6 weeks pregnant: Baby’s development, symptoms, and tips

This is a big week for your baby, which is growing a little bump that will become a head, as well as limb buds where the arms and legs will soon begin to grow. If you decide to have a 6-week scan (which would be transvaginal rather than abdominal), you won’t be able to recognize anything baby-shaped but you might be able to see a tiny pulsing heartbeat – a truly magical moment. (If you decide to wait for the 12-week scan, don’t worry, you’re not missing out – it’s always magical!)

At 6 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 4 mm long – about the size of a pomegranate seed and twice the size it was last week, which just shows how much is going on inside. (And might explain why you’ve been feeling a bit odd!)

Week 6 can mark the beginning of pregnancy symptoms for many people. These will vary from person to person – and you may be lucky enough to escape without any at all! – but could include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, tender or tingling breasts, mood swings, changes in taste, and more.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is poorly named because it can hit you at any time of the day or night. It’s thought to be caused by rising levels of the pregnancy hormone HCG, which levels off at the end of the first trimester – after which you should also see your symptoms reducing.

HCG is also blamed for more frequent urination, the mood swings, breast changes and more. Fortunately, it’s also responsible for helping your body adapt to pregnancy, so it’s not all bad.

Heartburn and indigestion, bloating and gas are all digestive problems that could stem from hormone changes, but are more common further along in your pregnancy when your growing uterus starts cramping your other organs. Something to look forward to!

Vaginal discharge

Some people experience brown discharge at 6 weeks pregnant. This is not necessarily anything to worry about, as it could just be old blood mixing with your vaginal discharge. If you’re worried, or if the discharge is accompanied by other symptoms that might indicate an infection, talk to your healthcare professional.

You might also find yourself feeling anxious and emotional over this big change in your life. This is perfectly normal and can be exacerbated by those pregnancy hormones. Keep talking to your partner or trusted friends/family; don’t keep it all inside.

Stay active

Stay active and keep hydrated to keep fatigue at bay during these early weeks. If you’re not someone who exercises, now is a good time to start. Walking and swimming are gentle exercises that can help you build strength and stamina, as well as give you some time to listen to your body, which will become more important as your pregnancy progresses. Plus, getting out in the fresh air is always a good way to boost your endorphins.

If you are someone who usually enjoys a lot of exercise, there’s no reason to give it up if you’re feeling well enough to continue. In fact, it’s a good way of maintaining your fitness in preparation for pregnancy and birth. This baby is going to get a lot heavier!

Stick to a healthy, balanced diet

Nutrition remains important at 6 weeks pregnant, but you might find it harder to maintain a balanced diet if you’re feeling nauseous. Some people find that their morning sickness is worse when they get hungry, in which case try to keep healthy snacks to hand to stave off nausea. If your symptoms are such that only dry biscuits or crackers will help, take advantage of the times when you are not feeling ill to eat the nutritious, healthy meals that your body needs.

Don’t panic too much about poor nutrition at this point in your pregnancy. It’s all about achieving a balanced diet across the week, and your multivitamins will ensure you’re getting the basic vitamins and minerals you need.

Frequent urination

What’s a pregnancy wee and what’s a UTI (urinary tract infection)? This might be a question you ask yourself as you dash to the toilet for the third time in an hour. Frequent urination is a classic symptom of early pregnancy, but if it’s accompanied by pain, a burning sensation or blood, it could be a UTI. See a doctor for diagnosis and treatment, as urinary tract infections can be harmful during pregnancy – and are uncomfortable at any time!

Take care of yourself

Find ways to pamper yourself when you’re feeling unwell. Simple things like a new hand cream, your favourite treat, or a cosy TV programme could be all you need to lift your spirits when you’re feeling low.

Your booking-in appointment might be coming up soon, which is when your midwife will take your medical history and let you know what to expect from forthcoming medical appointments.

You should have a think about which hospital you would like to use, if you have a choice, as this is one of the questions she will ask. There will also be questions about your family’s medical history, so try and find out any ‘biggies’ – e.g., diabetes on either your or your partner’s side – so that you can give complete answers.

After, or around the same time as your booking-in appointment, you will also have prenatal blood tests, which screen for conditions that might be harmful to you or your baby. This ensures you have the best possible treatment during your pregnancy.

What should I be feeling at 6 weeks pregnant?

You may be lucky enough to have no symptoms at 6 weeks pregnant. They may be yet to come, or you may be one of the lucky few who sails through pregnancy without any symptoms. Even if you don’t have morning sickness, however, you might be feeling the rush of emotions that comes with this big life change and the accompanying hormones. Try keeping a journal, or logging your thoughts in some way, as that might help you to sort through your emotions or better explain them to your partner.

Is it safe to take paracetamol at 6 weeks pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to take paracetamol throughout your pregnancy. In fact, paracetamol is the preferred painkiller during pregnancy.

Should I tell my boss I’m pregnant at 6 weeks?

This is a personal decision and depends in part on the type of work you do and how you’re feeling. Weigh up the risks in your job and decide whether or not your boss needs to know. And if you’re feeling too unwell to carry out your job, it may be best to let someone at your work know why so that they can accommodate you accordingly.

Can you fly when 6 weeks pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to fly at 6 weeks pregnant.

What are the signs of a healthy pregnancy at 6 weeks?

Everybody is different and there is no way to tell for sure if you are having a healthy pregnancy based on what you’re experiencing at 6 weeks pregnant. Neither morning sickness nor the lack thereof indicates a healthy pregnancy. If you’re feeling especially anxious, you might choose to have a private 6-week scan to check the progress of your pregnancy, but this is not necessary.

Got questions? At the HiPPBabyClub, we bring you real-world advice and support from HiPP parents, midwives, nutritionists and more. Join our Baby Club to find out more.