6 Weeks Pregnant

Lots of women develop symptoms even at this early stage of pregnancy. Although a 6-week embryo is very tiny, there are lots of hormonal changes going on in your body to support his rapid growth. Don’t be surprised if you develop a bit of a 6- weeks pregnant belly. Although your 6-week embryo is still well down in your pelvis, some women, especially those who've been pregnant before, seem to show much earlier. General abdominal distention is usually the cause. Nausea, increased sensitivity to smells, tiredness and feeling low on energy are all common symptoms. In fact, nausea is the most common gastrointestinal pregnancy symptom and occurs in 80 to 85% of all pregnancies during the first trimester. And around 52% of women experience vomiting during the first trimester. Be patient as your body adjusts to pregnancy. As strange as it seems, there are good reasons for feeling like you do.

At 6 weeks pregnant, many women describe feelings of nausea mixed with starvation. This is a strange combination, making it hard to decide if you’ll want to eat or not. Some women start craving particular foods, even foods they don’t usually like. Common cravings are fish and seafood, fruit, and even ice to munch on.

Changes to your breasts and nipples will be one of the more noticeable symptoms. They’ll be more sensitive, and your breasts could develop more obvious veins. Your nipples may be getting larger and darker, and even at 6 weeks pregnant, you may need to buy new bras for a correct fit.

If you haven’t already, take steps to give up smoking and drinking alcohol from now on. A 6-week embryo is forming vital organs for life; alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco can all affect healthy formation of organs. You are making positive lifestyle changes that will have a direct effect at 6 weeks pregnant.

Though you may be bursting to share your pregnancy news, you may also feel a little hesitant in case you miscarry. You and your partner should discuss what you feel is the right time to tell your friends and family.

A 6-week embryo can be measured by ultrasound. It's standard practice to measure from their crown (head) to their rump (bottom). The average size at 6 weeks of development is 5-6 mm. The embryo's head is still very large in relation to their body, however little folds are already forming what will become their face and jaw.

On either side of their body, small bud-like lumps will eventually become arms and legs. The embryo has developed small cavities on either side of their head which will become their ear canals.

Even the embryo's facial features are forming, with their eyes and nose beginning to take shape. None of this will be obvious from your 6-weeks pregnant belly though, all this activity is going on deep within your bony pelvis. The only way to get a close-up view at this early stage of pregnancy is by ultrasound. Speak with your pregnancy care provider to see if this is recommended for you.

Your 6-week embryo will look like a little tadpole. All head, little body, and small buds where their legs will be. They don’t look like this for long. Every day in week 6 brings big changes.

Important internal organs are forming in that little embryo. Although it's very small, there is space being made for the liver, kidneys, and even lungs. No wonder you're feeling tired with so much your energy going into growing your baby.

Carry lots of snacks with you when you go out. Dry, salty crackers and even plain water can be helpful for coping with nausea.

Make sure you're taking the recommended dose of folic acid supplements. Speak with your health care provider about the correct dose for you.

Caffeine may increase the risk of miscarriage or having a baby with a low birth weight. Check here to see the safe amount of total caffeine for you. (Don't forget, caffeine exists in coffee, black tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and colas).

Don’t forget to keep a plastic container with a lid handy for those times when nausea overwhelms you. Try not to feel embarrassed if you're around other people. Most of us have been in this situation — it's part and parcel of being 6 weeks pregnant.

Avoid any toxins, chemicals, alcohol, drugs, X-rays, and generally risky behaviors when 6 weeks pregnant. This is a crucial time for embryo development.

Don t worry if you've lost weight in week 6. You're unlikely to have a 6-week pregnant belly and from the outside, look pretty much the same as you always do. It's very common for women to gain only a small amount of weight (2 to 4 pounds) or even lose weight in their first trimester if they have morning sickness.

Is it possible to see a heartbeat at 6 weeks pregnant?

Yes, your baby's heartbeat may be seen on a vaginal ultrasound, just as a tiny flutter.

Why, do I suddenly have so much saliva in my mouth?

Some pregnant women experience an increase in their saliva production, and constantly need to swallow. This is generally normal and generally settles as the weeks progress.