Sizes are averages; from week 20 length is measured head to heel. Not sure which week you’re in? Calculate it.
Your baby at 5 weeks
The neural tube – the future brain and spinal cord – is forming along the embryo’s back. This is why folic acid matters so much right now. A simple heart tube forms and, by the end of this week or next, begins to beat. On a transvaginal scan the gestational sac, and often the yolk sac, can now be seen.
Your body at 5 weeks
Pregnancy hormones are rising fast. Many women feel exhausted, need to urinate more often and have sore, fuller breasts. Nausea may begin.
Common symptoms this week
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Breast tenderness
- Early nausea
Tips & to-do list
- Visit a gynaecologist or your nearest government health centre to confirm and register your pregnancy (you’ll receive a Mother & Child Protection card).
- Eat small, frequent meals to keep nausea at bay.
- Rest whenever you can – first-trimester fatigue is real.
Check-ups and tests around this week
- First antenatal visit, pregnancy registration and routine blood & urine tests
Week 5 at a glance
| At 5 weeks | |
|---|---|
| Trimester | First trimester |
| Pregnancy month | Month 2 of 9 |
| Weeks to due date | 35 weeks |
| Days pregnant | 35–41 days |
| Progress | 12% of 40 weeks |
When to call your doctor
Contact your doctor or go to hospital straight away if you notice:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing clots
- Severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain or fainting (possible ectopic pregnancy)
- Vomiting so severe you can’t keep fluids down
- Fever above 38 °C or burning urination
Questions about 5 weeks pregnant
How many months is 5 weeks pregnant?
5 weeks pregnant falls in month 2 of pregnancy, in the first trimester. For medical purposes, weeks and days are more precise than months.
How big is my baby at 5 weeks?
At 5 weeks your baby is about the size of a sesame seed (til) – roughly ~2 mm long and weighing about under 1 g.
Is it normal to have no symptoms at 5 weeks?
Yes. Every pregnancy is different, and symptoms come and go. Feeling well is not a sign that something is wrong. If you have concerns, or notice any warning signs listed on this page, contact your doctor.
Jump to any week
Medical disclaimer: The results and information on this page are estimates for general education only. They are not a diagnosis and do not replace advice from your gynaecologist, obstetrician or midwife. If you have pain, bleeding, reduced baby movements or feel unwell, contact your doctor or call 108 immediately. Read the full disclaimer.