6th Week of Pregnancy Guide: Baby Development & What to Expect

Did you just hear your baby's heartbeat for the first time? Welcome to the sixth week of pregnancy, my dear mother-to-be!

Excitement, curiosity, and an overload of emotions must be racing through your mind. How does my baby look now? Is the nausea I am experiencing normal? How do I prepare for the coming weeks? The journey is just beginning, so it is normal to have questions and concerns about what comes next.

In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the sixth week of pregnancy, from your baby's development to the changes in your body, and how to get through this stage with confidence. Let us read on!

Baby’s Development in the 6th Week of Pregnancy

During this week, the baby or embryo measures approximately 6mm in length—comparable to the size and shape of a pea. At this point, your baby may resemble a tiny tadpole, possessing a small tail that will eventually disappear as it grows and the body begins to take a C shape curve.

Key Developments In The 6th Week Of Pregnancy

• Limb Formation: Small limb buds are visible as the arms and legs begin to form.
• Facial Features: Tiny dents near the ears are forming.
• Heart Development: The heart is visible and beating at a rate of 100 to 160 beats per minute (doctor may detect via vaginal ultra sound), actively circulating blood throughout the body.
• Head & Brain Growth: The head and brain are shaping up, with a distinct bulge indicating accelerated brain development.
• Internal Organs: Internal organs are developing, including the pituitary gland, muscles, and bones.
• Skin Development: The embryo now has a thin, translucent layer of skin.

Common Body Changes During Pregnancy

During the sixth week of pregnancy, you may begin to gain weight and experience obvious hormonal changes. Hormonal shifts can explain many of the changes you're experiencing. As your body adapts, you may feel discomfort, particularly in your breasts, which may become sensitive, sore, or swollen.

You may feel weary as your body adjusts to higher levels of the hormone progesterone. As the volume of blood in your body increases, your kidneys process more fluid, which eventually ends up in your bladder. This can lead to frequent urination.

Pregnancy hormones slow food digestion and relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus. This can cause stomach acid to flow into the oesophagus, resulting in heartburn. Progesterone also inhibits the passage of food through your digestive system, which can result in fewer or more unpleasant bowel motions. Furthermore, as your uterus expands, it may exert pressure on your bowels, causing intestinal discomfort.

Symptoms & Body Changes at 6 Weeks Pregnant:

Symptoms may differ from person to person. Some people may not have any symptoms during their entire pregnancy. At the sixth week of pregnancy, some women may have morning sickness along with the following symptoms:.

• Metallic taste in mouth 
• Sore breasts
• Bloating
• Thicker and shinier hair
• Cramping
• Frequently urinating
• Creamy vaginal discharge
• Food cravings
• Mood swings
• Headaches

Diet and Nutrition Tips for the 6th Week of Pregnancy

You are nurturing a baby inside your womb, which requires extra calorie intake to support the baby’s development. It's very important for a pregnant woman to eat a balanced diet. Here are some dietary recommendations.

Folic Acid

• Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects in newborns, lowers the chance of premature birth, and promotes a healthy birth weight.
• The recommended daily intake is 400 mcg before pregnancy and 600-1,000 mcg throughout pregnancy.
• Dietary sources include fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, dry beans, peas, and lentils.

Calcium

• Calcium promotes healthy bones and teeth in both mother and infant; aids neurone, muscle, and blood vessel function.
• The recommended daily intake is 1,000 mg for adults and 1,300 mg for pregnant teenagers.
• Dietary sources include dairy products (which are the most easily absorbed), broccoli, kale, and calcium-fortified fruit juices and cereals.

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D works with calcium to support the development of your baby’s bones and teeth.
• Recommended daily intake: 600 international units (IU).
• Dietary sources include fatty fish such as salmon, fortified milk, and orange juice.

Protein

• Protein aids in the growth and development of the baby
• Recommended daily intake is 71 grams (g).
• Dietary sources include lean meats, poultry, shellfish, eggs, beans, peas, almonds, seeds, and soy products.

Iron

• The body uses iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. During pregnancy, iron needs double as the body produces more blood to supply oxygen to the fetus.
• Recommended daily intake is 27 milligrammes (mg).
• Dietary sources include lean red meat, chicken, fish, iron-fortified grains, legumes, and vegetables.

Conclusion:

The sixth week of pregnancy is an exciting and transforming time for both you and your developing baby. While your baby is rapidly growing vital organs, limbs, and a beating heart, your body is also adjusting to the hormonal and physical changes that accompany pregnancy.

It is natural to feel a variety of emotions, ranging from sudden bouts of excitement to occasional discomfort. Taking care of yourself with a good diet, ample rest, and regular prenatal care will help you get through this time comfortably. Every pregnancy is unique, so listen to your body, be informed, and enjoy the amazing journey ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) What are signs of a healthy pregnancy at 6 weeks?

At six weeks, common signs of a healthy pregnancy include a steady rise in pregnancy hormones, mild cramping without severe pain, breast tenderness, nausea or morning sickness, and fatigue. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe cramping, or unusual symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.

Q2) What “should” you be feeling at 6 weeks pregnant?

Every pregnancy is different, but common symptoms at six weeks include nausea, breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, increased urination, and mild cramping. Some women may experience strong symptoms, while others may feel little to no changes—both are normal.

Q3) Can you feel a baby move at 6 weeks?

No, it’s too early to feel your baby move at six weeks. At this stage, the embryo is still very small, measuring around 6mm. Most women start feeling baby movements between 16 to 25 weeks of pregnancy.