5 Weeks Pregnant: What to Do This Week
Five weeks pregnant is often the week when a positive test becomes real. Your period is late, the test is unmistakable, and you are probably feeling a mixture of excitement and "what do I do now?" The answer is: quite a lot — but nothing to panic about. Here is a practical guide to the most important steps to take this week.
Your Immediate Priority: Contact Your GP
In the UK, you do not self-refer to a midwife in most areas — you need to contact your GP first to register your pregnancy. Your GP will then refer you to your local midwifery team, who will get in touch to book your booking appointment (usually between 8 and 10 weeks).
Do not wait until you feel more certain or until symptoms confirm it. Ring your GP surgery as soon as you have a positive test. It can take a week or two to get the ball rolling with referrals and appointments, so the earlier you make that call, the smoother your early antenatal care will be.
If you have any pre-existing health conditions — including diabetes, thyroid conditions, epilepsy, or mental health conditions — mention these to your GP straight away, as you may need specialist input from the start.
Start (or Continue) Taking Folic Acid
Folic acid is the most important supplement to take in early pregnancy. The NHS recommends 400 micrograms (mcg) daily from before conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy. It helps protect against neural tube defects such as spina bifida, which develop very early in pregnancy, often before you even know you are pregnant.
If you have only just found out you are pregnant, start taking it now — it is never too late to begin. Some women are advised to take a higher dose (5mg, available on prescription) if they have a higher risk profile, for example if they have had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect before, have a BMI over 30, or take certain medications. Ask your GP if you are unsure which dose applies to you.
A combined pregnancy supplement containing folic acid, vitamin D (10mcg daily as recommended by the NHS), and iodine is a reasonable option if you prefer one tablet rather than several.
Review What You Eat and Drink
Week 5 is a good moment to go through the NHS guidance on foods to avoid in pregnancy. Key changes to make now:
- Stop drinking alcohol. The NHS advises no alcohol at any point during pregnancy. There is no known safe amount.
- Cut your caffeine intake. Stay under 200mg of caffeine per day — roughly equivalent to one to two small coffees, depending on the brew strength.
- Avoid certain cheeses and fish. Unpasteurised soft cheeses (such as brie, camembert, and soft blue cheeses), raw shellfish, shark, swordfish, and marlin should be avoided. Limit tuna to four medium cans per week.
- Cook meat thoroughly. Avoid raw or undercooked meat and pâté. Wash all fruit and vegetables well.
- Avoid raw eggs unless they carry the British Lion stamp (those are considered safe by the NHS).
Your appetite may already be changing at five weeks — nausea, food aversions, and unusual cravings can all begin around now. Focus on eating regularly, even if only small amounts, to keep your blood sugar stable.
Rest and Pace Yourself
Fatigue in the first trimester can be intense. Progesterone rises sharply in early pregnancy and makes many women feel exhausted in a way that is quite unlike ordinary tiredness. If you can, build rest into your day. Go to bed earlier, accept help, and lower your expectations of what you can accomplish right now.
This is also a good week to think about whether there are any aspects of your job or home life that need adjusting — heavy lifting, exposure to chemicals, or very long shifts may need to be discussed with your employer or GP.
Decide Who to Tell
Most people choose to wait until after the 12-week scan to announce publicly, as miscarriage risk falls significantly after that point. However, telling one or two close people now — a partner, a trusted friend, or your mum — can provide important emotional support through the early weeks when things feel uncertain.
There is no right answer. Some people prefer to keep it private until they feel more confident; others find early disclosure helpful. Do what feels right for you.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Most early pregnancy discomforts at five weeks are normal. However, contact your Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) or call 111 if you experience heavy bleeding, severe one-sided abdominal pain, or shoulder tip pain, as these can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy that needs urgent assessment. If you feel faint or collapse, call 999.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first at 5 weeks pregnant?
Your first action should be to contact your GP to register the pregnancy and get referred to your local midwifery team. At the same time, start taking 400mcg of folic acid daily if you have not already, and begin making the recommended food and drink changes. You do not need to rush into hospital — a routine GP call is the right first step unless you have concerning symptoms such as heavy bleeding or severe one-sided pain, which would warrant calling 111 or attending your Early Pregnancy Unit.
Is it normal to have no symptoms at 5 weeks?
Yes, completely. Some women have strong symptoms from week 5 onwards — nausea, sore breasts, fatigue, and heightened sense of smell are common. Others feel no different at all. The absence of symptoms does not indicate anything is wrong with the pregnancy. Symptoms typically peak between weeks 8 and 10 for those who experience them, and some women have very few throughout the first trimester.
When will I have my first midwife appointment?
In the UK, the booking appointment with your midwife is usually offered between 8 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. This is a long appointment covering your medical history, lifestyle, and blood tests. Your dating scan (the 12-week scan) is typically offered a few weeks after that. Timing varies by NHS trust and local waiting lists, which is why contacting your GP promptly at week 5 helps ensure nothing is delayed.
Speak to your midwife or GP for personalised advice about your pregnancy.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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