Pregnancy Calendar at Week 6

What's Happening with the Baby

At 6 weeks of pregnancy, the embryo has a body with the beginnings of arms. They appear as two small bumps located at the level of the developing heart. Within a few days, two more elevations appear on the lower part of the body – the area where the legs will grow. The average size of the embryo at this stage of pregnancy does not exceed 4 mm, which is about the diameter of a pea. The weight is between 1-1.4 grams. The shape of the baby resembles the letter "C".

The rear end of the body elongates and gradually disappears. At the front end of the neural tube, a small thickening forms – this is the future brain. During the 6th week, distinct hemispheres and other parts of the brain can be identified. Around the neural structures, the skull and other facial features begin to form: eyes, nose, ears, mouth, upper and lower jaws, and more.

Internal organs are actively developing:

The heart divides into 2 atria and 2 ventricles. The heart muscle is functioning, and its activity can be detected during an ultrasound. The average heart rate is 120-140 beats per minute;
Stem cells of the bone marrow appear in the liver and yolk sac. They divide and form red blood cells, white blood cells, and others;
The intestinal tube begins to divide into sections: the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine;
Sex organs are forming, which allows the gender of the baby to be determined during the first ultrasound screening.

The 6th week is marked by the formation of chorionic villi – this will become part of the future placenta. From these villi, the umbilical cord extends, connecting the baby to the mother's body and playing a role in delivering oxygen and nutrients.

Development of Twins

During an ultrasound at 6 weeks, twins may be detected. The specialist can clearly see two embryos located in the uterine cavity. Both babies have detectable heartbeats.

Pregnant women carrying twins require constant medical supervision. Such pregnancies are accompanied by an increased risk of complications: back pain, general fatigue, morning sickness, anemia, and more. The obstetrician-gynecologist advises the woman on the specifics of nutrition and lifestyle when expecting twins. For example, they recommend regularly taking folic acid with the needs of two babies in mind. This helps prevent the development of brain and spinal cord defects.

What's Happening with Mom

At 6 weeks pregnant, a woman's body undergoes various changes. Most of these changes are related to the increased levels of progesterone in the blood, which is essential for maintaining and developing the pregnancy.

Uterine Changes

At 6 weeks, the uterus is about the size of a small apple. During this period, an increased uterine tone poses a threat to the baby. Intense muscle contractions can lead to hypoxic damage to the embryo and may cause a miscarriage. Muscle hypertonus manifests as a pulling pain in the lower abdomen or lower back. Treatment is aimed at normalizing the tone and preventing recurrences.

Missed Period

This is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Women notice the absence of their period and either take a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist. Early registration at a prenatal clinic allows for monitoring the pregnancy and timely detection of any abnormalities.

Frequent Urination

Even a slight increase in the size of the uterus causes it to press on the bladder. This reduces the bladder's capacity and leads to frequent urges to urinate. This symptom appears around the 6th to 8th week and does not require treatment.

Abdominal Pain

They have a moderate nature and are similar to premenstrual pain syndrome. They may be accompanied by a sensation of spasms. These manifestations are not related to any disease but reflect the increase in the size of the uterus and its heightened tone. If the pain is severe, you should seek medical help immediately.

Emotional Lability

Frequent mood swings, not related to any external factors, are common for pregnant women. A pregnant woman may feel sadness, anger, joy, and other emotions several times throughout the day. She often cannot explain the reason for these emotions.

Lower Back Pain

The occurrence of back pain is not related to the enlargement of the uterus or a shift in the body's center of gravity. The cause is the influence of progesterone on the intervertebral discs and supporting ligaments. This leads to the softening of their structure, which results in a redistribution of the load on the spine and discomfort. Severe pain in the lower back, radiating to the pelvis, can be signs of uterine hypertonicity or pelvic neuralgia.

Changes in the Breasts

They are characterized by a slight increase due to enhanced blood flow and swelling. These changes occur because of elevated progesterone levels. Women report increased skin sensitivity, including the nipples. Some pregnant women complain of a tingling sensation and heaviness in the breast area. There may be darkening of the areola. These changes are physiological and do not lead to negative consequences.

