Week 6 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 6

• You will be able to observe your baby's heart beating this week on your next ultrasonic scan.

• The head of the tadpole-like foetus is building a little face with what will become the cheeks and chin of a cheeky grin. Two little black specks on your baby's face that will ultimately become eyes also show up this week.

• Along with little arm and leg buds, digestive and respiratory tracts are budding and there is considerable growth.

• Pregnancy is still new to you this week, hence it is natural for you to feel a bit upset. Add to that some pretty uncomfortable symptoms of early pregnancy (hormone fluctuations that might resemble PMS on steroids, for example!). It's reasonable to be overwhelmed. You have 40 weeks to acclimate to pregnancy, so brace yourself. The baby also requires all this time to develop fully.

• You are fortunate if you are not experiencing morning sickness, severe fatigue, or other uncomfortable early pregnancy symptoms.

• If you are in Week 6 of your pregnancy you are in your first trimester and in the Second Month.

• 34 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy.

Baby's Development at Week 6

Several key areas of newborn development have already begun. Blood circulates through the baby's body with a developing circulatory system. The neural tube is also shutting, forming the baby’s early brain and spine. This week, the heart, now divided into four chambers, begins to pulse.

Perhaps the baby is wriggling their paddle-like hands and feet. Your embryo is also going to grow more beautiful as facial characteristics start to develop. Your embryo is beginning to resemble a baby with a growing nose, eyes, ears, chin and cheeks.

While the wrapped-up C-shaped tiny pea-size body still has a little tail, it is rapidly expanding and developing. Baby now has an optic ventricle, which will ultimately become the eyes, and passages for the inner ear are beginning to emerge. There are small limb buds that will grow into plump arms and legs that you won't want to stop petting. Facial characteristics are also starting to develop.

• Baby Weight: Too small to weigh
• Baby Length: Very Small (0.25 inches)
• Baby Size: Comparable to a Sweet Pea

Pregnancy Symptoms This Week

Because it is so early in your pregnancy, you may not be feeling any symptoms—at this time, some women are extremely nauseated, while others feel nothing. At 6 weeks pregnant, both are normal, however, the most common symptoms include:

• Fatigue- You're exhausted because your body is still adjusting to your altering hormones. If you are feeling exhausted, get some additional rest.

• Nausea- Morning sickness does not just happen in the mornings. It may continue throughout the day. And mothers-to-be who are pregnant with twins may have much more intense nausea. It's a good idea to identify meals that help calm your stomach and have them on hand for frequent snacking since having an empty stomach might cause nausea.

• Sore breasts- Your breasts are probably painful due to increased blood flow. Can you believe your body is already preparing to nurse your baby? Yes, even after only 6 weeks!

• Frequent urination- If you find yourself needing to urinate more often than normal, this is due in part to the pregnancy hormone hCG directing additional blood flow to the pelvis. Going to the toilet more often is normal, but if you experience painful urination or feel the need to go but are unable to, contact your doctor straight once. These are symptoms of a urinary tract infection, which you are more likely to get beginning in week 6 of your pregnancy.

• Gas and Bloating- The prenatal hormone progesterone might induce stomach problems. Drink plenty of water and consume fibre-rich meals to prevent constipation, which causes bloating.

• Mood swings- Hormones trigger irritability and emotional outbursts. Fatigue and blood sugar variations may also play a role, so get enough rest and eat nutritious meals and snacks frequently to keep your mood (sort of) under control.

• Cramping and spotting- Cramping and spotting are typical around this stage and throughout early pregnancy. We understand that these symptoms might make you concerned about issues such as ectopic pregnancy and various forms of miscarriages. Know that if you have significant stomach discomfort (stronger than period cramps) or if your bleeding becomes heavy like a period, you should see a doctor.

