Is it necessary to do an ultrasound at 5 weeks of pregnancy?

Fetal development at 5 weeks of pregnancy

This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period of the child’s intrauterine development. Together with it, the first critical period of pregnancy comes into force, the formation of the internal organs of the unborn baby begins: intestines, urinary tract, kidneys, liver. The fetal cardiovascular system and brain develop and improve. By the 35th day of intrauterine life, the nasal processes, oral cavity and upper lip are formed. At this time, the fetus is especially vulnerable to the effects of unfavorable factors - infections, toxins and hormonal disorders of the mother's body.

What important things happen in the fetus?

• the neural tube transforms into the spinal cord and spinal tissue;
• the heart becomes four-chambered, valves begin to form;
• the most important process of placenta formation begins;
• the rudiments of the tongue, parts of the lungs, and pancreas appear;
• the esophagus separates from the trachea and becomes clearly visible;
• the size of the auditory vesicles increases;
• lens development continues;
• the olfactory (nasal) pits are formed;
• gonads are formed.

How does the fetus develop?

In the first month of pregnancy, the length of the embryo is on average 5.5 mm. At the age of 32-33 days, the upper limbs lengthen, the formation of hands and innervation of the arms is planned. The embryo develops a notochord (future spine) and a neural plate, from which its entire nervous system will be formed.

A baby at 5 weeks looks more like a tadpole than a person. It is curled into an arc, the neck curve is visible, the head almost touches the tip of the long “tail”. Blood flows in its vessels, which exchanges blood with the developing placenta through the umbilical cord rudiment. The membranes of the embryo begin to produce amniotic fluid, in which the baby will live in the mother's womb until birth.

On a note! If a woman wants to make sure that the pregnancy is uterine and is developing according to the term, then, in consultation with the doctor, she can undergo an ultrasound examination.
Normally, an ultrasound will determine the place of attachment of the fertilized egg in the uterus and answer the question of whether an embryo is present in it.

How the embryo develops

At the 5th week of pregnancy, the length of the embryo itself reaches 1.5 millimeters, and it weighs about one gram.

Baby size now

Like a grain of buckwheat

Height1.25mm

Weight0.6 g

At this stage, the following important changes occur in the appearance and structure of such a tiny creature:

• The neural tube is actively forming, which will subsequently give rise to the development of the spine, as well as the spinal cord.
• Blood vessels begin to form.
• The rudiments of the liver and pancreas are formed.
• Hormones begin to be produced in the embryo's body, as a result of which the mother may experience symptoms of toxicosis.
• The shape of the embryo is now somewhat curved, resembling the letter “c”. It is already possible to distinguish the anterior pole - the future head of the fetus, as well as the posterior pole, in the place of which the legs will subsequently form.
• In some cases, during an ultrasound scan at 5 weeks of pregnancy, a qualified doctor can detect the beats of the embryo's tiny heart.

At this time, the embryo is already floating in the amniotic fluid. The total size of the fertilized egg, together with the membrane surrounding it, is about 1 cm in diameter. In a photo or video taken using ultrasound equipment at 5 weeks of pregnancy, it is already possible to distinguish the embryo in the uterus in the form of a darkened spot of a round or oblong shape. In the future, fetal development will occur at an extremely rapid pace, and ultimately the pregnancy will end with the birth of a fully formed baby.

Changes in the body of the expectant mother at 5 weeks

A small life grows inside a woman, and changes in her body occur every day, although the pregnancy is still invisible to the mother herself and those around her. The uterus, which before pregnancy was smaller than a tangerine, begins to enlarge; by six weeks it will be the size of a large chicken egg. The chest becomes painful and very sensitive.

What does the belly look like?

There is no need to wait for external manifestations of the fact that life has arisen inside. A photo of the belly at 5 weeks of pregnancy is no different from what it was a month ago in a “pre-pregnant” state. The small uterus has not yet risen, so it is still completely impossible to recognize an interesting position by a woman’s appearance, even if this is a repeat pregnancy. But an increase or decrease in weight of ±1 kg is quite possible.

How does a woman feel during this period of bearing a child?

At the 5th obstetric week, a woman’s sensations can manifest themselves very clearly, in the form of increased emotional sensitivity, moodiness, and irritability. In many cases, the expectant mother does not feel any changes in her condition at all, until the moment her tummy begins to grow. Everything is purely individual, but still some typical emotional sensations can be identified. These include:

1. acute reaction to the most harmless everyday situations, tearfulness for no reason;
2. emotions “over the edge”, arising completely unpredictably - anything can cause both an attack of joy and tears;
3. mood is unstable, changes many times during the day.

What may worry the expectant mother in the middle of the first trimester?

