5 weeks pregnant: pregnancy symptoms and your baby’s development 

Tired woman resting

Explore pregnancy stages week by week

quick explanation

Learn about the importance of pregnancy nutrition and what you should be eating when 5 weeks pregnant. Explore our dietary advice from Aptaclub today.

stage

5

Weeks

reading time

4

minutes

5 weeks pregnant is how many months?

Month 2 (Trimester 1)

pregnancy-icon1

Baby development at 5 weeks

Your baby’s organs are rapidly developing, including their heart, which has now started to beat.

baby-icon1

Folic Acid

Discover the importance of folic acid for your baby’s development.

bladder-icon1

Keeping healthy

Learn how to stay active  safely throughout your pregnancy. 

At 5 weeks pregnant, exciting developments are happening. From the development of your baby’s vital organs to the formation of the umbilical cord, your baby is growing rapidly. Your body is going through some big changes, too, even if you’re not aware of them yet.

This week might be the week that you begin to suspect that you’re pregnant, and you may have had a missed period - one of the first tell-tale early pregnancy symptoms. However, this may not be the case if your periods are irregular.

Here we’re looking at some of the possible 5 weeks pregnant symptoms, as well as your baby’s growth and development, and the importance of a healthy pregnancy diet.

foetus-pregnancy-week 5

5 weeks pregnant is how many months?

You're now into your second month of pregnancy at 5 weeks pregnant (also known as 5 weeks gestation). There are many things to look forward to in the coming months as your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows.

Your baby’s development at 5 weeks pregnant 

Even though it’s still very early in your pregnancy, your baby’s nervous system is already starting to develop, and the foundations are laid for the growth and development of your baby’s vital organs. This includes their heart, which has now begun to beat1.

The outer cells of the embryo have developed into the ‘neural tube’ that will become your baby’s spinal cord and brain. It’s important to take 400 mcg of folic acid every day to support this development and to help prevent defects in the neural tube that can cause spina bifida1.

At 5 weeks pregnant, there are already a number of blood vessels in place that are helping your baby’s blood to circulate. Some of these blood vessels will become the umbilical cord that will keep you and your baby connected throughout your pregnancy1.  

How big is my baby at 5 weeks pregnant, and what do they look like? 

At 5 weeks pregnant, your baby is approximately 2 mm long and about the size of a sesame seed1.

Whilst they wouldn’t yet be visible if you went for an ultrasound scan, your baby’s facial features are starting to form. Their tiny eyes and nose are in place, but they’ll stay closed until you’re around 28 weeks pregnant1.  

Pregnancy at 5 weeks (first trimester): what changes are happening in your body?

Your pregnancy won’t be visible to the outside world just yet. However, you may suspect that you’re pregnant, especially if you’ve missed a period - the biggest and most reliable indicator yet that you might be pregnant.

If this is the case, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test. The test works by detecting the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin), usually present in your body about 6 days after your egg has been fertilised2.

Whilst it’s not possible for a pregnancy test to show a false positive, it is possible to get a false negative. This can happen if you take the test too early or if you don’t follow the guidance on the pack very carefully2.

Your body is now very busy supporting the growth of the placenta, a vital organ during pregnancy. The placenta will provide your baby with the nutrients and oxygen they need, as well as remove the waste products that they produce1.  

Early pregnancy symptoms at 5 weeks

At 5 weeks pregnant, your symptoms may vary between subtle, noticeable and non-existent - every pregnancy is different. Below we’re exploring some of the more common 5 weeks pregnant symptoms.  

Sore and tender breasts are a common early pregnancy symptom. You may notice that they’re becoming larger, with the veins more visible. Your nipples may be standing out more, becoming darker and may also become more sensitive and tingly3.

Breast tenderness is also a sign that your period is due, which is why at 5 weeks pregnant, some women are still unaware that they’re expecting a baby. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test.

If you’re feeling exhausted at 5 weeks pregnant, you’re certainly not alone. The hormonal changes you’re going through can leave you feeling very tired during your first trimester3. This is because the hormone surge of progesterone is supporting the pregnancy, which signals your body to slow down and makes you feel more tired from the hormonal and metabolic changes happening. Listen to your body and rest when you need to.

Nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness, are very well-known symptoms of pregnancy. Despite the name, this can occur at any time of the day. Morning sickness can be very unpleasant, but the good news is that symptoms usually ease anywhere between weeks 16 and 20 of your pregnancy, and it won’t harm your unborn baby4.

