6 Weeks Pregnant - Symptoms and What to Expect
At 6 weeks pregnant, significant changes are underway — whether you’re feeling excited, anxious, uncertain, or a combination of all three. Every pregnancy journey is unique, and it’s important to acknowledge that a wide range of emotions is completely normal during this early stage.
By now, hormonal shifts are in full swing to support the developing pregnancy, and many people begin to notice the first physical symptoms. Even if symptoms are still subtle, critical development is happening behind the scenes at a rapid pace.
Your baby is undergoing major growth milestones, and your body is working hard to adjust and adapt. Understanding what to expect can help you navigate these early changes with greater confidence.
Key Takeaways
Hormones are in full swing — leading to more noticeable 6 week pregnant symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and mood swings.
The baby’s major organs are starting to form, including the heart, brain, spinal cord, and lungs.
Heartbeat may be detectable via ultrasound — a major milestone many parents look forward to around this time.
Pregnancy is still early and delicate — self-care, rest, and early prenatal planning are key to supporting a healthy start.
6 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
At 6 weeks pregnant, symptoms often become more noticeable, although for some, changes are still subtle. Some symptoms you might experience are:
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired is very normal. Your body is working hard to create the placenta and support your growing baby. It's a lot of internal work — and it can leave you wiped out.
Nausea: Morning sickness is one of the most common 6 week pregnant symptoms. It can range from mild queasiness to more intense vomiting, and despite its nickname, it can happen at any time of day.
Breast tenderness: Hormonal changes cause increased blood flow and growth of breast tissue, making breasts feel sore, sensitive, or heavier than usual.
Frequent urination: The growing uterus starts putting slight pressure on your bladder, and pregnancy hormones increase blood flow to your kidneys — both can send you running to the bathroom more often.
Mood swings: It’s normal for emotions to run high (or low) as your body adjusts to new hormone levels. Tears, laughter, irritation — they might all come and go quickly.
Food aversions or cravings: Foods you once loved might turn your stomach, and foods you never craved before might suddenly sound amazing. This is all part of your body’s complex response to pregnancy.
Mild cramping or spotting: Light cramping and spotting can be normal as the embryo continues implanting into the uterine lining. Always contact your doctor if you have concerns or if bleeding becomes heavy.
Bloating: Hormones slow down digestion to help maximize nutrient absorption — which can cause uncomfortable bloating and gas.
Heightened sense of smell: Scents that never bothered you before may now seem overwhelming, triggering nausea or food aversions.
Keep in mind: If you're not feeling many symptoms at 6 weeks, that doesn't mean anything is wrong. Some people have mild pregnancies early on, and symptoms may pick up in the coming weeks.
Baby Development at 6 Weeks
Your baby’s development is progressing quickly and hitting important milestones this week! Here's what's happening behind the scenes:
Fruit Size
At 6 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a sweet pea — around 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch long. While still tiny, they’re doubling in size each week!
Heartbeat
The baby's heart is beginning to beat rhythmically — a monumental step in early development. A vaginal ultrasound might pick up the heartbeat around this time, often beating at a fast 90–110 beats per minute.
Formation of Major Organs
The groundwork for vital organs — including the brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys — is being laid right now. Specialized cells are forming different body systems that will continue to grow over the next several months.
Limb Buds Begin to Form
Tiny limb buds that will eventually become arms and legs are starting to sprout from the embryo’s sides. They look a little like paddles at this point but will become more defined soon.
Facial Features Are Starting
The basics for facial features are forming — little dimples where the eyes, nose, and ears will develop. Although it’s still early, these tiny changes are paving the way for your baby's future expressions!
Things to Do at 6 Weeks Pregnant
Although it’s still early, taking a few thoughtful steps now can make a big difference as your pregnancy progresses:
Set Up Your First Prenatal Appointment
Most providers schedule the first prenatal visit around 8–10 weeks, but you should call now to get it on the calendar. They may also order early blood tests to confirm hormone levels.
Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
If you haven't already, now is the time to start a daily prenatal vitamin. Try to find one with folic acid (400–800 mcg) to support your baby’s neural tube development.
Research Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can pose risks during pregnancy, like soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, deli meats, undercooked meats, and high-mercury fish. Reading up on safe eating habits can help you protect yourself and your growing baby.
Focus on Healthy Eating
Aim for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. If full meals are tough, try consistent snacking on healthy snacks. Staying hydrated is also crucial, especially if you’re dealing with nausea and during the summer months.
Listen to Your Body and Rest
Your energy levels might be lower than normal. Take naps if you need to and prioritize rest. Pregnancy demands a lot from your body — give yourself permission to slow down when necessary.
Begin Thinking About Pregnancy Classes
Many expecting parents find it helpful to sign up early for educational resources like childbirth classes, breastfeeding prep, and newborn care workshops. Birthly’s Early Pregnancy Preparations is a perfect introductory class that goes through the roadmap of a typical pregnancy, key milestones, and all the must-know topics for newly expecting parents.
Bottom Line
Being 6 weeks pregnant can feel like a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and new physical challenges. Whether you're flooded with 6 week pregnant symptoms or feeling relatively normal, your body is doing amazing work behind the scenes.
It’s a good time to start establishing healthy habits, connect with your healthcare provider, and build a support system around you.
If you're looking for guidance during pregnancy, remember Birthly offers live, online classes to help you navigate every stage — from understanding pregnancy nutrition to planning for postpartum recovery.
6 Weeks Pregnant FAQ
What is my baby the size of at 6 weeks?
At 6 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a sweet pea, measuring about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long.
How do you know if your pregnancy is viable at 6 weeks?
Viability at 6 weeks is often confirmed by detecting a fetal heartbeat through a vaginal ultrasound, along with appropriate growth measurements.
What precautions should be taken at 6 weeks pregnant?
Focus on taking prenatal vitamins daily, avoiding risky foods and substances, staying hydrated, and setting up early prenatal care appointments.
What is my risk of miscarriage at 6 weeks?
The risk of miscarriage at 6 weeks is estimated to be around 10–20%, but the risk drops significantly once a strong heartbeat is detected.
Sources
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/first-trimester-fatigue
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/cramping-during-pregnancy/
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/early-fetal-development/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9699-first-trimester