Week 6

Pregnancy symptoms are common at 6 weeks pregnant, although unpleasant, these are promising signs that your body is supporting the growing needs of the developing pregnancy.¹

• Nausea (with or without vomiting) known as “morning sickness” but can occur at any time of the day^1,2
• Breast tenderness^1,2
• Frequent urination^1,2
• Bloating and gas^1,2
• Fatigue^1,2
• Food cravings or aversions¹
• Excessive saliva¹
• Mild cramping and light spotting^1,2  
  If you experience bleeding, speak with your healthcare provider for further support and guidance. Up to 25% of women experience light bleeding or spotting in pregnancy, but any bleeding should be investigated ³
• Mood swings²
• Temperature changes, feeling hotter or colder than usual²

At 6 weeks, your baby is referred to as an embryo, measuring a tiny 0.5–0.6 cm.¹

Despite their small size, they are developing rapidly. Notably, their heart and lungs have moved into their chest. It may be possible to detect a flickering heartbeat on a vaginal ultrasound at 6 weeks.⁴

Buds have developed on their trunk that will soon elongate into limbs. The major nerves are already starting to grow into the developing hands whilst early muscle cells, called myoblasts, are forming to support the soon-to-be arms and legs.⁴

• Try to take folic acid consistently to support conception and reduce the risk of brain and neural tube defects in the early stages of foetal development⁵
• Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support fertility and overall health⁶
• Try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking – both are known as risk factors for miscarriage^7,8
• Try to avoid foods and drinks that may make bloating worse, such as carbonated drinks and some vegetables like cabbage⁹
• Start thinking about appropriate nutrition and pregnancy-safe foods   
  You should try to avoid foods high in mercury, such as mackerel and tuna, raw seafood, undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, unpasteurised foods and cheese with a mould rind such as brie, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and any type of herbal tea¹⁰
• Limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day¹¹            
  As a guide:            
  1 mug of coffee contains 100 mg of caffeine            
  1 mug of tea contains 75 mg of caffeine            
  1 can of cola contains up to 40 mg of caffeine            
  1 bar of chocolate contains up to 50 mg of caffeine   
• As the risks are unknown, avoid colouring your hair until the second trimester¹