Once again, it’s those pregnancy hormones that are thought to be responsible for morning sickness, and you’re more likely to experience it if4:

  • You’ve had morning sickness in a previous pregnancy. 
  • You’re having twins or other multiple birth. 
  • This is your first pregnancy.

During your pregnancy, your body produces a number of hormones. One of these is progesterone, a female hormone that helps the muscles in your uterus relax and expand as your baby grows. At the same time, it can also relax the muscles in your digestive system, resulting in excess wind5.

Mild pregnancy cramps are common at 5 weeks pregnant.  Pregnancy cramps can be caused by a number of things. For example6:

  • Your tummy ligaments stretching as your baby grows. 
  • Constipation (another common pregnancy symptom).
  • Trapped wind and bloating.

In most cases, mild pregnancy cramps are nothing to be concerned about. However, just to be on the safe side, always seek advice from a healthcare professional if the cramps become more frequent, are accompanied by spotting, bleeding or unusual discharge, or back pain6.  

Light bleeding at 5 weeks pregnant (often at the time when your period would have been due) is a common pregnancy symptom. This early on in your pregnancy, it’s usually the result of the embryo implanting into the lining of your womb, something referred to as ‘implantation bleeding’7.  

From early pregnancy right up until your due date, it’s not unusual to find yourself needing to go for a wee more often. The reason for this in early pregnancy is the increased level of the pregnancy hormone hCG. As your pregnancy progresses, and your baby gets bigger, more frequent urination is likely because your baby is pressing on your bladder8.  

Pregnancy hormones - specifically progesterone and oestrogen - may play a part in the emotional ups and downs you feel during your pregnancy9. While pregnancy can be a time of great happiness and excitement, it’s also a time filled with questions, and it’s not uncommon to have a level of anxiety as you get ready to embark on your parenting journey. 

If you’re worried about your mood swings, remember that you’re not alone and that you can always speak to your doctor, midwife or other healthcare professional for advice. You should also seek medical advice if you experience low moods frequently, have negative thoughts, or start to feel negative and hopeless10.  

Focus on: folic acid in pregnancy

Reviewed by Bahee van de Bor

From the moment you discover that you’re pregnant (and before this if you’ve actively been trying to have a baby), you’re advised to take a daily 400 mcg supplement of folic acid11.  

The naturally occurring food source of folic acid is called folate, and it can be found in12:

  • Green leafy vegetables 
  • Oranges and berries 
  • Beans 
  • Brown Bread 
  • Beetroot 

However, because your need for folic acid is so high during the first trimester of pregnancy, it’s difficult to get enough from food sources alone. This is why a supplement is recommended.

Check that your prenatal multivitamin contains the recommended 400 mcg of folic acid. If you find out you’re pregnant and haven’t been taking folic acid supplements or a prenatal multivitamin containing folic acid, don’t worry. Simply start taking them straight away and carry on until you reach 12 weeks pregnant.

The science behind: folic acid

Folic acid is a vital nutrient that supports the development of your baby’s neural tube, which will become your baby’s spine and nervous system1. Taking 400 mcg of folic acid as a supplement is the best way to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida1.

Why do some pregnant women take a higher dose of folic acid? 

If you have an increased risk of having a baby with spina bifida, you’ll be advised to take a daily dose of 5 mg of folic acid. This is higher than usual and will need to be prescribed by a doctor.

You may be advised to take an increased dose if11:

  • You have had a previous pregnancy affected by spina bifida. 
  • You or your partner has spina bifida. 
  • You’re taking certain medications for epilepsy. 
  • You have coeliac disease or diabetes.  
  • Your BMI is 30 or more. 
  • You have sickle-cell anaemia or thalassaemia; the higher dose of folic acid will also help prevent and treat anaemia if you have this condition.  
  • You’ve had bariatric surgery. 

Do not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A (retinol) while pregnant, as high levels can harm your baby13.  

5 weeks pregnant: next steps

If you haven’t seen your midwife yet, you should make an appointment with your surgery and arrange your booking appointment. That way, you can start your antenatal care, get an idea of your due date, and get ready to schedule your first ultrasound scan.  

It’s also important to ensure that you’re taking a folic acid supplement every day - the recommended intake is 400mcg. Folic acid supports the development of your baby’s nervous system, and can help to protect against spina bifida1.  

5 weeks pregnant: FAQs

How much weight should I gain in pregnancy?

Knowing how much weight you’ll gain in pregnancy isn’t an exact science. It varies from woman to woman and depends on a number of factors, such as your pre-pregnancy weight.

