In most cases, 5 week pregnancy is the period when the expectant mother has no doubts about the imminent addition to the family. Menstruation does not occur, and the test shows two strips.
What happens to baby at 5 week pregnancy
At the 5 week pregnancy, an ultrasound examination of the uterus can confirm the existence of an embryo, including its position, size, and heartbeat. This is an important milestone in the development of the fetus, as it is the point at which it is officially recognized as such.
Only a small dot can be seen in the ultrasound photo of the fetus. It is believed that the baby at this point is comparable to a grain of rice. Presently, the fetus is 1.5–2.5 mm long and weighs around 1 gram. Nonetheless, complex processes occur in the miniature organism, and the embryo progresses rapidly.
Good to know: According to the obstetric method of calculation, the period of 5 week pregnancy corresponds to the period of 3 embryonic weeks (the period from when the baby was conceived). That is, the true age of the fetus is 2 weeks less.
At five weeks of gestation, the embryo begins forming the main systems (respiratory, digestive, urinary) and has the basic structures of certain internal organs and limbs. Additionally, its heart begins to beat and its nervous and cardiovascular systems are actively developing. Furthermore, eyes, ears, and mouth opening are beginning to appear on the head.
The thyroid gland is formed. At 5 week pregnancy, the neural tube differentiates. The tissues of the spine and spinal cord are gradually separated.
During the period of 5–6 weeks of pregnancy, embryonic tissues are actively developing and the placenta is forming. The future baby is completely dependent on this maternal organ. Through the placenta, the necessary nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the baby, and decay products are removed. It also protects the fetus from infections.
Important!
The umbilical cord between the mother and her unborn baby is never severed. Whatever the mother ingests will affect the baby’s growth, so the mother should take care to ensure her diet is healthy and she should stop smoking or drinking if she hasn’t already.
What happens to mom at 5 week pregnancy
The uterus gradually increasing in size puts pressure on the bladder, causing an urge to urinate frequently. The absence of menstruation is accompanied by abdominal pain, pain in the breasts, swelling and darkening of the nipples. Nausea, vomiting, and occasional fainting can occur. Taste can become distorted and irritability and weepiness may be experienced.
Pain in the abdomen: At the 5 week pregnancy, they are not yet associated with uterine contraction. Rather, they are caused by changes in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, especially bloating. Especially often present in those who move little, spending most of the day at the computer. It is alarming when the pains are pulling. This is one of the symptoms of hypertension. The doctor must understand the reason.
Nausea. Early toxicosis is not uncommon. They usually appear in the morning:
- Has no appetite.
- nausea can turn into vomiting.
- There is a slight dizziness, rarely – loss of consciousness.
Mood swings every day: They can start abruptly and end after a short time. Often nausea is caused by the smell of cooking food or its dishes.
Pain in the breasts: From fertilization of the egg and its attachment to the uterus wall, hormonal changes begin in the female body. The level of estrogen increases thirty times. This not only affects the change in appearance but stimulates the processes of preparation for lactation. The mammary glands enlarge, and milky streams develop in them.
Increase in appetite: The sign is secondary because it is not diagnostic. However, it often accompanies the initial periods of pregnancy. Increased appetite can be for food in general or specific foods.
Fast fatiguability. It is a symptom that can, starting at the beginning of bearing a child, last until his birth. The body undergoes restructuring, tuning in to new missions for itself. Loaded not only physiologically but also morally.
Heartburn: When the uterus increases in size, it will mechanically contribute to the reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus and a burning sensation. In the early stages, the cause of heartburn is not yet associated with the growth of the reproductive organ. Its appearance is due to hormonal changes in the body.
Changes in the uterus: The miniature size of the fetus does not yet initiate the growth of the uterus. The fetal egg, attached to its inner layer, does not change its shape. However, at the site of attachment of the fetus the walls begin to thicken, preparing for the formation of the placenta. Sometimes a woman may experience scant spotting. This may not be dangerous, but a consultation with a gynecologist is necessary. It is alarming when the discharge has a smell and a greenish color. This is a sign of an infectious pathology or inflammatory process. Treatment is purely medical.
