Motherhood is a special state of mind for a woman, even in the short term of pregnancy. And regarding what to expect in the sixth week of pregnancy, you will learn in all the key details next.
Week 6 of pregnancy : what happens to the baby?
During these 6 weeks, the pregnancy may not have shown itself (we mean the symptoms), but this period may be marked by significant shifts in the body and in the state of health. All these changes are associated with large-scale processes that were launched at the time of conception, namely:
- Rising levels of progesterone;
- Increasing size of the uterus;
- The immune system is working to protect the embryo;
- The mammary glands increase in size as the body prepares for breastfeeding.
The digestive system can also undergo a major change – many people talk about wanting to eat for two. Due to this there may be noticeable weight gain. There is no denying the “big riot” of hormones that affect not only a woman’s emotional state, but also the functioning of the body as a whole.
Regarding external signs, the abdomen at 6 weeks of pregnancy can remain flat if the expectant mother does not gain weight due to an increased appetite. Breasts increase steadily, but not in all women, because every body is unique.
Embryo size in the sixth week of pregnancy
In the sixth week of pregnancy, the size of the embryo is still small, only 15-16 millimeters. The embryo is still in the shell of the fetal egg, which is up to 30 mm in size. The growth of the embryo at this stage is often compared to the size of a large berry.
As you can see, the growth of the unborn child at this stage is small, which makes ultrasound diagnosis difficult. But as noted earlier, even in this small figure we can guess the signs of a person.
Sixth week of pregnancy: feelings
When the embryo develops sufficiently in a healthy woman’s body, the pregnant woman may not experience any changes or typical sensations for such a condition. However, more often than not, a woman will experience some sensations.
We will not repeat once again about morning sickness or aversion to any of the products – almost everyone knows about this, and even future fathers. There are other symptoms, too, for example:
- Sleepiness during the day, and insomnia at night;
- Mild headaches;
- Pulling pains in the lower abdomen (due to a still growing uterus);
- Dizziness when you change your body position;
- Heaviness in the legs (swelling).
In general, if the embryo develops normally, the expectant mother should not have any symptoms that could negatively affect her normal life and daily activities. Also, some women may experience mood swings – an extraordinary rise in energy is followed by a complete collapse. Particularly sensitive ladies may experience considerable mental strain, which can cause stress or fears.
The sixth week of pregnancy: what to pay attention to
Particular attention should be paid to brown discharge in the 6th week of pregnancy without pain or other obvious preconditions. At this stage, such symptoms are not normal (the norm for vaginal discharge is a mucous mass without a noticeable odor or color in small quantities).
Unfortunately, the presence of such a discharge at 6 weeks of pregnancy or a little later signals the detachment of the placenta. This threatens the death of the embryo. It is possible to prevent this pathology if the expectant mother gives up bad habits beforehand.
Even more carefully consider your diet, in particular the saturation of its vitamins and minerals. The following vitamins are good for pregnant women:
- Vitamin E – it is necessary for the normal physiological course of pregnancy;
- Complex of calcium, phosphorus, D3 and magnesium – is necessary for the formation of strong bone and muscle tissue, as well as the beginnings of teeth of the future little man;
- Iron – its lack threatens iron deficiency anemia of the fetus. And so that iron is absorbed need to take vitamins B and C, which are also good for the immune system;
- To avoid the threat of heart disease, problems with the urogenital system and vision need to take vitamin A;
- Iodine – is involved in the formation of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, which begin to form at this term;
- Naturally, you need folic acid, which prevents premature termination of pregnancy.
Continuing the topic of discharge, it is worth noting that the preparation of the mammary glands for lactation is not limited to growth. The concept of “normal” includes a discharge from the breasts in the form of a whitish almost transparent fluid – it is called colostrum. You should not worry, because it is normal, if it is not accompanied by painful sensations.
It is also worth noting that swelling in pregnant women is not always the norm. Such symptoms can indicate a significant violation of the diet regarding the consumption of water and other fluids. You can get rid of it by reviewing your habits.
There is one more thing to discuss, and it concerns domestic things. A pregnant woman should prepare for rapid and sometimes rapid changes in her body, so she should review her closet. Most likely will soon have to give up tight jeans, cropped skirts and dresses, and much more. You should give preference to loose and flexible clothing. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of underwear – bras will change in proportion with the growth of the chest, and panties should be chosen with a high waist and the most comfortable style.
