6 Weeks Pregnant

6 weeks pregnant: early heartbeat, ultrasound and nausea

At 6 weeks pregnant, the embryo is growing quickly and is still only a few millimetres long. It may look curved, and the early brain, neural tube, spine, heart, blood vessels, liver and digestive tract are developing.

Early cardiac activity may sometimes be seen on a transvaginal ultrasound around this stage. If a heartbeat is not visible yet, it does not always mean something is wrong; ovulation, implantation and scan timing can shift the dates. Your clinician may suggest a repeat scan if needed.

Week 6 follows 5 weeks pregnant and belongs to the first trimester. Next, read about 7 weeks pregnant, when early development continues rapidly and symptoms may become stronger.

Your body

Nausea, smell sensitivity, food aversions, breast tenderness and tiredness often become more noticeable around 6 weeks. Nausea is commonly called morning sickness, but it can happen at any time of day.

Small frequent meals, keeping crackers or toast nearby, sipping fluids and avoiding strong smells may help. Ginger may help some people, but ask your healthcare professional before using high-dose supplements, especially if you take medication or have a medical condition.

You may need to urinate more often as pregnancy hormones increase blood flow to the pelvic area and your body processes more fluid. Light spotting can occur in early pregnancy, but heavy bleeding, severe pain, one-sided pain, dizziness, fainting or shoulder-tip pain should be checked promptly.

Ideas

• Book or confirm your first prenatal appointment if you have not already done so.
• Continue a prenatal vitamin with folic acid if recommended by your healthcare professional.
• Keep simple foods and fluids available if nausea is making meals difficult.
• Write down the date of your last menstrual period and any early test or scan dates for your provider.

Frequently asked questions about 6 weeks pregnant