Changes in the nature of sleep: Not every pregnant woman can boast of a good sleep. Some have insomnia, others note an increase in the period needed for sleep. This is due to physiological or psychological reasons. The first group includes:
- Problems finding a comfortable position.
- Heartburn.
- stomach ache;
- hunger.
- Numbness in the lower back and others.
Psychological factors:
- Nervous tension due to fear of upcoming births or miscarriages.
- Fatigue.
- Anxiety.
- Stress and increased emotional background.
Temperature rise is not observed in all pregnant women but is a common symptom. Body temperature can be in the range of 37-37.2 ° C. If there are no parallel symptoms of viral infections, then a slight hyperthermia is a sign of early pregnancy. This results from hormonal changes, confirming that the vessels are under stress.
Shape changes: There should be no noticeable changes. However, the ways in which a woman resorted to save her need to be reconsidered. Increased physical activity, as well as serious diets, can play a negative role.
Worsenings of chronic diseases: By the time of the planned pregnancy, women try to sanitize existing diseases as much as possible. When pregnancy came suddenly, she may experience an exacerbation of chronic pathologies. For example, hypertension is exacerbated, ulcerative processes are activated, and unhealthy digestive organs often make themselves felt. The reason for this is the changing work of the endocrine glands and the increased load on the entire body.
Symptoms of 5 week pregnancy
During this period, many sensations are subjective and are associated with rapid changes in the hormonal background of the expectant mother. Among them: a sharp change in mood, accompanied by nervousness and tearfulness; drowsiness or, conversely, insomnia; increase or decrease in appetite, changes in taste preferences; sharpening of the sense of smell. Often women complain of weakness and severe fatigue.
Hormones actively contribute to the enlargement of the mammary glands and an increase in their sensitivity. Over time, the nipples darken, and a line running vertically down from the navel appears on the abdomen.
Sometimes there is nasal congestion, but as a rule, the cause is not cold. If there are no other signs of a viral infection, then this is most likely a consequence of swelling of the mucous membranes due to hormonal changes in the body. You should not try to treat this condition, you need to be patient a little, and such symptoms will disappear.
Important!
At the 5 week pregnancy, a woman’s immune system is more prone to viruses, so catching a cold is undesirable. Since most drugs cannot be taken during this period, the best option is to focus on prevention. Avoid stress, spend time outdoors, sleep sufficiently and eat a balanced diet. If a cold has already set in, drink a lot of fluids and rest as much as possible. It is important to note that not all home remedies for colds are safe. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice.
Sometimes the expectant mother at an early date has aches or cramps the lower abdomen. As a rule, this is because the woman usually begins her period these days, and these painful sensations in the abdomen resemble ordinary premenstrual pains. Or such discomfort is because the stomach is swollen or other digestive problems. Panic in such situations is not worth it. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor. He will find out the cause of the pain and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.
Good to know
If the lower abdomen cramps strongly, the pain increases and does not go away. If bloody discharge from the genital tract appears, you should contact a specialist with these symptoms as soon as possible.
Some women at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy report tingling sensations in the uterus. But at this time, the uterus could not yet increase in size enough to cause noticeable discomfort to the expectant mother. So those sensations in the abdomen, which can be mistaken for tingling in the uterus, are quite possibly due to contractions of the intestines.
Often in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman is worried about loose stools. Changing the expectant mother’s diet and strong excitement due to the onset of pregnancy can also cause diarrhea. Frequent loose stools with abdominal pain and fever can signal food poisoning and intestinal infections. Diarrhea itself and some of the causes of its occurrence can adversely affect the development of the fetus in the early stages. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
In general, for a period of 5 week pregnancy, the signs and symptoms of pregnancy can appear very individually, or they may not appear at all, which is also considered the norm.
The main task of the expectant mother is to remain calm and conserve strength, enjoy the expectation of the baby’s birth and be vigilant and attentive to her body.
At the 5 week pregnancy, a woman’s body is completely transformed. The uterus gradually grows, hormones are mischievous, and the breasts are sensitive. The most common signs are:
- Toxicosis: Toxicosis is understood as nausea and vomiting. Usually, this should occur at most 3-4 times a day. If you feel sick after each meal, you must inform the doctor, as the body loses valuable substances and water.
