5 Weeks Pregnant - What Happens? Signs And Sensations

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

5 weeks pregnant

A special feature of this week is the unprecedented speed of embryo development. This is not felt in any way by the expectant mother, or, on the contrary, changes in the state of health, sensations of a pregnant woman are clearly expressed. From that time on, she needs constant care.

Content:

• Pregnancy calculation methods
• Accurate definition of pregnancy
• Ultrasound at 5 weeks of gestation
• Hormones and analyzes
• How the fetus develops - organ size and function
• Feelings of a pregnant woman at 5 weeks
• Toxicosis of pregnancy
• Vaginal discharge - norm and pathology
• Pain in the abdomen and lower back
• Frozen pregnancy and miscarriage
• Abortion
• Diseases at 5 weeks of gestation
• Sex at 5 weeks pregnant
• Air travel
• Recommendations for the formation of a diet
• Vitamins
• Bad habits

Pregnancy calculation methods

In gynecological practice, the obstetric counting method is used - the gestational age is calculated from the first day of the last menstruation. The embryonic method differs from the obstetric method at 2 weeks, and considers the gestational age from the day of ovulation, from about the middle of the cycle.

Some women count their pregnancy from the day of missed periods, when they received a clear confirmation of their pregnancy.

If all these techniques are taken into account, then the fifth week from conception is equal to the seventh obstetric week of pregnancy. The fifth week from the day of delayed menstruation is equal to the ninth week according to the obstetric method. The information below is mostly from a medical point of view.

Accurate definition of pregnancy

The pharmacy test will now show an accurate result.

In order for the study to proceed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, there are several rules:

• The definition of pregnancy is carried out at any time of the day, but most precisely the morning study.
• The second strip may not appear immediately, but after a short period of time, so it makes sense to temporarily put the test strip in the box.
• It is advisable to repeat the obtained result in 1-2 days, you can do it twice.

Ultrasound at 5 weeks of gestation

Indications for research at this stage of pregnancy are a history of miscarriages or ectopic pregnancy, the appearance of atypical discharge or severe abdominal pain. Analyzing the ultrasound data, the doctor will accurately determine the presence of pregnancy, the number of embryos, the place of their development in the uterine cavity, the state of this organ.

It is most likely that it will not be possible to examine the embryo in detail. In the picture, it will look like a light point. Accurate modern equipment is able this week to determine the diameter of the fetal bladder and the length of the embryo from the coccyx to the crown - CTE, or the coccygeal-parietal size. These parameters will be analyzed by the doctor until 20 weeks of pregnancy, then the fetus is measured along its entire length - from the heels to the crown.

Hormones and analyzes

The corpus luteum of the ovary at week 5 produces the most important hormones of pregnancy - estrogen and progesterone. A reduced concentration of progesterone can put a pregnancy at risk of termination, since this hormone prevents the uterus from contracting, relaxing its muscle layer. Chorion, or fetal membrane, actively produces a specific hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin.

Determination of hCG in urine or serum will confirm pregnancy with 100% accuracy. If a repeated blood test showed a decrease in the concentration of hCG after its preliminary increase, this may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

If a woman faces the threat of termination of pregnancy, or she decided to register with an antenatal clinic, the obstetrician-gynecologist will prescribe the following tests:

• General blood analysis;
• General urine analysis;
• Determination of blood group and Rh factor;
• Analysis for AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis;
• Analysis to determine blood clotting (coagulogram).

If there is a threat of miscarriage, a quantitative analysis of urine for hCG is added to them.

How the fetus develops - organ size and function

At this stage of pregnancy, the tiny embryo crosses an important milestone - it begins to separate from the extraembryonic organs. Outwardly, it looks like a small tadpole or a tube curled up in an arc. The rudiments of the limbs and fingers and toes are already outlined, a head with eyes, a mouth gap, pits instead of ears is outlined. It is at the 5th obstetric week that the laying of the reproductive organs and germ cells occurs. Depending on the sex of the embryo, which was determined at 4 weeks, these are future sperm or eggs.

