All pregnancy weeks

Pregnancy week 5

Trimester 1 · Baby is about a sesame seed

The neural tube — which becomes the brain and spine — is forming, and a tiny heart begins to beat.

How your body may feel

  • Nausea may start, at any time of day.
  • You may need to pass urine more often.
  • Strong tiredness is very common.

Self-care this week

  • Book your first antenatal appointment.
  • Eat small, frequent meals to steady nausea.
  • Rest when your body asks for it.

Milestone

Neural tube development — folic acid matters most now.

Seek care urgently if you notice

  • Heavy bleeding, or bleeding with clots
  • Severe pain on one side of the lower abdomen or shoulder tip pain
  • Fever above 38°C
  • Vomiting so much you cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours
  • Fainting or severe dizziness