Stages of pregnancy
Week 6
Week 6 pregnant
If you suspect you are pregnant, but haven’t already done a pregnancy test, do one now. By the time you are 6 weeks pregnant, the baby can officially be measured. When measuring a baby through ultrasound, it is standard practice to measure from the crown to the bottom. By week 6 the average size is 5-6 mm.
If you haven’t already done a pregnancy test, do one now. You can buy pregnancy urine tests from your local pharmacy, which are very accurate at this stage.
By the time you are 6 weeks pregnant, your baby can officially be measured. Although it makes sense to measure the length from the top of the head to their feet, this is too inaccurate. Even at the tender age of 6 weeks, the baby is curled up and bending what will eventually become their legs. It is standard practice to measure babies from their crown to their bottom. By week 6 an average size is 5-6 mm.
Your baby’s head is still very large in relation to its body, but little folds can already be seen in what is becoming the face and jaw. On both sides of the body, there are small bud-like lumps, which will eventually become arms and legs. There are small cavities forming on either side of the head, which will become the ear canals. Even your baby’s facial features are at the earliest stage of development with the eyes and nose beginning to take shape. Although all of this activity is going on, it’s still not obvious to anyone but yourself that you are pregnant.
Your physical changes this week
You are probably feeling the same symptoms as you did last week, only more so. More nausea, more sensitivity to smells, more tiredness and lower on energy. Be patient and don’t try to fight Mother Nature. Strange as it seems, there are good reasons for you feeling like you do and they aren’t all bad.
You may be feeling sick a lot of the time, or alternatively, starving. Some women start having food cravings at this early stage and long for foods that they normally wouldn’t even think about. Meat and lots of it, fish and seafood, fruit, even ice to crunch on are some of the more common cravings. Stay tuned for why cravings are so common.
Your breasts and nipples may be even more sensitive. You could have a bluish colouration in your breasts from the engorgement of your veins and your breasts may be increasing in size at a rapid rate. Your nipples may also start getting darker.
You may notice a vaginal discharge. If it’s excessive, causes you to itch or has an odd smell, check with your GP. Yeast infections are common in pregnancy when hormones are racing and there are changes from the normal vaginal flora and Ph.
You may feel as if you need to swallow a lot more. Some pregnant women experience more saliva production and constantly have to swallow to deal with it. This is normal and will settle as the weeks progress.
Some women complain of headaches from around week 6 of pregnancy. Try not to take medication and aim for simple remedies like having a lie down, eating something healthy, boosting your fluid intake or having a warm shower. A head and scalp massage can be very effective.
If this is your second (or more) time around, you may feel as if your clothing is getting a little tighter around the waist and bust line. This is not because of the size of the baby, who is still hiding low in your pelvis, but just general distention.
Your emotional changes this week
This can be an interesting time emotionally. The reality of your pregnancy is sinking in and so is the realisation of needing to give up some usual pleasures. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or taking drugs are all risky behaviours, especially during pregnancy. Now is the time to stop, when your baby is at a crucial stage of its development.
You may still be feeling a bit apprehensive every time you go to the bathroom. Although your period is a couple of weeks overdue and you have confirmed that you are pregnant, you may still be worried about miscarrying. This is a common worry, especially in the first 12 weeks or first trimester.
You may be bursting to share your news but are reluctant to in case you miscarry. Speak with your partner about the right time for you both to tell the world.
Your baby’s changes this week
This week your baby looks like a little tadpole. With a huge head, little body and small buds where the legs and arms will be. This appearance won’t last for long though, because every day in week 6 big brings big changes. Even when you are sleeping.
Your baby’s heartbeat can be seen on a vaginal ultrasound and if counted, would be beating at around 80 beats per minute (BPM).
Important internal organs – like the liver, kidneys and lungs – are forming in that little tadpole, although it is so tiny. No wonder you’re feeling so tired; much of your energy is going into growing your baby.
This is the week when your baby’s jaw, chin and cheeks start to form. Tiny as they are, they will only grow bigger from this week on.
Hints for the week
Carry lots of snacks with you in your bag. Dry salted crackers, sweet biscuits and water can be essential for coping with pregnancy nausea.
Don’t forget to keep an ice-cream container in the car if you’re prone to vomiting. Keep the lid so it can be easily disposed of. Try not to feel embarrassed if you are sick in front of other people. Many of us have been there and this stage shouldn’t last for too long.
Avoid any toxins, chemicals, drugs, X-rays, alcohol or generally risky behaviour. Week 6 is an important time for embryonic changes and development.
Don’t worry if you’ve actually lost weight in Week 6. Nausea and vomiting can lead to weight loss and there will be plenty of time for you to gain weight and grow bigger in the coming weeks.
Let see what’s in store for week 7.