Embryonic tissue layers for organ formation:

• Ectoderm (outer layer) is a medullary or neural tube that gives rise to nerves, brain, spine, as well as skin, hair, tooth enamel, sweat and breast glands;
• Mesoderm (middle layer) - heart, circulatory system, bone skeleton, muscles, cartilage, subcutaneous tissue;
• Endoderm (inner layer) - lungs, intestines, liver, pancreas and thyroid glands, urinary system.

The fetus has its own blood group, and its circulatory system begins to develop. The embryo, which is only 2 mm long, has a heart already beating. It will be possible to clearly hear the heartbeat only at the 7th week of pregnancy, while the uneven and irregular beats are still indistinguishable by the most sensitive equipment. The formation of the rudiments of the liver and pancreas, larynx, trachea has begun.

Significant changes occur in the fetal neural tube - the prototype of the future central nervous system, brain and spinal cord. Its middle sections are closed, along the neural tube, areas of future muscle and bone tissue are formed and differentiated. An important role in the proper formation of the nervous system is played by a sufficient amount of folic acid received by the expectant mother. Its deficiency in the future may affect the development of the child's intellectual and motor functions, and cause malformations.

Fruit size:

• Length - 1.5-2 mm;
• Weight - 1-3 g.

At the 5th obstetric week, the placenta is formed, through the umbilical cord and the baby's place of which the fetus will receive nutrition until the very birth, remove waste products.

It is important to maintain a positive emotional attitude, because already now there is a connection between the mother and the child, who only benefits from positive emotions. There is research data on the development of wanted and unwanted children, for whose mothers the news of pregnancy has become negative. Desired children, starting from the period of intrauterine development, developed more actively, had a minimum of developmental pathologies, and childbirth was less traumatic.

Video about fetal development at 5 weeks of gestation:

Feelings of a pregnant woman at 5 weeks

At this time, significant mood swings can be felt - from euphoria for the most insignificant reason to irritability over trifles, turning into a depressive state. The physical condition of each woman is individual - some do not notice any changes, while others constantly want to sleep, get tired quickly, and find it difficult to concentrate.

With an unstable menstrual cycle, some women still may not be aware of their "interesting" position, attributing the delay in menstruation to its fluctuations.

However, most often, there are signs of pregnancy that are hard to miss:

• Taste preferences;
• Loss or increase in appetite;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Increased salivation or "pregnancy runny nose";
• Breast swelling and darkening of the areola of the mammary glands;
• Acute sense of smell;
• Frequent urination;
• Clear selection of a strip of skin from the navel to the pubis.

The reason for all these changes is hormonal changes in the female body.

Video about symptoms and sensations at the 5th week of pregnancy, about possible pain and preparation for visiting a doctor:

Toxicosis of pregnancy

Early toxicosis does not have to manifest itself as debilitating vomiting or persistent nausea. Most often, these are minor manifestations, intolerance to odors or certain products. This category includes protein products, fried foods, fast food. If the last two categories are not recommended for the nutrition of pregnant women, then a lack of proteins can negatively affect the development of the fetus.

Meat, poultry, eggs can be temporarily replaced with nuts and legumes. Another option is to introduce small amounts of proteins so that the smell of meat, for example, is obscured by the flavor of the side dish. Milk can also be found in unacceptable meals, although it is an important source of calcium. In this case, it is worth trying to replace it with fermented milk products, or vegetable and fruit juices, salads.

Nutritional rules for toxicosis:

• It is advisable to have breakfast without getting out of bed;
• The morning meal should contain juice, fruit drink, fruits such as a banana or apple;
• After breakfast, you need to lie down a little without getting out of bed immediately;
• It is advisable to carry with you a light "snack" in the form of a cookie, a piece of cheese to use in case of symptoms of toxicosis.

Indomitable vomiting in early toxicosis is a reason to see a doctor and be treated in a hospital. Nausea with early toxicosis can last up to 11-12 weeks with a singleton pregnancy, up to 14-16 weeks - with a multiple variant.

Another striking symptom of early toxicosis is heartburn, which occurs due to a decrease in the tone of smooth muscles. This symptom is due to hormonal changes, the effect of progesterone on the tone of the uterus and all internal organs. The muscles of the esophagus and stomach are weakened, a small amount of gastric juice is thrown into the esophagus. This symptom disappears at 4 months of pregnancy.