Vaginal Discharge

It has a clear-white color and a slightly sour smell. This discharge is observed in women throughout the entire pregnancy. Vaginal discharge is related to changes in the vaginal microflora – the number of lactic acid bacteria increases, which suppresses the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The volume of discharge increases after sex. If a woman notices cottage cheese-like, purulent, or bloody discharge, she should consult a gynecologist. These could indicate a yeast infection or inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive organs.

Fatigue During the Day

Changes in hormone levels lead to increased fatigue, periodic headaches, drowsiness, and mood swings. The severity of symptoms is inconsistent and varies throughout the day.

Increased Body Temperature

In some cases, her temperature rising to 99.5-100.4°F can be mistaken for a sign of a respiratory infection, leading to unnecessary treatment. Hormonal changes can cause symptoms similar to a cold: a low-grade fever up to 100.4°F, weakness, muscle and joint aches, and a runny nose without any pus. If you notice these symptoms, you should see your doctor to rule out an infection.

Changes in Appetite

Appetite can significantly increase or completely disappear. This is due to the physiological hormone imbalance in the body, morning sickness, and other health factors. A strong increase in appetite is rarely observed in the first trimester. Such changes are more typical for the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Preferences in Smells and Food

Preferences can change to those that were not typical for the woman before. Often, they prefer foods and scents they were previously neutral about or even avoided. The reason for these changes is unknown. Experts believe that the shift in preferences is related to psychological adjustments and changes in hormonal levels. It may also be linked to a deficiency in trace elements or vitamins in the body.

Medical Examination

At 6 weeks, it is recommended that a woman register at a prenatal clinic by seeing a gynecologist. Timely medical examinations help reduce the risk of negative outcomes during pregnancy. At the sixth week, the following tests are recommended for the woman:

an external examination with measurements of pelvic size, body weight, and blood pressure. Obesity negatively affects blood condition and increases the risk of developing gestational diabetes, which is associated with elevated glucose levels during pregnancy;
clinical and biochemical blood tests. These methods aim to detect signs of inflammation and other diseases. Biochemical methods determine the concentration of glucose, bilirubin, fibrinogen, liver enzymes, and more;

General urinalysis for diagnosing diseases of the urinary system. If an infection is detected, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive antibacterial or antiviral therapy;
Determination of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels. This hormone increases after the fertilization of the egg and the formation of chorionic villi. By the 6th week of pregnancy, it should be twice the normal level. If its level does not increase, it indicates a missed miscarriage. A woman can measure the concentration of hCG in her urine using biochemical strips, which are available in pharmacies. It's important to remember that their accuracy is lower than that of laboratory methods;

Determination of Rh factor, blood type, and a coagulation profile. The latter allows the doctor to assess the risk of hemorrhagic complications during pregnancy;
Screening the woman for infectious agents: HIV, syphilis, viral hepatitis, and TORCH infections. The latter include rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, and toxoplasmosis. These infectious diseases, when acute, can lead to miscarriage and developmental defects in the child;

Studying the vaginal microflora. Its pathological changes are a precursor to embryo infection and complications during pregnancy;
In addition to lab tests, a pelvic ultrasound is performed. This helps confirm pregnancy and timely detect complications such as ectopic pregnancy or halted embryo development.

Important! Only a doctor should interpret the results of these tests. Self-interpretation can lead to incorrect diagnosis and ineffective self-treatment. The primary condition may progress and result in miscarriage and other negative outcomes.

Pregnancy Complications

At the sixth week, both the woman and the baby may develop pregnancy complications. These complications have various clinical manifestations and prognoses.

Ectopic Pregnancy

In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining and forms chorionic villi, which eventually develop into the placenta. However, in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg may remain in the fallopian tubes. This condition can be detected during a routine ultrasound and by measuring the levels of hCG in the blood. The concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin is lower than normal because the chorionic villi are absent. By the sixth week of pregnancy, the embryo and its membranes reach a relatively large size, which can cause the tube to rupture and lead to severe bleeding in the abdominal cavity. The development of hemorrhagic shock poses a threat to the health and life of the pregnant woman. Doctors identify several risk factors for ectopic pregnancy: a history of abortions and miscarriages, inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, the woman's age being under 18 or over 35, as well as congenital and acquired defects of the uterus or fallopian tubes.

