Mommies, this is your guide for your pregnancy week 6! During these days, you will notice how your belly is getting bigger because your baby is growing!
- You are probably just coming to terms with the realization that you are indeed pregnant. There might be emotional moments that you have not anticipated. It is okay to feel a bit overwhelmed all of a sudden.
- You might begin to develop Dr Jekyll / Mr Hyde personas with the mood swings brought about by the hormone fluctuations.
- You are feeling exhausted and lethargic–this is completely alright. This is because your body is doing a lot of work to make sure that your baby’s development is on track.
- Another surprise you’ll learn from this week by week pregnancy guide is that after morning sickness sets in, you will realize that it is not restricted to mornings alone. You may be one of the unlucky ones who ends up spending the entire day in the toilet.
- Your breasts are getting ready for breastfeeding (yep, already!) and the increased blood flow to them means that they are beginning to feel quite sore.
6 weeks pregnant symptoms
Photo by Garon Piceli from Pexels
You may be wondering what are the common symptoms mommy-to-be experiences when she is 6 weeks pregnant. Here’s the rundown of 6 weeks pregnant symptoms that you may experience:
- You’ll start to have mood swings because of the hormones that are spreading in your body.
- You will most likely have fatigue or feel exhausted. This is normal because your body is still adjusting to the changes that are happening.
- Recurrent morning sickness will be felt. Morning sickness is a normal sign of pregnancy and usually happens during the first trimester. The main effects of morning sickness are nausea and vomiting.
- Food cravings – the changes in pregnant women’s hormones are one of the reasons why having a food craving is common during pregnancy. You’ll notice in yourself that there are foods that you would not want to eat. Or maybe you’ll crave a rare kind of food.
- Fatigue – The feeling of too much tiredness is one of the most common symptoms when you are 6 weeks pregnant. It is caused by different factors including the progesterone hormone, low blood sugar levels in the body, low blood pressure, and an increase in blood flow in the body. Fatigue can be felt not only in the first trimester of pregnancy but throughout the pregnancy journey.
To avoid fatigue you can do the following:
- Take a nap. This will help you especially if you have a job or you have lots of things to do inside your house. Take a quick nap to recharge your energy. This is also important after childbirth.
- Sleep early. Avoid staying awake at night because that is not good for your health. Staying awake late at night may increase your risk of preeclampsia, a condition affecting the blood pressure and kidneys of pregnant women.
- Changes in breast size. You’ll feel like your breasts are swelling. This is caused by the hormones that are preparing your body for breastfeeding. As the blood flow in your breast area increases, your breast will become larger.
- Frequent urination. You will feel the need to urinate frequently because your uterus is expanding. This symptom is normal due to the growing 6 weeks pregnant belly. But remember to always drink enough water to avoid dehydration.
- Abdominal cramps. You may feel mild cramping or bloat because of your 6 weeks pregnant belly or the stretching of the uterus. You shouldn’t be alarmed because this is normal. However, if you cannot take the pain anymore, it’s better to call your doctor.
6 weeks pregnant ultrasound: How big is your baby?
In doing an ultrasound during the time that you are 6 weeks pregnant, you’ll learn that the size of your baby is growing. Your baby may grow bigger by 1/8 to ¼ in length, the same size as a pomegranate seed.
In a 6 weeks pregnant ultrasound, you may see that the baby still looks like a tadpole with a little tail. The little tail is the part that will develop as the baby’s spinal column.
Your Baby’s Development
In this week by week pregnancy guide, you’ll be happy to learn that:
- The first organ to function as your child develops is the heart. When you are 6 weeks pregnant, your baby’s heart will start to beat at the speed of 150 beats per minute. This heart rate, which is double that of an average adult will continue until birth. Just imagine all that your little baby is doing inside your womb!
- Not only is the heart pumping a lot more blood; your baby’s blood circulatory system is also growing more sophisticated.
