6 Weeks Pregnant
At week 6 of pregnancy, you may be experiencing fatigue, and your baby is starting to grow arms and legs.
At 6 weeks pregnant, you’re only two weeks past your missed period. You’re at the beginning of the journey, but you may be experiencing symptoms—and they may remind you of premenstrual symptoms, like tender breasts, cramps and fatigue. Here’s what else you can expect at week 6 of pregnancy.
What to Expect at 6 Weeks Pregnant
How Many Months is 6 Weeks Pregnant?
6 weeks pregnant in months is two months pregnant, which is part of the first trimester of pregnancy.
Your Baby at 6 Weeks
Though it’s still very early, baby’s starting to develop lots of new things, including blood circulation and cardiac activity. Here are some other highlights.
- Scrunched up: Your tadpole-like baby has, yes, a tail (it’ll go away soon) and sits scrunched up, which is why doctors measure them head-to-rump for now.
- Circulation: Blood has already started circulating, and a faint cardiac activity can sometimes be seen on an ultrasound (if not this week, then really soon)—it’s pulsing about 150 times a minute to be exact.
- Starting on arms and legs: Making their debut this week are tiny buds that will eventually grow into your baby’s arms and legs.
- Safe haven: It’s easy to forget, but your baby isn’t the only thing your body is making right now. The placenta, amniotic sac and umbilical cord are key to growing a healthy little one, and they are maturing this week to fully take on their responsibilities.
How Big is Your Baby at 6 Weeks?
Your baby is 0.15 inches long and weighs about 0.04 ounces this week. That’s about the size of a Tiny Chiclet Gum.
6 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound
Your Body at 6 Weeks Pregnant
Now that you’re 6 weeks pregnant, you’ll want to call to make your first prenatal appointment. Your healthcare provider’s office will probably schedule it for 8 or 9 weeks.
6 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
Here’s what may be happening with your body this week:
Morning sickness
Pregnancy hormones start to flood your system around weeks 6 to 8, and subside around 12 to 16 weeks, bringing with them nausea and vomiting (in more than half of birthing people). 6 to 10 weeks is a long time to feel sick, so troubleshoot what makes you feel better, like eating small meals more often throughout the day (including first thing in the am), ginger candy, morning sickness lollipops, lemon sparkling water or salty chips. If it’s really bad and you feel like you can barely function, talk to a professional. “There are some prescription medicines that help with morning sickness, as well as stronger medicines that treat vomiting,” says Dr. Sarah Yamaguchi, an LA-based ob-gyn.. Your healthcare provider can determine if that’s a good option for you.
Food aversions
Maybe you usually love burritos but now can’t be in the same room as them. The same hormones that cause nausea can heighten your sense of smell, causing some pretty strong food aversions.
Food cravings
On the flip side, you might find yourself longing for foods you wouldn’t normally pick. Apple juice and fried chicken? Yes, please! Sure, it’s a cliche that pregnant people love pickles and ice cream, but strange cravings are totally real—three in four pregnant people say they had them. No one knows exactly why. Just try to indulge in your cravings without going overboard.
Fatigue
Your body’s working hard on creating a human and getting used to those pregnancy hormones. No wonder you’re wiped out! Totally okay to get some extra rest right now; in fact, we recommend it. You should get your energy back in the second trimester.
Weird dreams
Also totally normal to be having wackier, scarier or more vivid dreams than you did pre-pregnancy. Doctors say the rise in progesterone can cause insomnia, messing with your usual REM cycles. (Late in pregnancy, it could be stress, snoring or the need to pee that keeps you up.) When you wake in the middle of a sleep cycle, you’re more likely to remember your crazy dream.
Sore breasts
Right now, increased blood flow and the beginning of milk gland development are probably making your breasts super sore or tender. Supportive bras and tanks can help them feel better, as can trading underwires for soft, supportive cups.
