6 Weeks Pregnant : What to Expect
Reaching the 6th week of pregnancy is a milestone for some women. It marks the half way point through the first trimester. The baby is definitely growing, changing and developing and at 6 weeks pregnant, the form and shape is really starting to come into focus. An expectant mother can be 100% sure she is pregnant during the 6th week, as pregnancy symptoms are in full effect, and all tests are returning positive results.
Symptoms and Body Changes at 6 Weeks
As the baby develops, you as an expectant mother will truly begin to show and feel signs and symptoms of being pregnant. Mood swings, intense food cravings, morning sickness, fatigue, weight gain, tender breasts and nausea are all happening. Unfortunately, the cause of the pregnancy symptoms are due to the fast rate your baby is growing, however there are a few things you can do to ease the pains. Many women gain about 5 lbs during the entire first trimester, however, because of the nausea, vomiting and morning sickness, many women lose weight during the first 6 weeks of pregnancy. This isn’t a need for worry, either way. All women are different and have different experiences with their weight throughout the entire pregnancy. Most women schedule their first doctor check-up in the 6th week. Expectant moms will get their first pregnancy ultrasounds done to ensure everything is alright with both mom and baby, and to get their first glimpse at the developing embryo.
Baby’s Development
During this time your baby is going through some distinct and visible changes. Major developments include the ears, mouth and nose, as ultrasounds are able to pick out each quite easily. The eyes and nostrils are also forming, and if seen in an ultrasound, they show up as black dots. The arms and legs of your baby look like stubs that are beginning to protrude from the body. The baby’s heartbeat is an astounding 100-160 beats per minute (twice as fast as yours or mine). The blood is circulating and the lungs, intestines, liver and pancreas are all forming and shaping. Your baby is approximately ¼ inch long, and resembles a lentil bean in a way. The baby is able to make its first movements, however, the movements are too gentle to be felt by the expectant mother.
Pregnancy Week 6 Tips
During the 6th week it’s extremely important you are careful about consuming food. Just because you’re pregnant, doesn’t mean you should be eating for two. Instead, try consuming only 300 extra calories per day, for example a bagel, and your weight gain should be at a minimum. Also, split larger meals into smaller meals and munch throughout the day, this will also help keep control of the morning sickness since morning sickness is much worse on an empty stomach. During the first trimester, it’s also a good idea to think about the future, as in maternity clothes. Though you won’t be in need of them quite yet, you should gain 1-5 lbs by the end of the first 12 weeks, so having a few extra outfits might come in handy down the road. Next is pregnancy at 7 weeks.
