6 weeks pregnant
6 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development
Closed for business. An important milestone occurs this week: the neural tube starts to close over what will become your baby's spinal cord.
Face forward. At 6 weeks, tiny folds of tissue are developing into what will eventually become your little one's chin, cheeks and jaw. The areas that will be the eyes and nose raise up as bumps, while the ear structure is pushing inwards.
Picking up the beat. The heart tube is gradually growing into four primitive chambers and starts to beat like a tiny drum. Other major organs, such as the kidneys and liver, are also beginning to take shape. The lungs each exist as single tubes and will form into pouch-like structures. They will continue to blossom over the next few months to get ready for your baby’s first breath of air.
6 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms
Conditions with a cause. Your breasts may be tingling or tender because of increased blood flow; this is just your body preparing to breastfeeding. Be sure to wear a supportive bra, even at night if it helps. You may also experience constipation due to an increase in progesterone slowing down the digestive tract. To manage this issue, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet with high-fibre foods and try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Losing your lunch? About 70 per cent of pregnant women experience some morning sickness, which is at its worst during the first trimester. There are measures in this article that you can take to quell your queasiness.
Did you know? Big changes are happening! The baby’s spinal column is developing and the area that will be the face is forming bumps that will become the chin, cheeks, eyes and nose.
6 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
To help with tender breasts, wear a supportive bra, even at night
Drink plenty of water, eat high-fiber foods, and exercise regularly to help avoid constipation
Combat morning sickness with smaller meals, herbal tea, or ice packs
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