6 weeks pregnant: Symptoms, tips and baby development

At 6 weeks pregnant, you're on the starting line, in position, ready to race towards the finish line of this 9-month marathon.

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And when the starter pistol sounds, you and your little bub are off. Except that you see yourself growing at a really, really slow pace, plus you are exhausted.

However, the bub inside isn’t one to slow down. They’ve already got their trainers on and is ready to go:

Your little one is starting to resemble a baby more and more – complete with a forming head, cheeks, chin, and jaws. And while these exciting developments unfold, you might be feeling the full effects of early pregnancy: heartburn, nausea, and frequent trips to the bathroom.

Then, there’s the emotional rollercoaster brought on by hormonal surges akin to supercharged PMS, which can make these early weeks particularly challenging. Are you looking at another 34 weeks of this?

Remember, these 40 weeks are not just for your baby to develop everything they need—they’re also there for you to adjust to the incredible changes that pregnancy brings.

Let’s look at the symptoms, helpful tips, and fetal development at 6 weeks pregnant.

Your baby at 6 weeks

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This week, your baby is approximately 5 mm or about the size of a pomegranate seed or a sweet pea, and while still small, this is a very important week. That’s because it’s the week when your baby’s neural tube, which connects the baby’s brain and spinal cord, closes over.

Your baby’s development this week

Your little one’s ears, nose, and mouth are starting to take shape, along with their kidneys, liver, digestive system, and tiny arms and legs. They look like small swellings or small buds and are called limb buds and will soon grow into your baby’s arms and legs.

Baby’s heart

Your baby’s heart is pumping.

And your baby’s heartbeat is also getting stronger this week. (You may be able to hear (and see it) on your next ultrasound.)

Fun Fact: On average, the fetal heart beats around 100–160 times per minute during this time – which is almost twice as fast as yours!

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6 weeks pregnant: Symptoms to expect

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Pregnancy symptoms are likely coming on hard and fast now! At 6 weeks pregnant, the outside world may well be none the wiser, but you’ll likely be noticing changes in your own body, such as sore boobs and nausea. Here’s the pregnancy forecast for the coming week:

1.   Expect some ‘strong’ odours

This week, you can expect to give some tough competition to sniffer dogs! And although that would be helpful if you worked in narcotics, this new talent might be a little irritating if you don’t. Certain foods you once loved may now make you gag—or vice versa. And you may now be getting cravings for certain foods, even ones you didn’t like before.

2.   Expect ‘stronger’ emotions

You might notice the pregnancy hormones starting to kick in and affecting your mood, possibly finding yourself on a rollercoaster of emotions.

Everything that’s going on inside your body can wreak havoc on your ability to control your emotions, so you might experience extremes of feeling teary and upset one day to elated and happy the next.

3. Breast tenderness and changes

At 6 weeks pregnant, you might notice your sore breasts getting bigger and your nipples becoming more prominent. This is because your body is preparing for breastfeeding, with darker areolas helping your newborn latch on more easily.

4. Oh-so-tired

The hard work of building a baby and its life support can leave you feeling utterly exhausted.

Pregnant women should listen to their bodies; if they need to rest, do so. Mild exercise like walking can boost their mood and improve sleep, thanks to the endorphins released.

5. Bloating and gas

Increased levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are essential for a healthy pregnancy but can cause bloating. Eating fibre-rich foods and drinking plenty of water can help manage this and reduce the risk of constipation, which can worsen the bloating.

6. Nausea and vomiting

Experiencing morning sickness is a common plight during pregnancy week 6. Though it can be challenging to find a silver lining while feeling queasy or vomiting, this is often a sign of a normal pregnancy progression.

7.   Frequent urination

The increased blood flow to your pelvic area, driven by pregnancy hormone hCG, means you’ll likely find yourself needing to urinate more often.

This is a normal symptom, but be aware of any pain during urination, as it could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI).

8. Mood swings

Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings. Fatigue and blood sugar fluctuations also play a role, so maintaining a balanced diet and getting ample rest can help stabilise your mood during these early stages of pregnancy.

9. Cramping and spotting

Cramping and spotting are common at 6 weeks pregnant, but they are also symptoms associated with ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. If cramping is more severe than typical period pains or if bleeding is heavy, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

By discussing these symptoms, you can better prepare for what to expect at this stage.

