At six weeks pregnant, many women realise their period is two weeks late and take their first pregnancy test! Symptoms like morning sickness, severe nausea, and tiredness start to creep in, which can detract from the happy time. But there is a chance you can see and hear your baby, with some ultrasounds detecting the first rhythm of a heartbeat.
What else happens during the sixth week of pregnancy, we hear you ask? Well, stick around to find out! We have a detailed guide coming up to answer all of your pregnancy-related questions!
What Is Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 6 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnant At 6 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 6 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 6 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- The baby is roughly the size of a pea
- The embryo is growing quickly, with arms, legs, and ears forming
- The pregnancy should be detected now, with your last period being roughly six weeks ago
- The baby’s heartbeat might be detected on an ultrasound at six weeks
- The most common symptoms at week six include morning sickness, fatigue, and sore breasts
- The first prenatal appointment should be booked
What Does It Mean To Be 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You will not have a period for six weeks at six weeks pregnant. You are most likely two weeks late for your period and starting to notice pregnancy symptoms. Morning sickness and nausea are common symptoms here, with many women finding they are sick in the morning or that certain foods and smells make them nauseous.
Your baby is growing and changing at week six. With the brain, liver, and musculoskeletal system, your baby’s development will be speedy here. They will also start to grow their ears, arms, and legs. Your baby is now the size and shape of a pea, measuring roughly 6mm long.
You can take a pregnancy test at six weeks if you have not already. You might also be able to have an early ultrasound with your doctor.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 6 Weeks?
Yes, you can detect pregnancy at six weeks! Home pregnancy tests use the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine to determine if you are pregnant. The levels are high by six weeks enough to give a positive pregnancy test.
Some women have a false negative until eight weeks, so if your period still does not arrive, you should take another pregnancy test.
At-home pregnancy tests are very accurate these days, so you should get a positive test result if your hCG levels are high enough. Pregnancy can detected at six weeks by your doctor, too. They might give you a pregnancy test to take, or they will perform a blood test. The blood test also measures the hCG levels in your body to determine pregnancy.
Women who have missed their period by two weeks should take a pregnancy test and might find out they are six weeks pregnant!
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You can have an ultrasound at six weeks pregnant if you wish. Ultrasounds at six weeks are typically performed transvaginally rather than on your abdomen.
Typically, ultrasounds happen nearer the end of your first trimester, around the twelve-week mark. However, some midwives and doctors will ask you to have a six-week ultrasound. The reasons behind this vary, but it is usually due to medical history, your age, if you have had bleeding, or if you have had pregnancy complications or early losses before.
Try not to panic if you are asked to have an early ultrasound; there are many reasons why your doctor might want to perform one. Chat with them to learn more about the reason behind the six-week ultrasound.
Some women also ask for an ultrasound at six weeks to confirm pregnancy. Excitement can take over, especially if you have been trying to conceive for a while, and you can want to see the embryo and check that you have the start of a healthy pregnancy.
Are There Any Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
The scans or tests to consider at this stage vary from woman to woman and depend largely on your family history and if you have any medical conditions. These tests can occur at any point during the first trimester, but some healthcare providers will do them at six weeks. These include the following:
- Blood tests for anemia
- Blood tests for rubella
- Blood tests for STDs and HIV
- Genetic tests for sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, and Tay-Sachs
You can also pay for DNA tests to check for Down syndrome and other conditions, but these usually aren’t available until later in your first trimester.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Sometimes, you can detect a heartbeat at six weeks pregnant. Your baby’s heart develops from five to seven weeks, so depending on how quickly it develops, you might hear the baby’s heartbeat at six weeks pregnant. An ultrasound detects your baby’s heartbeat; hearing this for the first time can be very emotional!
Don’t panic if you don’t hear a heartbeat at week six of your pregnancy. Not every woman has a twenty-eight-day cycle every month, meaning you might not have started your sixth week yet, even if you missed your period two weeks ago. Providing you have no other symptoms, you will likely have another ultrasound in a week or two to look for the heartbeat.
Not only can a heartbeat sometimes be detected, but at six weeks pregnant, an ultrasound can also pick up on a few other things; let’s check them out now.
Number Of Embryos
At six weeks, you might find out how many embryos are growing. It can be a little early, but some women find out at six weeks if they have twins!
Location
The ultrasound can also tell you where your embryo is implanted. You can see if they are high in the uterus or low. A six-week ultrasound will also tell you if you are having an ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes. These pregnancies cannot be carried to term and threaten the mother’s life.
Size
The ultrasound can also show the size of your embryo, helping to confirm the due date. This is helpful if you are unsure of the date of your last period and can track how far into your pregnancy you are.
Yolk Sac
The yolk sac should be visible inside the gestational sac at this point. An ultrasound will show the yolk sac, allowing doctors to determine the health of your pregnancy. The yolk sac will look like a tiny balloon.
