Medically reviewed by Dr Tiffany Pham, a board-certified obstetrician and gynaecologist and medical advisor for Flo Health, based in Houston, Texas.
You've probably recently had a positive pregnancy test and are now coming to terms with your exciting news. Although you might not feel any symptoms at the moment, it's important to learn about what is happening to your body right now, as the first trimester can be really tough on mums-to-be.
Now, let’s discuss all the things that are happening to your baby and your body at six weeks pregnant. Here is your go-to guide on symptoms and what to expect.
What's 6 weeks pregnant in months?
If you're 6 weeks pregnant, you're in month 2 of your pregnancy. Only 7 months left to go!
How big is my baby at 6 weeks?
This week, your baby is around the size of pea. Dr Tiffany Pham, a board-certified obstetrician and gynaecologist says your "Baby is approximately 0.2in or 5-6mm on average."
Baby development at 6 weeks pregnant
Not only that, your baby has been doing some serious growing over the past few weeks and will develop his or her face this week, doubling in size by next week.
Facial features begin to form
"Certain body parts such as the nose, eyes, mouth, and ears will start to form," explains Dr Tiffany. Tissue folds are developing that will soon become your baby’s face. Tiny openings that will become the mouth and nostrils will be visible in a few weeks. Dark patches indicate where the eyes will eventually form, and small folds on the sides of the baby’s head will become ears.
Limb buds development
"Four tiny limb buds that will eventually develop into the arms and legs are also beginning to take shape,” says Dr Tiffany. These buds are the early indicators of future limb development, marking the initial steps in the formation of the baby's arms and legs.
Nervous system development
The nervous system is forming from a structure called the neural plate, which becomes visible around the 16th day of development. A groove forms down the middle of the plate, and its edges curl up to create the neural tube. The front part of this tube will develop into the brain, while the remainder becomes the spinal cord. At this stage, the developing spinal cord looks similar to a tail due to its rapid growth.
Skin formation
"At this point, the baby will also have a thin layer of skin covering the entire body," adds Dr Tiffany. This early skin layer provides a protective covering as the baby's body continues to develop.
Neural tube closure
The neural tube, which eventually forms the brain and spinal cord, closes by the end of the fourth week of pregnancy. Failure to close properly can lead to neural tube defects such as spina bifida or cleft lip/palate. Taking folic acid supplements is crucial during early pregnancy to help prevent these defects.
Heartbeat
Around this time, the baby's heart starts to beat at a rate of about 110 beats per minute or more. This heartbeat can often be detected via ultrasound during this week, marking an important milestone in the baby's development.
Organ development
Essential organs such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys are beginning to form. These organs will continue to develop and mature throughout the pregnancy, preparing the baby for life outside the womb.
Umbilical cord
By the six-week mark, the baby is connected to the mother through the umbilical cord. This crucial structure supplies nutrients to the baby and removes waste, supporting the baby’s growth and development throughout the pregnancy.
Your body at 6 weeks pregnant
Although you probably won’t look any different on the outside, you might be feeling queasy, bloated, or craving foods you’ve never wanted before. You may also experience an increased need to urinate, especially at night. This pressure will be relieved once your uterus rises at the beginning of the second trimester. Despite the inconvenience, it's essential to stay hydrated. Leaning forward when you urinate can help ensure your bladder is fully emptied each time.
"Body changes and symptoms that occur in pregnancy can vary from person to person. While some people may experience these changes at this stage in their pregnancy, others may not, thus there is no expected ‘normal’ but rather varying degrees of these changes may be present for some people," says Dr Tiffany.
Bloating
This one is down to the progesterone that’s flying around your body right now. Remember to eat lots of fibre and drink plenty of water to avoid getting constipated, which will only make that horrible bloated feeling worse.
Heartburn and digestive changes
The muscular band at the top of your stomach relaxes due to rising pregnancy hormone levels. As your pregnancy progresses and the uterus continues to grow, this band relaxes further, increasing the likelihood of heartburn. Normally, this band prevents stomach contents from backing up, but during pregnancy, its relaxation can lead to discomfort. To minimise symptoms, eat slowly and take your time during meals.
Uterus growth
Your uterus is expanding significantly, with its weight potentially increasing from 70g to 1100g, about 500 times its normal size. This growth depends on the baby's size, the number of babies, the amount of amniotic fluid, and any pathological conditions like fibroids.
Increased blood supply
During these first few weeks of pregnancy, you’ll have an increased blood supply to your uterus, breasts, kidneys, and skin. This heightened circulation supports the growing demands of your body and the developing baby.
