Week 5

Welcome to Week 5—where a lot of people find out they’re pregnant. Whether your test line showed up dark and bold or faint but definitely there… it counts. You’re pregnant. And everything is suddenly different, even if your body hasn’t caught up yet.

What’s Happening in Your Body?

Your embryo is now the size of a sesame seed, but it’s already developing major organs—including the brain, heart, and spinal cord. The placenta and amniotic sac are forming too, getting things ready for the months ahead.

Meanwhile, your hCG levels are rising fast, which means your symptoms might be, too.

Common Symptoms This Week

This is when things start to feel real—and sometimes, really intense:

• Fatigue (like “I might nap on this grocery store floor” tired)

• Tender, swollen breasts

• Nausea or food aversions (morning sickness may kick in soon—sorry)

• Mood swings (cue random tears over a dropped snack)

• Mild cramping or bloating

Some people feel everything. Some feel nothing. Both are normal.

What You Can Do This Week

• Call your OB or midwife to schedule your first prenatal appointment (often between 8–10 weeks)

• Choose a prenatal app or tracker if that’s your thing (hint: we like Cubtale for logging and reflecting)

• Start a simple morning routine—hydration, a small breakfast, and fresh air go a long way

• Give yourself grace: You’re growing a whole human. That’s the job now.

Real Talk

Week 5 can bring major feelings—joy, disbelief, anxiety, or all three in five minutes. You might feel overwhelmed by how not in control you are. Same here.

This is the part of the journey where strangers start telling you what to eat, what not to eat, what worked for their sister-in-law… Deep breath. You’re allowed to tune it out.

You are doing enough. Your body is doing enough. This is just the beginning, and you don’t have to figure it all out today.