How does my baby grow at 5 weeks?

Now that your baby is an embryo, it’s developing at a fast pace. At around 4 or 5 weeks, it turns into a disc shape, looking a bit like a tadpole. The first key organ to start developing is the heart, which will start to beat within the next week or so. The other key factor to develop is the neural tube, which connects the spinal cord to the brain. Blood vessels are also starting to develop, and blood begins to circulate. Some of these blood vessels will eventually form the umbilical cord.

What are the pregnancy symptoms at 5 weeks?

Around this time, if you have a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, you’ll have missed your period. Most women will start to notice they might be pregnant. You’ll still be far from having any sort of bump, but there can be other symptoms to look out for.

You might notice you’re more tired than usual. Tender or tingling breasts can also be a symptom of pregnancy, as can spotting or bleeding that is far lighter than a regular period.

Pregnancy hormones can also cause you to go to the toilet more often or may cause an increase in headaches. To help with headaches, over-the-counter paracetamol is fine to use, as it won’t affect the baby. That being said, try to avoid medications if you don’t need to take any.

What else do I need to know about being 5 weeks pregnant?

If you know you’re pregnant, get into the habit of eating well. ‘Eating well’ can look different for many people, but in general, try to eat regular meals that are packed with nutrients. This will also help with indigestion, a common pregnancy symptom.

You don’t need to spend loads of money on whole or organic foods. You just need a balance of the right types of food. These include:

Fruits and vegetables Aim to eat at least 5 fresh portions of fruit and vegetables per day (eat more vegetables if you can). Frozen, canned, and dried are fine, but try to choose options with no added salt or sugar.
Starchy foods (carbs) Finally, a reason to load up on carbs! Hooray! But make sure they are healthy carbs. Root vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, plantains, brown rice, quinoa, wholemeal bread, and breakfast cereals are great sources of energy and provide essential vitamins and fibre. Try to opt for brown or wholemeal options where possible.
Protein. Foods rich in protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, and pulses. Aim to have two or more portions of fish a week. Make one of those portions an oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, or salmon. Avoid fish such as sharks, swordfish, and marlin, as these fish have high levels of mercury.

Dairy. Foods such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt are great sources of calcium. Try to go for low-fat options where possible, and if you prefer dairy alternatives, then make sure they are unsweetened.

The following foods are considered to be unsafe for your baby:

Cured or undercooked meats may contain parasites that cause an illness called toxoplasmosis, which has been linked to birth complications. The same goes for ready meals; always make sure you cook them thoroughly.
Unpasteurised milk and cheese and mould-ripened cheeses may contain a harmful bacteria called listeria. Avoid cheeses with a white rind, such as camembert, brie, and blue cheeses.
Raw shellfish, such as oysters and prawns, may contain harmful bacteria and viruses.

Raw or undercooked eggs. Some eggs may cause salmonella poisoning, so always do your research to check that the eggs are safe. In the UK, for example, eggs with a red British Lion Quality stamp are considered low-risk of carrying salmonella.
Shark, swordfish, and marlin have high levels of mercury and should be avoided. Tuna also contains mercury, so limit your intake to two portions a week.
Liver or liver products such as pate, liver sausage, or supplements The liver contains large amounts of retinol, which can be harmful to your developing baby.

As well as your daily intake of Folic Acid and Vitamin D supplements (400mg and 10mg per day, respectively), Vitamin C aids your baby's growth and development. Try eating more oranges, bell peppers, blackcurrants, potatoes, and strawberries.

What Does My Pregnancy Look Like at Five Weeks?

What does my pregnancy look like at five weeks?