6 weeks

Baby's Growth and Development at 6 Weeks Pregnant

During your 6th week of pregnancy, your baby grows at a phenomenal rate and his systems develop significantly. Here's what's happening at 6 weeks pregnant:

• Your baby, now called an embryo, is clearly visible on ultrasound. He is about 1/8 of an inch long, about the size of a grain of rice.
• When you're 6 weeks pregnant, his nervous system and all major body organs — heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs — are the first to form.
• Facial features — jaw, cheeks, chin, ear canals, nose, and eyes — begin to develop around the 6th week of pregnancy.
• You baby's heart beats about 80 times per minute and gets faster each day.

Your Changing Body at 6 Weeks Pregnant

Like your developing baby, your body experiences many changes during your 6th week of pregnancy.

• Hormones begin to increase. They include elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) — the hormone that indicates pregnancy, and HPL (human placental lactogen) — the hormone that promotes baby's growth.
• As hormones increase during your 6th week of pregnancy, your body might react both physically and emotionally.

• By your 6th week of pregnancy, common pregnancy symptoms include nausea and vomiting, aka morning sickness, which for many might not be limited to the morning. You also might experience mood swings.
• At 6 weeks pregnant, some women also notice other symptoms. These could include changes in your breasts, headaches, faintness or dizziness, increased urination, insomnia, fatigue, excess saliva, constipation, food aversions or cravings, and emotional changes.
• If any pregnancy symptoms feel extreme, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. Also, don't be concerned if you aren't experiencing any of these symptoms or don't "feel" pregnant. Every woman's body is different.
• Spotting or vaginal bleeding also can occur during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. As many as 40% of pregnant women may experience some bleeding. Check with your doctor if you're concerned about spotting or bleeding.