Pregnancy Guide: Week 6

Your baby’s face is starting to show some definition. There is the beginnings of cheeks, a jaw, and a chin. The heart is beating furiously, and if you were to have an ultrasound this week, you might hear the pitter-patter of what may have already stolen yours. 

Your baby is still curled up tight, with legs tucked close to her chest, and she has no immediate plans to move.

6 weeks pregnant is how many months?

You started month two last week, but you’re not quite a full two months pregnant yet. You have about 7.5 months left, so settle in, and try to enjoy the ride.

Your Baby at 6 Weeks

Your baby’s head is forming with features inherited from you and Dad. She also has indentations on the side of her head that will soon be ear canals. The small dots on her face will soon be eyes and a nose. Lungs, kidneys, and liver are developing now, too.

How big is a baby at 6 weeks?

Your baby is now the size of a pea. She or he is 0.4 centimetres long and still weighs something too insignificant to measure.

Your Body at 6 Weeks

Your body isn’t going to let you forget that you’re 6 weeks pregnant. You’ll constantly be in the bathroom, possibly feeling a bit queasy, and a little bloated. You might not see anything happening on the outside, but there’s plenty still going on. Some people may even find they are losing weight during pregnancy. Others put it on.

You’ll likely lose out on some of the rest you desperately need because of your frequent trips to the bathroom. The hCG pregnancy hormone that causes increased blood flow to your pelvis will enhance that feeling, too. Your growing uterus will continue to push on your bladder in the coming weeks.

You may be dealing with some heartburn or indigestion. It doesn’t happen to all women, but your chances are higher during pregnancy. The hiatus—the muscle that keeps food down—which is at the top of your stomach, begins to relax, letting food and acid back up into your esophagus. Take mealtime slowly and avoid restrictive clothing to help with this issue.

Make sure you schedule your first visit with a doctor soon to confirm the pregnancy and get the prenatal care you need. It may be a long visit in which you go through your medical history, a pelvic exam, a urine exam, and blood tests. These things are all a normal part of protecting both you and baby for the next 7.5 months. 

You may also need a pap smear unless you’ve had one recently.

Your doctor will ask a lot of questions and perform a lot of tests, but make sure you come armed to this visit with some questions of your own. Now’s the time to understand exactly what will happen and what you should expect.

Symptoms

Aside from the exhaustion, nausea, and frequent urination that may be plaguing you, you’ll also experience breast tenderness. You can attribute that to hormones, but your body is also getting ready to breastfeed a baby in a few short months. You’ll have larger, darker areolas, and your breasts will grow.

Being an incubator is hard work. Growing a fetus isn’t easy, so listen to what your body is telling you. Take breaks when you need to and don’t overdo it. 

You can still exercise and stay healthy, but it’s important not to hurt yourself or exert more energy than you have to spare.

Nausea and vomiting may still be a daily occurrence right now, or it could just be beginning for you. That’s one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. Eat small snacks often and keep a sleeve of crackers by your bedside for those midnight attacks or for first thing in the morning.

Perhaps one of the most noticeable symptoms of pregnancy for you is gas. The excess bloating you feel could lead to puffiness around your body and face and escaping air. Drink enough water and eat plenty of fibre, so you don’t have to deal with constipation.

Tips/Things to do

You can’t have fish that’s high in mercury right now, but you can still eat seafood. Shellfish that’s well-cooked, salmon, cod, and canned tuna is good for you. Eat it about once a week.

Pay attention to signs of a urinary tract infection. With as frequently as you’re urinating, it’s something that you could be at risk for right now. It’s just another thing you don’t want to have to deal with, so make sure you talk to your doctor about an antibiotic that’s safe for your baby if it happens.

You’re tired, but exercise is still important to keep you and baby healthy. Make sure that you keep up what you can, even if it’s a short, brisk walk. Set a schedule for exercise so you’re sure to work it in. 

If you can’t find the time, park farther away from the door for some extra steps or use the stairs instead of taking the lift.

Try to curb your cravings by substituting a better option for the unhealthy snacks you really want. A little bit of willpower will help you make choices that will pay off later. A mini candy bar instead of the king-size one, frozen yogurt instead of ice cream.

You’re exhausted, so take the time to pamper yourself. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, either. Take a warm bubble bath, paint your nails, or ask your partner to rub your shoulders or feet. 

Make sure your bath is no hotter than 38 degrees Celsius and apply nail polish in a well-ventilated area.

Keep up with prenatal care. If you’re just now finding out, you may not have had your first appointment yet, but make sure you prepare. Write your questions down so you won’t forget to ask, take notes about what your doctor says, and always remember that there are no silly questions. 

If this is baby number one for you, information gathering is an important part of the journey.

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