Do a pregnancy test if you think you could be pregnant, but still aren t sure. Pregnancy tests are available from supermarkets and pharmacies for around $10.00. The store bought ones are just as sensitive as the tests used in doctor's surgeries.
Some couples take a video or photo to capture the moment when they do the test. This becomes a nice little keepsake, especially if they want a positive result and they get one at 6 weeks pregnant.
6 weeks pregnant symptoms
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 its 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 6 weeks pregnant symptoms. In fact, nausea is the most common gastrointestinal pregnancy symptom and occurs in 80 85% of all pregnancies during the first trimester. And around 52% of women experience vomiting during their first trimester of pregnancy. 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 now, even for foods they don t usually like. Common cravings are for fish and seafood, fruit and even ice to munch on.
Changes to your breasts and nipples will be one of the more noticeable symptoms at 6 weeks pregnant. 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.
Vaginal discharge is another pregnancy symptom. Check with your GP or maternity care provider if it's itchy or has an odd smell.
Be prepared to give up smoking and drinking alcohol from now on. A 6 week embryo is forming vital organs for life, any illicit substances can affect healthy formation of organs. You making positive lifestyle changes 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 when will be the right time to tell your friends and family.
6 week embryo
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 its 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 their arms and legs. At 6 weeks of pregnancy, 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 of 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 GP 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 big changes are happening. Even when you're sleeping.
Important internal organs are forming in that little tadpole. Although it's very small, there is space being made for its liver, kidneys and even its lungs. No wonder you're feeling tired at 6 weeks pregnant, much of your energy is going into growing your baby.
Tips for 6 weeks pregnant
Carry lots of snacks with you when you go out. Dry salted crackers, sweet biscuits and even plain water can be helpful for coping with pregnancy nausea.
Make sure you're taking the recommended dose of folic acid supplements. Speak with your GP and/or pharmacist 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 what is a safe amount of total caffeine. (Don't forget, caffeine exists in coffee, black tea, chocolate, energy and cola drinks).
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 behaviours when 6 weeks pregnant. This is a crucial time for 6 week embryo development.
Don t worry if you've actually 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, or perhaps a little smaller. It's very common for women to gain only a small amount of weight 1-2 kgs, or even lose weight in their first trimester if they have morning sickness.
Written and reviewed by Jane Barry, midwife and child health nurse on 12/01/20
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Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. To reduce the risk of injury, never force or strain yourself during exercise. If you feel pain, stop and seek medical attention if necessary.
If you are in week 6 of your pregnancy...
Your baby's due date: April 20 - May 02, 2022
Baby's star sign: Taurus
Chinese year: Tiger
Famous people born around your baby's birth date:
- Jessica Alba
- Shirley Temple
- Duke Ellington
FAQ
Yes, your baby's heartbeat may be seen on a vaginal ultrasound, just as a tiny flutter.
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.
Last Published* December, 2022
*Please note that the published date may not be the same as the date that the content was created and that information above may have changed since.
