Your baby at 5th week of pregnancy

Your baby at 5 weeks

Your baby is the size of a small orange pip. At 0.12 to 0.25 cm (0.05 to 0.1 inch)

Pipeline in place

The placenta and the beginnings of the umbilical cord are already working hard to channel essential nutrients from your body to your baby. Oxygen, amino acids, fats, and sugars all play a vital role in healthy development. In order to stay healthy, it's time to start eating for two.

Back Basics

Some of the baby’s cells are developing into the neural tube, which will become the spinal column and the brain. An incorrectly formed neural tube can result in a complication called spina bifida, where the spinal cord doesn't fully close. Taking at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day is your best weapon against spinal-cord-related birth defects.

Heart start

The heart is now a single tube with a few uncoordinated beats. These thumps will become more regular with each passing week. 

Twin development at week 5

You may be able to detect your babies through an early ultrasound during week 5. Your babies are measured in millimeters at this point, but you might see two gestational sacs or even a couple of tiny fetal poles as the week goes on.


Occasionally, there may be two gestational sacs at this early stage and find just one baby at a later ultrasound. This is called vanishing twin syndrome. There’s often no clear reason for the loss. You may have a cramp and bleeding, or you may have no symptoms at all.

5 weeks pregnant symptoms

- Morning sickness
- Lightheadedness
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal cramps
- Vaginal bleeding
- Fatigue
- Breast changes
- Food cravings and aversions
- Constipation
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Mood swings

Quick tip for moms


- If you haven’t already done so, schedule your first prenatal doctor visit. 
- Take a prenatal vitamin. Prenatal vitamins that contain high levels of folic acid may lower the risk of some birth defects. Many prenatal vitamins now provide DHA and EPA as well. These nutrients are vital for proper brain and eye development in your baby. These omega-3 fatty acids also help your breast milk to be more nutritious.
- Add healthy foods to your diet like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, beans, nuts, and dairy. Maintaining a healthy diet is important for your baby’s health.
- Make sure your proteins are fully cooked and avoid high mercury seafood and unpasteurized dairy to prevent infection in your growing baby.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or excessive caffeine, or use illegal drugs. 

5 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect in 5th Week of Pregnancy?

Want to know more about your upcoming week? Find out what to expect during 6th week of pregnancy for you and your baby here.

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