Week 5 of pregnancy is actually when your next period would be due. Many women therefore take a pregnancy test after it doesn’t arrive and discover the little being growing in their belly. In this article, you’ll learn how a pregnancy test works, what you may be able to feel now, and what to watch out for this week.

How big is your baby in week 5 of pregnancy?

Pregnancy can be detected on ultrasound from this week: visible is the amniotic cavity, which is about one centimeter in size and surrounds the embryo. The embryo itself is about 2 millimeters in size in the 5th week of pregnancy—roughly the size of a sesame seed—and is therefore still too small to be seen on the ultrasound image.

5th Week of Pregnancy: What's Changing for You

This week, you would normally get your period—instead, your body is already fully prepared for pregnancy in week 5. The concentration of the hormone hCG steadily increases and is high enough this week for a pregnancy test to show a reliable result. hCG helps maintain the pregnancy by preventing the uterine lining from shedding and promoting increased blood flow. In addition, hCG and other hormones trigger several other changes in your body: your uterus is becoming larger and softer, and your vagina is already more elastic. The mucus plug is forming, which tightly seals your uterus from the outside and protects your baby from bacteria and infections until birth.

Typical pregnancy signs

Due to steadily increasing hormone levels, you may experience your first pregnancy symptoms or notice changes in your body this week. Typical pregnancy signs that may occur now include:

• Pulling in the lower abdomen

• Discomfort

• Fatigue or weakness

• Tender breasts, and darkening and enlargement of the nipples

• Congested nose or loss of smell

• Increased salivation

• Constipation

• Elevated body temperature after waking up

• Dizziness or headaches

• Frequent urination

• Cravings

Since the hCG concentration increases especially in the first trimester of pregnancy and then decreases again, most of these symptoms also disappear on their own by the end of the 3rd month. However, don’t worry if you don’t notice any symptoms at all in the 5th week of pregnancy—that’s completely normal. After all, every pregnancy is unique, and every woman reacts differently.

5th Week of Pregnancy: Development of Your Baby

Your embryo is floating in the amniotic sac, which is about one centimeter in size, within the uterine lining. It still consists of three cell layers, the so-called germ layers, from which all organs and tissues will develop ( Ectoderm, Mesoderm, Endoderm ). From the outermost cell layer, the ectoderm, the so-called neural tube now develops, which in turn forms the basis for the central nervous system. An adequate supply of folate is particularly crucial for this development, as it is involved in all cell division and growth processes in the body. A folate deficiency in the first weeks of pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects (medically spina bifida , known as an open back), as well as the risk of other malformations. Folate (also known as vitamin B9) cannot be produced by the body itself, but is
absorbed through food. Since the requirement during pregnancy is not solely
covered by diet, you need to take the vitamin in the form of folic acid, the synthetic, industrially produced variant. In the article “ Why folic acid is so important for pregnant women “ you can learn more about the vitamin and the correct dosage.

This is now important

• You should only take medications after consulting your doctor to prevent harm to your baby.

• Even if it still seems early to you, it’s advisable to start looking for a midwife immediately after a positive pregnancy test. In times of acute midwife shortages, it isn’t always easy to find the right care for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—so acting quickly is worthwhile. Here you will find more tips and tricks for finding a midwife .

• If you haven’t already, abstain from alcohol and nicotine from now on.

• It’s best to start taking folic acid as soon as you are trying to conceive, but at the latest, you should begin now.

• Taking other dietary supplements that contain important nutrients for your baby’s development can also be beneficial now. It’s best to discuss with your doctor which nutrients they recommend you take in addition to a healthy and balanced diet.

The pregnancy test

A pregnancy test can either be performed by your doctor through a blood test, or you can do a home urine test, which is available over the counter at pharmacies or drugstores. Both tests measure the concentration of hCG in the body. Since the hormone is detectable in the blood earlier than in urine, a test at the doctor’s office is possible before the 5th week of pregnancy. However, the urine test is just as reliable after that. To perform it at home, briefly dip the test strip into a cup of urine—preferably right after waking up, when the hCG concentration in urine is highest. You can read the result just a few minutes later. LILLYDOO gynecologist Christian answers all the important questions that may arise about pregnancy tests in the video.

Week 5 of pregnancy is a very special time for many women, especially when a test confirms that they are expecting a baby. The moment you hold the positive test strip in your hands is one you will probably never forget! Whether you’ve been hoping for a pregnancy for a long time or it comes as a surprise, a mix of excitement, confusion, and anticipation is completely normal. We have some tips on how to navigate this new situation in the article „ ?“—take a look.

With our pregnancy calendar, we want to accompany you through this exciting time and provide you with relevant information, which is also created in exchange with our
LILLYDOO experts. Nevertheless, the information listed here can still
never replace personal consultation with your doctor or midwife. Always contact your healthcare professional with questions and for professional care.