5 weeks pregnant

Status

• Week 5 after the last menstrual period
• 4 completed weeks plus 1-7 days, in obstetrical terms
• Week 3 after conception
• Days 15-21 of embryo development
• Length of embryo: 2mm on day 21 (end of week 5)

Your Baby this week

At the end of week 5, your baby's heart begins to beat regularly and pumps fluid into the tiny blood vessels that have formed. A string of these blood vessels connects your baby to you, and will become the umbilical cord.

The umbilical cord is your baby's lifeline, carrying oxygen and food via the placenta and carrying waste from the baby to be eliminated.

You & Your Body

By now, you'll have missed a period. Perhaps you suspect that you're pregnant, or may even be experiencing some odd symptoms. Perhaps you've begun to feel a little tired, or nauseous, or your breasts are sore. If you are pregnant, this will now show on a home pregnancy test, although you'll need to test again in a few days' time to know for sure. You can visit your GP at this stage, although there may not yet be much to discuss.

Nutrition

When you're pregnant, certain vitamins and minerals become particularly important: calcium and vitamin D, folic acid, iron and vitamin C (vitamin C helps you to absorb iron) and Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Read up on helpful advice for healthy eating in pregnancy.

Pregnancy Tip

Prenatal care is so imperative, pregnancy is a time when women are most susceptible to pregnancy infections and illnesses. Read our tips on remaining healthy and germ free during your pregnancy.


‘To Do’ this week

Visit your doctor and schedule a hospital appointment. To prepare, make a note of the first day of your last period (so she can determine your due date) and start making a list of any questions you may have.