Spotting
A little bit of blood can be nerve-wracking but spotting during pregnancy doesn’t always mean there’s a problem. In fact, 20 percent of pregnant people have spotting in the first trimester, and it’s not usually a sign of an issue. Spotting means it’s lighter than a typical period—just a few drops here and there, as opposed to a flow—and the blood can be red, pink or brown. It wouldn’t be enough blood to cover a panty liner. If you’re experiencing more than that, or are concerned, be sure to call your healthcare provider.
No symptoms
Though the majority of pregnant people start to feel symptoms around 6 weeks pregnant, some don’t. Some don’t experience any morning sickness at all during their first trimester.
Pregnancy Symptoms Coming Up In Week 7:
Excess saliva, bloating or morning sickness are a few examples of symptoms you may expect in week 7 of pregnancy.
Fun Fact
During pregnancy, your uterus expands up to 500 times its original size. And it’ll take only about 6 weeks post-pregnancy to shrink back to it.
Real Baby Bumps at 6 Weeks Pregnant
Commonly Asked Questions About 6 Weeks Pregnant
Don’t feel pregnant yet? That’s okay! You will as the weeks go by. In the meantime, distractions help, as do good friends. Here are some questions people who are six weeks pregnant ask:
Should I tell people I’m pregnant?
You may not be ready to share your news with the world, but if you’re comfortable with the idea, telling a close friend can provide essential support during the early weeks. Make it someone you trust, of course, but also consider another parent or parent-to-be. Most of them, regardless of their children’s ages, will be eager to support you.
How do I deal with bloating?
Bloating is real, and thanks to the extra progesterone pumping through your system, it typically starts long before your belly actually shows. Get comfy with a pair of pants you can slip on as soon as you walk in the door. An elastic waist will give you room to grow. Check out the ASOS maternity section, Motherhood or Amazon for cute but affordable options.
What should I be doing with my time?
After week 6 is when the majority of people start to feel those first trimester symptoms (read morning sickness and fatigue). So if you’re still feeling up to it, try to knock something off your list of to-dos. Clean out your closet, organize your pantry or finish up a small home-improvement project before your energy wanes. Of course, for a lot people, kicking up your feet and resting counts as a to-do. It’s hard to slow down when you’re so used to getting things done, but rest is important now (and always).
Your Pregnancy, Week by Week
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Recommended Products for Week 6 of Pregnancy
It’s never too early to start taking your prenatal vitamins. And although it may be a while before you start showing, you might want to stock up on some maternity wear essentials like leggings so you are comfortable as your body begins to change.
6 Weeks Pregnant Checklist
- Tell a close friend or family member you’re pregnant. It’s comforting to have a confidant to share and commiserate with during the early weeks.
- Stock up on a few morning sickness essentials: ginger or lemon drops, saltine crackers, mints, ginger ale or Gatorade could help. Keep a stash in your bedside and in your purse.
- Start taking your prenatal vitamin if you haven’t already. Too nauseated to swallow one? Check out gummies or chewables and try taking them before bed instead of in the morning.
- Add your healthcare provider’s office to your cell phone contacts.
- Start a list of your biggest pregnancy questions that you can ask your provider at your first appointment.
- Get extra rest. The fatigue and nausea of the first trimester may be ramping up.
Sources
- Placenta: How it works, what’s normal. Mayo Clinic.
- Anatomy: Fetus in utero. Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- The fetal life support system. American Pregnancy Association.
- Medical expert: Dr. Sarah K. Yamaguchi.
- About pregnancy. Sinai Health.
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and the Babylist Health Advisory Board.
Babylist Staff
Babylist editors and writers are parents themselves and have years of experience writing and researching, coming from media outlets like Motherly, the SF Chronicle, the New York Times and the Daily Beast, and the fields of early childhood education and publishing. We research and test hundreds of products, survey real Babylist parents and consult reviews in order to recommend the best products and gear for your growing family.