- Change in taste preferences: A baby growing under a woman’s heart needs building materials, which he can only get from his mother’s body. Therefore, he strongly tells her what to eat at one time or another.
- Constant desire to go to the toilet arises from the pressure of the uterus on the bladder.
- In the 5 week pregnancy, a restructuring occurs in the mother’s body: the uterus grows, stretching the ligaments, which causes discomfort in the lower abdomen.
- Drowsiness and fatigue because a growing baby is wasting his mommy’s energy.
- Mood swings from euphoria to depression, tearfulness for no reason – all hormones.
- Pain in the intestines, back and other places.
Medical examinations
If a woman performs a pregnancy test with a positive result, you can contact a doctor who recommends the necessary test list. This includes:
- General clinical blood and urine tests.
- Biochemical blood tests, coagulogram.
- determination of the Rh factor and blood group;
- exclusion of various, including latent, infections by conducting swabs for flora, PCR smears and blood samples.
- Blood test for hCG and progesterone level (according to indications).
- Performing an ultrasound scan, especially if indicated.
- Taking an ECG.
During a visit to the doctor, it is necessary to identify all possible health problems so that the doctor can prescribe additional tests and consultations.
Do’s and Don’ts at 5 week pregnancy
With the beginning of pregnancy, a woman’s normal lifestyle may need to be corrected. From several favorite habits sometimes you have to give up.
Do’s at 5 week pregnancy
- lead an active lifestyle: walk in the fresh air, engage in appropriate sports, and attend safe sections and hobby groups.
- Take vitamins and dietary supplements – in consultation with the doctor.
- Take non-hot baths, and swim in artificial and natural reservoirs.
- Do gentle massages, except on the abdomen.
- Take care of yourself: take care of your skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Thermal procedures should be limited. Care products to choose the most natural character.
- Wear ordinary clothes and shoes, excluding styles that squeeze the chest and waist.
- Gentle sex.
- Lift bags weighing up to 3 kg, evenly distributing it between two hands.
Don’ts at 5 week pregnancy
- Drink alcohol, smoke, and use drugs.
- Engage in heavy physical activity.
- Lift weights weighing more than 3 kg.
- Contact with infectious patients.
- Be in crowded places.
- Eat synthetic foods, including canned food, fast food, artificial sweeteners, flavors, and carbonated drinks.
- Eat smoked meats, salinity, and dishes prepared with the addition of spices and artificial dyes.
- Allergenic foods (chocolate, citrus fruits, caviar, some fish species) – depending on individual characteristics.
- Independently prescribe and take medications.
- Work in positions with harmful working conditions.
- Do not comply with work and rest regimes.
- Use household chemicals on an artificial basis.
- Stay in places with electromagnetic and radiation pollution.
Checklist for the 5 week pregnancy
- Visit a gynecologist and become registered for pregnancy.
- Pass the necessary tests.
- Exclude from the wardrobe clothes made of synthetic fabrics.
- Purchase shoes with reliable, comfortable soles.
- Think over the diet.
- Inform the authorities about the need to transfer to light work – for employees.
- Exclude the influence of unfavorable environmental factors. If necessary, even change the place of residence.
- Purchase caring cosmetics for pregnant women.
- Start taking vitamin and mineral complexes.
- Sanitize teeth.
- Undergo examinations of all organs and systems to identify possible diseases fully.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Correctly create a daily routine and stick to it.
- Limit the stay at the computer and TV.
- Do not take any medication without consulting a doctor.
- Make a healthy lifestyle mandatory by outlining fitness classes for pregnant women and swimming.
- Enroll in preparatory courses for pregnant women.
- Organize wellness activities such as soft, soothing baths, and massages for pregnant women.
- Schedule visits to cultural events to get positive emotions.
Helpful advice for expectant mothers at 5 week pregnancy
The 5th week of pregnancy is when a woman is just getting to know her new condition. You need to be attentive to yourself and not ignore any emerging sign. If something causes anxiety, it is better to consult a doctor. Do not neglect the frequent delivery of tests and taking all appointments. For the body of the future baby, this can play an important role.
You need to pay attention to your appearance. For a healthy appearance, you need proper nutrition and healthy sleep. And the correction of appearance – stretch marks, age spots – will help special products produced for pregnant women.