5th week of pregnancy: Find out how your pregnancy is developing

If you are curious about the 5 weeks of obstetric pregnancy, then know that the 5th week of pregnancy is the third week of conception, as well as the fifth week since the beginning of the last menstruation.

During this period, according to statistics, most women find out about their pregnancy. This is when the menstrual cycle is delayed, and a negative pregnancy test at 5 weeks can rarely exist. Congratulations!

Body changes

In the fifth week of pregnancy, it cannot be said that the changes in the woman’s body are too obvious and visible.
However, the female body has already begun to seriously prepare for its main task – carrying the baby and giving birth.
Also, the embryo begins to secrete special substances that cause changes in the hormonal background and, consequently, changes in the woman’s body and sensations.
Here we are talking about hCG – human chorionic gonadotropin. The level of this hormone accurately indicates pregnancy.
In women in an interesting position, the hCG level rises sharply.

Other changes in a woman’s body

Hormonal restructuring of the body is in full swing. The morning is usually “fun”: nausea and vomiting, odor intolerance, lack of appetite, pain in the mammary glands, chronic fatigue and a constant desire for sleep.
The abdomen is still invisible, although the uterus is slightly enlarged and continues to grow in size, the walls begin to thicken, preparing for the formation of the placenta.
Sometimes a pregnant woman may feel pain in her abdomen . This is due to the stretching of the uterus and the compression of the internal organs.
Sudden increase in the sensitivity of the mammary glands, sometimes even with painful sensations. The areola of the nipple darkens. All this happens because from the moment the egg is fertilized and attached to the uterine wall, hormonal changes begin in the female body. Estrogen levels rise thirtyfold. This not only affects the change in appearance, but also stimulates the preparation process for breastfeeding. Thus, the mammary glands enlarge, in them milk flows develop.
Increasing the amount of the hormone progesterone. This is vital for the unborn baby – so that the embryo is firmly attached to the wall of the uterus and does not cause a miscarriage. It is worth mentioning that the lack of progesterone is extremely rare and is found especially in the case of artificial fertilization, because the woman’s body is not ready to carry a pregnancy.
Rising temperature. It is not seen in all pregnant women, but it is a common symptom. The body temperature can be between 37-37.2 ° C. If there are no parallel symptoms of viral infections, then mild hyperthermia is a sign of early pregnancy. This is the result of hormonal changes, confirming that the vessels are under tension.
Changes in body weight.Notable changes should not be. Increased physical activity, as well as drastic diets, can play a negative role.
The appearance of pronounced veins. There is a high probability of pronounced veins, which is explained by an increase in blood circulation. This is because the heart works much faster, providing nutrients to the mother’s and baby’s body.
Swelling of the limbs. It develops as a result of disorders in the water-salt balance and requires nutritional adjustment.
Bleeding gums, hair loss. These are explained by an increased consumption of vitamins and minerals by the female body. The condition stabilizes after taking food supplements.

Emotional changes

For most women, the first 5 weeks of pregnancy turn into emotional torture.
In addition to irritability due to toxicosis, they also feel a permanent fatigue, explained by the metabolic processes in the uterus.
The woman’s body now simply needs more rest.

Symptoms

It is difficult to imagine week 5 of asymptomatic pregnancy, although a small percentage of pregnant women say they did not experience major discomfort at this time.
In the 5th week of pregnancy the most common symptoms are:
Abdominal pain. At week 5, they are not yet associated with uterine contractions. Rather, they are caused by changes in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, especially bloating. It is especially common in those who move a little.
It is alarming when the pain pulls down. This is one of the symptoms of high blood pressure. Your doctor should consult you immediately.
The sensations are different every day. They can start suddenly and end in a short time. Often, nausea is caused by the smell of cooked food.
But keep in mind that this is a common and early phenomenon. Usually, the effects of toxicosis persist until the fourth month, until the placenta is fully formed.
Lack of toxicosis does not mean that something is wrong with you. There are women who easily tolerate the first months of pregnancy. Nausea usually occurs in the morning:

• the woman has no appetite;
• nausea can lead to vomiting;
• slight dizziness is observed, rarely – loss of consciousness.

