Introduction
Pregnancy is a truly magical and miraculous time, as a woman’s body undergoes many changes to accommodate the growth of a new life. Although it is a long journey of 40 weeks, every week brings so much new for a woman that this whole time flies like a dream. Besides, you are awarded the best gift of your life at the end, Your Baby!!
Every week of pregnancy holds its own importance and you should not be doing any carelessness during any time of the whole journey but the first 12 to 13 weeks are to be taken very carefully as chances of miscarriage are high during these weeks. By week 4, the embryo and placenta have started their development. You must be wondering what’s next. So here we go with week 5 of pregnancy. Do not skip a line to know more about what’s going on in your body this week.
Baby’s development
During week 5 of pregnancy, the embryo (soon to be a fetus) is still tiny and only about the size of a sesame seed, but it’s already starting to take shape and develop vital organs and systems. This week, the embryo is still in the process of implanting itself in the lining of the uterus. This is a crucial stage of development, as the embryo needs to establish a healthy connection to the mother’s blood supply in order to receive the nutrients and oxygen it needs to grow. The placenta, which will eventually provide this connection, begins to form during this time.
One of the most important developments during this stage is the formation of the neural tube, which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord. The neural tube starts to form just a few days after fertilization and is fully formed by the end of week 5. This development is crucial for the healthy development of the nervous system.
The development of the embryonic tail and buds which will eventually become the arms and legs can also be observed in the fifth week of pregnancy. Alongside the limbs, the buds that will become the hands and feet, also start to form.
By the end of week 5 of pregnancy, the embryo is also starting to develop the structures that will become the eyes, ears, and nose. The developing embryo is surrounded by a protective membrane called the amniotic sac, which will provide a cushiony environment for the growing baby.
The heart begins to beat at this stage, although it is still too early for a doctor to detect the heartbeat during a routine prenatal visit. However, soon enough it will be detectable via ultrasound. So, the highlight of week 5 is that your baby has a heartbeat now, he/she is an alive human like all of us. Isn’t it too beautiful to know?
A woman’s body is as important as the baby growing inside her. What changes you can feel now in your body? Want to know? We will explain everything.
Woman’s body
By week 5 of your pregnancy, you must have gotten confirmation if you are pregnant or not. You have missed your period or even if not you must have performed a strip test. During week 5 of pregnancy, the hormones are changing rapidly, and many women will experience morning sickness, fatigue, and breast tenderness. But even if you don’t feel any of these symptoms it’s perfectly alright. With less morning sickness you feel happier about your pregnancy journey. Obviously why not!! No one wants to throw out everything we eat. It’s important for mothers to take care of themselves and to make sure that they are getting all the necessary nutrition and support during this special time. It’s also important to note that every woman’s pregnancy experience is unique, so the mother needs to take notice of her own body and the changes it’s going through, to the best of her ability.
Symptoms of pregnancy week 5
The first trimester (read week 1 to week 12) is a rollercoaster that brings so much for a woman to deal with. It comes with many hard-to-bear symptoms as well but the good news is that they will go away on their own as your pregnancy progresses.
Some of the common symptoms of week 5 of pregnancy that more than half of pregnant women experience are as follows:
- An unknown metallic taste in your mouth
- Soreness in breasts
- Nausea or vomiting (usually in the morning)
- Mood swings
- Food aversions and food cravings
- Increased sense of smell
- Frequent urination than ever
- Change of color in your vaginal discharge
- Spotting (can be a reason for implantation)
- Cramping
- Change in the texture of your skin
- Healthier hair
- Bloating or heartburn
Pregnancy Tests
Week 5 of pregnancy is the perfect time to get your pregnancy test done if you have not gotten it done yet. Pregnancy tests measure the level of HCG (pregnancy hormone) in your body and by week 5 their presence in your body is enough to give you a positive result if you are expecting.
Checklist of pregnancy week 5
During week 5 of pregnancy, the following things should be on your checklist:
Schedule a prenatal visit with your healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Start taking prenatal vitamins, which should include folic acid, iron, and calcium.
Start taking a healthy balanced diet to keep your growing baby and your own body fully nourished.
Consider taking a childbirth education class to prepare for labor and delivery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, during week 5 of pregnancy, the fertilized egg continues to develop and grow, forming into a ball of cells called a blastocyst. The blastocyst now called an embryo implants itself into the lining of the uterus and begins to produce hormones that will support the pregnancy. Week 5 is a crucial stage of pregnancy and it is essential for the mother to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to ensure the proper development of the fetus. Besides, don’t forget to schedule regular prenatal check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor the progress of the pregnancy.
