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6 weeks pregnant: baby, body and what to expect

Trimester 1 of 3About 1.5 months34 weeks to go
Week 6 of pregnancy: baby is about the size of a lentil
Week 6 at a glance

At 6 weeks, the embryo is often about 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in), roughly the size of a lentil. A transvaginal ultrasound may show a heartbeat, but if it is not visible yet, your provider may suggest a repeat scan in about 1–2 weeks.

6 weeks pregnant is about 1.5 months. You are in month 2 of pregnancy and the first trimester.

Your baby at 6 weeks

The size of a lentil, and a heartbeat that may show on ultrasound

Your baby is still called an embryo at this stage. It is very small, but development is moving quickly. The brain, spinal cord and early heart structures are forming.

What is happening this week

By week 6, the embryo is often around 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long. The heart is developing and may be beating, so a transvaginal ultrasound can sometimes show cardiac activity.

  • The neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, is forming.
  • Early eye and inner ear structures begin to appear.
  • The yolk sac, an early structure, helps support the embryo until the placenta takes over.
If a heartbeat is not seen yet, it does not always mean something is wrong. The pregnancy may simply be earlier than the due date suggests, for example if ovulation happened later than expected.

How you may feel

Fatigue, sleepiness, breast tenderness, nausea and needing to urinate more often are common. These symptoms are linked to hormonal changes and vary widely from person to person.

Call your OB-GYN, midwife or clinic right away if you have severe pelvic or lower belly pain, heavy bleeding, shoulder pain, dizziness or fainting. These symptoms need prompt medical evaluation.
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Your body at 6 weeks

Why Nausea and Food Aversions Can Start

Why your senses may change

Morning sickness, also called nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, is one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms. Its exact cause is not fully understood, but rising hormone levels are thought to play a major role. Hormones like hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin, often called the "pregnancy hormone") increase quickly in early pregnancy and may affect how the brain responds to smells and foods.

Some experts believe a stronger sense of smell may help people avoid foods that could be harmful during pregnancy. Smells that never bothered you before may suddenly feel unpleasant.

How to ease symptoms

There is no single cure for morning sickness, but several steps may help. Many providers suggest trying these and discussing any others with your OB-GYN or midwife:

  • Eat small, frequent meals, such as 5 to 6 small portions a day.
  • Choose foods that are easy to digest and include protein and complex carbohydrates, such as crackers, toast, or oatmeal.
  • Keep fresh air moving in your home and avoid strong odors when you can.
  • Sip fluids slowly throughout the day, especially if food sounds unappealing.
  • Ask your provider about ginger and vitamin B6. ACOG lists vitamin B6, with or without doxylamine, as a first-line option for nausea that does not get better with diet changes.

When to call your provider

Mild nausea is common, but some symptoms need medical care. Call your provider right away if you have any of the following:

Vomiting so often that you cannot keep fluids or food down, signs of dehydration (such as very dark urine, little or no urine, dizziness when standing, or a racing heartbeat), or sudden weight loss. These can be signs of severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, which needs prompt treatment. If you cannot reach your provider or your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care.

Common symptoms at 6 weeks

Nausea

Queasiness can show up at any time of day, not just in the morning. Eating small, frequent snacks and keeping crackers by the bed may help some people feel steadier.

Food aversions

Foods you used to enjoy may suddenly seem unappealing, or even turn your stomach. Choosing foods that sound okay to you and skipping the rest is a reasonable way to keep eating well.

Heightened sense of smell

Smells like coffee, cooking meat, or cleaning products may feel overwhelming. Opening a window or asking someone else to handle strong odors can make a difference.

Fatigue

Feeling worn out, even after a full night's sleep, is very common in early pregnancy. Short rests and an earlier bedtime can help, and it's fine to say no to extra commitments.

Breast tenderness

Your breasts may feel sore, swollen, or sensitive. A well-fitting, supportive bra, even for sleeping, often brings some comfort.

Frequent urination

You may need to pee more often as your body makes more blood and your uterus grows. Staying hydrated with water is still important, and you can plan bathroom stops if needed.

Your week 6 checklist

Tests and appointments

  • First prenatal visit and bloodwork. Your first appointment often includes a health history, a physical exam, and blood tests to check blood type, blood counts, and immunity to certain infections.
  • Early ultrasound. Your provider may schedule an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy location and due date, and to check for a heartbeat if it wasn't visible yet.
For your partner: You can help by taking on extra cooking, cleaning, or errands, and by choosing foods and smells that feel okay for your partner's stomach. Simply asking how they're feeling each day, and listening without trying to fix everything, can mean a lot.

Questions about week 6

How many months is 6 weeks pregnant?

6 weeks pregnant is about 1.5 months. You are in month 2 of pregnancy and the first trimester.

What trimester is 6 weeks?

Week 6 is in the first trimester. The first trimester runs through week 13, the second from week 14 to 27 and the third from week 28 until birth.

What is happening with the baby at 6 weeks?

At 6 weeks, the embryo is often about 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in), roughly the size of a lentil. A transvaginal ultrasound may show a heartbeat, but if it is not visible yet, your provider may suggest a repeat scan in about 1–2 weeks.

Can I have a heartbeat at 6 weeks?

Sometimes. At 6 weeks, a transvaginal ultrasound may show a heartbeat, but it may not be visible yet. If it isn't seen, your provider may suggest a repeat scan in about 1 to 2 weeks.

When should I call my provider about nausea?

Call if you can't keep fluids or food down, if you're vomiting many times a day, if you feel dizzy or faint, or if you have very little urine. Your provider can suggest safe options to help.

Is it okay to eat foods I'm craving or avoiding?

Many people find their cravings and aversions change quickly. Focus on eating what you can, and ask your provider or a dietitian about foods to limit or avoid during pregnancy.

Safe or not?

Ask your doctorCan you drink kombucha while pregnant?Generally OKCan you fly while pregnant?Generally OKCan I eat avocado while pregnant?Generally OKCan I eat shrimp while pregnant?

Guides for this stage

LifestyleAir Travel in the First Trimester: What to Know Before You FlyMental healthWorrying About Your Baby's Health in Early Pregnancy: Coping and Finding CalmHealthBasal Body Temperature: How to Track It and What It Can Tell YouFeedingCommon Breastfeeding Myths and What Is Normal
Coming up next weekWeek 7: The size of a blueberry, with tiny arms and legs beginning to formRead week 7 →
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General information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.