes changes, adjusting to its new missions. It is stressed not only physiologically but also mentally.

Heartburn. When the uterus increases in size, it mechanically contributes to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. In the early stages, the cause of heartburn is not yet related to the growth of the reproductive organ. Its appearance is due to hormonal changes.

Changes in the Uterus. The tiny size of the embryo doesn't yet trigger the growth of the uterus. The fertilized egg, having attached to its inner layer, doesn't change its shape. However, at the attachment site, the walls start to thicken, preparing for the formation of the placenta. Sometimes, a woman may experience light spotting. This might not be dangerous, but a consultation with a gynecologist is necessary. It's concerning when the discharge has an odor and a greenish color. This is a sign of an infectious pathology or an inflammatory process. Treatment is strictly a medical matter.

Changes in Sleep Patterns. Not every pregnant woman can boast of a good night's sleep. Some suffer from insomnia, while others notice an increased need for sleep. This can be due to physiological or psychological reasons. The first group includes:

difficulty finding a comfortable position;
heartburn;
abdominal pain;
hunger;
numbness in the lower back, and others.

Psychological factors:

nervous tension related to the fear of upcoming childbirth or miscarriages;
fatigue;
anxiety;
stress and heightened emotional state.

Increase in temperature. This is not observed in all pregnant women, but it is a common symptom. Body temperature can be within the range of 37-37.2°C (98.6-98.96°F). If there are no accompanying symptoms of viral infections, then a slight fever can be a sign of early pregnancy. This is a result of hormonal changes, indicating that the blood vessels are under stress.

Changes in figure. There shouldn't be any noticeable changes. However, the methods a woman used to maintain her figure may need to be reconsidered. Intense physical activity and strict diets can have a negative impact.

Exacerbation of chronic diseases. Women often try to address existing health issues before a planned pregnancy. When pregnancy occurs unexpectedly, there may be a flare-up of chronic conditions. For example, hypertension may worsen, ulcerative processes may become more active, and digestive organs may cause more frequent discomfort. The reason for this is the changing function of the endocrine glands and increased stress on the entire body.

Medical Examination

When a woman first suspects she might be pregnant, she visits a doctor who prescribes a necessary list of tests. These include:

general clinical blood and urine tests;
determination of blood type and Rh factor;
tests for infectious diseases (HIV, urogenital infections, hepatitis);
urine test for gonadotropin (if indicated);
hormonal profile analysis, including HCG and progesterone levels;
ultrasound (if indicated);
electrocardiogram (if indicated).

During this visit, the woman should inform the doctor about any health issues she has. The gynecologist will then prescribe additional laboratory and instrumental examination methods as needed.

Challenges of Pregnancy

According to experts, early pregnancy often faces a number of factors that can provoke a miscarriage. Among the real threats to its continuation are hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, physical exertion, chemical poisoning, and infectious diseases.

Hormonal disruptions that can lead to a miscarriage include:

lack of progesterone – the pregnancy hormone;
overabundance of male sex hormones – androgens;
imbalance of hormones produced by the adrenal glands and thyroid.

Only a doctor can correct these conditions.

Genetic abnormalities in the fetus can result from mutations in the chromosomes of the reproductive cells of both future parents. Causes include smoking, exposure to toxic factors, radiation, stress, alcohol, drugs, and certain medications. It’s important to distinguish between single genetic mutations and hereditary predisposition to early miscarriages. The latter can be explained by the pathological structure of the reproductive organs and a number of other reasons.

Rh incompatibility is an immunological risk factor. If the fetus inherits a positive Rh factor from the father while the mother has a negative Rh factor, it can trigger the rejection of the baby's foreign tissues. Early pregnancy is the most likely period for such a miscarriage to occur.

Infections that provoke early miscarriages can be transmitted in various ways. Sexually transmitted diseases play a huge negative role: chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, herpes, cytomegalovirus. Through placental exchange, they infect the baby's body and cause its death. A similar effect is seen with a number of viruses that a woman can contract through inhalation or parenterally. This group includes rubella, viral hepatitis, flu, tonsillitis, and some exotic viral infections.