Embryo Demise

At 6 weeks, there is a possibility of a spontaneous miscarriage. The main causes include increased uterine muscle tone, severe somatic diseases, abdominal trauma, and more. During a miscarriage, a woman may complain of severe pain in the pelvic area, which is often described as a pulling sensation. These painful sensations are accompanied by bloody or brown vaginal discharge. If these symptoms are identified, it is important to call emergency services.

Missed Miscarriage

This can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but it is more common in the first trimester. A missed miscarriage results in the death of the embryo and a subsequent miscarriage. Causes include chronic diseases of internal organs, including infections, harmful habits, frequent stress, blood clotting disorders, uncontrolled medication intake, intense physical activity, and hormonal imbalances. The main symptoms of this condition are low levels of hCG in the blood, brownish vaginal discharge, fever with chills, general weakness, and lower abdominal pain with cramps. Ultrasound is the primary diagnostic method and allows for the timely detection of a missed miscarriage.

Morning Sickness

If vomiting occurs more than 2-3 times a day, the woman should consult a doctor. The main causes of toxicosis are dehydration, metabolic disorders, and rapid weight loss. In the case of twins, the risk of complications increases.

TORCH Infection

This includes cytomegalovirus, rubella, toxoplasmosis, and herpes. In adults or children, these pathogens do not usually cause severe illnesses. However, during acute pathology in pregnancy and transmission to the developing fetus, TORCH infection can lead to developmental defects and miscarriage. To reduce the risk of infectious diseases, a woman undergoes routine vaccination while preparing for pregnancy and follows general measures to prevent bacterial and viral infections.

Continued menstruation during pregnancy occurs due to an imbalance of female sex hormones. A low level of progesterone does not suppress the growth of the endometrium and the menstrual cycle. As a result, gestation is accompanied by menstruation. This condition does not require special therapy as it does not pose a danger to the health of the baby or the woman.

Cystitis

The enlargement of the uterus causes it to press against the bladder wall. This results in more frequent urination and can lead to issues with urine flow. The residual urine contains a large number of bacterial microorganisms, which actively multiply and cause cystitis. The disease manifests as pain and burning during urination, general weakness, and a fever. Treatment is based on the use of antibacterial agents.

What You Can and Can't Do

During pregnancy, a woman should follow a number of doctor-recommended lifestyle and dietary guidelines. This helps improve her well-being and prevent complications for both her and the baby.

What an Expecting Mom CAN Do:

Take regular walks in the fresh air and exercise. The level of physical activity should be tailored individually and should not cause stress for the woman;
Undergo cosmetic procedures only after consulting with a doctor or cosmetologist. Masks, ointments, and other products contain a large number of chemical additives that can lead to allergic reactions and other unpleasant consequences;
Engage in regular sexual activity if there are no pregnancy complications;
Take multivitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes after they are prescribed by the attending physician;
Increase sleep duration to 8-9 hours. It is recommended to take a nap for 40-60 minutes during the day for additional rest.

What an Expecting Mom CAN'T Do:

smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs;
using dietary supplements and medications without consulting your doctor. Many medications can lead to developmental abnormalities of internal organs or the nervous system, and can also cause miscarriage;
visiting a bathhouse, sauna, or taking hot baths. Hyperthermia increases uterine tone and raises the risk of pregnancy termination;
getting tattoos, permanent makeup, or dyeing your hair. Dyes contain toxic substances that can enter the bloodstream and affect the developing embryo. Visiting a tattoo parlor also carries the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV or viral hepatitis;
having close contact with pets, especially cats and birds. They can carry parasites, such as Toxoplasma.

Proper Nutrition

The health of a woman and her baby during the prenatal period depends on the pregnant woman's diet. Food contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, trace elements, and biologically active substances that are involved in the functioning of internal organs and the nervous system.

