By now, the news of your impending arrival is starting to sink in. But, you may question with whom you are going to share this exciting news. Some people prefer to keep it a secret for the first 12 weeks until they feel the risk of miscarriage decreases. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Do you reveal your pregnancy now or later?

How your baby is growing when 6 Weeks Pregnant?

Artist Holly Priddis

Some key developments occur during this week. The embryo is now 5mm from head to tail, and their heart has begun to beat. While some people choose to book an early scan at this stage, if you don’t have your dates spot on, it can lead to stress when no heartbeat is detected – leaving you in limbo. Therefore, it is often best to wait between 8 to 12 weeks of pregnancy to have an ultrasound. Tiny buds develop at each end of the embryo, and later become your baby’s arms and legs. The neural tube also closes over their brain and the bottom of their spinal cord.

What You May Feel

Worries and concerns may have entered your thoughts in the past week. As the excitement of finding out you are pregnant dissipates, your initial high may be replaced with feelings about how you will cope (financially, emotionally, physically), and of course, concerns about having a miscarriage. Certainly, the best thing you can do is take it one week at a time. If you have any bleeding or cramping, call your midwife or doctor immediately. You might notice other changes too. For example, your sense of smell might increase, and certain smells or tastes might trigger morning sickness.

Tips for when you are 6 Weeks Pregnant

If you are experiencing morning sickness, it often helps to graze on small amounts of food throughout the day. An empty stomach/low blood sugar can trigger nausea. Also, keep the fluids up as much as possible.

Published on 29th December 2021