6 weeks pregnant

Yay! It has been six weeks - big changes are happening, and things have started taking shape already. At 6 weeks pregnant, your embryo has grown to the size of a pomegranate seed of about 0.08 to 0.2 inches.

Take a look at the details below to know how things are progressing inside your belly.

6 weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Your baby at 6 weeks is developing new features. Here's a sneak peek into what's going on inside your tummy:

Important milestone

A significant milestone that occurs this week is the start of the neural tube's closing over your baby's to-be spinal cord.

That's a face!

At 6 weeks, tiny folds of tissue will now be developing into the areas that will become your baby's cheeks, chin, and jaw. The nose, mouth, and inner and outer ears have begun taking shape. Bumps are rising at places that will become the eyes and nose, and the ear structure is pushing inwards. Other tiny buds are forming that will grow into your baby's arms and legs eventually.

Heart beats like a drum

Your baby's heart tube is growing into four primitive chambers gradually. If you take an ultrasound scan this week, a tiny heartbeat of about 105 beats per minute may be detectable.

What's more

Your baby's nervous system and brain are developing quickly too. Currently, your baby's lungs are like single tubes that will form into pouch-like structures. They will continue to grow over the next few months so that your baby can take his first breath of air. The liver and kidneys have also started taking shape.

6 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

Here's a quick look into what you may be experiencing in your sixth week of pregnancy:

Spotting

Some light spotting that doesn't even cover a pantyliner is quite normal at six weeks. It is most probably implantation bleeding. However, if the spotting is heavy with a lot of blood and lasts longer than two days, talk to your doctor right away.

Cramping

Pregnancy at six weeks can begin with slight cramping. It is normal and signifies the expansion of your uterus and the surrounding tissues to make room for your baby. But, if the pain is more severe than usual period cramping, or is accompanied by a fever or diarrhoea, contact your doctor without any delay.

Morning sickness

If you have been wondering why you haven't had morning sickness yet, it may arrive this week. Although it is called morning sickness, it can happen at any time, whether morning, evening, or night. Your nausea may be triggered by certain smells, movements, an empty stomach, or nothing at all. Keep some crackers or simple starchy foods handy to soothe the queasy feeling.

Exhaustion

Pregnancy fatigue can make you feel completely exhausted, but that’s okay! It is the increasing levels of the pregnancy hormone called progesterone that's making you feel tired. You can try taking some naps, munching on little snacks, and practising some light exercises to fight off the exhaustion. Make sure you're getting enough iron, as its deficiency can lead to anaemia and cause tiredness as well.

Frequent urination

You may feel a frequent urge to go to the bathroom more than usual. This happens because your kidneys are working hard to process the extra liquid in your system.

Mood swings

Your emotions may be on a bumpy ride between now and the end of your pregnancy. Although mood swings are quite normal in the first trimester and usually subside in the second, they might return by the end of the third trimester. Talking to loved ones, napping, eating well, and practising some light exercises can help you feel a little better.

Constipation

The increasing levels of progesterone may also cause constipation, as the hormone slows down the digestive tract. Try exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet that includes high-fibre foods and drinking at least eight glasses of water a day to help ease the problem.

6 weeks pregnant: Things to Consider

• A surge in the pregnancy hormones in your early pregnancy can lead to an increase in the size of your breasts. You may also experience some skin changes, like increased oil production. Hyperpigmentation may cause your nipples to turn a shade or two darker.

• It's time to take a look at your closet to ensure you have some loose or stretchy clothes to wear during the coming weeks. As your body begins to grow, you would want to stay comfortable even if you're not yet ready to transition into maternity clothes. It is best to avoid tight-fitting pants from this point on; instead, choose cotton underwear. Also, increase your bra size when needed.

• As you move ahead in your pregnancy, it is okay to have lots of concerns and feel overwhelmed. When your mind is racing, try putting down your thoughts in a pregnancy journal, as it might help you feel a little better. For concerns, you can prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor at the next prenatal visit.

