Perhaps after conducting several pregnancy tests or consulting your doctor, you would have found that you are pregnant! Congratulations mom-to-be!
The embryo at six weeks starts developing various features although the embryo is still small. The organs and various systems have started to take some shape.
The size of your baby:
The baby appears like a tadpole at this stage and the size is similar to a lentil or pea.
The weight and height of your baby:
The height of the baby is around half an inch which is approximately around 0.63cms or 0.25 inches when measured from head to rump. It may seem tiny but has doubled up since the last week.
About your baby:
With translucent skin, the baby at six weeks is very tiny but the folds within the head have initiated to prepare the face. The chin, jaws, and cheeks start forming their shape and the facial features start determining the shape although you are eight months away from meeting your bundle of joy. The baby starts moving the feet and hands which is similar to paddles. In this stage, the embryo has a tail which then develops into a spinal cord. The baby is present in the fetal position with legs tucked, tail and back curved inwards.
Similar to the size of a poppy seed, the baby’s heart transforms from a tube-like structure to a four-chambered organ that is beating and sending blood throughout the body. Apart from this, the baby’s ears start to appear like dimples which will eventually form into ears. The dark spots for the eyes are also present at this stage. Other essential organs also start to develop at this stage. The neural tube begins to close during this week.
About your body:
This stage of pregnancy is very exhausting but the embryo is growing at a faster pace. You don’t have a noticeable bump at this stage. It is normal for some women to experience symptoms during this stage while others as every pregnancy is unique. The fluctuation of hormones results in emotional and physical symptoms which makes you anxious during the early days of pregnancy. The baby bump is not yet visible but the uterus has started to accommodate the baby inside your body.
Other than missing your period, the general symptoms during the early weeks in pregnancy include vomiting, nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, tender breasts, heartburn, morning sickness, indigestion, constipation, bloating and others.
Do & Don’ts:
- Schedule your first appointment with the gynecologist
- Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
- Take prenatal vitamins
- Stop consumption of caffeine, alcohol and avoid smoking
- Perform light exercises to stay healthy and active
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water to stay hydrated at all times
- Have plentiful of rest