5 Weeks Pregnant

5 Weeks Pregnant

How is Your Baby Growing at 5 Weeks?

At week 5, the growth of your baby starts to speed up.

 

Their brain is rapidly developing alongside the heart and blood vessels. The outer layer of cells (the ectoderm) develops a small groove that folds over and forms something called the neural tube. This will become your baby’s brain and spinal cord.

 

The heart consists of two tiny tubes that have already begun to beat. Blood is already circulating around your growing baby through the blood vessels. Some of these will eventually form the umbilical cord.

 

Your baby’s limbs have also begun to form and they have formed into tiny flippers by week 5.

 5 week fetus

How Big is Your Baby at 5 Weeks?

At 5 weeks old, your baby is 3 mm (about the size of an apple pip) and weighs 0.02 kg.

 

What Happens at 5 Weeks?

At week 5, you might wish to go for an early ultrasound scan. This isn’t a routine scan but there are private clinics you can attend. Many women choose to have a scan at week 5 to confirm the pregnancy, as this is around the time of the first missed period.

 

If you’ve previously had high-risk pregnancies, your GP might recommend a scan here to check that everything is okay.

 

What Symptoms Will You Have at 5 Weeks?

You might start to feel a little more tired around week 5 as your placenta is slowly building up to support your growing baby.

 

Your breasts may start to feel tender and firmer, and you might experience occasional stabbing pains around your breasts.

 

Don’t be worried if you notice changes to the areolas of your breasts (the darker circles around your nipples). They may start to darken and become slightly raised. This is completely normal!

 

It’s also common for women to experience a little bit of vaginal bleeding (spotting) around week 5 as the embryo implants into the wall of the womb. This usually isn’t anything to be concerned about but arrange to see your GP or midwife if you are worried. Implantation can also cause some cramping.