Video about early toxicosis at 5 weeks of gestation, about the characteristics of fetal development:

Vaginal discharge - norm and pathology

A high level of progesterone at 5 weeks of gestation does not make it possible for other eggs to develop, menstruation does not occur, which is endometrial rejection. Any spotting during this period is a reason for a medical consultation. Some women observe minor discharge, red or brown, against the background of pregnancy. If the threat of an ectopic pregnancy is excluded, these discharge may indicate a lack of progesterone. Normally, at the 5th week of pregnancy, vaginal discharge is similar to thick transparent mucus, which is secreted slightly more than usual.

Atypical discharge:

• Cheese, in the form of flakes;
• Yellow or greenish;
• Unpleasant odor.

It is possible that these are signs of thrush, or vaginal candidiasis, which has arisen against the background of hormonal changes and a decrease in immunity. She is treated on an outpatient basis together with a sexual partner. If thrush is ruled out, such vaginal discharge may be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease and should be treated immediately.

Pain in the abdomen and lower back

At the 5th week of pregnancy, the uterus may periodically be in good shape. Women feel this condition in the form of a pulling pain in the lower abdomen. If such manifestations occur frequently or are accompanied by bloody discharge, the threat of miscarriage should be excluded. With timely access to a doctor, pregnancy can be saved.

Another cause of lower abdominal pain can be an enlarged uterus. It changes its location, becomes spherical, presses on the internal organs: intestines, bladder. A shift in the center of gravity causes lower back pain. It is advisable during this period to rest more often in a lying position, not to wear shoes with high heels.

Pregnancy hormones affect the internal organs, in particular, the outflow of bile from the gallbladder is disrupted, which can also cause abdominal pain. The addition of temperature to a pain symptom in the lower back indicates the onset of pyelonephritis. If the pain is localized to the right or left of the abdomen, it is possible to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, below in the projection of the uterus - a frozen pregnancy. These conditions require immediate examination and treatment in a hospital.

You need to strengthen your back muscles with the help of physiotherapy exercises.

Frozen pregnancy and miscarriage

The state when the embryo stops its development, and placental abruption and rejection of the ovum does not occur, is called a frozen pregnancy. It is accompanied by bloody or bloody discharge. A frozen pregnancy can be dangerous to a woman's life and health, as there is a high risk of infection of the pelvic organs. When confirming the diagnosis, the doctor takes measures to remove the ovum.

An unviable fetus with malformations at 5 weeks can provoke a miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion.

Causes of miscarriage:

• Violations of the hormonal background of a woman;
• Genetically determined diseases;
• Rh factor;
• Infections carried by a woman;
• Somatic diseases incompatible with pregnancy;
• Emotional overload, stress;
• Side effects of drugs;
• Physical exercise;
• History of abortion;
• Overheating in the bath, sauna.

Women with an increased level of male sex hormones, with excessive body hair and a male-type physique, as well as overweight women are more often at risk.

Abortion

An unwanted pregnancy can be terminated by the following methods:

• Medical abortion - taking drugs to stimulate miscarriage, used up to 6 weeks of pregnancy;
• Mini-abortion, or vacuum abortion - termination of pregnancy using a vacuum suction under ultrasound control, is used up to 5 weeks of pregnancy;
• Surgical abortion - curettage of the uterine cavity, is used up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

For a period of 5 weeks, the first two methods are most often used. Vacuum abortion is performed under the influence of an anesthetic drug for 10 minutes. Rehabilitation after a mini-abortion occurs quickly enough, with a minimum of complications.

Medical abortion is performed under the supervision of a physician and is considered the safest method today.

Diseases at 5 weeks of gestation

The slight rise in temperature is due to the action of progesterone. If a slight hyperthermia is not accompanied by signs of a viral disease, this is normal. Due to a temporary decrease in immunity, a woman at 5 weeks may feel signs of other, truly dangerous pathologies.