Increased appetite. The symptom is secondary because it cannot be diagnosed. However, it often accompanies the initial periods of pregnancy. Increased appetite may be general for all foods or for specific foods.
It is a symptom that can last until the baby is born. The corps is being restructured, adapting to new missions. It is loaded not only physiologically but also morally.
Heartburn. When the uterus grows in size, it will mechanically contribute to the release of gastric juice into the esophagus and the appearance of a burning sensation. In the early stages, the cause of heartburn is not yet associated with genital enlargement. It is mainly due to hormonal changes in the body.
Sleep changes.Not every pregnant woman has a good night’s sleep. Some suffer from insomnia, others notice an increase in the period needed for sleep. This is due to physiological or psychological reasons. The first group includes:

• trouble finding a comfortable picture;
• stomach burns;
• abdominal pain;
• feeling hungry;
• numbness in the lower back.

Psychological factors

• Nervous tension due to fear of imminent birth or miscarriage;
• Fatigue;
• Anxiety;
• Stress and increased emotional background.

Exacerbations of chronic diseases. Until the planned pregnancy, women try to treat the existing diseases to the maximum. When pregnancy occurs suddenly, it can have an exacerbation of chronic pathologies. For example, high blood pressure is exacerbated, ulcerative processes are activated, unhealthy digestive organs are felt. The reason for this is the change in the work of the endocrine glands and the increased load on the whole body.
Frequent urination. This is also normal, being associated with a enlarged uterus, which gradually stretches the ligaments in the small pelvis. Beware of inflammatory diseases of the bladder, such as cystitis, which develops as a result of the increased sensitivity of the pregnant woman to colds and infections.
Vaginal discharge.Any brown spots at week 5 of pregnancy or any bleeding may indicate a risk of miscarriage. Even if you have minimal bleeding, it is best to consult a doctor. It is advisable to completely rule out any sexual contact.
Constipation. It is the consequence of an improperly organized diet, as well as due to the restructuring of the endocrine glands. The opposite condition is diarrhea. If the diet is not corrected, hemorrhoids are likely to occur.
Headache. They are regular and strongly affect the mood and emotional state of the pregnant woman. Now, the pregnant woman only needs the patience and support of her loved ones.
Back pain.They appear in the lower back. In the early stages, the phenomenon is rare, but possible. It develops due to the gradual movement of the normal center of gravity and the search by the body for a new comfortable position.

Child development The child

at 5 weeks of pregnancy, pictures
Baby at 5 weeks of pregnancy is the size of a sesame seed. The age of the embryo itself is 3 weeks. This is an important stage in a child’s life. Beginning in the 5th week, doctors officially begin naming it an embryo.
Significant changes are taking place in the structure of the embryo: in shape, it now more likely resembles a 1.5-2.5 mm cylinder and has gained 1 gram in weight.
The cells of the embryo’s body continue to divide actively, and the most important event of the fifth week of pregnancy is the separation of tissues.
The head of the embryo grows faster than the tail, which, together with the region of the primary tubercle, retracts backwards.
At the end of this week, a longitudinal strip of actively growing cells – the neural plate – is allocated to the primary tubercle from the outer germline. This plaque soon bends, forming a longitudinal groove – the nerve groove.
In the following weeks, as the grooves deepen, its edges thicken, approach, and grow together, closing the neural groove in the neural tube. Subsequently, the entire nervous system develops from the neural tube, after which the neural tube becomes the spine and spinal cord.

An embryo will also form this week, which will later become the baby’s heart. The trophoblast and part of the ectoderm form the amnion and the chorion. Amnion is popularly called a “shirt.”

Amniotic fluid collects in the amniotic cavity. Chorion is a hairy formation that produces chorionic gonadotropin.
After some time, with the participation of the mesoderm, a chorionic placenta forms. A blood vessel that contains blood vessels and connects the embryo with extra-embryonic membranes (placenta) forms an abdominal strain.
By the end of the third embryonic or 5th obstetric week, the embryo grows to 4 mm.
The image of the baby at 5-7 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is the size of a Bob.
Now, the first blood cells begin to form in the embryo, which later become the basis of the blood vessels and the entire circulatory system as a whole. It is noteworthy that the baby at 5 weeks of pregnancy has a heart in the form of two empty tubes.
But the heart is already contracting, and this can be heard on the high-sensitivity ultrasound machine.

If an ultrasound is done at this stage of the child’s development, then you can see the small rudiments of the legs and arms, toes, ears and eyes.

The outer layer of body tissue develops just as actively: skin, hair, nails, tooth enamel, mammary and sweat glands, oral and nasal buttocks.
True, these parts of the body are still hard to recognize. Where the ears appear in the future, there is now a common hole. But beneath it is already an inner ear that looks like a snail.
The future arms and legs during this period are called the kidneys, which tend to grow intensely.
Inside the small body begins the formation of the spleen, liver, genitals and upper respiratory tract. The thyroid gland begins to synthesize red blood cells and it is already possible to determine the blood type. Also appearing:

• Digestive system;
• Chest cavity;
• Abdominal cavity;
• Pussy.