Your Body at Week 6

You may feel delighted, scared, or simply overwhelmed by the thought of carrying a baby for the next 34 weeks. These are natural sentiments, and you may notice that you alternate between them. Remember that whatever you are feeling at this stage is entirely valid, since pregnancy is a huge change.

You will not see a bump right away. This early, you'll see minimal change in your stomach, and if you have really awful morning sickness, you may even lose weight.

Though it is normal to feel bloated, you most likely do not look pregnant at all. Inside your abdomen, your quickly developing pea-sized embryo will soon take up more space. So, if you aren't ready to share your news with the world, you may keep it a secret for a little longer. If you're pregnant with twins, your belly will expand sooner than it would for other expectant mothers.

Your bump isn't much of a bump yet, so you'll be the only one who notices any changes. However, since you are most likely experiencing cramps and bloating, your abdomen may seem somewhat larger than usual. If your jeans are tight or unpleasant, now is the time to add some stretchier waistbands to offer your stomach space. It doesn't matter whether the stomach enlargement is caused by your developing baby or gas, as long as you're as comfortable as possible.

6 Week Ultrasound

If you've informed your doctor that you're 6 weeks pregnant, they may have asked you to schedule your first prenatal checkup straight away, but they're more likely to have advised you to wait a few weeks. In reality, the first prenatal visit occurs around 8 or 9 weeks. So, unless your pregnancy is high-risk, you're unlikely to get an ultrasound. We understand that the suspense is killing you!

If you had an ultrasound, the doctor may have seen a foetal pole or foetal heartbeat, which is a definite indication that an embryo is forming there. However, if the doctor does not observe a foetal pole or a heartbeat, don't worry, you may not be as far along as you thought. The doctor will probably want you to return in a few days or a week for another ultrasound.

And, if you're pregnant with twins, the ultrasound will most certainly show two different gestational sacs or yolk sacs.

While you wait for your doctor's visit, you're undoubtedly thinking about a million questions. Make a list of the questions you want to ask your doctor at your first prenatal appointment.

Tips for Week 6

Being 6 weeks pregnant is a significant milestone for both you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

• You'll have a lot of questions during your first visit, so jot down everything that comes to mind before seeing your doctor. As you approach your first pregnancy checkup, take note of your symptoms, family history, and any concerns that may develop.
• Baby is still in the process of building all of their key systems, therefore now is the time to play it safe. Limit your coffee intake, get enough sleep, and avoid any activities that may expose you to chemicals or severe temperatures. Concentrate on self-care.
• Talk to your doctor about what a healthy weight is for you to maintain during your pregnancy.
• Pregnant women are more likely to contract UTIs, so drink plenty of water and don't hold it when you need to urinate. Needing to urinate often is typical during pregnancy, but feeling like you always have to go or experiencing burning or discomfort when you urinate are symptoms of a UTI.
• It's difficult to eat well and exercise regularly when you're fatigued and want to vomit all the time. You don't have to push yourself; just find equilibrium. When you're feeling energetic, go for a stroll or do some mild yoga. Eat healthy when you can stomach it, but if all you can eat is bland carbohydrates, try rice cakes or popcorn for some nutritional value.

Checklist for Week 6

• Evaluate your diet and study up on the things to avoid during pregnancy.
• Continue exercising.
• Ask both sides of the family about their health history, and take notes to discuss with your doctor.
• Try different methods to manage morning sickness.
• Study up on the things you can and cannot consume.
• Create a financial plan to begin saving for your expanding family.

Medically approved by Dr Sushma Tomar, Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 6 of Pregnancy

1. What should I expect during my first ultrasound?
   The embryo is curled, has a tail, and resembles a little tadpole. At this point, a vaginal ultrasound scan may reveal the heartbeat. The growing arms and legs appear as tiny swellings (limb buds).
2. How can I alleviate severe morning sickness?
   To help with nausea, the doctor may prescribe eating ginger-containing foods or taking vitamin B6 pills. It might also assist in following a bland diet. Consume frequent small meals.