As your baby grows in your belly, you are curious about its development, right? How big is my baby at 6 weeks? What does it look like? You can find answers to such questions in this part of our week-by-week pregnancy series.

Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology and Obstetrics Department Head and IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar gave information about the 6th week of pregnancy and explained the changes in the body of expectant mothers in the 6th week.

What Does the Baby Look Like at 6 Weeks of Pregnancy?

Your baby is about the size of a pea. Your baby, which resembles a tadpole in shape, has begun to form the protrusions that will form your baby's arms and legs. From this week onwards, a heartbeat can usually be heard on ultrasound.

Changes in the Mother at 6 Weeks of Pregnancy

You may have gained weight this week as a result of your pregnancy, or the opposite may have happened if you have been suffering from nausea and vomiting. These should not worry you. However, in case of severe nausea/vomiting, it would be the best choice to consult your doctor because you cannot get enough nutrients and you will experience fluid electrolyte loss if you vomit a lot. It is important to consume useful nutrients during these weeks of organ development for the healthy development of your baby.Your body is preparing for breastfeeding. The breasts are gradually enlarging, and the nipples are darkening in color. Your newborn baby will be able to recognize your nipple more easily, and the increased breast volume will allow you to provide enough milk for your baby.

Image of an 6-8 Weeks-Old Baby

1 Question | 1 Answer about Pregnancy

• Is it okay to lie down high?

During pregnancy, the expectant mother tries to adapt to different situations. For example, as the gestational week progresses, the abdomen gets bigger and bigger, and the hollowing of the vertebrae in the lumbar region, which we call lordosis, increases in order to balance the body. With the effect of hormones, there are separations in the hip joints that will increase the movement capacity. While all these changes are taking place, it becomes difficult for the expectant mother to get up from her seat, bend over or reach upwards. These and similar movements become painful. Reaching upwards, for example, hanging curtains at home, taking plates and similar items from a high shelf, the pregnant woman not only feels pain but also pushes during these movements and increases intra-abdominal pressure. If there is an underlying or undiagnosed condition such as cervical insufficiency or premature rupture of membranes, there may be sudden cramping, watery or spotting bleeding.