6 Weeks Pregnant & Growing: What To Expect & What To Do

Your baby's development

Commencing growth spurt in 3,2,1…

Your baby grows at a phenomenal rate during sixth week of pregnancy, and systems develop significantly. Here's what is happening:

Your baby, now called an embryo, is clearly visible on ultrasound. He /She is about 0.3 cm long, about the size of a grain of rice, and yet:

The nervous system and all major body organs — heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs — begin to form.
Facial features — jaw, cheeks, chin, nose, and eyes — begin to develop.
Your baby's heart is beating about 80 times per minute and gets faster each day.

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Your nutrition and health

Nutrition can help manage morning sickness.

Morning sickness is caused by elevated levels of hormones in the body. The most common symptoms are nausea and vomiting, as well as mood swings. These can also happen at any time, not just in the morning. Help relieve these symptoms by making some dietary changes, including:

Eating small meals or snacks frequently throughout the day
Limiting or avoiding greasy, spicy, or fried foods
Drinking fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you are vomiting
Keep snacks by the bed to avoid getting up on an empty stomach

It also might help to:

Avoid those odors in your daily routine that make you queasy.
Get enough sleep and rest.

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Things to think about now

Prep for your first prenatal doctor visit.

Questions, questions, questions. There are many unanswered at this early stage of pregnancy. What's my due date? How is my pregnancy progressing? What can I expect in the coming weeks? That's why it's time to begin prenatal visits with your doctor.

Your medical history:
- Date of last period ___________________
- Contraceptive use ___________________
- Prescriptions ___________________
- Allergies ___________________
- Medical conditions ___________________
- Exercise ___________________
- Nutritional habits ___________________
Your due date (knowing your due date helps your doctor more accurately monitor your progress and baby's growth.):
Due date _______________________________________
Baseline tests:
- Weight ___________________
- Blood pressure ___________________
- Heart rate ___________________
- Urine and blood tests___________________
A pelvic examination and possibly a Pap smear
Your questions: (Now’s your chance. Ask away!)
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________