Keep in touch with your healthcare provider, and look forward to your first prenatal appointment, where many of these concerns can be thoroughly addressed.

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6 weeks pregnancy tips

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The rollercoaster of emotions that come with pregnancy can be a tricky road to navigate – for both you and your partner (who is often on the receiving end of the not-so-nice ones).

Know that these feelings are all completely normal (and usually temporary) and are to be expected when you fall pregnant; feeling both excited and terrified of having a baby is part and parcel of becoming a parent.

1. Give your partner a heads-up

It can also be helpful to let your partner know that so they don’t think you’ve suddenly changed into a different person.

If you feel like the negative emotions aren’t balancing out with the positive ones, or they’re sticking around for longer than expected, speak with your doctor or midwife as you might be experiencing some form of antenatal anxiety or depression. Know that this, too, is common and treatable, and there is plenty of help and resources available to help you manage this that will in no way affect you or your baby – you are not alone!

For more information on mental health conditions in pregnancy and support visit COPE or you can contact Lifeline 24/7 on 131114.

2. Choose the right pregnancy doctor

Selecting a doctor is crucial at 6 weeks into your pregnancy. More than 90 per cent of women opt for an OB/GYN, but you might consider a midwife, a family practice doctor, or a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

When choosing, consider the risk factors, your preferred birthing environment, and your desire for a natural birth. This decision will significantly impact your pregnancy experience, as the right practitioner will guide and support you through each stage- and also calculate your estimated due date.

3. Start your pregnancy care

Initiating care early in your pregnancy is essential.

A doctor can confirm your pregnancy with a blood test and provide valuable advice. Now is a good time to discuss any current medications with your doctor, as some may not be suitable during pregnancy. This early engagement helps ensure you receive the best possible guidance and support, keeping you and your baby healthy.

4. Scan your skincare

Topical use of retinol and retinoids is a BIG no-no during pregnancy so make sure to cross-check your makeup and skincare for pregnancy-safe ingredients.

5. Morning sickness

For many women, morning sickness isn’t just a morning issue.

To cope, keep dry and bland snacks like rice cakes, dry cereal, or pretzels handy, which are easier on your stomach. Experiment with different foods to find what works best for you, and remember that keeping something in your stomach can often help ease nausea symptoms.

6. Adjust your diet

Avoid foods that might be harmful during pregnancy, and try eating small, frequent meals to help with nausea and maintain energy. Ensuring a balanced intake of nutrients is crucial not just for your health but also for the developing baby. Focus on incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins into your diet.

7. Gentle exercise

Light exercise can boost your mood and help you feel physically better. Activities like swimming or walking are ideal, as they’re gentle on your body but keep you active. Regular exercise can also help manage weight gain, improve sleep, and increase overall stamina, which is beneficial as the pregnancy progresses.

8. Prepare for your first prenatal visit

Your first prenatal care appointment can be exciting and comprehensive. Expect a detailed checkup, including various screenings and tests, to ensure everything is on track with your pregnancy. This visit is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have about what to expect in the coming months and to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

9. Hold off on hair colouring

Wait until the second trimester before colouring your hair to minimise any risks. Opt for techniques that don’t involve direct chemical contact with the scalp, like highlights.

If you decide to colour your hair, using less invasive techniques can reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, which is a precaution worth taking during this sensitive period.

Your checklist for 6 weeks pregnant

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• Evaluate your diet and make sure you’re avoiding risky foods. Knowing which foods to steer clear of can prevent health issues and promote fetal health.
• Quit drugs, smoking and alcohol. Also, skip the hot tub and saunas for the next nine months.
• Check your skincare and makeup to ensure there are no harmful ingredients.
• Discuss health histories with family members; this information is crucial for your doctor to know. Understanding genetic predispositions can help manage any potential risks during pregnancy.
• Explore methods to manage morning sickness more effectively.
• Start a financial plan to prepare for the costs associated with a new member of the family – including potentially have to live off one wage. Early financial planning can ease the stress of budgeting for hospital bills, baby supplies, and future needs.

Sources

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Health Direct Australia, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, April 2024

Better Health Channel, Pregnancy- week by week, February 2012

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, Pregnancy at week 6, August 2023