6 weeks pregnant symptoms
Sore breasts
"You may experience changes to your breasts or nipples," says Dr Tiffany. "The breast may become more swollen or tender, and the nipples may darken in colour or become more prominent. These changes to the breast tissue help to prepare our bodies for breastfeeding."
Fatigue
"Fatigue can be a common symptom that you may experience throughout the first trimester of your pregnancy," says Dr Tiffany. "As levels of progesterone rise during pregnancy, it can contribute to the feeling of fatigue."
Your body is growing a baby, so it’s bound to be exhausted! Pay attention to your pregnancy fatigue and feel free to cancel those dinner arrangements and get an early night.
You can combat pregnancy fatigue by eatingenergy-boosting superfoods like red peppers, blueberries, dark chocolate, avocado to name a few.
According to midwife and parenting expert Rachel Fitz-Desorgher, it's important to listen to our bodies.
"Listening to your body is the most important thing to do in early pregnancy - the weird symptoms are evolved to keep you and your tiny embryo safe. So respond to overwhelming fatigue by resting as much as possible in the evenings and at weekends rather than trying to 'carry on as normal'."
Nausea and vomiting
"HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone that is present in pregnancy. The increase in HCG levels can contribute to symptoms of nausea in pregnancy," says Dr Tiffany.
Whether you’re feeling a little sick at the sight of your partner’s scrambled eggs, or you’re throwing up your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, relax and remember, morning sickness is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. If you are still being sick, snacking is key.
What to speak to your doctor about at 6 weeks pregnant
Symptoms that may be abnormal or require contacting your GP or midwife can include:
•Severe or persistent abdominal cramping or pelvic pain
•Heavy vaginal bleeding (bleeding that is equivalent to a period or heavier, passing blood clots)
•Fever
•Changes to your vaginal discharge (watery, green/yellow in colour, discharge with an odour, clumpy thick discharge with itching or irritation etc)
•Severe or persistent vomiting
Looking after you at 6 weeks pregnant
Listen to your body
"Being in tune with your body and listening to its needs will help you navigate your pregnancy journey," recommends Dr Tiffany. "If you are feeling more tired, let yourself take naps or sleep longer. If nausea or food aversions become a problem, eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding foods that are problematic may be helpful."
Take folic acid
If you aren't already doing so, you should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day throughout your pregnancy. This is to reduce the risk of problems in the baby's development in the early weeks of pregnancy. It is also advised to take a daily vitamin D supplement too. "You should also incorporate food sources that contain folate into your diet such as dark leafy green vegetables, fruit, seafood, beans, eggs, dairy products or meat and poultry," says Dr Tiffany.
Stop eating certain food
Now you're expecting, there are a few foods that are not safe in pregnancy. This includes foods made from unpasteurised milk, soft cheeses like brie and camembert (unless steaming hot), cold-cured meats and fish such as swordfish and raw shellfish.
Eat healthily
You should be eating plenty of vegetables, grains, nuts and animal protein for the baby's development and your health.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking several glasses of water will help relieve any digestive issues.
Exercise
Although you might not feel like it, try and fit some exercise in – perhaps a gentle walk or a pregnancy yoga class. The endorphins will help you feel better and it might help you get to sleep.
Other things to consider at 6 weeks pregnant
Register your pregnancy
Now is the time to contact your GP or a local midwife so you can arrange your booking appointment and discuss your antenatal care options. How you register will differ depending on where you live, some counties now allow you to self-refer to the hospital which involves filling out some online forms and they will then contact you to make your first midwife appointment. We recommend ringing your GP first who will then be able to tell you the best way to do this.
This appointment should happen before you are 10 weeks pregnant and will usually be done by a midwife. Your height and weight will be taken, your blood pressure measured. You might be asked to give a urine sample (which you probably won’t have a problem providing!) and have a blood test that will check your general health and blood group.
Another thing to expect is a lot of questions – so do your homework! Not only will they ask about your own health history, but also about your family's health history. Remember to make a list of questions for your midwife and ask them, no matter how silly they may sound.
Share your news
"Don’t be too afraid to keep your happy news to yourself - you might well need more support and understanding right now, especially if you are having a rough time," says Rachel. "So let your boss, friends and family know sooner rather than later so that they can understand when you need that extra nap or snack break."
About the experts
Dr Tiffany Pham is a board-certified obstetrician and gynaecologist and medical advisor for Flo Health, based in Houston, Texas. Pham is passionate about helping women get access to necessary health services and medically-accurate health information and better understand their bodies.
Rachel Fitz-Desorgher worked as a specialist midwife, infant feeding consultant and parenting consultant for over 30 years before deciding to leave midwifery in order to focus her expertise and experience on mentoring women transitioning from the busy world of work to motherhood.
About the author
Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.