Pregnancy Week 6: Symptoms, Weight and Size, Baby Development and More

It is week 6, your baby is one and half months old within you. While you move ahead with six weeks of pregnancy, your child is nearly 0.51-0.61 cm.

It is exciting to relate that your baby is developing its chin, cheeks, and jaw. The early pregnancy symptoms become more evident, and their prominence makes you realise, You are pregnant!

Just like the budding sprouts, the baby is taking shape. Through this article, you shall discover how your baby looks and know what you can expect in 6 weeks pregnant. 

Also Read: Fundal Posterior Placenta: What is It During Pregnancy; Is it Good or Bad?

The baby @ Week 6 of Pregnancy

Though the baby is as small as a sweet pea at week 6, it tries to bud out multi-fold formations, eventually shaping into small facial features and limbs. Like the shape of a tiny shrimp/prawn, the foetus has small craters forming the earlobes and tiny holes that gradually form eyes and nostrils plugs. 

Also Read: CRL in Ultrasound Scan Report During Pregnancy: Meaning, Full Form, What Does It Indicate and More

How big is the baby in week 6?

The actual measurement between the head and rump of the baby is about one-fifth of an inch. As the baby grows in the form of a ‘C’ with limbs folded and tucked till the chin, it is measured as CRL length (crown- rump length) from the head to the rump (lower back) until week 13 of pregnancy. 

Let’s take a look at what’s happening with the internal organ development of the baby?

Also Read: Internal OS Closed: What Does It Mean in Pregnancy Scan Report

Fuelled yolk sac growth

With activities ramping up inside the baby, the yolk sac grows to like a balloon. The size and shape of the yolk sac are indicators of pregnancy health. The chorionic villi or the early placenta also emerges, equipping blood vessels to take over the yolk sac. The placenta is gearing up to supply nutrition to the foetus by the end of the first trimester. 

The rising heartbeat

By week 6, the kidneys, liver, and lungs are taking shape. The tiny little heart is beating at the rate of 80-100 times a minute, and the heart working efficiently is rising heart rate every day.  

Can we see the heartbeat in the ultrasound?

You may likely undergo an ultrasound anywhere between week 6 to week 8 of pregnancy. The heart beating thump-thump can be viewed in the ultrasound this week. 

Also Read: BPD And FL Chart in Pregnancy – Biparietal Diameter and Femur Length in Ultrasound

To-be Mom @ Week 6 of Pregnancy

The mounting pregnancy symptoms can get you craving sour foods. Here are some of the other symptoms you can experience in week 6 of pregnancy. 

• Increased frequency of urination
• Breast tenderness with swollen breasts
• Morning sickness- nausea and vomiting
• Darker areolar- the pigmented region surrounding the nipples
• Mood swings and fatigue
• Morning sickness that ticks off any time of the day
• Increased progesterone causes abdominal bloating and gas.
• Heartburn and indigestion due to the relaxation of the sphincter muscles- responsible for preventing the backflow of digestive juices

The increased hCG hormone increases the blood flow in the pelvic region, and the growing uterus is pushing down the bladder, wanting the bladder to excite urine frequently. 

To-be moms may be prescribed a baby-safe antibiotic to keep the mother and child free from possible infections. 

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Things to consider at week 6 pregnancy

As you move into week 6, watch out for the urinary tract infection and pain during urination. Infrequent urination can be a possible sign. The pregnancy symptoms, especially nausea, vomiting, food aversions, and cravings, are more likely to increase. You will need to take care of certain aspects such as,

• To reduce heartburn and indigestion, you must avoid citrus fruits, tomatoes, tangy sauces, tamarind, spicy pickles, and oily foods.
• Avoid eating quickly, chew your food properly, and have a slow eating practice.
• Try to wear loose clothes, giving your body and baby enough space to breathe and grow.
• It is required to have dinner at least 4 hours before you hit the bed and while sleeping, keep your head elevated on a pillow or two.
• The baby is growing, and a lot is happening within you. You may get exhausted. But, keep your routine going with walking and regular exercise that may relax you, pump up your mood, and help you sleep better.
• Have a diet with a combination of proteins and carbohydrates. While proteins help the baby grow, carbs help you gain enough energy.
• Eat high-fibre foods and have plenty of water to keep you away from constipation, bloating and gas. 
• Avoid certain kinds of fish such as tilefish, bigeye tuna, and sharks, with high mercury content. Fishes are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids and if you are a sea-food lover, well-cooked shellfish, tuna, cod, or salmon are safe to eat. 
• Stacking up your bedside table or purse with crackers, cookies, dry cereals, breadsticks, rusks to help you counter the aggravating morning sickness is a good move.
• A strict no to bending, lifting heavy weights, and carrying out rigorous workouts. 

Can the expecting mother have a prenatal consultation scheduled at week 6? 

The expecting mother can have a prenatal consultation with her doctor between week 6 to week 8 of pregnancy. She can take the insights on pregnancy to date, an ultrasound scan, and how to go about further. 

Conclusion/Take-Away

After the confirmation of pregnancy, the pregnancy symptoms at week 6 become more prominent. The baby develops grooves, gradually forming facial features. The foetal heart rate reaches up to 100 times a minute which is visualised in ultrasound also. The baby isn’t moving but the limb nodules begin to take shape. To-be mothers will have increased progesterone and associated early pregnancy signs required for a healthy conception. 

References

Overview | NHS