Development of twins

The development of pregnancy with twins in the fifth week of pregnancy takes place in the same way as the single one. Each future baby weighs an average of 2 g. The length of one barely reaches one and a half to two mm.
However, with the help of ultrasound it is already possible to distinguish the part of the head, the small rudiments of the limbs: the arms and legs.
An experienced specialist is also able to distinguish the eye cavities. The fundamental processes are:

• vascular formation;
• formation of digestive and urinary systems;
• splitting of the neural tube in the spinal cord and spine.

The formation of the placenta can go in two ways: with double twins – for each isolated embryo, with identical twins – a common placenta.
Two places for children are often located in close proximity to each other, and on ultrasound it looks like a whole.

Medical Tests and Exams

At this point, a pregnancy test is very likely to show you a pregnancy. However, if a negative test comes out, don’t worry.
The deadline is, in fact, still very low, the concentration of hormones can be quite low and the test will simply be insensitive.
Be sure to repeat the test the next morning, and preferably again in a few days, when the hCG hormone reaches a higher level.
Pregnancy detection can also be done as follows:

Blood

test An alternative method of testing for pregnancy may be a blood test for hCG. Its level in the blood is much higher than in the urine and this method is more reliable.
The fifth week of pregnancy is the best time to make sure that the fetus grows in the womb, not in the neighboring organs. During normal pregnancy, the level of hCG in the blood should double every day.
However, if ovulation and conception occurred at a later time than usual in the early days of the delay, the test may remain negative because the hCG level in the blood is not enough.

Examination by a gynecologist

An experienced gynecologist during the examination may feel the uterus slightly enlarged and thickened.
Yes, the baby is still very small, but the uterus, if there is a fetus in it, becomes rounded and grows in size (under the influence of hormones, its muscle layer thickens).
This is due to increased blood flow to the endometrium – the inner layer of the uterus and the presence of a fetal egg.

Ultrasound

Planned ultrasound to confirm pregnancy is done at 5-10 weeks of pregnancy. After an ultrasound in the fifth week of pregnancy, you can find out: the number of fetal eggs, the size of the uterus, the location of the embryo in the uterus, you can see the heartbeat, you can hear the heart rate of the embryo.
Now the heart rate of the embryo is 70 to 110 beats per minute.
The placental nutrition of the future fetus on ultrasound can be seen with the help of Doppleroscopy: the more saturated colors concentrated in the area of ​​the embryo’s location indicate an increased nutrition of the blood vessels.
Because the placenta and extra-embryonic organs cannot provide full protection to the unborn child, the mother’s lifestyle and health are very important at this time.
Many serious malformations are based on this period of intrauterine development. Ultrasound cannot yet determine the presence of such abnormalities, so this study is recommended only to rule out an ectopic pregnancy and to confirm conception.
In the ovaries, an ultrasound at 5 weeks of pregnancy continues to visualize the corpus luteum, ensuring the harmonious development of the pregnancy. The yolk sac is represented by a ring with a diameter of 3-4 mm.
The twins of this period are clearly visible on ultrasound, so they are diagnosed immediately.
If the pregnancy has been confirmed, you will be subjected to the following medical tests:

Biochemical analysis of the blood

Using this examination, indicators are determined such as the number of red blood cells, the level of hemoglobin, the number of white blood cells, blood amylase, liver tests, urea, creatinine, etc. Thus, the functioning of different digestive, hematopoietic, urinary, etc. systems and organs is evaluated.
The purpose of a blood test is to dynamically monitor the condition of the pregnant woman and detect the pathology in the early stages.

Determination of blood type and Rh factor

During pregnancy, a woman may need a blood transfusion. Determining the Rh factor allows you to assess the risk of developing Rh conflict during pregnancy. If you have an Rh negative factor, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Blood clotting analysis

Allows you to evaluate the activity of the blood clotting system. Blood is taken from the vein.

Blood test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis

The aim is to determine the presence of these serious diseases in pregnant women. Blood is taken from the vein.

TORCH

According to the first letters of the Latin names of the infections included in this list, this group is called – TORCH infections or TORCH complex infections.
The abbreviation TORCH is deciphered as follows:

• T – toxoplasmosis (toxoplasmosis).
• O – other infections.
• R – rubeola.
• C – cytomegalovirus infection.
• H – herpes.

