5 weeks pregnant
At 5 weeks pregnant, the embryonic period begins, and the brain, spinal cord and heart start to develop. You're in the first trimester, about 3 weeks after conception, because pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last period.
Not sure how far along you are? Try the pregnancy week calculator, or get a free ultrasound at a local pregnancy center.
What's developing at 5 weeks
- Week 5 is the start of the embryonic period, when all the major systems and structures develop.
- The brain, spinal cord and heart begin to develop.
- Blood cells, kidney cells and nerve cells develop, and the digestive tract starts to form.
MedlinePlus says this part of the first trimester is when a baby is most at risk from things that can cause birth defects, including certain medicines, heavy alcohol use, drug use and infections such as rubella. If you take any regular medicine, ask a doctor or pharmacist before stopping or continuing it.
If you're not sure what to do
You don't have to decide everything today. It can help to know how far along you are, what all of your options are, and what support is out there.
- Your options: parenting, adoption, and what abortion involves
- Financial help in Michigan: Medicaid, WIC and more
- Fetal development week by week: the full timeline
Sources
- MedlinePlus. Fetal development.
- ACOG. How your fetus grows during pregnancy; Abortion language guide.
- ACOG. Methods for estimating the due date.
Common questions
What is developing at 5 weeks pregnant?
How many weeks since conception is 5 weeks pregnant?
How can I find out for sure if I'm 5 weeks pregnant?
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