5 weeks pregnant

Welcome to your fifth week of pregnancy! You have just completed your fourth full week.

There are some amazing changes taking place with your baby this week. Although still about the width of a grain of rice, the genetic basis for many of the major organs is beginning to form. There are three basic layers forming in your baby: the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm. Each of these layers contains the beginning of the main systems of the body. The ectoderm will develop into your baby’s brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the nervous system, as well as skin, nails, and other external features. Out of the mesoderm will come most of your baby’s muscles, bones, and cartilage, along with one of the most exciting developments yet: some of your baby’s first heartbeat! Finally, the endoderm will take over to form lungs, intestines, and other internal organs in the coming weeks. This week also brings further development of the placenta and umbilical cord as they mature to meet the needs of your baby until delivery.

Mommy may be having an exciting week too. Most likely, she has verified that she is, in fact, pregnant! Although she is probably starting to feel pregnant, it is unlikely that anyone else will be able to tell just yet. If she hasn’t already started prenatal care from her doctor, it’s a good idea to make an appointment. She may start to experience some of the changes and discomforts of being pregnant this week or in the next few weeks. One of the most common complaints is “morning sickness,” although the nausea that often accompanies pregnancy can strike at any time of day. Fortunately, this nausea tends to pass after the first trimester for most women. But some women will experience hyperemesis gravidarum, a much more severe and ongoing form of morning sickness that causes extreme weight loss, dehydration, and may require medication. If you think this is a problem she is experiencing, be sure to talk to her obstetrician. Other standard pregnancy symptoms you may experience include fatigue, more frequent urination, and breast tenderness. Just as no two women are the same, no two pregnancies are the same, so she may experience these symptoms to a greater or lesser degree than other mothers-to-be. She may even notice that certain symptoms can be more or less pronounced at different times, particularly with morning sickness. As she progresses, she will find that this common complaint will begin to fade and allow her to focus more on the excitement of growing her new baby.