Welcome to Week 5 of your pregnancy journey! This week, we’ll dive into the exciting developments happening with your baby, the changes you may be experiencing, and I’ll also share my own journey since I’m currently pregnant with baby number four. If you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant, make sure to follow along with me through the entire Pregnancy What to Expect series!
What's Happening with Your Baby
At 5 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a sesame seed or a grain of rice. Here’s a glimpse into your baby’s development:
Nervous System & Circulatory System Development: The development of the nervous system is kicking into high gear, with the brain and spinal cord continuing to form from week four. The circulatory system is also beginning to develop, with blood vessels starting to form and the heart taking shape. Interestingly, the heart initially forms as a simple tube, which will eventually develop into distinct chambers. If you have an ultrasound this week, you might even catch a glimpse of your baby’s heartbeat—a tiny flicker on the screen, which is truly awe-inspiring!
Neural Tube Development: It’s important to remember that the neural tube is developing during this time, so taking a prenatal vitamin with folate or folic acid is crucial. This supplement plays a vital role in preventing defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly. Both Roxanne and I take Needed, a prenatal vitamin rich in folate, to support our babies’ health and development.
Instructors
ROXANNE
This course breaks down what to expect postpartum from the moment your baby is born to the first few weeks postpartum! Learn what options you have available to you in your care!
- 2h+ of Video
- On Mobile
- Webinar
What's Happening with You
As you enter Week 5, you may start to notice more pronounced pregnancy symptoms. Here are some common experiences during Week 5:
Early Pregnancy Symptoms: Common experiences during this time include fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, and even constipation due to the hormone progesterone slowing down your digestive system.
Stay on Top of Oral Hygiene: Keeping up with dental care can help reduce the chances of issues that might lead to complications later on, such as preterm labor. Did you know that many dental insurances offer extra cleanings for pregnant individuals due to the increased risk of cavities? During pregnancy, many women experience a sensitive gag reflex, especially when brushing teeth, which can make dental hygiene a bit of a challenge. Read more about the importance of prenatal oral health in this blog post!
- Schedule Your Prenatal Visit: If you haven’t already scheduled your first prenatal appointment, now is a great time to do so!
My Personal Experience in Week 5
This week has brought up some nerves for me. I have a history of pregnancy loss, having experienced two losses between my first two children. Because I’m not feeling many symptoms yet and haven’t had an ultrasound to confirm everything is okay, I can’t help but feel a little anxious.
I’ve realized that I need to accept this state of uncertainty and embrace the unknown. One approach that resonates with me is choosing to celebrate this pregnancy, even amidst the fear of potential loss. Statistically, one in four pregnancies ends in loss, which is a sobering reality. However, I believe that being excited and bonding with my baby—even if it might end in heartbreak—can make the journey more meaningful.
In my previous losses, I found that if I had remained detached and fearful, I would have felt even sadder if things didn’t go as hoped. During my son’s pregnancy, I was so consumed by anxiety that I didn’t fully enjoy the experience. This time, I’m making a conscious choice to be excited and hopeful while navigating the complexities of this journey.
Next week, I plan to get an ultrasound, which I hope will provide some reassurance. I’ll continue to share my journey, along with tips and strategies I find helpful for managing anxiety during pregnancy.
You can listen to more about my personal experiences with loss HERE or watch the video HERE.
Conclusion
Every pregnancy is unique, and Week 5 can bring its own set of experiences and challenges. It’s essential to listen to your body, take care of your mental and physical health, and prepare for the exciting changes ahead.
If you’re looking for more support during your pregnancy, consider exploring our online prenatal fitness programs and childbirth education courses. You can bundle these for additional savings!
Prenatal Support Courses
Learn the science of pregnancy and birth to take the mystery of labor away! Understand why you are feeling what you feel, and learn strategies to confidently move through pregnancy and birth!
- 9h+ of Video
- Support Group
- Close Captioning
- 5 Workouts/Week
- Gym Workouts
- Self-Paced
Instructor
GINA
Workout on-demand with our prenatal fitness workout videos! Each workout is 30-40 minutes to follow along as you exercise at the same time!
- Birth Prep
- All Trimesters
- Mobility Work
Instructor
GINA
Find comfort and relief from pelvic girdle pain throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period! This program incorporates myofascial sling focused exercises to stabilize across the pelvic girdle joints.
- 3 Weeks
- On Demand Workout Videos to Follow