Urine

analysis Urine analysis includes determination of physical properties, chemical composition and microscopic examination of sediments. A urine test gives an idea of ​​the function of not only the kidneys but also other organs.

Vaginal

smear A vaginal discharge smear is taken repeatedly throughout the pregnancy monitoring period.
Sexual infections, if left untreated, can lead to a number of pathological conditions: infection of the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid, cause premature termination of pregnancy, etc.

ECG

Electrocardiography (ECG) is a method of determining the electrical activity of the heart and recording it. Using this study, you can determine how your heart works.
The special device – an electrocardiograph – captures the total potential difference of all the heart cells between two points, that is, in a certain wire, and writes it on paper.
The doctor, examining the electrocardiogram, evaluates the heart rate, the location of the heart, the speed of the electrical impulse.
This can lead to arrhythmias, blockages and dysfunctions of the heart muscle.
During pregnancy, a woman’s heart works with increased stress due to the increase in circulating blood volume. It also changes the level of hormones in the body that affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Therefore, it is very important even at the beginning of pregnancy to find possible abnormalities in the activity of the heart in order to perform the necessary treatment and prevent complications.

Possible difficulties
Genetic pathologies The genetic

pathologies of the fetus can result from mutations of the chromosomes located in the germ cells of both parents.
The reasons for this are smoking, exposure to toxic factors, radiation, stress, alcohol, drugs and some drugs.
Frozen

pregnancy Termination of pregnancy during this period occurs quite often. Intrauterine death of the fetus at this time is called “frozen pregnancy.”
The body does not always get rid of the fetus on its own. At the ultrasound check, doctors make sure that the fetal egg no longer grows and resort to curettage. This is not an abortion, but it helps the body get rid of a dead fetus.
Spontaneous

abortion Abortion can be triggered by various causes:

• Rhesus conflict is an immunological risk factor. The presence of a rhesus positive in the fetus and negative in the mother causes the rejection of foreign tissues of the child.
• Infections that cause early abortions can be transmitted in various ways. A huge negative role is played by sexually transmitted diseases: chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, herpes, cytomegalovirus. Through placental replacement, they infect the baby’s body and cause it to die. A number of viruses have the same effect. This group includes rubella, viral hepatitis, flu, tonsillitis.
• Chemical poisoning includes uncontrolled drugs. These are narcotic painkillers, hormonal preparations, herbs such as cornflower, parsley, St. John’s wort. Once in the female body, they can cause intense contractions of the uterus, causing miscarriage. Poisonous substances can enter a woman’s body when she works in harmful conditions or when she inhales fumes from household chemicals.
• By lifting weights, doing complex exercises, sudden movements and falls, the woman herself can cause a miscarriage. This is caused both by mechanical damage to the female genital area and by the uncontrolled release of “fear” hormones. The mechanical causes of abortion include harsh sex life, an intense pace of life and work.
• Smoking, alcohol, drug use, as well as not respecting rest, lack of fresh air, a sedentary lifestyle.
• Stress is a difficult factor to anticipate. Unexpected severe pain, anxiety for loved ones, mental stress, emotional outbursts – in these cases, the woman becomes vulnerable and prone to abortion. The baby in the womb, due to receiving an increased amount of hormones in the bloodstream, also suffers. There is a risk of rejection in the uterus.

However, pregnancy favorably affects conditions such as diabetes, allergies, psoriasis. A fairly high percentage of women have remission or even complete recovery.
Ectopic pregnancy

Normally, fertilization takes place in the uterine tube. A fertilized egg passes through the tube to the uterine cavity and is implanted in it.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the implantation takes place outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. Up to 95 percent of ectopic pregnancies occur in tubal pregnancy; In other cases, the ovary, rudimentary horn, or cervix may become the site of implantation. When the fetal egg comes out (falls) from the tube into the abdominal cavity, a so-called tube abortion occurs.
Ectopic pregnancy occurs in one in hundreds of cases. The causes of an ectopic pregnancy can be pelvic inflammatory disease or other infectious diseases, such as inflammation of the appendix.
If you have previously had an ectopic pregnancy, the probability of recurrence is 12%. Using an intrauterine device increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition during pregnancy is the key to successfully completing the birth of a healthy baby.
The fetal body receives all the food the mother eats through the placenta.
Therefore, in order not to cause him problems, it is necessary to:

