When you reach week 6 of your pregnancy, it’s still a new experience for you. It’s likely that you only recently discovered you were pregnant, and you may be feeling a mix of emotions.
Along with these emotions, you’re also experiencing various early pregnancy symptoms that can make you feel uncomfortable. You have now completed one month of pregnancy and have started the second month.
At this stage, some important things are happening inside your body. Your baby’s brain and nervous system are developing rapidly, and small bumps and buds are forming, which will eventually become their eyes, ears, arms, and legs.
If you want to find out more about week 6 pregnancy symptoms, continue reading.
In this Article
6 Weeks Pregnant – Baby Development
Baby at 6 weeks is growing and developing rapidly. Some important things are happening during this week:
- The neural tube, which will eventually become your baby’s spinal cord, begins to close.
- Bumps are forming that will become your baby’s eyes and ears, and small buds are appearing that will grow into arms and legs.
- At baby 6 weeks, the nose, mouth, inner and outer ears, and lungs are starting to take shape. In a few weeks, breathing tubes will form, connecting the throat to the lungs.
- At 6 weeks pregnancy, an ultrasound may be able to detect a tiny heartbeat of about 105 beats per minute. The brain and nervous system are also developing quickly.
Baby at 6 months pregnant is about 3/16 of an inch in size. To give you an idea, it’s about the size of a pomegranate seed.
Related Blog: 8 Surprising Things Unborn Babies Usually Do In The Womb
6 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
During 6 weeks of pregnancy, you may experience various symptoms, although not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Here are some common symptoms you might notice:
- Spotting
Bleeding during pregnancy 6 weeks that doesn’t cover more than a small pantyliner is normal. However, contact your healthcare provider if there’s heavy bleeding or if it lasts longer than two days.
- Mood Swings
Emotional highs and lows are common at this stage due to hormonal changes. But engaging in self-care activities like eating well, talking to friends, and light exercise can help improve your mood and help deal with mood swings.
- Cramping
Mild cramping and normal discharge are expected as your uterus expands. However, severe pain accompanied by fever or diarrhea should be reported to your healthcare provider.
- Constipation
Increased progesterone can cause constipation, so it’s important to exercise, eat high-fiber foods, and drink plenty of water.
- Breast Tenderness
Your breasts may feel tender or achy due to increased blood flow, and wearing a supportive bra can help with the uncomfortable feeling.
- Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness, may start around this time. Eating crackers or starchy foods can provide relief.
- Frequent Urination
Your kidneys are working harder, so you may need to urinate more frequently.
- Exhaustion
Pregnancy fatigue can make you feel very tired, and taking naps, eating snacks, and light exercise can help combat it.
It’s possible to be 6 weeks pregnant without experiencing any symptoms, which is perfectly normal. Every pregnancy is different, and some women have symptom-free days without any concerns.
Week 6 Pregnancy – Tips to Follow
Tips to follow for a healthy pregnancy during baby week 6:
- Schedule a prenatal appointment and first pregnancy scan at 6 weeks with your doctor to ensure proper care for you and your baby.
- Eat nutritious meals, especially if experiencing morning sickness, and listen to your body’s cravings.
- Start taking prenatal vitamins if you haven’t already, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Quit smoking to reduce the risk of complications for both you and your baby.
- Avoid alcohol completely to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
- Stay away from hot tubs and saunas to lower the risk of miscarriage and fetal abnormalities.
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 to 12 glasses of water per day to prevent dehydration.
- Take it easy and allow yourself to rest when you’re tired.
Takeaway at Six Weeks Pregnant
At 6 weeks into your pregnancy, you’re still early on in the journey. Despite not showing a baby bump yet, your little one is growing quickly and developing important features. While this week may bring some uncomfortable symptoms, taking care of yourself and adopting a healthy lifestyle can provide relief. Take time to rest and appreciate these initial weeks of your pregnancy, as your baby will be preparing to meet you before you know it.
It’s a good idea to discuss any new symptoms you’re experiencing at 6 weeks pregnant with your doctor. To get the best pregnancy support and advice, visit Queen’s Gynecology. Our OB-GYN will provide information about the size of your baby, your gestational age, and due date and offer guidance on lifestyle changes for a healthy pregnancy.
Consider jotting down a list of questions to bring to your appointment!
