Week by Week Pregnancy Guide: 5 Weeks
By the time you are 5 weeks pregnant, you would have definitely settled within your mind that you are pregnant. The reason is that, by now, you would have confirmed that you have missed your menstrual period. Also, the changes in your hormone levels would have become more pronounced because of certain symptoms like nausea, fatigue, sore breasts, you are becoming more sensitive and moody, and a few other signs that it may be giving you.
Now that you are 5 weeks pregnant, one of the things that will be going on in your body is the continual development of the placenta. While you must have already known by now that the placenta is what will give your baby the required nutrients and oxygen to survive, you should know that it is an organ that is going to connect your fetus developing within you and your uterine wall together so as to carry out its functions. The placenta will finish its formation at the end of your first trimester.
Whatever tests you may want to carry out now, especially a home pregnancy test, now that you are 5 weeks pregnant is the best time to do it. But you should remember that if you are using a urine test, the best time to check is the first urine you have in the morning. This is because it is at this time that your HCG will be at its highest. There are many reliable pregnancy tests available on the market today like this on here that you can take at home. Read more about how to use pregnancy tests here.
While you should understand that it takes time for babies to form and that it happens from the scratch, at least by now, the first system of your baby which is the circulatory system together with its accompanying organ which is the heart, should be in operation. It is possible that with the use of the ultrasound, you may be noticing the breathing of the baby, although, you will see this clearer by the time you are 7 weeks pregnant.
By this stage that you are 5 weeks pregnant, you must also note that the three different layers (i.e the ectoderm, mesoderm, and the endoderm) would have been formed. And while the ectoderm and endoderm would have begun their various formations, the mesoderm would form in the weeks to come.
On your own part, you should expect the pregnancy symptoms to have become fully at work now that you are 5 weeks pregnant. If you experience mood swing, it is normal. In fact, the earlier you get used to it, the better for you.
Then, the pregnancy hormones in your body would have fully taken their place. These pregnancy hormones are the chemical signals that will pass the information all over your body and make the necessary changes that your body needs.
There is also the likelihood that you will feel depressed from this stage as it is recorded that about 10 to 20 percent of women will get depressed in the stage of their pregnancy. But then, if the time the depression is moving beyond two weeks, you may have to see your doctor.
You’re pregnant: Now what?
Congratulations! Now that you’re pregnant, there are a few things you need to do to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Here are the steps to get your pregnancy off to the best start:
Contact your doctor or midwife
Make your first appointment as a priority step. If you’re not registered with a doctor, you can find your closest GP services. Your doctor may perform a pregnancy test on your blood or urine to make sure you are pregnant. It is important to attend your antenatal appointments that will check that you and your baby are in good health and that your pregnancy is going well. Screening tests, ultrasound scans, and checks of your blood pressure and urine help identify any possible issues, so that you can get the right care as early as possible. You can read more information about first-trimester screening tests here.
Your doctor will instruct you on how to prepare and what tests you should take next. To be sure you have all the information you need, it can help to write down questions to ask for the next time you visit your doctor.
Take prenatal vitamins every day
Prenatal vitamins are recommended by most doctors if you are planning on becoming pregnant or are pregnant. They provide essential nutrients for the prenatal development of your baby. Taking prenatal vitamins is especially important when you’re so nauseous you can’t eat properly. Many of us don’t get all the vitamins and minerals we need from our food, which becomes critically important when you’re pregnant. If you have nausea during pregnancy, you should know that the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends vitamin B6 first-line in prenatal vitamins (such asthis pack of vitamins) to help alleviate nausea. Make sure to read this detailed article about the best prenatal vitamins available on the market todayto take during pregnancy.
Change lifestyle habits that can harm your baby
Drinking alcohol and smoking in pregnancy can affect the growth and development of your unborn baby, and increase the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and low birth weight. Here are 7 important changes to make before getting pregnant.
Eat a healthy diet and avoid certain foods
A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time but is especially vital if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. You should know that there are certain foods that you should avoid during pregnancy and there are good foods that can help you maintain a healthy pregnancy. You can find all the information you need in these articles here:
FOODS AND BEVERAGES TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
10 BEST FOODS TO EAT WHILE PREGNANT
7 NUTRITIOUS FRUITS TO EAT DURING PREGNANCY
HOW TO EAT HEALTHY DURING PREGNANCY – HEALTHY PREGNANCY DIET
THE ULTIMATE PRINTABLE MEAL PLANNER KIT
Stay fit with exercise
It’s good to exercise during pregnancy, just be sure to do it safely. Here are a few pregnancy exercise-related articles:
THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY
PREGNANCY EXERCISES – WHAT TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
SAFE EXERCISES DURING PREGNANCY
When to tell people you’re pregnant
Who you tell and when is a personal decision. Other than a husband, immediate family, and close friends, many women wait until after the first ultrasound scan to tell the wider circle. Here are our best pregnancy announcement ideas for everyone you know.
PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IDEAS FOR HUSBAND
PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IDEAS FOR PARENTS AND FAMILY
PREGNANCY GUIDE
Follow Your Pregnancy Week-by-Week
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
|
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
34 |
35 |
36 |
37 |
38 |
39 |
40 |
41 |