Diseases - treatment tactics:

• Colds, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections - it is undesirable to take medications, you need to drink plenty of fluids, rinse your nose with sea water, gargle with decoctions of herbs and a solution of soda. The selection of folk remedies is carried out under the guidance of a doctor. Viruses can cause abortion.
• Diarrhea - it can be caused by poisoning, gastrointestinal diseases, infections of the digestive tract, helminthiasis, lack of digestive enzymes, disturbances in the regulatory function of the nervous system. An accurate diagnosis of the cause of the diarrhea and treatment is required.
• Herpes - the herpes virus is activated when the immunity of a pregnant woman decreases, manifesting itself as rashes on the skin of the face and body, on the mucous membranes. Local antiviral drugs are used for treatment. If the herpes infection occurred during pregnancy, the risk of the virus penetrating the placental barrier, the appearance of fetal malformations, increases. Herpes in the mother before pregnancy will not harm the embryo that is protected by the maternal antibodies.
• A runny nose is a common occurrence in pregnant women, its type is vasomotor rhinitis, which occurs due to hormonal changes in the nasal mucosa. It goes away on its own after giving birth. The viral type of rhinitis is not treated with vasoconstrictor drops because of the risk of spasm of the capillaries of the placenta and the occurrence of fetal hypoxia. The nose is washed with herbal infusions and preparations with sea water. (read also: Runny nose during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester)

Sex at 5 weeks pregnant

Hormonal changes change a woman's libido from complete rejection of sex to active attraction. If there is no threat of termination of pregnancy (bloody discharge, increased uterine tone, abdominal pain), sexual intercourse will become an additional source of positive emotions for a woman.

Air travel

At this stage of pregnancy, there are no serious contraindications for prohibiting air travel. If this journey does not bring negative experiences to the pregnant woman, then flying on an airplane is not dangerous. However, it should be borne in mind that a long flight of many hours can cause termination of pregnancy. The phenomena of toxicosis after loading during takeoff and landing may increase. In this case, the individual characteristics of the organism should be taken into account.

Recommendations for the formation of a diet

The main direction of building a diet is the desire to saturate it with healthy and wholesome products: fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, fish, dairy products. It is better to replace sweets with marshmallows and marshmallows, compensate for the lack of fruit with dried fruits, do not use carbonated drinks and foods with dyes and sweeteners.

If the body requires unusual products, which often happens at this stage of pregnancy, you do not need to give up these desires. More often than not, a minimal portion of an "unhealthy" dish is enough to satisfy a food whim. This amount of food will not lead to health problems, but it will become a kind of psycho-emotional support.

Vitamins

It is most important to consume folic acid and vitamin B ₉ during the formation of the central nervous system. Choosing a vitamin and mineral complex, it is worth, relying on the recommendations of the doctor of the antenatal clinic. Modern remedies with a full range of vitamins and minerals will become a significant support in the formation of a child's motor and intellectual abilities.

Bad habits

If the pregnancy was unplanned, it is possible that she smoked and drank alcohol before 5 weeks of pregnancy. Now the mother and the fetus have a strong connection, and everything that the woman uses enters the child's body. Even alcohol-based medicines can cause the birth of a child with developmental pathologies.

The consequences of smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy:

• Low birth weight, malnutrition;
• Diseases of the child's cardiovascular system;
• Violation of the structure of the facial bones and bones of the skull;
• Psychic deviations;
• Disorders of behavior and intellectual development of the child;
• Respiratory disorders, fetal hypoxia in a smoking mother;
• The birth of a still child.

Both nicotine and alcohol easily penetrate the placental barrier, so bad habits should be abandoned even before pregnancy.

So that pregnancy at 5 weeks is not complicated by disturbances in well-being, you need to lead a measured lifestyle, get enough sleep, and dose physical activity. A timely visit to a doctor when deviations from the normal functioning of the body appear will help to avoid health problems for the mother and child.

Video on how to prepare for registration in a antenatal clinic, how to prepare for an appointment with a doctor:

The author of the article: Lapikova Valentina Vladimirovna | Gynecologist, reproductologist

Education: Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology received at the Russian State Medical University of the Federal Agency for Healthcare and Social Development (2010). In 2013 completed postgraduate studies at N. N. N. I. Pirogova.