Your Pregnancy at Week 5

You may be starting to feel some tenderness in your boobs, which may also be a little bigger. Light period cramps can often occur around this time as everything continues to settle in. Some women do experience some light spotting at this stage, known as implantation bleeding. However, any bleeding that is persistent or heavy should be checked out.

Your diet is just as important now as ever before (if not more so). The temptation to eat for two can be strong but remember you don’t need many additional calories for the first trimester, so be mindful that you could end up putting on additional weight.

Keeping up with your normal exercise routine is fine (assuming you are not bungee jumping), but if you haven't already, now will be a good time to cut down or stop any bad habits like smoking or drinking alcohol and check out our guide on what to eat during pregnancy. Here’s more on exercise during pregnancy.

If you haven't started taking them yet, you need to start taking folic acid and vitamin D supplements, essential to your baby's steady growth and development, as well as your health. You'll need to take at least 400ug of folic acid per day to prevent the development of neural tube defects in the early stages of development, until at least 13-weeks. Head here for how long to take folic acid.          

In week five of pregnancy, you might find yourself in a state of anticipation, eagerly awaiting physical changes that signify the life growing inside you. 

Some people might not feel any different and long for tangible symptoms to confirm their pregnancy, while others may already be experiencing early signs such as:

Increased hCG levels: As your pregnancy progresses, your body produces more human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. This hormone plays a crucial role in supporting the developing embryo.

Morning sickness: Nausea and sickness, commonly known as morning sickness, can occur at any time of day during pregnancy. These symptoms are often one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy and can be attributed to hormonal changes. Here are some tips for combatting morning sickness.

Food aversions: You may notice a sudden aversion to certain foods or strong odours, which is a common early pregnancy symptom. This aversion can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations and typically subsides as pregnancy progresses.

Tender, swollen, sore, or tingling breasts: Hormonal changes can cause your breasts to feel tender, swollen, or sore. Some people may also experience tingling sensations or heightened sensitivity in their breasts.

Darkened areola: Changes in hormone levels can lead to darkening of the areola, the area surrounding the nipples. This darkening is a normal part of pregnancy and often occurs in the early stages.

Cramps: Mild abdominal cramping is a common early pregnancy symptom caused by the implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining. These cramps are usually mild and temporary.

Spotting: Light spotting or vaginal bleeding can occur early in pregnancy, often around the time of your expected period. This spotting is usually light and short-lived but should be discussed with your GP if you’re concerned.

Frequent urination: Increased urinary frequency is a common symptom of early pregnancy, attributed to hormonal changes and the expanding uterus putting pressure on the bladder.

Constipation: Hormonal changes can slow down digestion, leading to constipation for some pregnant women. Increasing fibre intake and staying hydrated can help alleviate this symptom. Head here for more on constipation during pregnancy.

Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is a common early pregnancy symptom, attributed to hormonal changes and increased demands on your body.

Metallic taste in mouth: Some women may experience a metallic or unusual taste in their mouth, often described as a metallic taste. This symptom is believed to be related to hormonal changes and typically resolves as pregnancy progresses.

Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can affect your mood, leading to mood swings ranging from joy and excitement to irritability or weepiness. Here’s some more advice on pregnancy emotions.

It's important to note that not everyone experiences noticeable symptoms during early pregnancy. Some people may feel completely normal and have no overt signs of pregnancy at this stage. Every pregnancy is unique, and symptom experiences vary from person to person!

To combat the discomfort that is your abnormally tender breasts, invest in a proper sports bra, which will feel more comfortable than the normal go-to bra you're probably growing out of.

Write down the details of your pregnancy, because the next months of your life will be filled with excitement, stress, trials, expectations, and plans for the future. From finding the best car seat and having nursery to prepare, to extra snacks and extra naps, channel your thoughts, wishes, and worries into a pregnancy journal or blog. 

For journal inspiration, look through pregnancy and baby sections at local bookstores. Some journals have designated spaces to record the details of doctor visits, symptoms, weight gain, and more. Other journals offer question prompts, or blank pages from cover to cover.

Or, check out these 12 pregnancy books to consider.

Join a local pregnancy support group, online or in person, if you are feeling lonely, or lack support.