• To ward off your mind from all the negative thoughts, you may try starting a week-by-week photo journal or a pregnancy scrapbook containing your notes, photos, and mementoes. Apart from being a great way to celebrate your pregnancy, it will also be a lovely keepsake that you can share with your baby in the future. Make your pictures even sweeter by downloading our free bump-to-baby monthly milestone cards.

• Read all the information necessary for you to smoothly traverse through the first trimester of your pregnancy and beyond. You can download our Pregnancy Guide for more details.

• If you have health insurance, now is the time to review the policy. Make sure the insurance covers the maternity benefits that you want and need.

• Note the foods you should avoid during pregnancy. You can also make a list that you can carry for shopping. This list will also help you to think about the alternative foods that you can eat.

• Rest as much as possible. So, take some time from your schedule to take a nap and rest during the first trimester, especially if you experience fatigue and exhaustion.

Although symptoms like frequent urination and spotting are normal, it is totally OK to consult your doctor if you experience any new symptom or have any concerns regarding the regular symptoms. Here are some things that you do not want to ignore:

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that is quite common in pregnancy. Since the traditional symptoms of a UTI include urgency and frequency of urination, which are typical during pregnancy, you may not notice that you have an infection.

Therefore, it is essential to know other signs of UTI: burning, pain or discomfort when urinating; cloudy or foul-smelling urine; and blood or mucus in the urine. Contact your doctor to confirm if you experience any of these so that he can treat the infection with antibiotics.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is a common concern in the first three months, due to which many expecting parents fear announcing their pregnancy. Although you may be tracking every little twinge or ache, minor cramps and slight bleeding can be perfectly normal. However, if your spotting lasts more than a day or two accompanied by heavy bleeding or painful cramps, you may want to call your doctor right away.

Precautions & Tips at 6 Weeks Pregnant

Don't skip all seafood

'Seafood is bad for expecting women' is a pregnancy myth. You don't have to give up on all seafood, but just avoid high-mercury fish like shark, tilefish, bigeye tuna, swordfish, marlin, orange roughy, and king mackerel. You can eat 200-300 gms of well-cooked shellfish, wild-caught salmon, canned light tuna, or cod a week.

Sometimes bland is good

Morning sickness can sometimes get on your nerves, especially when you are done with saltines. But worry not; you have different options – try rice cakes, dry cereal, well-toasted bread and breadsticks, and pretzels. You can stash them in the drawers of your bedside table or your handbag.

Commit to exercise

Exercising daily can be a challenge, especially if you haven't been working out before pregnancy. While you struggle every day to get your steps moving, feeling nauseous can add to it. Try blocking a specific time of your day for working out. On days when queasiness gets to you, try swapping your work out with brisk walking for about 15 minutes.

Choose healthy treats

We know you have been craving everything sweet or salty junk food but remember that there's always a healthier choice. All you need is some willpower to adjust to keep your taste buds and your baby happy. You can replace the greasy options with soy or baked chips, air-popped popcorn with some Parmesan, rice cakes, and pretzels.

For your inner chocoholic or ice-cream lover, you can try a cup of hot chocolate or some frozen yoghurt topped with fresh berries or fruits.

Pamper yourself

Thanks to your pregnancy hormones, your nails are growing quicker and stronger than ever. And it is perfectly safe to polish your nails. In the case of acrylics, although there's no proof of the chemicals harming you or your foetus, it is best to forgo the idea of acrylic nails until the baby arrives.

Just in case your hormones didn't play the role and your nails are weak or brittle, you can try a clear nail hardener and reapply often. Also, make sure you are getting enough calcium.

What to expect at the first prenatal visit

We're sure you might have booked an appointment with your doctor for the first prenatal visit. If you haven't, make sure you book it right away. This check-up is going to be exciting and long. Here's what you can expect:

• A diligent physical exam, including a pelvic exam

• Pap smear

• Initial blood tests to determine - blood type, Rh factor, amount of iron, and any risks of chromosomal abnormalities

• Tests to check - sexually transmitted infections, immunity to rubella (German measles), and ethnic-specific genetic diseases

• Urine tests to determine - glucose, protein, red and white blood cells, and bacteria

• Questions about your medical history

• Answers to a lot of your questions on pregnancy (don't forget to bring your list).

