If you haven't already done a pregnancy test, do one now. You
can buy pregnancy urine tests from the supermarket or chemist
which are just as accurate as the ones used in doctor's surgeries.
Some couples take a DVD or record the
moment when they do the test. This becomes a nice little keepsake,
especially if they want a positive result and they get one.
By the time you are six weeks pregnant, the baby can officially
be measured. Although it makes sense to measure their length from
the top of the head to their feet, this is too inaccurate. Even at
the tender age of 6 weeks, the baby is curled up and bending what
will eventually become their legs. It is standard practice when
measuring a baby through ultrasound, to measure from their crown to
their rump. By week 6 an average size is 5-6 mm. Its head is still
very large in relation to its body but already little folds can be
seen in what is becoming their face and jaw. On the side of their
body, small bud like lumps will eventually become their arms and
legs. There are small cavities forming on either side of the head
which will be their ear canals. Even the baby's facial features are
at the earliest stage of development with their eyes and nose
beginning to form. Although all of this activity is going on, it's
still not obvious to anyone but yourself that you are pregnant.
your physical changes this week
- You are probably feeling the same symptoms as you did last
week, only more so. Even more nausea, more sensitivity to smells,
more tired and just generally feeling low on energy. Be patient and
don't try to fight Mother Nature. Strange as it seems, there are
good reasons for you feeling like you do and they aren't all
bad.
- You are likely to be feeling sick a lot of the time, or
alternatively, starving. Some women start having food cravings at
this early stage and long for foods which normally they wouldn't
even think about. Meat and lots of it, fish and seafood, fruit,
even ice to crunch on are some of the more common cravings. Stay
tuned for why cravings are so common.
- Your breasts and nipples may be even more sensitive. You could
have a bluish colouration in your breasts from the engorgement of
your veins and your breasts may be increasing in size at a rapid
rate. Your nipples may be getting darker and you could be more
aware of wearing an ultra comfortable bra.
- You may notice more of a vaginal discharge. If it is excessive,
causing you to itch or has an odd smell, check with your GP. Yeast
infections are common in pregnancy when hormones are racing and
there are changes from the normal vaginal flora and Ph.
- You may feel as if you need to swallow a lot more. Some
pregnant women experience more saliva production and constantly
have to swallow to deal with it. This is normal and will settle as
the weeks progress.
- Some women complain of headaches from around week 6 of
pregnancy. Try not to take medication and aim for simple remedies
like having a lie down, eating something healthy, boosting your
fluid intake or having a warm shower. A head and scalp massage can
be very effective.
- If you've already had a baby, you may feel as if your clothing
is getting a little tighter around the waist and bust line. This is
not because of the size of the baby, who is still hiding low in
your pelvis, but just general distention.
your emotional changes this week
- This can be an interesting time emotionally for many women. The
reality of their pregnancy is sinking in and so is the realisation
of needing to give up some usual pleasures. Smoking cigarettes,
drinking alcohol or taking drugs are all risky behaviours,
especially during pregnancy. Now is the time to stop, when your
baby is at a crucial stage of its development.
- You may still be feeling a bit apprehensive every time you go
to the bathroom. Although your period is a couple of weeks overdue
and you have confirmed you are pregnant, you may still be worried
about miscarrying. This is a common worry, especially in the first
12 weeks or 1st trimester.
- You may be bursting to share your news but are reluctant to in
case you miscarry. Speak with your partner about when will be the
right time for you both to tell the world.
your baby's changes this week
- This week your baby looks like a little tadpole. All head,
little body and small buds where the legs will be. Don't worry
though; this appearance won't last for long because every day in
week 6 big changes are happening. Even when you are sleeping.
- Your baby's heartbeat can be seen on a vaginal ultrasound and
if counted, would be beating at around 80 BPM.
- Important internal organs are forming in that little tadpole,
although it's only tiny, there is space being made for its liver,
kidneys and even its lungs. No wonder you're feeling tired, so much
of your energy is going into growing your baby.
- This is the week when your baby's jaw, chin and even cheeks
start to form. Tiny as they are, they will only grow bigger from
this week on.
hints for the week
- Carry lots of snacks with you in your bag. Dry salted crackers,
sweet biscuits and water can be essential for coping with pregnancy
nausea.
- Don't forget to keep an ice-cream container in the car if
you're prone to vomiting. Keep the lid so it can be easily disposed
of. Try not to feel embarrassed if you are sick in front of other
people. Many of us have been there and this stage shouldn't last
for too long.
- Avoid any toxins, chemicals, drugs, X-rays, alcohol or
generally risky behaviours in this week. Week 6 is an important
time for embryonic changes and development.
- Don't worry if you've actually lost weight in Week 6. Nausea
and vomiting can lead to weight loss and there will be plenty of
time for you to gain weight and grow bigger in the coming
weeks.
Let see what's in store for week
7.