Congratulations on coming this far! You are now in week 5 of your pregnancy. Let’s find out what your little baby is up to this week.
Week 5: How Big is Your Baby?
Your baby’s size can actually be measured now, although he is still really tiny. Also, your baby resembles a tadpole more than a human at this point. The fetus has grown to 1.2mm in length and weighs about 1.1g at this stage, around the size of a sesame seed!
Week 5: Your Baby’s Development?
You are now in your second month of pregnancy. If you’re lucky, you can already hear your baby’s heartbeat at an ultrasound from this point on. You are officially a pregnant mum!
- Your baby is furiously at work now. His/her major organs such as kidneys and liver are starting to grow.
- His/her heart is beginning to divide into chambers and will begin to pump blood soon–this is one of the most exciting news in this week by week pregnancy guide.
- His/her intestines have started to develop, and the appendix is in place.
- The neural tube–from which your baby’s brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout–is starting to develop at the top layer of the embryo called ectoderm.
- From the ectoderm, your baby’s skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel will form.
- There are four tiny buds that begin sprouting. These will later turn into your baby’s arms and legs.
- The primitive placenta and umbilical cord, are already starting to work, delivering nourishment and oxygen to the foetus.
Week 5: Pregnancy Symptoms
While to the outside world your body doesn’t look any different, this week by week pregnancy guide will prove that your body is now sending you definite signs that some things are changing:
- Your breasts begin to feel sore and extra sensitive.
- Another not-so-happy symptom is the urge to pee frequently; this is due to the pregnancy hormones and an increase in blood volume, stimulating your kidney to expand and produce more urine.
- You will begin to feel more fatigue now, again due to the increase in hormones. Try not to worry about it, as your energy will gradually go back to normal in the second trimester.
- Feeling a little more confused and forgetful? Pregnancy brain can also start this week.
- Do you suddenly hate the smell of fried chicken when it used to be your absolute favourite? Due to your fluctuating hormones and your heightened senses, you may already start to get food aversions.
- Finally, say hello to morning sickness! However, the bouts of nausea and vomiting in this stage of pregnancy – affect different expecting mums at different times (and some not at all).
If you haven’t yet, we recommend setting an appointment with a gynaecologist to confirm how far along you are and if any of the other symptoms you are feeling are normal.
ALSO READ:
Pregnancy Stress May Affect Your Baby’s Brain Development: Study
REAL STORIES: “I had morning sickness all day, every day—I didn’t know it was already hyperemesis gravidarum!”
Embryo vs Fetus vs Baby: What’s the Difference and at Which Stage Is Your Pregnancy In?
Pregnancy Care: Your Checklist for Week 5 of Pregnancy
Don’t stress yourself out! It’s important to get sufficient rest and relaxation at this stage of pregnancy. Uou have every reason to slow down now that you have a baby inside your womb.
- You should watch out for spotting. Although it is common in the early stages of pregnancy, it can also be an early sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
- Improve your muscle control by doing Kegel exercises several times a day.
- You can alter your diet and split your meals into smaller portions that can be consumed throughout the day.
- You could also discuss with your spouse when you want to share your good news with family and friends.
- Get a comprehensive medical history of you and your spouse’s immediate family. Your doctor will ask you about any chronic illnesses in the family that may affect you or the baby.
- This is also a good time to take a good look at your lifestyle and your job. Ensure that any activity or environment that could be potentially dangerous to your baby is eliminated immediately. The first trimester is crucial, so make plans to lessen your workload, delegate some of your tasks at home and take more time to rest.
Your next week: 6 weeks pregnant
Your previous week: 4 weeks pregnant
Do you have questions on this week by week pregnancy guide? What are your current concerns, mums? Leave us a comment below!
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