Signs and sensations of a physical nature confirm that a woman is carrying a small growing man under her heart. The most common ones include:

• constant uncontrollable drowsiness;
• inability to concentrate at the right time;
• the appearance of atypical fatigue that sets in even after waking up in the morning;
• soreness in the chest, familiar underwear becomes uncomfortable;
• The first signs of toxicosis make themselves felt: the nose becomes sensitive to foreign odors, previously favorite dishes cause nausea, appetite disappears, in transport it becomes unbearably sick, etc.

On a note! It is not uncommon at this time to experience such phenomena as “pregnant runny nose” without signs of a cold and increased salivation. The mucous membranes undergo changes, which is why the symptoms described above occur. If the rest of your health is fine and does not cause concern, then there is no need to deal with increased secretion in any special way: it will go away on its own by the end of the trimester.

If the conception was planned, then the listed signs will only be proof that everything worked out and there is a pregnancy. Otherwise, a woman may not be aware of her situation, and attribute symptoms and malaise to other circumstances. This often happens with an irregular menstrual cycle.

5th week of pregnancy – mom’s diary (video):

Content

• Introduction
• 5th week of pregnancy: What happens
• Discharge at 5 weeks of pregnancy
• 5th week of pregnancy: Normal levels of hCG and progesterone
• Pregnancy 5 weeks: Fetal development
• 5th week of pregnancy: Analysis and pregnancy test
• Ultrasound at 5 weeks of pregnancy
• Miscarriage at 5 weeks of pregnancy
• Bad habits and colds at 5 weeks of pregnancy
• Diet of the expectant mother at 5 weeks of pregnancy
• Sex at 5 weeks pregnant
• Conclusion

Pregnant woman's menu at 5 weeks

The health of a child is established literally from the first weeks of intrauterine life, so a woman needs to take care of adequate nutrition. From week 5, it’s time to start leading a healthy lifestyle and acquire healthy eating habits. For example, include a variety of cereals in your diet, supplementing them with dried fruits, nuts and berries. Vegetables and fruits should prevail in everyday food, at least 1/3 of the total daily food. For sweets, marshmallows, marshmallows and natural marmalade are preferred.

Do you need to restrain yourself from whims in food?

During the first trimester, food preferences often change, and a woman may well be drawn to salty foods. You shouldn’t limit yourself in your desire to eat something specific - now a pregnant woman can afford to eat almost everything she wants, but only without forgetting about a sense of proportion. To keep your intestines working like clockwork, eat foods high in plant fiber (whole grain bread, legumes, cereals) every day.

Calcium is your best friend while pregnant, so enrich your menu with dairy and fermented milk products. Low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, “live” yoghurts and drinks (kefir, acidophilus, etc.) are especially useful. Also, at the beginning of pregnancy, folic acid and iodine are very important to prevent the development of defects in the fetus, so take care when choosing multivitamins.

Woman's lifestyle

Having learned that a new addition is coming to the family, you need to objectively evaluate your life and set priorities. First of all, it is important to take care of the health of the mother and the unborn child.

Rest

In order for the baby to develop comfortably and to receive the necessary amount of nutrients and oxygen supplied to him through the mother’s blood, it is necessary to devote sufficient time to rest and sleep. 8-10 hours of sleep per day is the minimum that an expectant mother should adhere to. If possible, you should go to bed early and try to rest more during the day. Before going to bed, it will be good to take a walk in the fresh air with your spouse.

Job

Five weeks is the time when the expectant mother does not yet have toxicosis “in full force,” but the first manifestations of pregnancy are already making themselves felt. I constantly want to sleep, there is no appetite, and everyone around seems to have conspired, not understanding what is happening to the previously energetic and full of strength woman. You should not perform “labor feats” if you are not physically able to do so - you should bring a certificate from the antenatal clinic confirming pregnancy, and the employer will provide more comfortable and easier working conditions.

Intimate relationships

At 5-6 weeks, women often begin to suffer from toxicosis and sudden changes in mood. Weakness, malaise and a general “disgust for life” - these signs can characterize this period of pregnancy. At this time, female libido, for obvious reasons, decreases. Nature itself took care of this, because the risk of losing a child in the first 12 weeks is much higher than in the next two trimesters.

According to obstetricians and gynecologists, intimacy may be present at the beginning of pregnancy, but only if the actions are careful and non-aggressive. If the expectant mother feels well, her personal life can continue in exactly the same way as before, only with a more attentive attitude from her partner.

Threats of miscarriage at 5 weeks: what you need to know

There are a number of medical problems that can complicate the course of pregnancy, and even provoke its termination at an early stage. Let's look at them in more detail in the table below.

What else can provoke the threat of miscarriage:

• the presence of bad habits in a pregnant woman (smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.);
• social and biological factors (work in hazardous industries, irregular daily routine, high physical activity);
• stressful situations.

