At 6 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing rapidly, and exciting changes are happening. By the sixth week, you are well into your second month of pregnancy. By this time, your baby’s heart is now beating, and is about the size of a sweet pea (sugar snap pea) or a grain of rice, measuring between 0.5 and 2 centimetres from crown to rump. Embryos are not measured from head to toe because they are usually curled up, which makes it difficult to tell the exact height.
This is an important time for you to focus on nutrition, rest, and prenatal care. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect during this week, how your baby is developing, and tips to help you feel your best.
Your baby at 6 weeks
By now your baby is settling comfortably in its new home and continuing to grow. The placenta is still in development and the embryo is still feeding on the embryo sac. The placenta will have fully formed by the eighth week of pregnancy, where it will be ready to take over from hCG and the embryo sac.
Throughout week six, your baby will go through a lot of growth and development. The neural tube along the embryo’s back closes during this week. The baby’s brain and spinal cord will develop from this tube. The nervous system also starts to form.
Your baby’s head starts to take shape and the structures that are necessary for the formation of the eyes and ears also begin to develop. The ears appear as bumps on the side of the embryo’s head. Your baby’s cheeks, chin and jaw have also begun to form. The limbs also start to grow, although they only appear as tiny buds on the embryo’s body.
Many other internal organs have also begun to form. The brain, kidney, liver and lungs have started taking shape. The embryo also has a thin layer of skin and the teeth have already started forming.
Also, some good news: your baby’s heartbeat can now be felt! A vaginal ultrasound will be able to detect a heartbeat at this stage of pregnancy. The baby’s heart beats at 105 beats per minute. However, if your ultrasound doesn’t reveal a foetal pole or a heartbeat, it is no cause for alarm and your doctor might call you for another ultrasound later in your pregnancy. A foetal pole is the first visible sign of a developing embryo.
If you are expecting twins, an ultrasound during this week may also be able to detect both their heartbeats. You might see two embryo sacs or two foetal poles.
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Your body at 6 weeks
It is still quite early in your pregnancy. Some women are still barely experiencing any symptoms at this time. If you are showing no signs of pregnancy, that’s perfectly normal. However, generally speaking, most women will have some or all of the following common symptoms by the sixth week:
- Tummy trouble. Stomach discomfort often occurs due to a build-up of progesterone. It is common to experience bloating, gas, indigestion and constipation. Constipation can also be as a result of the increased iron intake from the prenatal vitamin supplements. You might also experience indigestion and heartburn, which happen because the muscle at the top of the stomach relaxes. This muscle’s job is to prevent digestive juices from backing up, and it starts failing at this job. To prevent this, you should drink plenty of fluids. Increasing your fibre consumption will also help. You can do this by eating lots of vegetables, fruits, wholegrain cereals, and nuts. You should also exercise, not only because it is great for keeping your body and mind in shape, but also because it helps to prevent constipation.
- About 75% of women experience morning sickness during pregnancy. The cause of the nausea is unknown but is usually a result of an increase in the hCG hormone. There are several things you could do to feel better. You might want to stay away from spicy and greasy foods and eat a blander diet. Try not to lie down immediately after you eat. If you have been vomiting, you should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. A telltale sign of dehydration is dark yellow urine.
- Breast tenderness. This is a recurring symptom of pregnancy. Your breasts will likely feel sore on and off until childbirth. However, for some women, the feeling goes after the first trimester. Sore breasts are a result of the increased blood flow in your body. You may also notice your areolas – the skin around the nipple – getting darker and your nipples sticking out. This is just your body making the preparations for breastfeeding. Wearing a supportive bra would really help to reduce the discomfort.
- Frequent urination. This is completely normal and might get worse as your pregnancy progresses. hCG directs more blood flow to the pelvic area, causing faster urine production. Also, as your baby continues to grow, they press down your bladder, reducing your pee storage capacity. It is important to remember to always go to the bathroom when you feel pressed and not to hold it in. This will help reduce the risk of getting a bladder infection. If, however, you experience any pain while urinating, or you are unable to go even when you feel like you have to, tell your healthcare professional right away. These are symptoms of a urinary tract infection, which, starting at week six, you have a higher chance of contracting. Your doctor can prescribe baby-safe medicine to treat it.
- Cramping and spotting. It is common to experience light bleeding and abdominal pain during these early stages of pregnancy. However, if the pain feels too severe, and/or the bleeding is heavy, you should tell your healthcare professional immediately.
At six weeks, although you might feel and look bloated, it is still difficult for anyone else to tell that you are pregnant.
Taking care of yourself during this time
Stay away from hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds. Temperatures above 38.5 degrees Celcius can increase the risk of miscarriage and foetal abnormalities. Now that the reality of pregnancy is slowly sinking in, you need to drink a lot of water. Dehydration can cause serious complications like low amniotic fluid and inadequate breast milk production.
FAQs: 6 Weeks Pregnant
What is happening with the baby at 6 weeks pregnant?
Around 6 weeks, the embryo is about the size of a lentil. The neural tube (future brain and spinal cord) continues to develop, and tiny limb buds start forming, which will later become arms and legs.
What symptoms might I experience at 6 weeks?
Common symptoms include fatigue, nausea (morning sickness), heightened sense of smell, sore or tender breasts, and frequent urination. Some women also experience food aversions or cravings.
Is spotting normal at 6 weeks?
Light spotting can be relatively common and may occur as the placenta begins to form. However, any heavy bleeding or severe pain should be checked by a healthcare professional.
Can I have an ultrasound at 6 weeks?
Yes, an early ultrasound may detect a gestational sac, yolk sac, and possibly a heartbeat, though it can sometimes be too early to see the heartbeat clearly. If you don’t see it yet, your doctor may schedule a follow-up scan.
Why do I feel more tired now?
Your body is working hard to support your growing baby, and increased levels of progesterone can cause fatigue. Getting plenty of rest and eating a balanced diet can help manage tiredness.
How can I cope with morning sickness?
Eating small, frequent meals, avoiding strong odours, and sipping ginger tea or water can help. If you experience severe nausea or can’t keep fluids down, consult your doctor.
Is cramping at 6 weeks a cause for concern?
Mild cramping can be normal as your uterus expands. However, seek medical advice if cramps are severe, persistent, or accompanied by heavy bleeding or unusual discharge.
What lifestyle changes should I make at 6 weeks pregnant?
Continue taking prenatal vitamins, if advised, and avoid alcohol, smoking, or exposure to harmful substances. Light to moderate exercise is generally beneficial, but always consult your doctor for personalised guidance.
Should I change my diet at 6 weeks?
Focus on nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy (or suitable alternatives). Limit or avoid high-mercury fish, raw or undercooked meats, and unpasteurised products.
When should I schedule my first prenatal appointment?
Many women have their first prenatal visit between 8 and 10 weeks, but you can contact your healthcare provider earlier if you have any concerns or a history of complications.
Is it too early to share the news of my pregnancy?
Deciding when to share your news is a personal choice. Some people wait until after the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage decreases, while others tell family and friends right away.
What if I don’t feel many symptoms at 6 weeks?
Not everyone experiences noticeable symptoms early on. Each pregnancy is unique. However, if you’re worried or have any concerns, it’s always best to speak with your doctor.
Reading Time: 5 minutesMy journey began in 2014 when I was 29 years old. Having been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) at the age …