What Are The Common Symptoms At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
The typical pregnancy symptoms at six weeks pregnant include morning sickness, frequent urination, fatigue, and sore or swollen breasts. The level at which you experience these early pregnancy symptoms will vary from woman to woman. You might also not experience all these symptoms throughout week six, but it is an excellent guide to show you what could happen as your body starts growing a baby.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels are rising at six weeks pregnant! The pregnancy hormone hCG continues to double in your body this week.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Slight cramping can be expected at six weeks pregnant. It is usually attributed to trapped wind, constipation, or your growing uterus. However, if the cramps are more painful than period pain, speak to your doctor or midwife immediately.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness is common at six weeks pregnant, so that you might experience it. Most women experience morning sickness starting at week six.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Sore or tender breasts are common at six weeks pregnant, so that you might experience them. Your breasts might also ache or feel full.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen at any point of pregnancy so you might experience them at week six. Every woman is different!
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at six weeks pregnant. Frequent urination tends to be more common from week ten onwards in pregnancy.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
At pregnancy week six, it is normal to feel tiredness or fatigue. Your body is working hard growing another human, and your hormone levels are changing daily; it is no wonder you are tired!
Will I Feel Bloated At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Bloating is common in the early stages of pregnancy, especially during week six.
Will I Get A Headache At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common in the first trimester of pregnancy, so don’t worry if you experience them during week six.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You might experience a metallic taste in your mouth at six weeks pregnant. This is considered an early sign of pregnancy for most women.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell can occur at six weeks pregnant. It is often one of the first signs of pregnancy, with your sense of smell changing. You might find that you dislike smells you once enjoyed.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath typically occurs later in a pregnancy. You should speak to your doctor if you experience shortness of breath during week 6 of pregnancy.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You can experience diarrhea at six weeks pregnant, and it is normal! However, it tends to be unrelated to pregnancy and is more likely a food allergy, tummy bug, or food poisoning.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can get a vaginal discharge at six weeks pregnant. It tends to be clear or milky white.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain is common during the early stages of pregnancy, and you might experience it at six weeks pregnant.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings happen for most women around six to ten weeks, so that you can experience them at week six. You might find you are more irritable or tearful at this time.
Is Spotting Normal At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting is normal at six weeks pregnant. It can happen when the embryo plants itself into your womb lining.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You might experience the following symptoms at six weeks pregnant:
- Spotting
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Enlarged and darkened areolas (area around the nipples)
- Higher basal temperature
How Big Is A Baby At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
At six weeks, your baby is roughly 6mm long and is the size of a pea. Some people think it looks like a tadpole with a little tale. Your baby will have arms and legs starting to form, known as limb buds and small dents where the ears will be.
A bump will be where the heart is, and a bulge will be where the head will be. The entire embryo is covered in a thin layer of transparent skin. Your baby is still so tiny that an ultrasound won’t pick up on this much detail.
Can You Feel The Baby At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
It is highly unlikely that you will feel the baby at six weeks pregnant. The size of a pea is still too small for any movements to be felt. However, you might experience some mild cramping and bloating, which is believed to be your uterus growing.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of A Miscarriage At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
A miscarriage at six weeks pregnant often involves heavy bleeding from your vagina and cramps in your lower abdomen. These cramps will feel like bad period pains and can vary in severity from woman to woman.
Other common symptoms include tissue or fluid coming from your vagina and any morning sickness or tenderness in your breasts passing. When a miscarriage happens, the symptoms surrounding pregnancy tend to pass, too.
You should speak to a doctor or midwife immediately if you suspect you are having a miscarriage.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of a miscarriage at six weeks are around 10%, dropping significantly from the first few weeks of pregnancy. According to PubMed Central, the average chance of miscarriage is 10%, but this does vary depending on any health conditions or precious pregnancy complications you might have had.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You can do several things to maintain your health at six weeks pregnant, including taking prenatal vitamins and following a healthy diet. We have more information on what you can do listed below.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
To ensure the health of you and your baby, take prenatal vitamins. You should do this as soon as you discover you are pregnant to provide your baby with the nutrients they need to develop. Folic acid should be taken, along with calcium and iron.
Follow A Healthy Diet
Make a conscious effort to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Doing so will give your baby the nutrients it needs to grow as it should. A healthy and balanced diet will also help you stay healthy as the pregnancy progresses.
Stop Drinking Alcohol
You should stop drinking alcohol once you discover you are pregnant. Alcohol can affect your pregnancy and has been linked to miscarriage, prematurity, and stillbirth.
Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause developmental disabilities and birth defects, too, with no guaranteed safe level of alcohol to drink while pregnant.
Stop Smoking
Smoking while pregnant can damage your baby’s developing lungs and brain, lasting into their teen years. The CDC has researched this and found that it not only harms developing babies but also doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and labour.