Preservation of early pregnancy (video):

What does a 5 week pregnancy look like on an ultrasound?

As a rule, at the 5th week of pregnancy the embryo corresponds to 3-4 weeks of gestational age. At this time, ultrasound diagnostics can accurately determine a developing pregnancy. At this stage, the embryo takes on a shape that allows you to determine the duration of pregnancy.

Despite the fact that no dramatic changes have yet occurred in the uterus, it begins to acquire a rounded shape characteristic of pregnancy. It increases in size and a qualified doctor with extensive experience can tell about pregnancy without ultrasound confirmation. In addition, during a normally developing pregnancy, the uterine tissue becomes softer, and the uterus itself acquires a bluish tint. This is due to the fact that blood flow increases in its wall.

Ultrasound at the 5th week of pregnancy (photo) allows you to determine the number of embryos located in the uterine cavity, their size, as well as the size of the uterus. The asymmetry of the uterine cavity is noticeable, since at the site of implantation of the embryo the wall of the uterus thickens. As a rule, at this stage the embryo exhibits active vibrations, which indicate its further viability. In addition, with a good ultrasound machine, a competent specialist can listen to the heartbeat, which, in relation to physical activity, gives a prognosis about the further development of pregnancy. Normal heart rate in an embryo of this period is 152-160 beats per minute.

5 weeks of pregnancy: ultrasound photo of the fetus

At this stage, the size of the embryo has increased significantly and is now about 10 mm in size. Every day he will grow more and more actively, acquiring his usual human appearance. Now the embryo looks like a C-shaped formation. But if you look closely, you can already distinguish where the head will be and where the limbs will appear. A photo-ultrasound taken at 4-5 weeks of pregnancy will not be as informative for parents as it is for a doctor. But for parents, this is a great opportunity to save the moment of meeting their baby for the first time in a photo album. And even though only a small pea on a black background surrounded by a thin white line will be visible in the photo, this is the most precious thing that every woman expects. Ultrasound photography at this stage is an opportunity to confirm, evaluate and prevent pathologies in the life of a growing embryo.

When to sound the alarm

Pain is the main symptom of threatened miscarriage, regardless of the obstetric week. Sensations at the time of a dangerous condition can be very different: they are determined by the severity of the woman’s condition and the individual threshold of pain sensitivity. Mild nagging pain in the lower abdomen or severe attacks even with slight uterine tone - all this indicates an emerging pathology of pregnancy.

Note! Any pathological discharge in the early stages, from brown “spotting” spots to drops of scarlet blood, is a reason for an immediate visit to a gynecologist.

What to do if you have symptoms of a threatened miscarriage

In order to make a diagnosis, you need to do an ultrasound of the uterus. The examination will show the presence or absence of hypertonicity, the condition of the embryo, the appearance of hematomas or chorionic detachment. If an ultrasound examination does not reveal a pathology, in this case the woman is examined in a gynecological chair in order to identify the root cause of the bleeding (the presence of a polyp, erosion, etc.). Such an examination will help determine whether this is indeed uterine bleeding and whether there is a danger to the development of the fetus. If there is a significant threat of miscarriage, the woman is prescribed therapeutic therapy in a hospital.

Body changes and new sensations for women

All new changes and sensations signal the onset of an “interesting situation.” "I am pregnant!" - a woman exclaims (often with surprise) without waiting for her period to start. The absence of menstruation is the most obvious and reliable sign of pregnancy, which every representative of the fair sex knows about. Signs of pregnancy in the early stages may also be the following: nausea (especially in the morning), increased sensitivity to various odors, fatigue, drowsiness, enlargement and engorgement of the mammary glands, increased basal body temperature, changes in appetite and taste preferences, unreasonable mood swings, increase in hCG concentration.

Doctor visits and examinations at 5 weeks

Having seen the two coveted lines on the test, the expectant mother often rushes to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist to confirm pregnancy. At the first visit, the doctor conducts a manual examination and makes notes on the woman’s chart about the visit. From now on, you need to come to the antenatal clinic at least once a month.

Medical observation: As a rule, specialists do not register pregnancy at 5 weeks, preferring to wait 10-11 weeks. This is due to the fact that at such an early stage a miscarriage cannot be ruled out, occurring due to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo that are incompatible with life. Nevertheless, the doctor gives directions for the necessary tests and examinations, and clarifies when the woman should come with the results for registration.

Important! Increased monitoring during this period is necessary for patients under 18 years of age and over 35 years of age, as well as those who have chronic diseases or have a history of abortions, ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages.

Mandatory list of tests prescribed at this time

Among them:

• smear from the vagina and cervical canal;
• general and biochemical blood tests;
• general urine analysis;
• coagulogram;
• analysis to determine blood group and Rh factor;
• analysis for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and hidden infections (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis).

