5 Weeks Pregnant – Baby’s Heart Begins to Beat

What’s Happening at 5 Weeks Pregnant?

5 Weeks Pregnant – Week 5 is a milestone week. The embryo is rapidly growing, and organ systems begin to develop, especially the brain, spine, and heart, which may start beating by the end of the week!

• 👶 Baby is the size of an apple seed (1.5–2 mm)
• 🫀 The heart begins forming and might start beating
• 🧠 Neural tube develops (future brain and spinal cord)
• 🩸 hCG levels are rising fast, doubling every 48–72 hours

You’re officially 1 month pregnant.

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 5

Symptoms typically become more noticeable this week due to the rising levels of hCG and progesterone.

Common Week 5 Symptoms:

• Missed period (most obvious sign)
• Morning sickness or nausea (with or without vomiting)
• Tender, swollen breasts
• Food cravings or aversions
• Fatigue and mood swings
• Increased urination
• Bloating or light cramps

Every woman experiences pregnancy differently — you may feel all or none of these symptoms.

Read the detailed article on 5 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms: Understanding What’s Normal and What’s Not

What to Eat at 5 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby’s brain and spinal cord are forming. So focus on folate, protein, and iron this week.

✅ Nutrient-Rich Foods:

• Lentils & leafy greens – folic acid
• Eggs, nuts, fish – protein and omega-3s
• Oranges, guava – Vitamin C to absorb iron
• Oats, brown rice – energy and fiber
• Milk & paneer – calcium for bones

💊 Keep taking prenatal vitamins daily.

❌ Avoid:

• Caffeine over 200 mg/day (about 1 cup coffee)
• All alcohol and tobacco
• Raw meat, sushi, unpasteurized dairy
• Junk foods and sugary snacks

Week 5 Safe Exercises

Gentle movement is still encouraged as long as you feel up to it.

Best Week 5 Activities:

• 🧘 Prenatal yoga (15–30 mins)
• 🚶 Walking or light stair climbing
• 💨 Deep breathing or guided meditation
• 🛌 Rest whenever your body asks for it

Avoid jumping, heavy lifting, or overexertion.

Week 5 Checklist

• Book your first prenatal appointment (usually scheduled between Week 6–8)
• Continue prenatal vitamins with folic acid
• Eat small, healthy meals every 3 hours
• Stay hydrated
• Note any unusual pain or bleeding (contact your doctor if concerned)
• Begin journaling your pregnancy journey 💗

Tip of the Week

“Your baby’s heart may start beating this week! Nourish your body, avoid stress, and keep yourself hydrated.”
— Dr. Neha Sinha, Obstetrician

FAQ – Week 5 of Pregnancy

Q: Is it normal to not feel pregnant at Week 5?
A: Yes. Some people feel strong symptoms, others feel nothing. It varies and is usually normal.

Q: What does 5 weeks pregnant look like on an ultrasound?
A: A small gestational sac might be visible, but it’s often too early to see the heartbeat.

Q: Can I still exercise at 5 weeks?
A: Yes — light exercise is great for pregnancy. But avoid any activities that strain your abdomen.

🔗 Internal Links

• 🔙 Back to Week 4 – Test Time & Implantation
• 👉 Next: Week 6 – Morning Sickness Peaks
• 📘 Top 10 Pregnancy Foods You Should Start Eating Now