No Symptoms of Pregnancy at 5 Weeks
Welcome to your 5th week of pregnancy. If you are here, you are likely wondering if it is normal to experience no pregnancy symptoms at this stage. This article will answer that question for you and more!
In this article:
- Your Baby at 5 Weeks Pregnant
- You At 5 Weeks Pregnant
- Is It Normal to Have No Pregnancy Symptoms at 5 Weeks Pregnant?
- Pregnancy Symptoms at 5 Weeks Pregnant
- The Take-Away
Your Baby’s Development at 5 Weeks Pregnant
Congratulations, you are now 5 weeks pregnant!
If you know you are pregnant at this stage, you know much sooner than many women!
Overview
The nervous system of your baby is already developing, as are the foundations for its major organs.
Your baby is around 2mm long at this stage- about the size of a poppy seed.
Heart and Blood Vessels
At 5 weeks pregnant, the heart is developing as a basic tube-like structure.
Your baby already has some blood vessels, and blood starts to circulate.
The umbilical cord is formed by a string of these blood vessels that connects you to your baby.
Neural Tube
At the same time, the embryo’s outer layer of cells forms a groove and folds to form a hollow tube called the neural tube. This neural tube will become your baby’s brain and spinal cord.
You At 5 Weeks Pregnant
This is the time of your first missed period, and most women are only now beginning to suspect they are pregnant.
What Should I Do Now?
Antenatal care (also known as pregnancy or maternity care) is the care you receive from midwives and doctors during your pregnancy to ensure your and your baby’s health.
Once you know you’re pregnant, contact your GP surgery or preferred maternity service right away so you can begin receiving care at the appropriate time.
They will set up your first midwife appointment.
If you have a health condition that may affect your pregnancy, such as heart or lung disease, epilepsy, mental health issues, diabetes, or asthma, starting maternity care early is critical.
If you’re taking medications for your condition while pregnant, your doctor or midwife can advise you and provide the specialised care you and your baby require.
Do not discontinue any prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor or midwife.
Start Taking Folic Acid
Spina bifida is caused by defects in one end of the neural tube (the “tail end”).
Anencephaly occurs when the bones of the skull do not form properly due to defects in the “head end.”
Spina bifida is prevented by folic acid.
You should begin taking it as soon as you learn you’re pregnant (even before you get pregnant, if possible).
Is It Normal to Have No Pregnancy Symptoms at 5 Weeks Pregnant?
At 5 weeks pregnant, you are still in very early pregnancy.
At this stage, you are likely not to experience any symptoms yet, and this is completely normal.
In fact, many women are still unaware that they are pregnant at this stage, and have yet to receive a positive pregnancy test!
However, if you were previously experiencing pregnancy symptoms which have stopped, and you are concerned, you should contact your doctor, who may want to perform a 5 weeks ultrasound scan.
When Will I Start Having Pregnancy Symptoms?
For most women, symptoms of pregnancy begin between the 6th and 7th weeks of pregnancy.
There are, however, some pregnancy symptoms which you could potentially experience at this stage.
Pregnancy Symptoms at 5 Weeks Pregnant
Whilst you are still in the early stages of pregnancy, there are some early signs of pregnancy that you may experience.
For most women, however, their pregnancy symptoms begin to make an appearance at 6 or 7 weeks pregnant, so do not worry if you do not “feel pregnant” yet!
Below are some of the pregnancy symptoms you may experience at 5 weeks pregnant:
Frequent Urination
A classic sign for many pregnant women is the need to run to the bathroom much more than usual!
If you find that you are having to pee a lot more than usual at 5 weeks pregnant, then pregnancy could be the cause!
Food Cravings
Having unusual food cravings can be a sign of pregnancy.
If you find yourself craving odd combinations like peanut butter and pickles, or fish fingers and custard, it may be due to pregnancy.
Breast Tenderness
During the first trimester, your hormones run wild.
These fluctuating hormone levels can cause your breasts to feel sore, swollen, tingly and full at 5 weeks pregnant.
If you are experiencing less breast pain, our article decreased breast tenderness in early pregnancy may explain why.
Morning Sickness
We have all seen this one in the movies- the woman runs dramatically to the bathroom to throw up before the realisation hits her that she may be pregnant.
Or perhaps it’s the reverse, and she receives a positive pregnancy test, and the next morning she is hurling violently into the toilet.
In reality, this pregnancy symptom usually begins around the 6th week of pregnancy, but it is possible for morning sickness to make an appearance as early as 5 weeks into your pregnancy.
Thankfully, morning sickness usually subsides in the second trimester.
Heightened Sense of Smell
Now, this particular symptom may sound like some kind of superpower, but coupled with nausea, it can wreak havoc!
If you find that you are suddenly gagging at the smell of your usual Starbucks order or your favourite perfume, then pregnancy may be the culprit.
Mood Swings
With your hormones running wild, there is no wonder that you may experience this pregnancy symptom!
You should see some improvement in the stability of your mood by the second trimester, however, for some women, mood swings can last for the entire pregnancy.
Pregnancy Discharge
Pregnancy discharge is also known as leukorrhea.
Leukorrhea- which is described as being a creamy, white, odourless discharge- often appears at several points of your menstrual cycle, but it is most prominent in pregnancy.
If you find that you are experiencing larger quantities of pregnancy discharge, then pregnancy is likely to be the cause.
Pregnancy Mask
Chloasma Faciei, also known as the pregnancy mask, are brown patches of skin that appear on your face due to the changes in pregnancy hormones.
If you suddenly have brown patches on your face or areas of darkened skin, then it is likely to be the pregnancy mask.
Thicker and Shinier Hair
This is one of the benefits that come with pregnancy.
Sometimes, you may find that your hair becomes thicker and shinier when you are pregnant.
Bloating
If you are feeling bloated at 5 weeks pregnant, then pregnancy may be the cause (unless you have just had a hearty meal, then it’s likely to be the meal).
In early pregnancy, your progesterone levels suddenly increase. This causes your digestive system to slow down, which can cause a build-up of gas, bloating and constipation.
The Take-Away
Having no symptoms at 5 weeks pregnant is totally normal, so do not worry!
If you are in doubt about anything at any point in your pregnancy, you should consult your midwife for peace of mind.
However, if you had pregnancy symptoms and they have suddenly stopped, it may be a sign of a miscarriage at 5 weeks pregnant. Other signs of a miscarriage include spotting when you wipe at 5 weeks pregnant and cramping at 5 weeks pregnant.
If you are worried you may be having a miscarriage, the doctor may perform an ultrasound scan.
My name is Louise and I am the Digital Marketing and Administrative Assistant at MyBump2Baby. I have been writing in the parenting niche for over 2 years specialising in fertility, pregnancy, baby and baby name support articles.