6 weeks pregnant

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.

pregnancy illustration, week 6

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 to confirm your pregnancy
work out your estimated due date
check your health
talk with you about pregnancy care options
refer you to the health professionals you’d like to care for you or to the place where you’d like to give birth
recommend extra tests or an early ultrasound, depending on your age, medical history and previous pregnancies.

Pregnant women can be happier with their birth experience when they have the same person, or group of people, looking after them through pregnancy, labour and birth. It’s a good idea to ask your GP about how this might work for you.

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 medicines 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.

Immunisation is important for protecting yourself and your baby during pregnancy. Health professionals recommend that you get vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza if you’re pregnant. Your GP can tell you more about immunisation during pregnancy.

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 (which isn’t usually done at this stage), your baby looks like a tiny bright dot, with their heart beating 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.