Chemical poisoning includes the uncontrolled intake of medications. These are narcotic analgesics, hormonal drugs, and certain herbs like cornflower, tansy, parsley, and St. John's wort. When they enter a woman's body, they can cause intense uterine contractions, leading to a miscarriage. Toxic substances can also enter a woman's body through working in hazardous conditions, environmental issues in the area, or inhaling household chemical fumes.

Lifting heavy objects, engaging in strenuous physical exercises, sudden movements, and falls can cause a woman to inadvertently trigger an early miscarriage. This can be due to mechanical damage to the female reproductive system or a hormonal factor—an uncontrolled release of "fear" hormones. Mechanical causes of miscarriage also include rough sexual activity, an intense lifestyle, and demanding work schedules.

Obstetricians and gynecologists rank an unhealthy lifestyle as one of the leading causes of early miscarriages. Smoking, alcohol, drug use, along with not following a proper rest schedule, lack of fresh air, and a sedentary lifestyle, do not contribute to a healthy pregnancy. By underestimating their impact on her condition, a future mother herself creates a risk of miscarriage.

Stress is a factor that is hard to predict. Unexpected intense grief, worry for loved ones, mental strain, and emotional outbursts can make a woman vulnerable and predisposed to miscarriage. The baby in the womb also suffers due to the increased levels of hormones entering its bloodstream. This creates a risk of rejection in the uterus.

What You Can and Can't Do

With the onset of pregnancy, a woman's usual lifestyle may need some adjustments. Sometimes, it's necessary to give up certain favorite habits.

What an Expecting Mom CAN Do:

Lead an active lifestyle: take walks in the fresh air, engage in appropriate sports, attend safe classes and hobby groups;
Take vitamins and supplements – with a doctor's approval;
Take warm (not hot) baths, swim in artificial and natural water bodies;
Get gentle massages, except in the abdominal area;
Take care of herself: maintain her skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Limit heat treatments. Choose care products that are as natural as possible;
Wear regular clothes and shoes, avoiding styles that compress the chest and waist area;
Gentle sex;
Lift bags weighing up to 6.6 lbs (3 kg), distributing the weight evenly between both hands.

What an Expecting Mom CAN'T Do:

consuming alcoholic beverages, smoking, using drugs;
engaging in heavy physical activities;
lifting weights over 6.6 lbs (3 kg);
coming into contact with infectious patients;
being in crowded places;
eating synthetic foods, including canned goods, fast food, artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and carbonated drinks;
consuming smoked, salted foods, dishes prepared with spices and artificial colorings;
allergen-containing foods (chocolate, citrus fruits, caviar, certain types of fish) – depending on individual sensitivities;
self-prescribing and taking medications;
working in jobs with harmful conditions;
not adhering to work and rest schedules;
using household chemicals with artificial bases;
being in areas with electromagnetic and radiation pollution.

Proper Nutrition

Proper nutrition during pregnancy is key to its successful completion and the birth of a healthy baby. Sharing a blood supply with the mother, the fetus receives all the food she eats through the placenta. Therefore, to avoid causing any problems, it is necessary to:

Establish a clear eating schedule: eat in moderation, in small portions, without overeating or hindering weight gain.
Exclude foods that cause fermentation in the intestines and excessive gas formation from the diet.
Avoid consuming foods that contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, artificial taste improvers, energy drinks, and essences.
Cut out fast food, coffee, and strong tea from the diet.
Prepare meals primarily by steaming, boiling, stewing, or baking. Fried and smoked foods are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Enrich the diet with raw fruits, vegetables, and greens. However, include them in the diet considering the health of your body. For instance, fruits with high acid content can cause heartburn or, in cases of high stomach acidity, trigger gastritis flare-ups.

To normalize bowel movements, include fiber-rich foods in your diet.
Keep an eye on the health of your gut microbiome. If there are any issues, add yogurt and other foods containing bifidobacteria to your diet.
Plan your menu to include "protein suppliers" like dairy and meat products, grains, vitamins and minerals, and energy sources.
Avoid overindulging in sweets, fatty, acidic, and salty foods, as well as dishes prepared with a lot of spices.
Minimize the consumption of allergenic foods.
Drink only high-quality water.

