By the time you’re 6 weeks pregnant, you’ll start to feel the effects of your rapidly changing body.
You still won’t look pregnant outwardly, but your baby is already starting to grow limbs.
Although it’s still early in the journey, the embryo is developing at an incredible pace, and your body is working hard to support this growth.
For many, the sixth week is when pregnancy becomes more real, both physically and emotionally.
This is a crucial time for both you and your baby. Here’s what you can expect.
Your Baby at 6 Weeks of Pregnancy
At six weeks, your baby is still very small, about the size of a lentil or a grain of rice, measuring approximately 4 to 6 millimeters in length.
Though tiny, physical features are already forming. The embryo is now starting to take on more of a recognisable shape. The formation of major organs and body systems are well underway.
Week six is a critical time for your baby’s development. It marks the start of significant changes in their body structure and organ formation.
Here’s a look at some key developments happening at 6 weeks of pregnancy:
- Heartbeat: One of the most exciting milestones in the sixth week is the start of your baby’s heartbeat. The heart is now fully formed as a tube and begins to beat, typically at around 100 to 160 beats per minute. Although it might not be detectable by ultrasound just yet, it’s one of the first signs of your baby’s life.
- Brain and Nervous System: The baby’s brain is growing rapidly, with the neural tube closing during this week. This tube will eventually develop into the brain and spinal cord. The head is now more distinct, and small folds on either side of the head will form the eyes and ears.
- Limb Buds: Tiny limb buds start to appear where the arms and legs will grow. Though these may look more like paddles at this stage, they mark the early formation of your baby’s limbs.
- Facial Features: The face is beginning to take shape, with the development of the jaw, cheeks, and chin. While not fully formed yet, the building blocks for these features are in place.
- Organs Begin to Form: The liver, kidneys, and lungs are also starting to develop. Additionally, the digestive system and respiratory systems are beginning to take shape, setting the stage for their future functions.
Your Body at 6 Weeks of Pregnancy
At six weeks pregnant, many women start to notice changes in their bodies.
Progesterone, oestrogen, and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) are rising rapidly. These hormones not only help support the pregnancy but also contribute to common early pregnancy symptoms:
- Morning sickness: Nausea, often accompanied by vomiting, can be quite common at this stage. Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day and is triggered by rising hormone levels. While unpleasant, it’s a sign that your body is adapting to pregnancy.
- Breast changes: Your breasts may feel swollen, tender, or sore due to hormonal shifts. You may also notice darkening of the areolas, the area around the nipples, as your body prepares for breastfeeding.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness is common at six weeks. Your body is working hard to support your baby’s development, and the hormonal changes can make you feel more exhausted than usual.
- Frequent urination: Increased blood flow to your kidneys and pressure on your bladder from your growing uterus can cause you to urinate more often. This is another normal symptom that may continue throughout pregnancy.
- Food aversions or cravings: Many women experience changes in their sense of taste and smell around week 6 of pregnancy. Foods you once loved may now make you nauseous, while other foods may suddenly become irresistible.
- Mood swings: The hormonal fluctuations of early pregnancy can also impact your emotions, causing mood swings, irritability, or anxiety.
- Cramping or bloating: Mild cramping and bloating are normal as your uterus begins to grow and stretch. As long as the cramping is not severe or accompanied by bleeding, it is usually not a cause for concern.
- Increased sense of smell: Many women find that their sense of smell becomes heightened during pregnancy. This sensitivity can contribute to nausea and food aversions.
Every pregnancy is different, so the severity of these symptoms will vary from woman to woman. You experience many of these signs or none at all.
The Importance of Prenatal Care
By the sixth week of pregnancy, you should have scheduled your first prenatal visit or be planning to do so soon.
Prenatal care is essential for monitoring the health of both you and your baby throughout pregnancy.
During your first visit, your healthcare provider will likely:
- Confirm your pregnancy with a urine or blood test
- Review your medical history and discuss any potential risks
- Estimate your due date based on your last menstrual period
- Perform an early ultrasound to check the embryo’s development (in some cases)
- Offer advice on healthy pregnancy habits, including nutrition, exercise and prenatal vitamins
This is also a good time to start asking any questions you have about your pregnancy.
Whether you’re wondering about symptoms, lifestyle changes, or what to expect in the coming weeks, your healthcare provider is there to offer guidance and support.
Your Journey Is Just Beginning
The sixth week of pregnancy is a time of rapid growth and development for your baby, as well as a period of significant physical changes for you.
With proper care, rest, and healthy habits, you can navigate this exciting yet challenging stage with confidence, knowing that you are laying the foundation for a healthy pregnancy ahead.
References
- Donovan, M. F. (2022, October 10). Embryology, Weeks 6-8. StatPearls [Internet]. Retrieved November 8, 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563181/
- Ertmann, Ruth Kirk, Nicolaisdottir, D. R., Kragstrup, J., Overbeck, G., Kriegbaum, M., & Siersma, V. (2023a, January). The predictive value of common symptoms in early pregnancy for complications later in pregnancy and at birth. Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica. Retrieved November 8, 2024 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9780714/
- Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Study Outreach for Prenatal Care. (1988, January 1). Introduction. Prenatal Care: Reaching Mothers, Reaching Infants. Retrieved November 8, 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK217694/
- Valenti, O., Di Prima, F. A. F., Renda, E., Faraci, M., Hyseni, E., De Domenico, R., Monte, S., & Giorgio, E. (2011, July). Fetal cardiac function during the first trimester of pregnancy. Journal of prenatal medicine. Retrieved November 8, 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3279166
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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