At the 6th week of pregnancy, it is recommended to:

follow the principles of healthy eating. This means avoiding fried, smoked, and salty dishes; reducing the intake of simple carbohydrates found in baked goods and sweets; and increasing the amount of fiber and unsaturated fatty acids in the diet;
stay away from any fast food. It is rich in simple carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids, which, in excess, negatively affect the body, contributing to the development of obesity and diabetes;

have 5-6 meals throughout the day. Three of these should be main meals, and 2-3 should be snacks;
to reduce signs of morning sickness, it is recommended to drink more fluids. Plain water or sour drinks like compotes, fruit drinks, and freshly squeezed juices without added sugar are suitable for this;

ensure the diet provides 2000 calories per day. If pregnant with twins, 2600 calories;
increase the amount of fiber by adding vegetables and fruits rich in dietary fiber to meals;

Limit or completely avoid foods that are allergens. These include chocolate and cocoa-containing drinks, honey, citrus fruits, and mushrooms;
Avoid sugary sodas;

Limit your intake of tea and coffee. Caffeine increases dehydration, worsening symptoms of toxicosis. Doctors note that it impairs calcium absorption from the intestines, increasing the risk of osteoporosis in women and developmental defects in the baby.

Cooking Delicious and Healthy for You and Your Baby

The key micronutrient essential for a healthy pregnancy is vitamin B9 (folic acid). It plays a crucial role in the development of the brain and the maturation of other tissues. Pregnant women also need an adequate intake of protein and unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, your diet should be not only filling but also diverse.

Need for Vitamins and Minerals

At the 6th week of pregnancy, there's a rapid growth of the embryo, including the formation of its central nervous system and internal organs. Because of this, a pregnant woman needs the following micronutrients and vitamins:

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

A powerful antioxidant that prevents cell damage from toxic agents and metabolic byproducts. If not adequately supplied through diet, the risk of miscarriage and inflammatory processes of various localizations due to infections increases. Tocopherol helps prevent thrombotic complications. It can be found in unrefined vegetable oils, grains, fish and seafood, fresh greens and vegetables, beef liver, milk, and dairy products.

Vitamin D (Calciferol)

Essential for the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in a woman's body. Without it, osteoporosis can develop, blood pressure can drop, and digestive issues can arise. Calciferol can be obtained from consuming milk, dairy and fermented dairy products, grains, pasta, and whole grain baked goods, among others.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

It plays a role in metabolism and acts as an antioxidant. Because of this, it helps prevent damage to genetic material and cells. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to increased fragility of capillaries, resulting in frequent nosebleeds. It is found in large quantities in plant-based foods such as black currants, gooseberries, citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons), legumes, and grains.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

This is an essential nutrient during pregnancy. A deficiency can disrupt the formation of nerve structures and the genetic material of cells, which can lead to miscarriage or developmental arrest of the fetus. Adequate intake of folic acid in a woman's body helps prevent anemia, blood clotting disorders, and immunodeficiencies. Foods rich in Vitamin B9 include beef liver and offal, spinach, lettuce, cabbage leaves, fresh peas, various grains and legumes, pasta made from durum wheat, yeast, milk, and dairy products, as well as plant seeds.

Iodine

Iodine is involved in metabolic processes in women and is necessary for the normal physical and mental development of newborns. A deficiency during pregnancy can lead to abnormalities in the structure of the nervous system and miscarriages. This trace element is found in sea fish, cod liver, iodized salt, and seaweed.

Iron

Hemoglobin is a component that ensures the transport of oxygen through the blood. Iron deficiency anemia leads to hypoxia in both the woman and the child, negatively affecting their health and causing hypoxic damage to the brain and internal organs of the fetus. The highest iron content is found in buckwheat, meat and offal, fish and seafood, cabbage, tomatoes, celery, greens, cherries, apricots, and apples.

Calcium

Calcium is a key component of bone tissue, providing its strength in conjunction with phosphorus. Additionally, this mineral helps regulate the tone of skeletal muscles and blood vessels. A calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, arterial hypotension, and dystrophic changes in the skin, hair, and nails. This micronutrient is found in cabbage, garlic, sorrel, various greens, milk and dairy products, nuts, whole grain pasta and bread, berries, and mineral waters.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is involved in the formation of bone tissue and plays a role in metabolism. It is essential for the creation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and proteins. This mineral is abundant in fish and seafood, meat, hard cheeses, and dairy products.

Important! A multivitamin complex should be taken as recommended by a doctor.

