Having a baby is a joyous experience. While your body is busy in the process of creating precious life, you can be overwhelmed at times. Worries about your and your baby’s health, labor pain, and how life’s going to change can take a toll on you. The best way to deal with this anxiety is to be well informed about the changes that occur in your body during pregnancy and to learn how to deal with the symptoms. Read on to know more about the changes in your body, the symptoms, and tips to deal with them in week 6.
6 weeks pregnant
It’s the 6th week of your pregnancy, and you may be feeling the full force of your hormonal changes. Nausea, fatigue, tender breasts, and mood swings are making you miserable. You may notice that your pants are getting a bit tighter. It is not your baby bump, but the result of bloating and gas. There is plenty of good news too. During this time, your baby is growing at a phenomenal rate as his vital organs and body systems start forming and continue to grow.
Symptoms
1. Sore breasts
Your breasts are changing, and there may be some soreness due to the increased flow of blood. They are also getting bigger, and your nipples are sticking out more. The area around the nipples has also darkened. Your body is preparing for breastfeeding.
2. Constipation
The increase in the levels of progesterone slows down the digestive tract, which can lead to constipation. Exercise regularly, eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water as a remedy.
3. Fatigue
Creating a new life is hard work. No wonder you feel exhausted. Take a break or a nap whenever you feel the need.
4. Nausea
Morning sickness is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. Unfortunately, the feelings of nausea are not restricted to the morning alone; they might continue for the whole day.
4. Bloating
Progesterone is vital for a healthy pregnancy. However, it can also lead to gas and bloating. Eat high fiber food and drink lots of water to
5. Frequent urination
The hCG hormone causes an increase in blood flow to the pelvic area, and this makes the kidneys more efficient in getting rid of the waste. The grown uterus also puts some pressure on the bladder.
While frequent urination common during pregnancy, painful urination, or feeling the urge to pee and being unable to do so are a cause of concern. Check with your doctor right away as this may be the signs of UTI.
6. Mood swings
The pregnancy hormone can make you cranky and lead to mood swings.
Your body at week 6 of pregnancy
The size of your uterus has grown. The muscle on top of your stomach relaxes at this stage to make room for the growing bump. This muscle is responsible for preventing the gastric juices from backing up, so the relaxed muscle may make you more susceptible to heartburn. You have an increased supply of blood to your uterus, breasts, kidney, and skin.
Your baby at Week 6 of pregnancy
During the sixth week, your baby is growing at a phenomenal rate. The embryo at week 6 is around 1/4th to 1/8th inch in length. It is about the size of a sweet pea or pomegranate seed. The fetus looks more like a tadpole with a tail and a curved body. The fetus’s heartbeat can now be detected during the vaginal ultrasound at this stage of the pregnancy.
Many other changes are taking place. Small buds that will become the baby’s arms and legs are now visible. His facial features that include his jaw, cheeks, and chin are being developed from the folds of tissues. The eyes and nose have started to appear as bumps, while the ear structure has started pushing inwards.
The neural tube has started to close over what will be your baby’s spinal cord. Organs such as lungs, liver, and kidneys are also beginning to form.
Tips to be followed when you are 6 weeks pregnant
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, cereals, and lean animal protein.
- Avoid high-mercury fish like king mackerel, tilefish, and swordfish, but don’t skip on all seafood. Instead, eat fish like tuna, salmon, or shellfish once a week to get a healthy dose of omega-3 oils.
- If you have cats, stop cleaning out the kitty litter tray. Get someone else to clean out their litter, since this decreases your risk of contracting toxoplasmosis.
- You must exercise regularly as it helps you keep fit and prevents anxiety. However, don’t overexert yourself if you’re feeling tired or fatigued.
- Drink lots of water and eat food rich in fiber. This will help relieve any digestive issues like constipation, gas, and bloating.
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, raw fish, eggs, or meat, tobacco, alcohol, trans fats, simple carbs, recreational drugs, and harsh chemicals. Lower your intake of caffeine.
- Avoid traveling to areas that are affected by the Zika virus. The first trimester is considered to be the stage where your baby has the highest risk of developing Zika-related congenital disabilities.
- If it pains to pee, or you have the urge, but nothing comes out, you may have a UTI. Women have a high risk of developing urinary tract infection after six weeks of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor and take safe medication.
Your week 6 pregnancy doctor’s visit
Doctors usually schedule the first prenatal appointment at eight or nine weeks. However, if you have gone through a difficult pregnancy or a previous miscarriage, the doctor may ask you to go in for a prenatal appointment at this stage. During this visit, inform the doctor about any previous miscarriages or surgeries. Give the details of any prescriptions that you may be on.
The doctor or midwife will check your weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. The doctors will also order routine blood tests and take a urine sample. During your pelvic exam, the doctor will examine your vagina, uterus, pelvis, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. During this visit, your doctor will inform you about what to expect and what precautions to take. If you have any doubts or questions, you can clear them now. If you have a 6-week ultrasound, the doctor will be able to see a fetal heartbeat.
Tips for the partner
Be a supportive partner. These mood swings are hormonal and will pass soon. You can help with cooking, as even the smell of food can make some women nauseous. Help your partner to eat more healthily. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and recreational drugs.
Final thoughts
By the 6th week of your pregnancy, your pregnancy hormones are in overdrive. Symptoms like nausea, sore breasts, bloating, mood swings, and frequent urination are taking a toll on you. Your baby is now the size of a pea and is developing fast. His/her features like nose, eyes, ears, etc., are beginning to take shape. Small buds that are his arms and legs are also visible. Your baby’s heartbeat can now be detected through the vaginal ultrasound.
Continue to follow and healthy diet and lifestyle. If you have had a previous miscarriage or a problematic pregnancy, your doctor may schedule a prenatal appointment this week.