6 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Face Starts to Develop

Due dates are only an estimate. Statistically, 96% are incorrect. If you are currently 6 weeks pregnant then you are due in approximatley 34 weeks or 238 days. Due dates are calculated on 40 weeks of pregnancy but your baby might be born anytime between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Some are born earlier and some later. Put simply, labour happens when your body and baby are ready! 

Use our pregnancy calculator to work out when you might be due. 

Even though you might not see any visible changes just yet, your body is working hard behind the scenes to support your baby. Your hormone levels are rising, especially progesterone, which is essential for keeping your pregnancy going smoothly. Meanwhile, your uterus is starting to expand, and your body is increasing blood volume to nourish your growing baby. This can leave you feeling extra tired (hello, naps!), and you might even experience a bit of cramping as your body adjusts to all these changes. Remember to keep taking your folic acid throughout the first trimester. 

By week 6, you’re probably starting to notice some new sensations and symptoms. Here’s what you might be feeling:

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is ideal at the moment, but if you’re feeling under the weather, just focus on whatever you can keep down. Try to stay hydrated, sipping water throughout the day, and consider adding hydrating foods like watermelon or cucumber to your meals if you’re struggling to drink enough.

Taking prenatal vitamins can also help ensure you’re getting the nutrients needed to support your baby’s growth, even if your diet is a bit inconsistent due to nausea or food aversions. Folic acid is particularly important at this stage for the development of your baby’s neural tube, which eventually forms the brain and spinal cord, and you can source this cheaply from most high street pharmacies.

Be mindful of certain foods that are best avoided during pregnancy, like unpasteurised dairy products, undercooked meats, and fish high in mercury, such as tuna. Moderate exercise like walking can be great for both your body and your mood, but remember to take it slow and avoid anything too strenuous. Gentle activities like yoga or swimming are excellent low-impact options.

During the first trimester, you may not have many prenatal checkups, aside from your booking appointment and 12-week scan, which serve as the initial opportunity to assess your baby’s development and discuss any concerns. However, if you have specific concerns or this isn’t your first pregnancy and you want to discuss your previous birth experiences, you can request a birth debrief with a midwife. This is a chance to ask questions, feel more prepared and informed, and process any uncomfortable memories that may be lingering if things didn’t go as planned last time.

Now is also a good time to consult with your GP about any medications you’re taking to ensure they’re safe to continue during pregnancy. Some medications may need to be adjusted or replaced with safer alternatives to avoid potential risks to you or your baby. Your GP can guide you through any necessary changes and suggest safe over-the-counter remedies for common pregnancy symptoms like nausea or heartburn.

You might currently be feeling a whole range of emotions – from pure joy to moments of anxiety or even fear. Know that all of these feelings are completely normal, and allow yourself to process each of them in your own time. Talk openly with your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if it all gets a bit much. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, this week and every week!

Even though your baby is still small at week 6, they’re making big strides in their development. If things feel a bit tough right now, remember that with each passing day, you’re one step closer to meeting your baby!

Be sure to check out the Butterbean knowledge hub for your week by week guide to pregnancy plus lots more from birth to babe in arms. Did you know we also have courses? Check out our multi award-winning hypnobirthing and pregnancy yoga courses today!