A pregnant woman's body can positively respond to the quality and taste of the food she eats. Additionally, the food should be nutritious and healthy. Therefore, it's better if the necessary protein, which serves as a building block, comes in the form of cottage cheese casseroles, baked fish, and steamed beef patties. Essential folic acid is found in fresh greens, which can be generously added to meat and vegetable dishes. Vegetable stews made from seasonal produce, freshly cooked grains like buckwheat, oatmeal, millet, and wheat are suitable options in terms of nutritional value and structure.

Beneficial foods include kissel, dried fruit compotes, vitamin-rich fruit drinks, nuts, and seafood. Your diet shouldn't contain a lot of salt, as it attracts water into the body. Instead of sugar, it's preferable to use natural sweeteners.

It's better to cook at home, using only fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Need for Vitamins and Minerals

The development of a baby's organs and systems requires the essential presence of vitamins and minerals in the diet. Since the 5th week of pregnancy is a period when the embryo is just forming, a deficiency can lead to functional problems.

Folic Acid

An active participant in the formation of the placenta and nervous tissue. A deficiency can trigger a miscarriage. It is found in poultry meat, as well as veal liver. Spinach, asparagus, and flaxseed oil are also rich in it.

Vitamin A – Retinol

Necessary for the proper functioning of the heart muscle and influences the formation of visual organs. It is found in carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, cod liver, and dried apricots.

Vitamin B Group

Ensures the health of the nervous system and participates in the synthesis of muscle fibers. Pyridoxine – Vitamin B6 – positively affects the development of the thymus gland and helps in protein synthesis. B12 helps in the absorption of folic acid. It is found in poultry meat, liver, fish, milk, cheese, and grains.

Vitamin E

Strengthens the walls of capillaries. It is especially important in the 5th week as the circulatory system is forming. An antioxidant that improves tissue respiration. Spinach, vegetable oils, and nuts are rich in it. Fish oil, raw pumpkin seeds, and almonds are also beneficial.

Vitamin F

Supplier of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Essential for the physiological course of substance metabolism. Found in sunflower seeds, fish, cocoa, and nuts.

Vitamin K

Important for blood formation processes as a factor influencing its clotting. Regularly consume figs, blackberries, and strawberries to prevent a deficiency of this vitamin.

Vitamin D3

Enhances the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Can be sourced from fatty sea fish: chum salmon, mackerel, herring.

Calcium

Necessary for the development of the musculoskeletal system, healthy kidney structure, and endocrine organs. Calcium orthophosphate is particularly important. The highest calcium content is found in dairy products, hard cheeses, especially Parmesan.

Iodine

Important for endocrine health and the metabolism of the future baby. To maintain adequate iodine levels in the body, include greens, sea fish, and fruits in your diet.

Iron

Essential for blood formation processes, protein synthesis, and anemia prevention. It enters the body when consuming nuts, dark chocolate, and white beans.

Ascorbic Acid – Vitamin C

Responsible for developing the fetus's immune system. Protects against various types of infections. To boost your vitamin C levels, you should consume more rose hips and their decoctions, sweet peppers, and black currants.

Sodium and Potassium

Help regulate the fetus's acid-base balance. You can get potassium by eating peas, soybeans, lentils, and walnuts. Sodium should not be consumed intentionally, only as directed by a doctor.

Phosphorus

Is part of many enzymes that start synthesizing in the fetus. It's important for the development of the nervous system and bones. The highest amount of phosphorus is found in wheat bran.

Zinc

A deficiency in this trace element can cause fetal immaturity and contribute to developmental defects. Zinc is abundant in beef liver, nuts and seeds, hard cheese, cottage cheese, and milk.

Lutein

Supports the full development of the visual organ and participates in brain synthesis. It's especially important if the pregnant woman is over 30. Foods rich in lutein include spinach, kale, parsley, and green peas.

Rutoside – Vitamin P

Provides a powerful antioxidant effect. It helps form anti-inflammatory responses in the body when viruses enter tissues. It also influences the formation of the cerebral cortex. Rutoside is found in buckwheat, citrus fruits, and black currants.

Important! A multivitamin complex should only be chosen based on a doctor's recommendation.

Helpful Tips

The 5th week of pregnancy is a time when a woman is just getting acquainted with her new condition. It's important to pay close attention to yourself and not overlook any new signs. If something causes concern, it's better to consult a doctor. Don't neglect frequent tests and taking all prescribed medications. This can play a crucial role for the developing baby.