Sixth week of pregnancy: What to discuss with your doctor
Pregnancy 6 weeks especially for a woman who is preparing to become a mother for the first time, brings many questions and even fears. However, you should not be alone in this situation – it is worth discussing with a specialist. It is not superfluous to give a few examples of topics that cannot be avoided:
- What kind of physical activity is acceptable for pregnant women? If you feel a strong desire to exercise, but rightly fear for the pregnancy, then consult a gynecologist. The doctor will make the necessary tests and tests, and then give advice on physical activity and its permissible rate;
- What to do about anxious thoughts, fears, and this kind of moral burden? It is worth explaining to your doctor exactly what your unpleasant thoughts are about. If the concerns are serious, it makes sense to take certain measures. If you are experiencing a nervous breakdown or a similar mental strain, you should consult a psychologist;
- Are there special rules for pregnant women who have chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes)? Such pregnancies are under vigilant medical supervision from an early stage, since there is a very high risk of losing the baby. In some cases additional medication support is required;
- Can I have sex in the 6th week of pregnancy? There are no particular prohibitions on having a normal intimate life even at an early stage of pregnancy. However, you should remember that after intercourse there should be no discomfort, pain or the like.
The sixth week of pregnancy: tips and advice
A six-week pregnancy is exactly the time when you should think about seeing a doctor. Many people think that the term is still small and there is no point in wasting time on doctors. However, we have to disagree with this opinion, because the evaluation of a pregnant woman by a specialist at this very term is very important. It is necessary to perform the following:
- Consult a specialist to get informed advice on how to proceed;
- Get tests – this is especially important if there are specific risks of losing the baby at an early stage or if you are already experiencing difficulties in carrying the baby to term;
- You can have an ultrasound that will help establish the number of embryos, their location and track the rhythm of its heartbeat.
Pay special attention to your digestive habits. It is important for pregnant women to eat only the right foods, rich in nutrients that are good for the unborn child. It is worth remembering that you have another living organism inside you, but do not try to eat double portions. Try to eat often, but in small portions.
Experts also recommend getting out into the fresh air more often. Walks should be unhurried, and most importantly, breathe properly in locations where there are no accumulations of exhaust fumes.
We recommend that you plan your daily routine carefully. Pregnant women should not be exposed to high loads and stresses. If necessary, shorten your working day if specific symptoms prevent you from working normally.
The sixth week of pregnancy: questions and answers
The sixth obstetric week of pregnancy for new mothers is sure to be filled with lots of different moments. We hope that most of them will be pleasant. But among all this there are a lot of questions, to which it is desirable to find answers.
The expectant mother can look for answers to her questions on her own, and there is nothing wrong with this kind of self-development. However, it is always better to know about some nuances in advance.
What does the baby look like at 6 weeks’ gestation?
You can barely see the baby-to-be on the ultrasound machine monitor, but there are already developed limbs and almost all the rudiments of internal organs. The facial features are already visible, and the auricles (outer ear) are formed. It is worth noting that there are the rudiments of the external genitalia, i.e. the sex of the embryo is determined.
What does an ultrasound scan at 6 weeks’ gestation show?
An ultrasound at 6 weeks of pregnancy will show how many embryos are developing in the womb. The specialist can also determine the correct position of the fetus in relation to the uterus. A fetal heartbeat can already be detected at this stage.
Where is the embryo at 6 weeks?
At 6 weeks’ gestation (the ultrasound proves it), the embryo is still in the posterior wall of the uterus. The fetus itself is still surrounded by the fetal membrane.
How should I feel at 6 weeks of pregnancy?
The exact symptomatology depends on the individual characteristics of a woman’s body. For some people it will be normal to feel nausea in the morning, headache during the day, and by the end of the day a rush of vivacity. For other women, early pregnancy will not bring special deviations in daily sensations.
We recommend paying more attention to the symptoms of abnormalities and other pregnancy-threatening factors.
Why doesn’t the ultrasound show an embryo at 6 weeks?
You don’t have to worry about not seeing the fetus on the ultrasound scan, because this is quite normal. A moving and sufficiently clearly visible embryo can be replaced only from the 8th week.
