5-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Though only around the size of a pea, your baby is growing by leaps and bounds. Relatively speaking!
Read more about this week.
Baby development
You can’t tell by looking, but your baby’s brain is developing rapidly with the emergence of the two cerebral hemispheres, the two sides of what will make up their brain. The “sense organs” are coming along too, with the outline of their eyes and ears, and the beginnings of their nose, mouth, and face. Excitingly, their pulmonary and digestive systems are also taking shape little by little. The heart of your baby has now developed enough that it is becoming more prominent - if you have an ultrasound at this stage, you will clearly see their heart beating! There in your womb, this little being is slowly, but surely, starting to form.
Your body
Now in the 5th week of your pregnancy, you might feel like something has changed. Many women can sense it, even at this early stage. Perhaps you’re feeling more tense or irritable than usual. This is caused by hormonal changes that can affect not just your mental state but also produce certain physical signs. Breasts can feel fuller, and some women feel a pulling, or even a little pain, in the pelvic region, which is caused by the intensified blood flow. All of this is normal and part of the process.
Nutrition
You may be feeling nauseous. Yes, sadly morning sickness isn’t limited to the morning. There are some things you can do. First, try not to skip breakfast. Even if you can only manage small amounts of food, it may help with the nausea. You can also try splitting up your meals. Plan small snacks mid-morning and afternoon in addition to your 3 meals. One last thing to remember - drink enough water to stay hydrated.
Tips
Did you know that flavours from your food can cross the placenta, to your growing baby? As such, in a few weeks when your baby’s taste buds develop, their taste preferences may already be influenced by what you eat during pregnancy. If you eat strong flavours such as garlic or anise, you may be teaching your little one to find these familiar and like them as well.
Related articles
11-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
If you could look inside, you’d see thin little hairs developing on your baby’s eyebrows and above their lip. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Your pregnancy snack selector
Moms-to-be in their second and third trimesters need to think about adding a few more calories to their diets — make them healthy ones with these nutritious snack ideas.
3 mins to read
A Good Pre-Conception, Pregnancy, and Post-Pregnancy Diet
Even before you conceive, every bite counts. Wait, that’s a lot to consider, right? Don’t worry, this healthy eating breakdown serves up diet information that will matter to you.
6 mins to read
24-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Can you feel the baby reacting to noises and your caresses yet? Towards the end of the second trimester is when some women report that this starts to happen, so be on the lookout.
3 mins to read
4-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet advice
Almost one month already! There are lots of things happening inside you this week.
3 mins to read
37-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby tends to keep their head down, arms crossed, and legs folded up on their chest as there’s not much room to move around. They’ll be very glad to get out and stretch!
3 mins to read
Healthy Pregnancy Diet & Nutrition
Expecting a child gives new meaning to eating a well-balanced diet.
4 mins to read
Tips to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy
Did you know? If you’re thinking about starting a family, making small changes to your diet and lifestyle now can have a big impact on your baby-to-be in the future.
2 mins to read
18-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Lots of leaps and bounds happening in week 18, from nerve cells multiplying to the beginnings of fingerprints. Read more to learn what baby looks like at 18 weeks of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
31-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
As the big day fast approaches, your little one will soon be moving into position for birth. What a clever baby! But you already knew that. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Pregnancy weight gain
There are many things you can do to prepare for the delivery of a healthy baby. One of the most important things is eating right to gain the extra weight you’ll need to support another life.
1 min to read
12-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
You’re coming to the end of your first trimester. Congratulations! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
They are what you eat
Did you know? Making wise food choices when you’re pregnant can set your baby up for a healthier future.
5 mins to read
25-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks left of the second trimester. You are gearing up for the home stretch. Read more to learn what to expect during week 25 of pregnancy
2 mins to read
6-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby’s growth is in overdrive right about now. So many exciting developments in such a tiny little being! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
38-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks! Yes, it’s true, you and your little one will soon be making each other’s acquaintance. Everything is pretty much in place.
3 mins to read
7 simple food swaps to consider before you get pregnant
Eating well now can have a positive impact on your pregnancy, as well as a lasting effect on your baby’s health.
4 mins to read
19-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your little lodger weighs between 300 and 400 grams – weigh a grapefruit in your hand and that’s about how heavy they are. Read more to learn how baby looks at 19 weeks of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
32-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby is still developing as you head into the final lap, but it’s mostly perfecting and polishing from here on out. He or she is getting ready to meet you!
2 mins to read
