Fetal Development at 6 Weeks of Pregnancy

At 6 weeks pregnant, a mother can feel various changes in her body. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to recognize the development of the fetus and what symptoms they will experience. Check out the full explanation in the following review.

Fetal Development during 6 Weeks Pregnant

In this period, the shape of the fetus is more or less still the same as in the 5th week of pregnancy, which is like a tadpole (tadpole) with the size of a pea seed.

During pregnancy, the feet of the fetus tend to curl up. This condition makes measuring the baby’s diameter and length difficult to do. However, usually a fetus entering 6 weeks of pregnancy has a length of about 0.2-0.5 centimeters.

When p6 weeks of fetal development, the brain and nervous system of the fetus have begun to develop rapidly. Other organs and body parts, such as the eyes on each side of the head and the inner ear have also begun to form.

Besides that, several other developments in the fetus in this period, including:

• The baby’s heart has started to beat, it can even be detected through an ultrasound examination (ultrasound)
• The neural tube will close and will then become the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
• The embryo already has an optic ventricle which will then form an eye.
• The reproductive, digestive and urinary systems begin to develop.
• The nose, ears, and jaw have started to form.
• The tiny buds that will eventually grow into baby’s arms and legs are already starting to appear.

Changes in the Mother’s Body at 6 Weeks Pregnant

Entering the 6 week old fetus, there is changes that can occur in pregnant women, including:

1. Changes in the Breast

If you look at it from the outside, you probably won’t find any significant changes. Considering that the stomach of pregnant women this week is generally still not that big.

Unlike the case with breasts. Breasts in this period will look bigger and more sensitive to stimulation. The nipples also turn darker in color and swell slightly.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

Just like in the previous week, the 6th week of pregnancy is also still marked by symptoms of nausea and vomiting or what is known as morning sickness. Symptoms of nausea and vomiting can occur during the day, afternoon, or at night.

In general, this condition can occur during the first trimester of pregnancy, while the other 52 percent are accompanied by symptoms of vomiting.

3. Frequent urination

Another 6 weeks pregnant feature is the desire to urinate more frequently. This increase was triggered by urine production which also experienced an increase.

In addition, increasing gestational age will make the uterus press on the bladder. You also urinate more often.

Even though it’s inconvenient because you have to go back and forth to the toilet, it’s best not to delay urinating. This is important to do to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

4. Constipation

Digestive disorders in the form of constipation, aka difficulty defecating (BAB) at 6 weeks of gestation.

This condition occurs because the digestive system takes longer to absorb nutrients so that they are then channeled through the blood to the fetus.

Therefore, you are advised to increase your fiber intake during pregnancy so that the digestive process continues to run smoothly.

5. Body Tired Quickly

At 6 weeks pregnant, estrogen production and blood volume are increasing. This condition then affects the body.

One of the effects that can be felt is the feeling of tiredness that often approaches, even when you do activities that are relatively light.

6. Mood Changes

Carrying a 6-week fetus also affects mood. The causes are quite diverse, namely hormonal changes, stress, and fatigue that whacks the body.

In addition, mixed feelings when you know that you will soon become parents cannot escape the trigger for this condition.

7. Metallic Taste in the Mouth

As you enter 6 weeks pregnant, you may feel a metallic sensation in your mouth. This condition is common in the early trimester of pregnancy.

The reason is none other than the surge in estrogen during pregnancy. If it bothers you, brush and floss frequently or chew mint-flavored gum.

8. Excessive Anxiety

Thinking about how life is going to change quickly can affect your subconscious. This is what ultimately has an impact on the appearance of strange dreams.

Dreams that occur in the early trimester of pregnancy usually indicate that you are experiencing anxiety, either because of the changes that are happening to your body or the feeling of being a mother.

Also Read: Fetal Development at 7 Weeks of Pregnancy

Pregnancy test

A number of fetal examinations at 6 weeks of gestation must be carried out to ensure that the pregnancy is going well. Some of these checks include:

1. General Pregnancy Checkup

This examination aims to monitor the development of the fetus. The doctor will do an ultrasound to see the condition of the fetus.

Apart from that, the doctor will also carry out a number of other examinations to find out whether there are potential complications of pregnancy or not.

2. Physical Examination

This examination is done to ensure that the pregnancy is running normally and the mother is in good health. Some physical examinations that can be done include:

• Blood pressure measurement.
• Measurement of height and weight.
• Pelvic measurement.
• Vaginal examination.

6 Week Pregnancy Tips

Do the following tips for a healthy pregnancy and run smoothly until the day of delivery arrives, including:

1. Periodically Check the Content

The thing to pay attention to when you are 6 weeks pregnant is to have regular medical examinations with your obstetrician.

Not only monitoring the development of the fetus in the womb, routine obstetric checks can also help find out what should be done or avoided during pregnancy.

2. Consumption of Nutritious Foods

Meeting the needs of vitamins and other important nutrients is an obligation so that fetal development at 6 weeks and beyond goes well.

Consult your doctor about what nutritious foods should be consumed to support the growth and development of the fetus and maintain your health.

3. Not Smoking and Consuming Alcoholic Beverages

Consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided during pregnancy. The reason is, alcohol can damage the development of the fetus.

If fetal development is disrupted, the risk of physical defects and a number of other health problems in the baby at birth can increase.

Other tips for staying healthy at 6 weeks pregnant are to stop smoking and stay away from exposure to secondhand smoke.

The substance content in cigarettes is said to increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including the risk of babies being born with a number of health problems such as underweight.

Also Read: 10 Exercises for Pregnant Women, Expectant Mothers Need to Read!

4. Drink Enough Water

Pregnant women are advised to drink enough water during pregnancy, which is 8-12 glasses per day.

Drinking enough water during pregnancy aims to prevent dehydration. For the record, dehydration can trigger pregnancy complications.

5. Rest and Manage Stress Well

Just like the pregnancy tips in the previous weeks, at 6 weeks of gestation you are also advised to have sufficient rest.

Apart from that, managing the stress that comes along well is also necessary so that you and your future baby are always healthy.

6. Exercise Routine

Exercising during pregnancy is an important activity to do. The goal is to keep the body fit. A fit mother’s body will have a positive impact on fetal development. Choose low-intensity sports such as yoga and jogging.

Nowthose are various important things that must be considered regarding the stages of fetal development at 6 weeks of gestation. Don’t forget to apply the tips above so that the pregnancy runs smoothly until the time of delivery arrives.

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