5 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Morning Sickness & Baby's Development

5 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Morning Sickness & Baby's Development

At 5 weeks pregnant, you've probably just missed your period, and this is when many people find out they're pregnant. Your baby is an embryo about the size of a sesame seed, and their brain, spinal cord and heart are starting to form.

Baby's size
About the size of a sesame seed (1 to 2mm)
Forming now
Brain, spinal cord and heart
Common symptoms
Tiredness, nausea and needing to wee more
This week
See your GP if you haven't already

What's happening this week

Your baby is now a curved, tadpole-like embryo with a head end and a tail end. They're called an embryo until around 10 weeks, when they become a foetus. This week, three important things start to take shape.

Brain and spine

The neural tube

A groove of cells folds into a tube that will become the brain and spinal cord. It closes over the next week or so, which is why folic acid matters so much now.

Heart

The heart tube

A simple tube forms that will become the heart. It may start to beat by the end of this week, but it's usually too small to see on a scan until around 6 weeks.

Placenta and cord

Your baby's lifeline

The placenta keeps growing into the wall of your uterus, and an early connection forms that will become the umbilical cord.

Symptoms at 5 weeks pregnant

Some people feel pregnant straight away, while others notice very little. Common symptoms this week include:

  • Tiredness. Rising progesterone can make you feel exhausted, even after a full night's sleep.
  • Nausea. Morning sickness can start now, though it more often begins around week 6.
  • Needing to wee more. Hormones and extra blood flow through your kidneys mean more trips to the toilet. Don't cut back on water. Try reducing caffeine and having fewer drinks before bed instead.
  • Tender breasts. They may feel sore, heavy or tingly.
  • Food aversions and cravings. Foods you usually love might suddenly put you off, and some people notice a metallic taste.
  • Mood changes. Hormones, tiredness and big news can make emotions swing.

See your GP or go to your nearest emergency department if you have heavy bleeding, strong pain on one side of your tummy, shoulder tip pain, or feel faint.

Managing morning sickness

Nausea and vomiting affect most pregnant people, and despite the name, they can happen at any time of day. For most, symptoms start around week 6, peak between weeks 8 and 11, and ease by weeks 12 to 14. Some people have symptoms for longer. For more ideas, read our guide to managing morning sickness.

What can help

  • Eat small snacks every two to three hours
  • Nibble a dry cracker before you get out of bed
  • Sip fluids between meals rather than with them
  • Choose cold or bland foods if smells bother you
  • Try ginger, such as ginger tea or biscuits
  • Rest when you can, as tiredness makes nausea worse

See your GP if

  • You can't keep food or fluids down for 24 hours
  • You're weeing less, or your wee is dark
  • You feel dizzy or faint when you stand up
  • You're losing weight
  • You vomit blood
  • Nausea is making it hard to get through the day

Severe, ongoing vomiting may be hyperemesis gravidarum, which needs medical treatment. Even if your symptoms aren't severe, you don't have to push through. There are medicines that are safe in pregnancy, so talk to your GP about what might help.

Deciding when to share your news

When you tell people is a personal choice. Many people wait until after the 12-week mark, when the risk of miscarriage drops. Others tell a few close people early so they have support through the tiring first weeks. If your job involves chemicals, heavy lifting or radiation, talk to your GP about whether to let your workplace know sooner.

Looking after yourself this week

Keep moving

Australian guidelines recommend 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week during an uncomplicated pregnancy. Walking, swimming and pregnancy yoga are all good choices. If you're new to exercise or have any health concerns, check with your GP first.

Book a dental check-up

Pregnancy hormones can make your gums swollen and more likely to bleed. Check-ups and cleans are safe during pregnancy, so book one in and let your dentist know you're pregnant.

Food, drink and supplements

Keep taking folic acid and iodine, keep caffeine under 200 milligrams a day and avoid alcohol. Brush up on which foods to enjoy and avoid in pregnancy.

Plan your care

If you haven't seen your GP yet, now's a good time to book in and start thinking about your model of care. Here's what happens after a positive test.

Look after your mood

Ups and downs are normal, especially when you're tired and nauseous. If you feel low or anxious most days, talk to your GP or call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306.

Your to-do list for week 5

Helpful for this stage

Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books MaternityComfort essentials for pregnancyShop maternity

Week 5 FAQs

Can you see a heartbeat at 5 weeks pregnant?

Usually not yet. An early ultrasound at 5 weeks may show the pregnancy sac, but a heartbeat is more often seen from around 6 weeks. Not seeing one at 5 weeks is common and doesn't mean something is wrong.

Is it normal to have no morning sickness at 5 weeks?

Yes. Morning sickness often starts around week 6, and some people never have it. Having no nausea doesn't mean anything is wrong with your pregnancy.

Why do I need to wee so much in early pregnancy?

Pregnancy hormones and extra blood flowing through your kidneys make you produce more urine. Keep drinking water, but try cutting back on caffeine and having fewer drinks right before bed.

When should I tell people I'm pregnant?

It's completely up to you. Many people wait until after the 12-week mark, when the risk of miscarriage drops. Others tell a few close people early so they have support in the first weeks.

Can I exercise at 5 weeks pregnant?

Yes, for most people. Australian guidelines recommend 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week during an uncomplicated pregnancy. Walking, swimming and pregnancy yoga are good options. Check with your GP if you have health concerns.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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