6th Week of Pregnancy: Weekly Developments
Discover the developments during the 6th week of pregnancy. Learn about your body’s changes, baby’s growth, and what to expect in this vital stage.
The 6th week of pregnancy marks a significant period of growth and change for both you and your baby. Your womb, which was once the size of a small pear before pregnancy, will continue to grow. By the 10th week, it will be as large as an orange, making room for your developing baby. While some mothers may gain a few kilos during this stage, others may experience weight loss due to morning sickness.
Changes in You During the 6th Week of Pregnancy
During the 6th week of pregnancy, pregnancy signs become more prominent. Your blood volume increases to support the growing womb, helping protect you and the baby when you change positions. This extra blood also prepares your body for labour. Your kidneys work harder to produce more urine, often leading to frequent bathroom trips.
The milk ducts in your breasts begin swelling as they prepare for breastfeeding, causing tenderness and increased sensitivity. The areola may darken, and visible veins may appear as blood circulation improves. Hormonal changes also affect your skin, making it more oily, acne-prone, or unusually dry. Some women notice spider-like vein formations due to rising oestrogen levels, which typically disappear after pregnancy.
An increase in vaginal discharge is common during the 6th week of pregnancy. It’s usually clear or milky with a mucus-like texture. If the discharge has an unusual colour, odour, or texture, consult your healthcare provider.
Emotionally, you may experience mood swings due to hormonal shifts. It’s normal to feel irritable or sensitive, even without clear reasons. Communicating with loved ones and explaining that these changes are temporary can help ease tension.
Other common symptoms during the 6th week of pregnancy include:
- Dizziness
- Mild abdominal aches
- Food cravings or aversions
- Fatigue
- Light brownish pigmentation on the skin
Your Baby’s Development in the 6th Week of Pregnancy
During the 6th week of pregnancy, your baby undergoes remarkable growth. Although still small, your baby’s organs and body structures are forming rapidly. The intestines develop, laying the groundwork for the digestive system, while the lungs begin to form. At this stage, your baby resembles a tiny tadpole with a curved spinal cord, but this shape changes as the weeks progress.
Brain cell production accelerates, supporting the development of the central nervous system. Budding limbs start to appear, first as arm formations followed by legs. The facial features become more defined, with lips and nostrils taking shape. The stomach begins to form, and the arrangement of the baby’s future milk teeth is underway.
Bones, initially made of soft cartilage, gradually solidify as development accelerates. The once-webbed hands begin to separate into fingers, and most major muscles are in place. Some movement may even be detected on an ultrasound, though you won’t feel it yet. The umbilical cord, sacrum, and tiny spinal cord knobs become more visible, highlighting the baby’s growing complexity.
By the end of the 10th week, your baby will measure approximately 3 cm long and weigh around 4 grams—small yet rapidly developing into a miniature human being.
What to Keep in Mind
The 6th week of pregnancy is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time. Regular check-ups, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest are essential. If you experience severe symptoms or anything unusual, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and listening to your body is key to navigating this incredible journey.