• Establish a clear diet: eat small portions without overeating and do not interfere with weight gain.
• Exclude from the diet foods that cause fermentation in the intestines, increased gas formation.
• Do not eat foods that contain preservatives, flavors, artificial flavoring agents, energy-boosting drinks, essences.
• Exclude fast food, coffee, strong tea from your diet.
• Steam, cooked, cooked food. Fried and smoked products during pregnancy are contraindicated.
• Saturate your diet with raw fruits, vegetables, greens. But keep in mind that fruits with a high acid content can cause heartburn or, with an increased acidity of gastric juice, can cause an exacerbation of gastritis.
• To normalize bowel motility, include high-fiber foods.
• Monitor the health of the gut microflora. In case of deviations, include yogurts and other products that contain bifidobacteria in the diet.
• Beware of the presence of “protein suppliers” – dairy products, meat, cereals.
• Do not abuse sweets, fatty, sour and salty foods, as well as cooked with many spices.
• Eat allergenic foods as little as possible (chocolate, citrus, honey).
• Drink only guaranteed quality water.

The food should not contain much salt, which retains water in the body. Instead of sugar, it is recommended to use natural sweeteners. It is better to cook at home, using only fresh products of guaranteed quality.
If some foods cause nausea, temporarily refuse them. To alleviate the discomfort, you can drink fruit drinks, freshly squeezed juices.

Food supplements and medicines

At this stage of pregnancy, your doctor will recommend the use of folic acid. It is useful to take special vitamins for pregnant women.
They contain an optimally selected complex of essential vitamins, trace elements and other beneficial substances from a quantitative point of view.
Indeed, the absence of any substance in the mother’s body can negatively affect the development of the fetus.

Sport and Spa

Sport at 5 weeks of pregnancy is useful, in the absence of special contraindications. In moderate amounts, in the fresh air – this is the best option for the future mother.
There are special fitness programs for improving blood circulation, improving excessive muscle tone and emotional discharge. Such complexes are characterized by:

• measured and calm rhythm;
• no jumping, fast running;
• mandatory training and calm end to restore breathing;
• lack of pelvic muscle tension.

The complex should be controlled by blood pressure and heart rate.
Occupation with professional sports should be abandoned.

Recommended articles

• Sex During Pregnancy (Trimester 1, 2, 3): Allowed or Not Allowed
• Pregnancy Week 1 (Complete Guide): Learn How Your Pregnancy Works
• Pregnancy Week 2 (Complete Guide): Learn How Your Pregnancy Works
• Third Week of Pregnancy (Complete Guide): Find Out How Your Pregnancy Works
• 4th week of pregnancy (Complete Guide): What the expectant mother needs to know

Sex

Sex in the 5th week of pregnancy is not contraindicated. However, if there is a risk of miscarriage or other problems (pain, exhaustion), then it is worth giving up sex.
The immunity of the female body is greatly reduced now, so that any infection can be extremely dangerous for the unborn child.
Many women, due to their general condition, completely lose their sexual desire. But this is early.

Medical and cosmetic procedures

Do not perform medical manipulations (eg dental treatment) using anesthesia. Any adverse effects on the mother’s body will adversely affect the unborn child: the process of establishing and developing the fetal organs and systems will be disrupted.
It is also undesirable to dye your hair after 5 weeks of pregnancy: the chemicals contained in the hair dyes penetrate the woman’s body through the skin, which means that they are transmitted to the embryo.
🔔 See next week : Pregnancy Week 6

recommendation

• If vomiting occurs more than 2-3 times a day, consult a doctor.
• Review your underwear and switch to bras made of natural materials. It is advisable to buy a bra with two larger sizes, so that the cups do not squeeze the mammary glands, which in the future will have a beneficial effect on milk allocation.
• Try to avoid the odors you hate. If you are annoyed by the flavors of the food, then temporarily limit your stay in the kitchen: let someone close to you prepare the food.
• Choose a gynecologist who will monitor your pregnancy and write all the questions on a piece of paper.
• Do not seek natural remedies without consulting your doctor. Modern medicine offers drugs that have no contraindications.
• You need to change your wardrobe: abandon high-heeled shoes and synthetic fabrics. Do not wear clothes that tighten the chest and waist.
• Buy a special pillow for pregnant women to adjust your sleep.
• Pregnant women at this time have strange taste preferences. But don’t be afraid to eat strawberries.
• Sometimes, at the fifth week of pregnancy, a high temperature appears – up to 37.3 degrees. Do not confuse this condition with a cold and do not treat yourself.
• Follow an active and healthy lifestyle.
• Take hot baths.
• Thermal procedures should be limited. Care products should be natural.
• Lift the bags weighing up to 3 kg, spreading them evenly on two hands.
• Avoid contact with infectious patients.
• Do not stay in places with electromagnetic pollution and radiation.