A tiny pulse changes everything

If you have only had a hunch until now, this is the moment when you will know for sure. You are now officially in the second month of your pregnancy. While you may still feel like yourself, your body is quietly performing something remarkable. This week, your baby’s heart begins to beat for the first time.

Your baby’s development: organ formation

In the 5th week of pregnancy, your baby still looks like a tiny, curled-up tadpole on the ultrasound. It is about 2 to 3 millimetres long, roughly the size of a sesame seed or an orange pip. However, development is progressing rapidly:

• The heart: The heart chambers are forming from a simple tube. It is the first organ to begin functioning.
• The neural tube: The foundation for the brain and spinal cord closes this week. This is why an adequate intake of folic acid is particularly important now.
• Organ buds: The first signs of the liver, kidneys and digestive system are emerging. Your baby is no longer just a cluster of cells, but a complex embryo.

Changes for you: Hormones take the lead

You may notice that your favourite jeans feel slightly tight in the evening. This is usually not due to the baby itself, but to hormone-related bloating. The hormone progesterone relaxes your muscles, including those in your gut, which slows digestion.

Many pregnant women experience morning sickness in the 5th week of pregnancy. The pregnancy hormone HCG is now reaching levels that can place your system under strain. Your breasts may also feel heavier and more sensitive to touch. It can feel as though your body is switching into a growth phase.

Our feel-good tip: Gentle companions for everyday life

As your sense of smell is often heightened at this stage, switching to fragrance-free almond oil for your tummy or wearing soft organic cotton against your skin can help you feel more comfortable in your body. Surround yourself with calming elements. A small cup of herbal tea in the morning, ensuring it is suitable for pregnancy, or a cosy cushion can offer support when tiredness sets in.

Your guide to the 5th week of pregnancy

When can you see the heartbeat on an ultrasound scan?
Although the heart starts beating as early as the 5th week of pregnancy, it is often not yet visible on the screen. The embryo is still very small at this stage, so usually only the gestational sac and the yolk sac can be seen. As a general rule, a clearly pulsating point can be detected on an ultrasound scan from the 6th or 7th week onwards. If your appointment is early, try to be patient, as the heart is already working in the background.

What helps with the onset of morning sickness?
Nausea is often worsened by low blood sugar levels in the morning.
A helpful approach is to keep a small snack, such as rusks or plain biscuits, by your bed and eat a few bites before getting up. Throughout the day, it is better to have several small meals rather than three large ones. Fresh ginger or the scent of lemon can also help soothe your senses. If the nausea becomes severe, it is important to speak to your midwife or doctor.

Can I still exercise in the 5th week of pregnancy?
Yes, exercise is recommended as long as you feel comfortable. Activities such as yoga, swimming or walking can support circulation and help with tiredness. However, it is best to avoid sports with a higher risk of falling or those involving strong jolting movements. Your body is currently developing the placenta and may need more frequent rest. Moderate activity is a good way to prepare for the months ahead.

Is lower abdominal pain normal in the 5th week?
A slight pulling sensation or feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen is common in the 5th week of pregnancy. It can feel similar to period pain and is caused by the uterus expanding and the ligaments softening under hormonal influence. However, if the pain is very one-sided, cramp-like or accompanied by heavy bleeding, it is important to seek medical advice.

Why is folic acid so important in the 5th week of pregnancy?
During this week, your baby’s neural tube, the precursor to the central nervous system, closes. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays an essential role in this process and helps prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. As it is difficult to obtain sufficient amounts through diet alone, a supplement, taken in consultation with your doctor, is recommended. It is a key nutrient during early organ development.