Your body must be going through many changes. By week 6 of pregnancy, your baby`s organs are starting to form, and you should now be experiencing pregnancy symptoms in full force. You should still be getting used to the feeling of being pregnant, but at week 6 of pregnancy you will want to know how your baby will develop and the changes in your body. Read this study to know what to expect in week 6 of pregnancy.

Baby Growth

From this week on, some critical developments begin to occur in the baby. Your baby`s nose, mouth and ears are starting to take shape. Your baby`s head is forming and is very clearly visible on ultrasound. The baby`s heartbeat is 100 to 160 times per minute and blood has started to circulate in your baby`s body. This week also marks the development of its gut and tissues that will become its lungs. Its brain, muscles, bones, and pituitary gland also begin to develop at the same time.

Baby Size

Your baby is going through an important developmental stage right now. All body parts are taking shape. Its heart and circulatory system are already working. At the 6th week of pregnancy, the baby is the size of a lentil and is about 0.8 cm long.

Common Body Changes

The bodily changes in pregnancy happen largely internally, especially at the 6th week, due to the rapid and constant hormonal changes. You will spend most of your time urinating in the bathroom as your kidneys are working more efficiently this week and pushing waste down. Also, your growing uterus pushes down on your bladder, leaving less room for storage. Lean forward and check when urinating to make sure your bladder is emptied properly the first time.

You may also experience heartburn and indigestion due to the loosening of the valve, the muscle at the top of your stomach that usually prevents digestive acids from rising up.

Pregnancy Symptoms

All of the pregnancy symptoms at work together this week. It will not be easy for most, but there are women who have never experienced these symptoms. If you do not experience these symptoms, there is no need to worry and there is no problem in your pregnancy.

1. Increased blood flow can increase pain in your breasts. Even at 6 weeks, your breasts are getting ready to breastfeed your baby and that`s great!

1. You may find that morning sickness is not really `morning sickness`. It can happen at any time of the day. Most mothers experience nausea throughout the day until the end of the first trimester. They are also strongly against the taste and smell of certain foods, especially poultry, milk, and some leafy vegetables.

1. You may feel tired all the time. Make sure you get enough sleep.

1. Your kidneys are working better than you would like. As a result, you may be urinating more frequently.

1. Progesterone, a pregnancy hormone, can cause your tummy to swell. Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation.

1. You can be moody most of the time because you are extremely tired. Give yourself enough time to recover and go outside when needed.

1. If you feel cramps in your stomach during the 6th week, it may mean that your uterus is expanding and stretching your ligaments. But if the cramp is abnormally painful, check with your doctor right away.

1. You may still be spotting at week 6, but see a doctor if the flow seems dense.

Abdomen

Your baby is still the size of a pea and hasn`t claimed much space inside you. Therefore, you are not visibly pregnant yet, but your belly will soon expand. You may have gained a few pounds by now. If you`re feeling nauseous and not eating well, you may have lost weight.

Ultrasound

Your doctor may not recommend an ultrasound at the 6th week of pregnancy. But if you go into ultrasound, you`ll notice how quickly the embryo turns into a baby. You will see a head and dark spots representing your baby`s eyes and nose. You will see a small recess where the ears should develop. Baby`s arms and legs will appear as protruding buds and if you`re lucky you can also hear your baby`s heartbeat.

What to Eat?

Eating healthy throughout pregnancy is the key to a proper delivery. But seeing an egg, chicken, and other protein-rich poultry food during this week can drive you crazy and throw up. Here are a few tips on how to put together a healthy 6th week pregnancy food menu.

1. Stick to delicious foods and don`t try to discover too many new foods. If you can include some fruit or anything else in your diet that is healthy and delicious, stick with it.

1. Eat smaller meals. Nausea can hit you if you spend time on an empty stomach. Fill your nightstand with cold cereals and healthy snacks to eat as soon as you get up in the morning.

1. Before bed, eat light snacks rich in carbohydrates and protein, such as cheese or a handful of freeze-dried mangoes. You can also add a whole-grain toast with cheese and peanut butter if you want.

1. Eat often and as healthily as possible. The goal is to prevent heartburn.

Care Tips

Eat small but frequent meals, get plenty of rest, watch out for urinary tract infections and avoid using hair dye. There may be touch-ups or streaks, but full hair color is not recommended because the body can absorb chemicals if the dye comes into contact with the scalp. Here are a few tips you should follow:

1. Eliminate unpasteurized foods and undercooked meat and eggs from your diet to prevent bacterial contamination.

1. Let healthy, delicious and various desired nutrients take place in your kitchen.

1. Eat small but frequent meals.

1. You can support the reduction of nausea with the help of vitamin B6, ginger capsules, anti-nausea lozenges and acupressure wristbands.

1. Add some healthy and light exercises to your daily routine to build strength and endurance.

1. Get yourself a supplement containing folic acid or a prenatal vitamin. This prevents the possibility of birth defects in the baby.

1. Drink lots of water.

Don’ts

1. Avoid junks food as they contain high amount of fat and calories.

1. Stop smoking, drinking or using drugs as they may affect the baby`s development.

1. Quit caffeine. It is a diuretic and excessive consumption has been associated with miscarriages.

1. Do not force yourself to eat anything you cannot stand. Nausea can completely collapse you.

1. Don`t work hard. Fatigue can cause complications.

1. Do not underestimate severe stomach cramps. Go to a doctor.

Shopping

There isn`t much you`ll need to buy this week as you`ll still be able to fit in your old clothes. A pregnancy book, a pregnancy diary to record milestones, comfortable bras and a few stretchy pants are all you can shop for if you want.

Pregnancy can be frightening and exciting at the same time. Having all the information can take away some of the worries and you can go through it easily. For this reason, get support that you will follow the process of your pregnancy closely - like this application!