Table of contents:
Week of gestation: 6 weeks
Equals to month: 2nd week of 2nd month
Equals to days: 36 to 42 days of gestation
The development of the baby at 6 weeks of gestation is marked by the beginning of the development of organs such as the lungs, liver, intestine and kidneys of the embryo. In addition, the arms and legs are already more developed and there is also the beginning of the formation of the eyes and small folds of tissue that will form the baby's cheeks, jaw and chin.
At this stage of pregnancy, the growth of the uterus and the constant increase in hormone levels can cause the urge to urinate frequently, increase morning sickness and symptoms of excessive tiredness and sleepiness.
Baby development
In the 6th week of pregnancy, the embryo's heart is already beating at an accelerated rate and the characteristics that will give rise to the baby's face begin to develop. The embryo's small head has two dark spots, which will give rise to its eyes, and dimples that will form the ears and nostrils. In addition, tiny folds of tissue beneath the developing brain will become the baby's tongue, jaw, chin, and neck.
Muscle and bone tissue are forming covered by a thin layer of skin, the arms and legs are developing, appearing as small buds, and the spine extends giving the appearance of a small tail that will disappear in a few weeks.
During this phase, the lungs, kidneys, liver and other organs of the digestive, reproductive and urinary systems also begin to form.
If the woman has a Doppler ultrasound at this stage of pregnancy, it is possible to visualize the embryo's heart and hear the baby's heartbeat at an accelerated pace.
Baby size
The size of an embryo at 6 weeks of gestation is 4 to 6 millimeters, equivalent to the size of a pomegranate seed.
Changes in a woman's body
In the sixth week of pregnancy, hormone levels are increasing and can accentuate the symptoms of tiredness, drowsiness, morning sickness, sore or heavy breasts and tingling nipples. In addition, there may be headache, back or leg pain and a feeling of heaviness in the belly due to the growth of the uterus.
A woman may also start to feel the need to urinate more often during the day or need to get up at night to go to the bathroom, and this is due to the increased flow of blood to the pelvic region, caused by the HCG hormone. In addition, the growth of the uterus can put pressure on the bladder, and the kidneys become more efficient at getting rid of toxins in the body, increasing the volume of urine and causing the urge to urinate more frequently.
At this stage, some women may also experience heartburn, a burning sensation in the stomach or a feeling of fullness, due to the relaxation of the muscle of the upper part of the stomach, which leads to the accumulation of gastric juice.
Care during the 6th week
In the 6th week of pregnancy, some precautions are important to help alleviate the discomforts that may arise, such as:
- Morning Sickness: Eating at short intervals every 2 to 3 hours and in small amounts, or using natural remedies like ginger tea, can help relieve discomfort. See natural options to relieve morning sickness;
- Excessive tiredness or sleepiness: going to bed a little earlier at night, creating a bedtime routine and waking up at the same time each day, or getting some sleep during day can help reduce fatigue and increase mood;
- Sore or heavy breasts: wear a supportive bra to relieve tenderness, pain, or feeling of heavy breasts. This bra can also be used at night to support the breasts and relieve that discomfort;
- Feeling to urinate frequently: in this case, it is important not to hold your urine and try to empty your bladder completely, as leaving the urine trapped in the bladder can increase the risk of urinary tract infection. In addition, one should not decrease the amount of fluid intake, as keeping the body hydrated is essential for the he althy development of the baby;
- Heartburn or burning sensation in the stomach: avoid eating fried foods, spicy or very spicy foods, avoid drinking liquids during meals, eat in small amounts and not lie down after meals can help alleviate this discomfort. See other tips on how to relieve heartburn in pregnancy.
During this stage of pregnancy, constipation can also occur due to the high levels of the hormone progesterone in the body, which can slow down the intestines, so care is needed with food such as increasing the consumption of fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, in addition to practicing physical activities authorized by the obstetrician. Find out other tips on how to relieve constipation during pregnancy.
Furthermore, in the 6th week of pregnancy it is important to pay attention to the use of medication, avoiding their use or using only the medication recommended by the doctor, because at this stage the arms, legs and organs of the developing embryo are very sensitive to certain drugs that can cross the placenta and cause birth defects.
Main exams
At this stage of pregnancy, if the woman is suspected of having a urinary tract infection, with symptoms of burning or burning when peeing, she should consult the doctor to have tests such as routine urine or urine culture and start the most appropriate treatment.
In addition, for women who have not yet consulted the doctor after confirmation of pregnancy, it is important to schedule a prenatal consultation and perform the main tests indicated during this period. Check the main prenatal consultation exams.