It's important to pay attention to your appearance. For a healthy look, proper nutrition and good sleep are essential. Special products designed for pregnant women can help with appearance issues like stretch marks and pigmentation spots.

A pregnant woman's body is extremely sensitive and unpredictable. It's important not to ignore her requests and desires. Positive emotions are the best gift a future dad can give the mother of his child. However, it's necessary to find a balance between what the woman wants and what's good for her. It's great when a man supports a healthy lifestyle, helps regulate the pregnant woman's work and rest periods, and assists in maintaining a healthy diet and combating bad habits.

Exercises for Expecting Moms

Moderate physical activity, in the absence of specific contraindications, is beneficial for pregnant women. There are special fitness programs designed to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and provide emotional relaxation. These programs are characterized by:

a measured and calm pace,
no jumping, deep squats, or fast running,
mandatory warm-up and a calm cool-down to restore breathing;
no tension in the pelvic floor muscles.

The routine should be performed under the supervision of blood pressure and heart rate levels.

Discomforts During Pregnancy

Increased fatigue. This is explained by the metabolic processes occurring in the uterus. A woman's body is still adjusting to its new state, so it gets tired quickly and requires more rest.

Nausea. It is more common in the mornings. For some, it can be triggered by certain foods or their smells. It can develop suddenly and pass quickly.

Insomnia. It can be due to two reasons: difficulty finding a comfortable position and anxiety. If the cause is pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Heartburn. It occurs when stomach acid is refluxed into the esophagus. It can be managed by eating small, frequent meals.

Constipation. It develops as a result of an improperly organized diet and the restructuring of the endocrine glands. The opposite condition is diarrhea. Frequent loose stools, if not of infectious origin, can also be managed through diet.

Breast pain and swelling. The breast tissue is preparing for lactation. The pain is not dangerous unless accompanied by discharge from the milk ducts.

Hemorrhoids. These are a consequence of constipation, which can be managed by adjusting the diet.

Tearfulness. Hormonal surges have a direct impact on the brain centers. This leads to increased excitability and activation of neuro-humoral functions.

Lower back and lumbar pain. This is rare in the early stages, but it can happen. It develops due to the gradual shift of the normal center of gravity and the body's search for a new comfortable position. It often occurs with jobs that require standing for long periods.

Swelling of the extremities. This develops due to imbalances in water and salt levels and requires dietary adjustments. A doctor should check the efficiency of the excretory system.

Bleeding gums and hair loss. These are explained by the increased consumption of vitamins and trace elements in the female body. The condition stabilizes after taking special supplements.

Cystitis. Inflammatory diseases of the bladder that develop due to the increased susceptibility of a pregnant woman's body to colds and infections. This is exacerbated by changes in the positioning of the pelvic organs. Treatment involves doctor's prescriptions.

Heaviness and pulling pains in the lower abdomen. This is an unfavorable sign during pregnancy. Immediate consultation with a gynecologist is required.

Checklist

Visit an OB-GYN and register for prenatal care;
Get the necessary tests done;

Remove clothing made of artificial and synthetic fabrics from your wardrobe;
Purchase shoes with a reliable and comfortable sole;

Plan your diet;
Inform your employer about the need for lighter duties – for those who are working;

Avoid exposure to harmful environmental factors. If necessary, even consider moving;
Buy skincare products for pregnant women;

Start taking vitamin and mineral supplements;
Get dental work done;

Undergo examinations of all organs and systems to fully identify any possible diseases;
Quit smoking and drinking alcohol;

Carefully plan your daily routine and stick to it;
Limit time spent on the computer and watching TV;

Do not take any medications without consulting a doctor;
Make a healthy lifestyle mandatory, including prenatal fitness and swimming;

Sign up for prenatal classes;
Organize wellness activities like gentle soothing baths and prenatal massages;

Plan visits to cultural events to gain positive emotions.

1. What should I avoid at five weeks pregnant?

2. How will my stomach feel at five weeks pregnant?

3. What is the shape of my baby at five weeks pregnant?

4. How many months is five weeks pregnant?

5. Can the fetal heartbeat be identified at five weeks pregnant?

4 weeks 6 weeks