{"id":10197,"date":"2021-04-26T10:21:05","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T14:21:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10197\/week-6-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2022-01-06T16:56:45","modified_gmt":"2022-01-06T21:56:45","slug":"week-6-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10197\/week-6-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"6 weeks pregnant"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n

For more information about week 6 in a twin or multiple pregnancy, tap here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Pregnancy is in full bloom, and unfortunately some common symptoms might be starting to kick up now too.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

How\u2019s Baby<\/span>?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Baby<\/span> is now the size of a blueberry, measuring approximately 1\/4-1\/2 an inch long. This may not seem huge, but just think about how much your little one has grown in the past month, from a tiny collection of cells to the increasingly complex human being-to-be who is currently in the process of sprouting all of their facial features. Your baby\u2019s cute little nose and curious eyes are just starting to form, although right now they merely look like little dark spots on an oversized head. Passages and arches that will grow and develop into parts of Baby<\/span>\u2019s ears and jaw are forming, and their nose won\u2019t be far behind.<\/p>\n

Development of Baby<\/span>‘s lower body lags behind that of the upper, making them look a bit like a mermaid, and they may already be wiggling their flipper-like arms! Baby<\/span> is also starting to straighten out from their formerly curled position, and that tail is making its way to its final destination in their back.<\/p>\n

These upcoming weeks are some of the most important for Baby<\/span> developmentally, so if you aren\u2019t on a prenatal vitamin yet, it\u2019s important to start taking one immediately. During this week, Baby<\/span>\u2019s neural tube is beginning to close,  so it\u2019s especially important to be getting folic acid \u2014 from prenatal vitamins, as well as from the rest of your diet \u2014 as it can help prevent neural tube defects.<\/p>\n

What’s new with you?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A lot of changes are happening!<\/p>\n

One big change you might already notice is feeling tired. But not just normal tired. Even though your body hasn\u2019t grown in size much yet, it\u2019s doing a lot of work that can leave you fatigued. Your body is producing significantly more blood than it\u2019s used to in order to get nutrients to Baby<\/span>, which is an energy expense that may leave you with lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar. The added progesterone coursing around your body could also be tiring you out. If you feel like you can manage, going for a walk, doing some gentle yoga, or engaging in another physical activity that you enjoy might help a bit: the endorphins you release may make you feel less sluggish. And you should listen to what your body needs and rest, nap, or tuck in for bed early as needed.<\/p>\n

Your breasts are also likely to be sore at this time, and your nipples may stick out more than normal. This tenderness will probably last through your first trimester, as your breasts continue to grow. This change is completely normal, and is simply a product of increased blood flow to your chest as your body primes itself for breastfeeding.<\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re feeling sick to your stomach right now, you aren\u2019t alone \u2014 over 70% of pregnant folks experience nausea in the first trimester. During the sixth week of pregnancy over 80% of pregnant folks experience nausea, which often starts in the morning (hence the term \u201cmorning sickness\u201d) before dissipating in the early afternoon. However, this term can sometimes be misleading, because nausea during the first trimester is not exclusive to mornings, and that awful feeling could hit you at any point during the day or night. A few things that may help?<\/p>\n

Try eating several small snacks throughout the day, avoiding triggering smells, taking your prenatal vitamins with a meal, having food or drinks with ginger, keeping hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. And if you can\u2019t seem to find much relief, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider. And for serious morning sickness or concern for dehydration, you should definitely speak with your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

Something else you should call your healthcare provider about? If you experience spotting or vaginal bleeding right now. While it is common in early pregnancy, it can also be an early indicator of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.<\/p>\n

Speaking of, you\u2019ll probably be choosing a healthcare provider around now, and your first prenatal consultation will likely happen around week eight. There are a few different types of healthcare providers you can use during pregnancy, but the most common are OB\/GYNs and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs). Women with certain risk factors may need to see an obstetrician (OB), but women with no elevated risks are typically able to see CNMs as their primary healthcare provider during pregnancy, as CNMs are able to provide most of the same services that an OB can.<\/p>\n

\n
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/h5>\n
\n
Read more<\/h5>\n