5 Weeks Pregnant: Your Pregnancy Week by Week

woman at 5 weeks pregnant

Welcome to the fifth week of your pregnancy. It is still early in your pregnancy, and you may have only recently tested positive. If you haven’t started having any pregnancy symptoms, you might be getting a little worried. But this is just a common fear about early pregnancy. Is cramping during pregnancy normal? What if you don’t have morning sickness? Does that mean something is wrong? We are going to help answer your questions about the most common things moms worry about in the first few weeks of their pregnancies.


What Is Going on With Mom and Baby?


mustard seed


Baby is the size of a mustard seed!


Baby is approximately 2 millimeters long. Your baby’s neural tube has formed. You can see little buds forming that will become the arms and legs of your baby. Your baby’s brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system are forming.


You may be feeling fatigued. Morning sickness is very common during the first few weeks of pregnancy. If you are feeling sick, you may want to try eating small frequent meals. Some women have problems with headaches in early pregnancy because of the rise in progesterone and other hormones.


This Week’s Pregnancy Checklist



  • If you have not scheduled your first prenatal appointment, schedule your appointment this week.

  • Write a list of questions to ask your doctor during your first prenatal appointment.

  • Stock up on healthy foods and purchase snacks that are easy on the stomach.

  • Create a routine for taking prenatal vitamins and drinking adequate water.

  • Schedule a dental appointment. Be sure to tell them you are pregnant.

  • Talk to your partner about how and when to share your pregnancy with friends, family or coworkers.


Common Fears and Concerns in Early Pregnancy


Cramping


You may notice mild cramping as your uterus stretches and grows. If you have severe cramping or are bleeding, you should call your doctor.


Spotting or bleeding


Between 20-25 percent of women experience spotting during pregnancy. Spotting after sex or around the time your period would have been due is not uncommon. If you have spotting during your pregnancy, give your doctor a call. More than likely, a phone call to your doctor will ease your mind.


No morning sickness


Some women experience nausea or vomiting during early pregnancy and other women only notice a slight queasy feeling occasionally. Then there are some women who just don’t have problems with morning sickness at all. If you are one of the moms that don't have morning sickness, don’t worry. It is nothing to be alarmed about.


Having sex


Many moms (and dads) worry about sex during early pregnancy. Your baby is surrounded by a sac of amniotic fluid, which protects her and keeps her safe. Sex is not a cause of miscarriage. Unless you have experienced bleeding or your doctor advises you not to have sex, you can continue having sex as much as you want to.


Not feeling pregnant


A lot of women just don’t “feel” pregnant right away. This is nothing to worry about. You may not notice symptoms this early, or you just may not “feel” pregnant until later in your pregnancy.


headache


Headaches During Pregnancy


Headaches are a common complaint during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Your blood volume increases during your pregnancy. This, along with shifting hormone levels, may be one of the reasons why you may have more frequent headaches.


Here are some tips for dealing with headaches during pregnancy:



  • Make sure that you are getting enough sleep and eating well. Lack of sleep or skipping meals can cause headaches.

  • Place a cold compress on the back of your neck

  • Rest in a dark room if you are having light sensitivity.

  • Have your partner give you a neck massage

  • Take a warm bath.

  • Call your doctor if your headaches are severe or if your headaches are accompanied by blurred vision or vision disturbances, swelling of your hands or face, numbness or changes in sensation, sudden weight gain, or pain in the upper right abdomen.


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