Most women gain between 10kg and 12.5kg (22–28lb) while pregnant, some of which is the weight of the growing baby14.  

How do I know if my pregnancy is viable at 5 weeks?

At five weeks pregnant, it’s unlikely that you’ll have been offered your first ultrasound scan just yet. Remember that it’s still very early days, and if you have any concerns, the best thing to do is speak with your doctor or midwife, who can provide the advice you need.

Learn everything you need to know about weight gain in pregnancy.

Read more

How do I know if my pregnancy is viable at 5 weeks?

At five weeks pregnant, it’s unlikely that you’ll have been offered your first ultrasound scan just yet. Remember that it’s still very early days, and if you have any concerns, the best thing to do is speak with your doctor or midwife, who can provide the advice you need.

When do food cravings start in pregnancy?

Hormonal changes during your pregnancy can affect your taste and smell. Sometimes, they can result in pregnancy cravings or an aversion to foods you usually enjoy1.

Pregnancy cravings usually start towards the end of your first trimester and can be at their strongest during your second trimester15.  

Is there a heartbeat at five weeks pregnant?

Your baby’s heart is starting to develop, and it has now begun to beat for the first time around now1. However, our baby’s heartbeat isn’t always detected on an ultrasound scan until after 6 weeks. 

When does morning sickness start? 

While it’s not the same for every woman, morning sickness usually starts between weeks 4 and 7 of pregnancy16.

 
  1. NHS Best Start in Life. Week 5 [online]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/1st-trimester/week-5/. [Accessed May 2025]
  2. NHS. Doing a pregnancy test [online 2022]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/doing-a-pregnancy-test/. [Accessed May 2025]
  3. NHS. Signs and symptoms of pregnancy [online] 2022. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/signs-and-symptoms-of-pregnancy/#:~:text=Sore%20breasts%20in%20early%20pregnancy,may%20darken%20and%20stand%20out. [Accessed May 2025]
  4. NHS. Vomiting and morning sickness [online 2024]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vomiting-and-morning-sickness/. [Accessed May 2025]
  5. NHS Best Start in Life. Week 10 [online]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/1st-trimester/week-10/. [Accessed May 2025]
  6. NHS. Stomach pain in pregnancy [online 2024]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/stomach-pain/#:~:text=Stomach%20(abdominal)%20pains%20or%20cramps,a%20poo%20or%20pass%20wind. [Accessed May 2025]
  7. NHS. Vaginal bleeding [online 2024]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vaginal-bleeding/. [Accessed May 2025]
  8. NHS. Common health problems in pregnancy [online 2024]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/common-health-problems/#:~:text=Peeing%20a%20lot%20in%20pregnancy,drinks%20in%20the%20late%20evening. [Accessed May 2025]
  9. Tommy's. Emotional changes in pregnancy [online 2024]. Available at https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/mental-wellbeing/emotional-changes-pregnancy. [Accessed May 2025]
  10. NHS. Depression in pregnancy [online 2024]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/depression/#:~:text=Some%20mood%20changes%20are%20normal,a%20lot%20of%20the%20time. [Accessed May 2025]
  11. NHS. Vitamins, supplements and nutrition in pregnancy [online 2023]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/#:~:text=But%20when%20you're%20pregnant,you're%2012%20weeks%20pregnant. [Accessed May 2025]
  12. British Nutrition Foundation. Nutrition during pregnancy [online]. Available athttps://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutrition-for/pregnancy/. [Accessed May 2025]
  13. BDA. Pregnancy and diet. [Online 2020]. Available at https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/pregnancy-diet.html [Accessed May 2025]
  14. NHS. Weight gain in pregnancy [online 2022]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/weight-gain// [Accessed May 2025]
  15. Tommy's. Pregnancy cravings and food aversions [online 2024]. Available at https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/being-pregnant/nutrition-pregnancy/cravings-food-and-drinks-pregnancy. [Accessed May 2025]
  16. NHS Start for Life. Morning sickness [online]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/morning-sickness/. [Accessed May 2025]

Last reviewed: September 2025
Reviewed by Nutricia’s Medical and Scientific Affairs Team

Your baby's future health begins here

At Aptaclub, we believe that experience helps to build resilience; and that each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.

Join Aptaclub
mom and baby

Need some help?

You can get quick answers to common questions in our FAQs.

Alternatively, if you need help with general pregnancy or baby advice, or maybe on using or ordering our products - our expert team are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. 

 

Contact us

Share this article

x