5 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby's DevelopmentEven though you’re just five weeks pregnant, lots of changes are taking place. The placenta and the beginnings of the umbilical cord are developing in order to channel essential nutrients and oxygen from your body to the embryo. These nutrients, like calcium, folic acid, and other vitamins, all play a vital role in healthy development. This week, the neural tube continues to develop; it will eventually become the spinal column and the brain. At this point, taking at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day is a great way to support your baby’s healthy growth and development and reduce the risk of neural tube disorders. Your baby's heart will develop from what is now just a bulge in the middle of the embryo, and the heartbeat itself may be detected as early as the sixth week of pregnancy. Show
The Size of the Embryo at 5 Weeks PregnantAt five weeks the embryo is still very small but growing quickly! Picture a small orange seed or a grain of rice. At this stage, your little one could be between 0.05 and 0.10 inches long, with a shape similar to that of a tiny tadpole. Take a look at this visual for an idea of all the things that are happening to make your uterus a comfortable home for your baby during your pregnancy. Mom's Body at 5 Weeks PregnantHow do you feel knowing that you’re pregnant? If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while, you’re probably ecstatic. Whether you’ve been planning for this, it’s come as a beautiful surprise, or it’s all a bit of a shock, it’s natural to feel a range of other emotions like nervousness, happiness, hope, and wonder. You may also find yourself wondering about all the changes in store and when you may be able to meet your little one. Try our Due Date Calculator to find out! Some symptoms you may notice at five weeks pregnant include fatigue, nausea, and tender breasts, and they're all quite common. You might like to read up on the pregnancy hormone hCG as it plays an important role in pregnancy. Treat your hard-working body to a break by soaking in a warm bath, listening to some soothing music, or taking a nap. You can also give yourself a boost and get your little one off to a great start by adopting healthier habits, starting with quitting smoking and eliminating alcoholic beverages. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to include moderate exercise in your pregnancy, and keep taking any prenatal vitamins your healthcare provider recommends or prescribes. 5 Weeks Pregnant: Your SymptomsAlthough every mom-to-be is unique, these are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing at five weeks pregnant:
If this is not your first pregnancy, read up on how the symptoms of this second (or subsequent) pregnancy may be different to your first. 5 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider
5 Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your DoctorYour prenatal visits are usually scheduled about once a month until the last two months of your pregnancy, when they will become more frequent. These regular checkups give you the perfect opportunity to ask questions and bring up concerns.
5 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
Is cramping and brown discharge normal in early pregnancy?Brown vaginal discharge can be a normal sign of early pregnancy, but, alongside other symptoms, it can sometimes indicate complications. Anyone experiencing concerning changes in vaginal discharge or dark brown discharge should contact their doctor.
Does Brown spotting at 5 weeks mean miscarriage?Bleeding – light bleeding early in pregnancy is fairly common, and does not mean you will have a miscarriage. Brown discharge: This may look like coffee grounds. This “discharge” is actually old blood that has been in the uterus for a while and is just coming out slowly.
Does a miscarriage start with brown spotting?This can vary from light spotting or brownish discharge to heavy bleeding and bright-red blood or clots. The bleeding may come and go over several days.
Why is my discharge Brown 5 weeks pregnant?Discharge is usually brown due to old blood leaving the body, which can be an early symptom of pregnancy. Brown discharge during pregnancy is not generally a cause for concern. However, pregnant women who experience dark brown discharge should contact their doctor.
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