- The baby is also getting ready to look less tadpole like; his facial feature are evolving and there are dark spots where the eyes and the nostrils will eventually be. His ears at the moment are nothing more than small depressions on the side of the head.
- Although the limbs are still paddle-like, your baby might be doing some wiggling.
- Little by little, their nose, ears, and jaw start developing at this stage. And their feet and hands can move already.
- The neural tube is expected to close by this week. That will form the brain and spinal cord of your baby.
- The early stages of development of the digestive, reproductive, and urinary systems of your baby took place during the 6th week of pregnancy.
Pregnancy Care
- You need to watch out for any spotting. Although this is common enough in the early stages of pregnancy, it can also be an early sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
- You need to begin improving your muscle control by doing Kegel exercises several times a day.
- Although now is not the time to be worrying about weight again, it might help to change your diet a bit and split your meals into smaller portions to be eaten throughout the day.
6 weeks pregnant: Things that you can do to keep yourself healthy
- Observe for any signs of UTI. If you feel pain when urinating, this can be a sign of a UTI. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you have this symptom. Having a UTI is pretty common after 6 weeks of pregnancy.
- Look for the right exercise and routine. Doing light exercises can help decrease the risk of complications throughout your pregnancy. In addition, experts say that exercising during pregnancy eases back pain, bloating, and swelling.
- Have a healthy diet. Eat healthy food and follow a strict diet. Choose the right kind of foods that will give your baby and your body the right nutrients they need. As your baby grows bigger, it will need more nutrients. It is important to eat foods that are rich in fiber, calcium, and vitamin C. These nutrients and vitamins are good for you and your baby.
- Take prenatal vitamins. It can give you and your baby extra nutrients. Prenatal vitamins have lots of nutrients that are beneficial for you and your baby, such as folic acid. Folic acid help in the proper development of the spinal cord and brain of the baby. Having enough folic acid during pregnancy can lower the risk of your baby developing serious birth defects.
- Prepare for a prenatal visit. If you haven’t visited your doctor yet, make sure to schedule an appointment. It’s important to have a prenatal visit. During the prenatal check-up, expect to have a weight assessment, blood pressure check, and breast and pelvic examination. In addition, a blood test will also be done to determine your blood type and RH factor. Through this process, your doctor will be able to know if you are iron deficient or if your baby has a risk of developing chromosomal abnormalities. Prepare yourself for doctor’s questions that include your health history.
Photo by Amina Filkins from Pexels
To prepare for a prenatal visit, you may take note of the following:
- Date of your last menstrual period
- Information about your past pregnancies and deliveries.
- Family medical history (inherited diseases, birth abnormalities, or infant loss)
- Medications, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbs that you are taking during pregnancy.
- Drug allergies
- Record of hospital admission
When to consult a doctor?
Sometimes, feeling sick during pregnancy is normal and nothing to worry about. However, you need to consult your doctor if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Fluid leaking from your vagina
- Severe abdominal and pelvis pain
- Fever that is higher than 38-degree Celsius
- Severe headache
- Sudden inflammation or swelling of your hands, face, and fingers
6 weeks pregnant checklist
- If you already have an exercise routine, think about how you can modify it to accommodate your pregnancy. Discuss your routine with your doctor as well to ensure that you are not doing activities that may be harmful to your pregnancy.
- Before taking any medicine, consult your doctor first to know if the medicine is safe for your baby.
- Remember to note down all questions that you may have. Your first gynecologist appointment would be the time to ask them.
There is nothing to worry about if you continue to follow this step-to-step guide, mommy. You’ll be experiencing more in the coming weeks and months, but don’t worry, your baby will come out healthy as long as you give yourself the proper prenatal care you need throughout your pregnancy journey.
Your next week: 7 weeks pregnant
Your previous week: 5 weeks pregnant
Republished with permission from: theAsianparent Singapore
Additional information translated from theAsianparent Philippines
Do you have questions on this week by week pregnancy guide? What are your current concerns, moms? Leave us a comment below!
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