Self-Care Tips

Since every expecting mother is unique, her experience of pregnancy symptoms and the way of handling them will differ from the rest. So, you have to figure out what works best for you and for that, you may have to try a few different things:

Handling fatigue

Tiredness is your body's call for rest. The best way to deal with it is to take short naps as much as you can. However, we also understand that responsibilities can prevent you from getting some extra sleep. For this, you can try to handle fatigue in ways like:

• Sleeping a little earlier at night

• Setting a fixed routine for sleeping and waking up

• Cutting back on caffeine

• Exercising a little daily

• Eating balanced and nutritious meals and snacks during the day

• Drinking enough water during the day.

Handling frequent urination

If you have to use the bathroom frequently, it's good – it means your body is getting enough water. Staying hydrated is essential for you and your baby's health. But frequent urination can be a bit annoying, though. Here's how you can deal with it:

• Avoid holding it in—go when nature calls you.

• Lean forward while you pee to empty your bladder fully.

• Do not skip drinking your fluids so that you don't have to go frequently.

• Try limiting evening fluids to prevent using the bathroom so much at night; instead, get enough fluids during the day.

• Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water during the day.

• Increase fluid intake if you're working out or out in the hot weather.

• Not urinating more than usual could be a sign of dehydration. Do not ignore your body's cues of needing more fluids.

Handling nausea

Try taming or keeping nausea and vomiting at bay with the following tips:

• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than eating three large meals

• Munch on bland soda crackers about 15 minutes before getting out of bed

• Avoid warm places, as hot temperatures can increase nausea

• Don’t lie down right after eating

• Try raw or crystallised ginger, ginger candy, or ginger tea

• If nothing works for you, speak to your doctor so that he can prescribe a safe anti-nausea medication.

Handling emotional toll

Along with unpleasant physical symptoms, there’s an emotional toll, too. While early pregnancy symptoms can be tough, you may not have much support if you haven't shared the news yet. In such cases, you can always reach out to your doctor and talk about how you feel. You can also talk to a trusted friend or family member while keeping your secret. It may help you get some tips on feeling physically better, along with some support to help you feel mentally and emotionally better.

6 Weeks Pregnant: Ask your Doctor

Your regular prenatal check-ups make for a perfect opportunity to get all your questions and concerns answered. If you haven't prepared a list yet, try it now. Here's a set of questions that might help you get started:

• What are some safe exercises to practise during pregnancy?

• What prenatal care will you be receiving?

• In case of a chronic condition (like diabetes or high blood pressure), how can you manage your medication safely while pregnancy?

• Do you need to take folic acid?

• Is your morning sickness considered normal or severe? (Some expecting mothers experience hyperemesis gravidarum - a more severe form of morning sickness.)

• What all you need to know about giving birth – the hospital, the facility, and its procedures?

While you prepare some questions, make sure to prepare yourself for some Q&A that your doctor is likely to ask you at your first visit. You can make notes and jot down the points so that everything is in the same spot and easy to carry. Here's what you may want to note down before your first visit:

• Date of your last menstrual period

• Family medical history of you and your partner, including any cognitive impairments; birth abnormalities; early infant loss; deformities; or any inherited diseases, such as Tay-Sachs disease, haemophilia, muscular dystrophy, or cystic fibrosis

• Past hospitalisations

• Details of any past pregnancies and births, any past miscarriages or pregnancy terminations

• Any past or current mental or physical health issues

• Over-the-counter, prescription and herbal medications that you have been taking

• Allergies to medications

Although not all prenatal appointments include an ultrasound, an early ultrasound is more likely in the case of fertility medication, a history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, or any concerns like severe pain or bleeding. Here's why your doctor may use an early ultrasound:

• To verify a pregnancy inside the uterus by looking at the gestational sac, yolk sac, and tiny embryo

• To measure the size of the gestational sac and embryo to determine how far along you are and your due date

• To detect multiple pregnancies

• To check your baby's tiny heart beating at between 90–120 beats per minute.