You at 6 weeks pregnant
Your sense of smell might be stronger, and ordinary smells might make you feel sick. It’s the same with your appetite and sense of taste. Watch out for dizzy spells – if you’re feeling faint, make sure you sit down.
And if you have any bleeding or cramping, call your doctor or midwife.
Starting your pregnancy care
If you’ve just found out or think that you’re pregnant, make an appointment to see your GP to start your pregnancy care.
Your GP will:
- organise some routine tests, including a blood test
- check your health
- talk with you about pregnancy care options
- refer you to the health professionals you’d like to care for you or the place where you’d like to give birth.
Looking after yourself and baby
This is a very important time for your baby’s development, but it’s a time when many women don’t know they’re pregnant.
If there’s any chance you could be pregnant, check with your GP that any medications you’re taking are OK for your baby.
It’s also a good idea to talk about any lifestyle changes you might need to make. For example, if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs, you could ask your doctor for advice about quitting. Eating healthy foods and taking a folic acid supplement are also important, as well as avoiding some foods that can make you sick and harm your baby.
Your baby when you’re 6 weeks pregnant
Overall, your baby looks a bit like a tadpole, and is about 5 mm from head to tail. On an ultrasound (not usually done at this stage), your baby looks like a tiny bright dot, with its heart beating really quickly and rhythmically.
Here are some other key developments:
- Your baby’s heart has begun to beat – about 24 days after conception.
- Small buds are appearing at the top and bottom of the embryo – these will become your baby’s arms and legs.
- The neural tube closes over the brain and bottom of the spinal cord.