Ultrasound at 5 weeks

Medical indications for ultrasound in the fifth week of pregnancy include:

• complaints of bleeding from the female genital tract;
• severe pain in the lower abdomen with an unclear clinical picture;
• the need to clarify the duration of pregnancy;
• use of assisted reproductive technologies;
• history of tubal surgery or ectopic pregnancy.

An ultrasound examination at 5 weeks helps determine the presence of a fertilized egg in the uterus, its size and shape. The first photo from the ultrasound will not yet be informative for the mother, but it will show the main thing - the emerging life inside her.

On a note! It is already possible to diagnose pregnancy with twins or triplets. It will be more difficult to identify twins - in this case there will most likely be one fertilized egg, and two embryos will become visible a couple or three weeks later.

What happens to the fetus

At the fifth week of pregnancy, the embryo is already attached to the wall of the uterus. At the moment it is cylindrical in shape, but if you look more closely you can already see the shape of the head and the rest of the body.

The embryo is hidden inside the follicle, which, in addition to the embryo, contains the yolk sac and the amniotic cavity.

The yolk sac nourishes the embryo until the placenta develops, while the amniotic cavity fills with fluid after a few days.

During the 5th week of pregnancy, several important organs develop:

• the liver, kidneys and, above all, the human central nervous system appear, which means the formation of the brain and spinal cord;
• ovules of the eyes and ears are formed in the baby's head;
• muscles and tissues appear, from which the child’s bones will subsequently develop;
• The placenta begins to form. Soon she will take on the most important role - feeding the fetus.

At the end of the 5th week of pregnancy, the heart is also formed and will soon begin to beat.

How big is your baby at five weeks pregnant? The baby is currently about 3 mm, the size of a sesame seed.

Table. Dimensions of the embryo at 5 weeks of pregnancy.

The length of the embryo is measured from the crown to the sacrum. The baby should almost double in size next week.

The main organs (heart, kidneys, liver, stomach) and the nervous, circulatory and digestive systems begin to form.

When should you go to see a gynecologist if you find out you are pregnant? Experts recommend scheduling your first visit to the doctor before the 10th week of pregnancy.

But not later if you want to take advantage of government benefits, child benefits.

What does an embryo look like at 5 weeks of pregnancy, photo

Top 7 tips for 5 weeks pregnant

At a period of 5 obstetric weeks, a woman in most cases finds out that she is in an interesting position. It's time to reconsider your habits and lifestyle! It is necessary to exclude coffee and alcohol from the diet, and stop smoking. Habitual activity will even require serious analysis: now the expectant mother should avoid serious emotional and physical stress.

To make your future pregnancy easier, pay attention to the following tips:

• Make sure you get enough fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and red meat into your body. If for some reason you cannot control your diet, pay attention to multivitamins for pregnant women (an obstetrician-gynecologist will help you choose the best option);
• Remember that doctors call the first 90 days of pregnancy critical for fetal development. Take care of your health, putting everything else into the background as much as possible. Don't be a hero! Now more than ever, you need more time to relax;
• any painful sensations in the lower abdomen and spotting at this stage are signs of a threat of miscarriage, miscarriage and other complications. If your stomach is very tight (as with menstrual pain), you need to act immediately - call an ambulance!;
• in the fifth week, the woman begins to be haunted by unpleasant symptoms of toxicosis - nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, lack of appetite. Cool, sour drinks - water with lemon, cranberry juice, freshly squeezed citrus juices - will help you cope with sudden lightheadedness. Carbonated drinks, including mineral water, should be avoided. You can relieve discomfort with split meals and small portions;
• The mammary glands become sensitive and painful to touch. Seamless underwear with cups without foam rubber and a cotton base will help reduce discomfort;
• aversion to familiar smells is another manifestation of early toxicosis, which can bring a lot of trouble to the expectant mother. This is a temporary problem and will go away by the end of the first trimester. In the meantime, try to avoid those aromas that provoke poor health, ventilate the room where you are more often and go out into the fresh air;
• For pet lovers, it is better to entrust the care of pets to other family members for a while. Especially if there is a cat in the house, the animal can be a carrier of a disease dangerous to the fetus called toxoplasmosis.

What does the belly look like in the fifth week of pregnancy?

In the fifth week of pregnancy, the belly does not increase much, it is still early. There may be slight bloating and weight gain. At this stage, it is completely normal to both lose a little weight and gain a little weight.

All of these scenarios are considered completely normal! Every pregnant woman is different, and each one reacts differently to pregnancy.

Don't worry too much about weight gain during pregnancy. Doctors recommend gaining from 500 grams to 1 kilogram during the first trimester.