6 Weeks Pregnant — Your Baby Is The Size Of A Cupcake Sprinkle

Welcome to Scary Mommy’s pregnancy week by week guide! We’re here to give you all the info about what to expect when you’re expecting: be it week by week symptoms, your baby’s development, your changing body, or ultrasounds and appointments. Here’s everything you need to know about week 6.

Your Body at 6 Weeks Pregnant

Say Hello to Morning Sickness!

If this is your first baby, you’re probably asking why the heck people use the term “morning sickness” when the nausea and vomiting actually occur all day long. The majority of pregnant women experience morning sickness and this first trimester symptom typically begins at around week six of pregnancy and subsides by week 12 for most women. (So there’s a light at the end of the tunnel!)

Your weight will likely yo-yo at this point because you vacillate between indulging your increasing appetite and then vomiting it up thanks to the aforementioned “all-day sickness.”

If you’re losing a significant amount of weight, can’t keep water down, and the nausea and vomiting are severe, contact your doctor ASAP because it could be a sign that you have hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness made famous by Kate Middleton and Amy Schumer.

Your Mood Is All Over The Place

Mood swings typically begin at pregnancy week 6, so don’t be alarmed if you’re a ball of joy one moment and sobbing over a sentimental commercial the next. Life feels like an emotional roller coaster because you’re experiencing an increase in hormones, which affects the neurotransmitters that control your mood. (But the fatigue and physical discomfort probably aren’t helping, either.)

Like morning sickness, mood swings are a first trimester symptom so luckily they’ll taper off by week 10. But be warned, they often return with a vengeance during the third trimester as you prepare to give birth — but let’s cross that bridge when you come to it, eh?

You’ve Got “Pregnancy Brain”

Ah, “pregnancy brain.” It’s not experienced by all pregnant women, but many do feel forgetful and have short-term memory problems and decreased concentration. This may make you feel anxious about your ability to function in your daily life, but it’s probably not as obvious as you think. According to Mayo Clinic, it’s unlikely to affect your job performance and the only people who will really notice it are you and your closest family and friends — so don’t beat yourself up because you forget to pick up a few items on your grocery list or it took you a little longer than usual to complete a task at home or at work.

Your Baby at 6 Weeks Pregnant

At 6 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a cupcake sprinkle and measures three quarters of an inch long. This sounds positively tiny because, well, it is — but your sweet little embryo has actually tripled in size since they began growing inside you.

Your baby’s body is starting to take shape this week. Its internal organs (the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart) are forming and the folds of tissue in their head are beginning to form the chin, cheeks, and jaw that will eventually be your little one’s beautiful face.

Although you won’t feel any kicks until the second trimester, the embryo may already be making small movements like wiggling the buds of their teensy hands and feet.

Your Symptoms and Health at 6 Weeks Pregnant

It’s Time To Schedule Your First Prenatal Visit

Although you may be waiting until the end of your first trimester to share the good news with your social circle, week six of pregnancy is the ideal time to find the right healthcare provider and schedule your first prenatal appointment.

The first visit is typically a long one. Your doctor will want to review your personal and family medical history and get the lowdown on your lifestyle — so be prepared to answer questions about how much alcohol and caffeine you typically consume and if you take any prescription or over-the-counter medications. There will also be potentially sensitive questions, like if you’ve ever had an abortion or used illegal drugs in the past. Just remember that doctors aren’t here to judge; they’re looking for a comprehensive picture of your overall health and medical history so they can do what’s best for you and your baby.

The first prenatal visit also includes a lengthy physical exam. Your doctor will conduct pelvic and breast exams, an STD test, a Pap smear, and a number of preliminary blood tests to determine if your baby is at risk for any chromosomal abnormalities.

Your Breasts Are Changing

Six weeks pregnant is typically when you’ll begin to notice that your breasts look and feel different. Your heightened hormone levels increase blood flow which affects the breast tissue, often making them swollen, tender, and sensitive. As your body prepares to breastfeed, your nipples and areolas will become darker in color so your baby can more easily spot where to latch on.

If the changes in your breasts causes discomfort, go shopping for a new bra that provides strong support. You’ll also want to avoid underwire bras and look for options that have wide shoulder straps and an adjustable closure.

You’re Bloated and Gassy

Ah, isn’t pregnancy glamorous? Thanks to the pregnancy hormone progesterone, bloating and gas are common first trimester symptoms. (As if your stomach isn’t suffering enough from morning sickness.) Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods to ease these symptoms — it’ll also make you less likely to become constipated.

Double Trouble

Twin babies are developing at the same rate as singular babies mentioned above. While you very likely realize you’re pregnant at this point, there’s no way you could know you’re carrying twins. You might hazard a guess if the aforementioned symptoms are extremely intense, since your hCG production is greater than that of a woman carrying one baby. But official confirmation won’t come for another while as you wait for your first ultrasound.

The contents of this article have been medically reviewed by Ruth A. Tessler, M.D. in July, 2019.

Written by Caitlin Flynn.

Follow Preggo Nancy’s pregnancy journey week-by-week and share in her joy, her symptoms, and even her pregnancy cravings.

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