6 Weeks Pregnant
Pregnancy Week 6 & Stage of Fetal Development

This is the beginning of pregnancy week 6. At the end of this week, you will be 6 weeks pregnant (see pregnancy chart).

Time is moving right along. Being pregnant is still new and exciting and also a little overwhelming. You're likely still on an emotional roller-coaster ride.

It's quite possible that the reality that you are going to have a baby hasn't sunk in yet. You may be wondering when you are going to 'show'. Your belly at 6 weeks pregnant is still the same on the outside as it was last week.

You may notice your clothes fitting a little tighter around 8 to 12 weeks, although others may not notice anything yet. And for some women, they may not see a bump until 16-18 weeks or so.

If you've been pregnant before, though, you'll show a little sooner than if you've never been pregnant. But, really, every woman is different and it all depends on several factors such as your body and build. Every woman carries differently.

What is happening at 6 weeks pregnant

Hormones, hCG, estrogen, and especially progesterone levels are still on the rise during pregnancy week 6. You may be starting to feel morning sickness if you haven't already.

Blood volume is still building (so make sure you drink plenty of water--filtered, not tap). Do you see those big blue veins on your breasts, yet? How about tingling or tender nipples? Still really tired? Your body has and will be going through many changes.

What can you do at 6 weeks pregnant

Still can't believe you're pregnant? Neither could I when I was 6 weeks along. Don't worry, your belly bump will show soon enough.

And just wait until you hear the little heartbeat for the first time (no matter how many babies you've had before). I cried.

That's when it really sunk in for me. Not only the reality of actually being pregnant but knowing that my baby was OK. I can't tell you how I worried about losing it somehow. But hearing that heartbeat was just incredible.

This week, during the 6th week of pregnancy, your little embryo's heart will start beating. Although you may not be able to hear it yet, it'll be beating about 120 to 160 beats per minute.

Generally you can't hear it with Doppler until the 10th week or so, but almost surely by the 12th week. But, if you have an ultrasound scan this week (week 6), you may be able to 'see' the little heart fluttering (but not always at this early stage).

Oh yeah, make sure to get a recorder and record your baby's heartbeat when you do get to hear it. It makes a great keepsake and your child will love hearing it later.

Or send it or play it for your partner if he is not able to be with you during your appointment. Seeing and hearing the baby makes it more real for him since he is not the one carrying the baby and feeling all that you are feeling.

Are you keeping a pregnancy journal? You'll want to remember everything later. And don't forget to take a picture of your week 6 pregnant belly.

Fetal Development at 6 weeks pregnant
Fetal age: 4 weeks

By the end of this week, your baby will be about 0.16 inch (4mm) long. This is a measurement of the CRL (Crown-Rump Length) because the little legs are bent, and it's difficult to measure from crown to heal.

His heart will begin beating and you may be able to "see" it fluttering on an ultrasound exam this week.

At this point, your baby looks more like a shrimp than a human. He has a head and tale with arm and leg buds beginning to form. His eyes are starting to form, but appear on the sides of the head which will gradually move to the front in the weeks to come.

During this week, the neural groove (future central nervous system) closes and early brain chambers form.

You're 6 weeks pregnant now and in the middle of your second month of pregnancy. Only 7½ months to go.  :-)

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