Summary
At 6 weeks pregnant, you may experience various symptoms, and your baby is rapidly developing. The neural tube closes, bumps form for eyes and ears, and buds appear for arms and legs. Your baby’s nose, mouth, ears, and lungs start taking shape, and a heartbeat may be detectable via ultrasound. Common symptoms include spotting, mood swings, cramping, constipation, breast tenderness, morning sickness, frequent urination, and exhaustion. It’s important to schedule a prenatal appointment, eat well, take prenatal vitamins, quit smoking, avoid alcohol, stay hydrated, and prioritize rest. Follow your doctor’s advice to enjoy a safe pregnancy.
| Week | Pregnancy Symptoms | Tips and Advice | Baby Development |
| Week 1 | – Missed period | – Take a home pregnancy test | – Fertilization occurs |
| Week 2 | – Tender breasts | – Begin taking prenatal vitamins | – Blastocyst implants in the uterus |
| Week 3 | – Fatigue | – Schedule your first prenatal visit | – Embryonic development begins |
| Week 4 | – Morning sickness starts | – Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine | – Neural tube forms |
| Week 5 | – Increased urination | – Eat a balanced diet | – Heart starts beating |
| Week 6 | – Mood swings | – Stay hydrated | – Brain and head development |
| Week 7 | – Constipation | – Start gentle exercise | – Limb buds form |
| Week 8 | – Food cravings | – Get plenty of rest | – Webbed fingers and toes develop |
| Week 9 | – Weight gain begins | – Avoid raw or undercooked foods | – Tail disappears, now considered a fetus |
| Week 10 | – Visible baby bump | – Wear comfortable clothing | – Organs continue to develop |
| Week 11 | – Darkened areolas | – Practice relaxation techniques | – Baby can swallow and produce urine |
| Week 12 | – Reduced nausea | – Consider prenatal classes | – Sex organs distinguishable |
| Week 13 | – Increased energy | – Continue regular check-ups | – Baby’s fingerprints form |
| Week 14 | – Less frequent urination | – Plan for maternity leave | – Baby’s facial muscles develop |
| Week 15 | – Quickening (baby moves) | – Do pelvic floor exercises | – Baby can make facial expressions |
| Week 16 | – Round ligament pain | – Stay active with low-impact exercises | – Develops sense of hearing |
| Week 17 | – Nasal congestion | – Consider a prenatal massage | – Baby’s skeleton starts hardening |
| Week 18 | – Belly button changes | – Stay well-hydrated | – Vernix caseosa covers the skin |
| Week 19 | – Braxton Hicks contractions | – Eat small, frequent meals | – Baby’s kicks become stronger |
| Week 20 | – Leg cramps | – Begin monitoring baby’s movements | – Baby is covered in lanugo (fine hair) |
| Week 21 | – Shortness of breath | – Sleep on your side | – Eyebrows and eyelashes appear |
| Week 22 | – Linea nigra (skin darkens) | – Practice relaxation techniques | – Rapid brain development |
| Week 23 | – Backache | – Consider prenatal yoga or swimming | – Baby can recognize your voice |
| Week 24 | – Swollen ankles | – Elevate feet when sitting or lying | – Lungs continue to mature |
| Week 25 | – Increased appetite | – Continue regular prenatal check-ups | – Baby may respond to loud noises |
| Week 26 | – Heartburn | – Sleep with extra pillows for support | – Eyes open for the first time |
| Week 27 | – Braxton Hicks intensify | – Pack your hospital bag | – Baby can hiccup |
| Week 28 | – Trouble sleeping | – Monitor blood pressure | – Baby’s kicks become more regular |
| Week 29 | – Shortness of breath | – Avoid lifting heavy objects | – Baby’s bones fully developed |
| Week 30 | – Swollen hands | – Stay hydrated and avoid salt | – Baby may be head-down in preparation for birth |
| Week 31 | – Increased vaginal discharge | – Take childbirth classes | – Baby’s immune system develops |
| Week 32 | – Hemorrhoids | – Practice perineal massage | – Baby’s toenails and fingernails grow |
| Week 33 | – Trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep | – Rest and nap when possible | – Baby’s bones start to harden further |
| Week 34 | – Frequent urination | – Prepare for maternity leave | – Baby’s central nervous system matures |
| Week 35 | – Braxton Hicks increase | – Avoid prolonged standing or sitting | – Baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled |
| Week 36 | – Pelvic pressure | – Finalize birth plan | – Baby continues to gain weight |
| Week 37 | – Lightening (baby drops) | – Stay active with walking | – Baby’s head positions for birth |
| Week 38 | – Fatigue increases | – Do pelvic exercises | – Baby’s lungs are fully mature |
| Week 39 | – Cervix effacement | – Rest and conserve energy | – Baby’s immune system continues to develop |
| Week 40 | – Contractions begin | – Monitor contractions | – Baby’s digestive system is ready for breast milk |
| Week 41 | – Dilation of cervix | – Stay calm and patient during labor | – Baby’s head molds to fit through the birth canal |
Please note that every pregnancy is unique, and symptoms and developments may vary from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care during pregnancy.
