In the week 9, your baby is
the size of a Sesame Seed
In Week 5 of pregnancy, your baby is growing rapidly, and early symptoms may start to appear. Expect changes in your body and the excitement of your pregnancy journey beginning!
Welcome to Week 5 of pregnancy! This week marks an exciting turning point as your embryo grows rapidly. Many women begin to notice symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue, signalling your body’s hard work to support your baby. These changes are all part of the journey ahead.
During Week 5, you might start noticing stronger pregnancy symptoms, or if they haven’t shown up yet, they could be on their way. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
At Week 5, your baby is the size of a sesame seed, with a tiny head and tail, resembling a tadpole.
At 5 weeks, your baby is starting to grow, with early features forming. Take it one day at a time—you're doing an amazing job, mama!
By Week 5, your body is working hard to support your growing baby, and you may start to feel new symptoms and changes. With hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) rising quickly, there’s a good chance you’ve already missed your period.
Early arrival
Discuss premature labour signs with the doctor to address concerns and get proper guidance.
Labor check-up
If your labour feels abnormal let the doctor examine you first for a correct diagnosis
Childbirth prep
Enrol yourself in prenatal courses to learn different labour stages and what to expect.
Eat Healthy
Make sure to add variety in your meals to get energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Ensure you take prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy and the postpartum period
In Week 5, your pregnancy is still in the very early stages, so medical check-ups may not reveal much detail yet. For some, an early scan might be suggested, though it’s often too soon to see much more than a small sac.
A blood test can confirm your pregnancy by detecting hCG levels. Doctors may also check other hormone levels to ensure your body is supporting the baby’s development. Blood tests at this stage might include checks for anaemia, rubella immunity, and screening for infections like hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV.
Some doctors recommend an early transvaginal ultrasound if you have a history of complications. This scan can confirm that the embryo has been implanted in the uterus, helping to rule out concerns like an ectopic pregnancy. However, it’s usually too early to see detailed images of the baby.
Many women wait until Weeks 8–10 for their first full check-up, but some may opt for an earlier visit to confirm the pregnancy, determine how far along they are, and set an estimated due date. During this visit, your doctor may check your blood pressure, height, and weight, review your medical and family history, and offer advice on nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle for a healthy pregnancy. They may also screen for Down syndrome, assess cervical health, and test for vitamin D deficiency if you’re at risk.
Your body is adjusting hormone levels to support the embryo, which requires energy. Fatigue is common in early pregnancy, especially with rising progesterone levels.
Yes, it’s completely normal to experience mood swings during early pregnancy. Hormonal changes can make you feel more emotional, sensitive, or even more irritable than usual. Many women notice these shifts, especially in the first trimester, and it’s just a part of the process. Don’t worry, these feelings are temporary and will settle as your pregnancy progresses.
Light exercise, like walking, is generally safe, but avoid heavy lifting or high-impact activities until your doctor confirms what’s suitable for you.
Eating nutrient-dense foods is key. Look for iron-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, along with plenty of folic acid for neural tube development.
Your baby is roughly the size of a sesame seed, with critical systems like the neural tube developing quickly.
Spotting can happen in early pregnancy, and it’s often normal. However, you should always contact your healthcare provider to let them know. Spotting is light bleeding that can occur when the embryo attaches to the uterine wall, and it’s common in the first 12 weeks. Still, spotting can also be a sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, which can be serious if not treated.
During pregnancy, it’s normal to have more vaginal discharge than usual. It’s usually thin, clear, or milky white, and doesn’t have a bad smell. This is called leukorrhea.
You should see a doctor as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, ideally before you reach 8 weeks. This will help ensure you get the care and advice you need for a healthy pregnancy. By Week 5, your hCG levels are high enough to show up on a home pregnancy test.