Helpful Tips

During pregnancy, it's prohibited to eat unusual things like chalk, tree bark, ice, pine resin, and so on. These items contain toxic substances that can harm the health of the woman and the developing embryo. It's better to focus on eating healthy fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats, unrefined vegetable oils, and so forth.

It's recommended for a man to support the woman during pregnancy. In the first trimester, she experiences a lot of stress, which is accompanied by mood swings. Constant psychological support and help with household chores can reduce the negative impact of pregnancy.

Exercises for Expecting Moms

Pregnancy is not a contraindication for physical activity. On the contrary, doctors emphasize its importance for maintaining a woman's health and the physiological course of gestation. It's important to note that specialists provide several recommendations regarding fitness for expectant mothers at the 6th week:

Avoid any contact sports, such as martial arts and team games with physical contact. Additionally, a woman should not engage in extreme sports, intense cardio workouts, or heavy weightlifting during pregnancy;
A sports medicine doctor or gynecologist can help select the appropriate physical activity and its intensity. Fitness should be based on simple exercises that do not overload the musculoskeletal system and nervous system of the pregnant woman;
Exercises should be performed daily or every other day. The duration should not exceed 30-40 minutes;
The level of intensity should not constantly increase, as a woman's ability to adapt decreases during gestation. The goal of fitness is to maintain the functionality of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Discomforts During Pregnancy

Cystitis. This condition arises due to the pressure of the uterus on the bladder. The disrupted flow of urine creates an environment for bacteria to multiply, which causes inflammation in the lining of the organ. The illness is accompanied by frequent urination with a burning sensation and pain in the lower abdomen, general malaise, and a fever up to 100.4°F. Pregnant women are advised to seek medical help immediately to select appropriate antibacterial treatments.
Respiratory viral and bacterial infections, which occur against the backdrop of a slight immunodeficiency. The reduced activity of the immune system is due to the developing embryo. To prevent negative effects of infectious diseases on the fetus, women should follow general preventive recommendations and maintain personal hygiene.

Digestive process disorders leading to heartburn and constipation. High levels of progesterone disrupt the peristalsis of the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to changes in the tone of the sphincters. Heartburn manifests as discomfort and a burning sensation in the chest area, which intensifies after eating or physical activity. Both conditions do not require special treatment. Symptomatic therapy is conducted. For heartburn, medications that improve stomach peristalsis and reduce stomach acid are prescribed. Constipation is treated with laxatives, primarily of plant origin.

Vaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection). This condition is caused by fungal microorganisms of the Candida genus. It is characterized by the appearance of cottage cheese-like white vaginal discharge with a kefir-like odor. The fungi actively develop in the vagina due to hormonal changes in a woman's body and a decrease in immune defense. The occurrence of a yeast infection requires the prescription of antifungal medications by a gynecologist.
Back Pain. An increase in progesterone levels leads to greater elasticity of the intervertebral discs and ligaments. Redistribution of the load can result in pressure on the spinal nerve roots and other nerve structures. A woman may experience a dull, low-intensity pulling pain in the lower back. This pain intensifies throughout the day, with physical exertion, and with sudden movements of the torso. Specific treatment is not required. Doctors recommend engaging in therapeutic exercises and attending massage sessions.

Checklist

If you get a positive pregnancy test, you should immediately contact a women's health clinic and get registered;
Normalize your daily routine. Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night. It's recommended to spend 40-60 minutes outdoors during the day;

Follow healthy eating principles: cut out fast food, fried, and fatty dishes. Increase your intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts, and lean meats;
Completely give up bad habits: smoking, drug use, and alcohol consumption;

Maintain personal hygiene and follow general recommendations for preventing infectious diseases;
Regularly ventilate your apartment and workspace;

Avoid stressful situations and heavy physical or mental exertion;
Regularly monitor your body weight. Weigh yourself in the morning on an empty stomach while wearing light pajamas. Weekly weight gain should be assessed. By the 6th week, your body weight should not increase by more than 600 grams;

Practice breathing exercises to learn proper breathing techniques and reduce stress levels;
Ensure you get enough vitamins and minerals from your diet. If there's a deficiency in your food, consult a doctor about using dietary supplements;

If you experience symptoms of a cold or other illnesses, seek medical help promptly.