It would be best to stop smoking when you discover you are pregnant. You can speak to your doctor if you want help quitting smoking.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid the following foods during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Raw fish
- Seafood with a high mercury content
- Raw sprouts
- Unpasteurized dairy
- Soft cheeses
- Pre-prepared or unwashed fruit and vegetables
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
All alcoholic drinks should be avoided at six weeks pregnant. You should also reduce your intake of caffeine and sugary drinks.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplements that your doctor does not approve. You should also not take supplements labelled unsuitable for pregnant women.
Can I Exercise While 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at six weeks pregnant, but you should avoid contact sports or sports where you could fall. These include football, rugby, boxing, horse riding, and climbing.
You will likely feel tired this week, so you might notice that you cannot exercise as usual. It allows your body to rest, and don’t feel bad about doing a shorter workout.
Is It Safe To Travel When 6 weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to travel at six weeks pregnant. Before flying, speak to your doctor to ensure it is safe to fly if you have any pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure.
Before travelling to another country, you should check if you need any vaccinations or if there are any advisories for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at six weeks pregnant.
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Saunas
- Steam rooms
- Hot tubs
- Whirlpools
- Contact sport
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 6 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to have sex when six weeks pregnant.
How Should I Sleep At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep as usual at six weeks pregnant. You might notice that you sleep for longer than usual. This is normal, especially as your body is working hard growing another person.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 6 Weeks Pregnant?
All positions are considered safe to sleep in at six weeks pregnant. However, this is a good opportunity to practice side sleeping. As your pregnancy progresses, side sleeping is considered the safest position, so use the first trimester to get used to it.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 6 Weeks Pregnant?
the best way to calculate your due date at six weeks pregnant is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is how most pregnancies are measured, using your last period or the LMP method.
You could use day one of your last period as the first date of your pregnancy. To calculate your due date, count 40 weeks from your last period, or 280 days. Pregnancy due dates are based on the average pregnancy of 40 weeks, so this will give you your due date.
However, not all pregnancies run on time. It is common to give birth after your due date, so don’t panic if you run over.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 6 Weeks Pregnant?
You can expect a few changes to your body at six weeks pregnant. You might experience morning sickness, bloating, and fatigue. You might also experience increased blood flow. While you won’t feel this, you will feel warmer, with your body temperature rising slightly.
You might notice that your hands and feet sweat more due to this, but don’t panic; it is normal. Another change your body experiences is breast tenderness. You might notice that your breasts feel sore, tender, or full.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your pregnancy hormones are increasing during week six of your pregnancy. Your hCG levels are rising, which can cause mood swings. Your body is working hard, with baby development picking up speed. As your baby grows arms and legs, you will feel fatigued; after all, it is hard to grow another person!
You are unlikely to see a pregnant belly at six weeks, but bloating might give your belly a rounded and more protruding look.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
There are several things you can do to prepare for pregnancy. These apply whether you have just found out you are pregnant or are trying to conceive, and can be found below.
Book A Prenatal Doctor’s Appointment
Whether you are trying to conceive or have found out you are pregnant, it is time to book a prenatal appointment. Here, you will get plenty of advice on how to look after your body, what you need to do to prepare for or maintain a healthy pregnancy, and any questions you have answered.
Make Any Necessary Lifestyle Changes
You should stop drinking alcohol and smoking once you are pregnant. Those planning to conceive should also consider quitting smoking or cutting down on this and their alcohol intake. Doing so helps you prepare for a sober pregnancy and allows your body to become healthier before getting pregnant.
You can speak to your doctor if you need assistance quitting or adjusting your intake.
Eat A Balanced Diet
A balanced diet should also be followed when preparing for pregnancy. It will help you improve your health and ensure your growing baby has access to all the nutrients it needs. Aim to eat a balanced and varied diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, carbs, and healthy fats. You can speak to your doctor or a nutritionist if you need assistance making these changes to your diet.
Exercise Regularly
Alongside eating well, you want to exercise regularly to ensure your body remains fit and healthy. During the early stages of pregnancy, most exercises are deemed safe; just avoid contact sports. As your pregnancy progresses, you should consult your doctor to see what activities are safe for you to do.
You can start small with a walk a few times a week if you have not exercised regularly. Again, a doctor or a personal trainer can assist you here.
Surround Yourself With The Right People
Not every pregnancy is smooth sailing, and you want to ensure that you have people around you who will support you. Friends, family, and your partner can make up a great support system that will be there throughout your journey to conceive and your pregnancy.
`but you can also look further afield. Use social media to find groups of expecting others you can contact in your area. It is always good to have someone in a similar situation to you with whom you can share worries, trade advice, and have a shoulder to lean on should you need it.
Final Thoughts On Week 6 Pregnancy
The sixth week of pregnancy is an exciting one. You might hear your child’s heartbeat for the first time and see their tiny body start to appear on an ultrasound. While you might be tired and begin to experience morning sickness, there is much to be excited about and look forward to.
Don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your doctor and follow our guidance to stay healthy during pregnancy.