Your pregnancy at 6 weeks

Huge congratulations if you have just found out you are pregnant! This is such exciting news. If this has come as more of a shock, then don’t worry, we are here for you. Pregnancy (and parenting, to be honest) is an emotional rollercoaster, and having mixed feelings is completely normal. With those pregnancy hormones flying around, you may feel all over the place for a while, so strap in and enjoy the ride.

Baby's Development

Remember back in primary school when you were learning about the lifecycle of a frog? Well, your baby has moved on from the frogspawn stage and now resembles more of a tadpole. Still technically an embryo, your baby is curved and has a tail, which will thankfully disappear soon. At this stage, your baby is about 6mm long, roughly the size of a baked bean.

Despite being so tiny, your baby is busy developing arms and legs, which are now visible as tiny buds. They also have cute little dimples on the sides of their head, which will become their ears! Amazingly, your baby’s heart, which is currently a large bulge, may also be picked up on a vaginal ultrasound. It’s incredible how quickly these little humans grow!

Changes in Mum

You, on the other hand, may be feeling a little “erghhh” right now. Growing a human is exhausting, and you may also be feeling short-tempered and sick. Luckily, these side effects are short-lived for most, but that doesn’t help much when you are going through it.

Here are a few tips to help you manage:

• Rest: Go easy on yourself and rest as much as you can.
• Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water can help with fatigue and nausea.
• Eat Small Meals: Eating small, frequent meals can help manage nausea.
• Comfort: Wear comfortable clothes and take naps when needed.

If you haven’t yet told your GP that you are pregnant, now is a good time to get in touch with them. While you won’t see a midwife until your booking appointment around week 10, it’s important to get into the system early for proper prenatal care.

You can find out more about what to expect at your booking appointment from the NHS guide on prenatal care.

Looking Ahead

As you move through this week, remember to be kind to yourself. Pregnancy is a unique experience, and it's important to take care of both your physical and emotional well-being.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Enjoy this special time, and before you know it, you’ll be seeing more amazing developments as your pregnancy progresses.

This article has been written using the latest guidance and information from trusted sources, primarily the NHS. This information should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your personal health and circumstances.