Your baby at week six of pregnancy
Your growing baby is now around the size of a pomegranate seed.
Although still not audible by your doctor’s stethoscope, your baby now has a regular heart-beat of about 150 beats per minute, which is double the average adult heart rate! This can be seen as a tiny pulsating black dot on an ultrasound. By the end of the week your baby will have tripled in size. Other vital organs such as the kidneys, liver and lungs have now also started to properly develop, and the beginnings of eyes, ear canals and jaw and cheek bone structure are starting to form.
Your body at week six of pregnancy
At week six you may be suffering from morning sickness which does tend to be worse in the first trimester of pregnancy. This especially isn’t helped by exhaustion, from not only dealing with all the hormones and changes to your body but also having your sleep interrupted by an increased need to urinate. Your kidneys are becoming more effective at removing waste from your body, and with a growing uterus pushing on your bladder, there is less room to store urine. Fortunately this pressure is usually reduced in the second trimester when the uterus rises into the abdominal cavity. Despite the discomfort, do not reduce your intake of water as hydration is imperative for the health of you and you’re developing baby.
If you’re breasts are experiencing tingling sensations or feeling particularly tender, it is because of increased blood flow to the area in order to prepare your body for breast feeding. Try wearing a supportive bra, perhaps a sports bra, to help ease your discomfort, even whilst sleeping, if it helps.
What you might be feeling at week six of pregnancy
You will now be getting used to the idea that you are pregnant and whilst this is a very exciting time it is not unusual for you to be anxious. Anxiety about the reality of bringing a new baby into the world and anxiety that the pregnancy goes well particularly in the early stages are natural. You may also be excited to tell people about your good news but nervous at this stage and prefer to wait until the second trimester. Whatever you decide it is up to you.
Common symptoms at week six of pregnancy
Expect to feel any or all of these symptoms at varying times; some women experience more symptoms than others, but all combinations are normal:
- Tender heavy breasts
- Prickling sensation in breasts
- Fatigue
- Moodiness
- Lightheadedness
- Sensitivity to taste and smell
- Food aversions
- Nausea
- Frequent urination
- Anxiety about the pregnancy and parenthood.
Tips for week six of pregnancy
- Avoid the hot tub or sauna; both can increase your risk of fetal abnormalities and miscarriage. It is advisable to avoid activities that raise your body temperature above 39 degrees Celsius.
- Drink plenty of water; a pregnant woman should drink at least 8 to 12 glasses a day. If you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated and dehydration can lead to serious pregnancy complications.
- A squeeze of lemon into your water can make it more palatable and ease morning sickness.
If you have any symptoms that concern you it is important to consult your doctor as soon as you can.