Louise You’re 6 weeks pregnant, and even if no one else knows it yet, your body absolutely does.
This is the week when symptoms can really kick in — thanks to your hormones going full throttle behind the scenes. You might be exhausted, queasy, emotional, or all three at once, but we promise it’s all very normal.
Let’s talk about what’s going on at week 6.
👶 Your Baby at 6 Weeks Pregnant
By now, your baby is tiny — about 5–6mm long — and still classed as an embryo. But there’s a lot happening inside that little space.
This week, their:
💓 Heart starts beating — often at around 100–120 beats per minute
🧠 Brain, spinal cord and nerves are beginning to form
👁 Eyes and ears are starting to take shape
🖐 Tiny buds that will become arms and legs are appearing
🌱 Organs like the lungs and liver are beginning to grow
If you have an early scan this week (usually only offered for specific reasons), it’s possible you’ll see a flicker of the heartbeat — but if not, that’s okay too. It’s still very early.
🤰 Pregnancy Symptoms at 6 Weeks
For many people, 6 weeks pregnant is when pregnancy starts to feel very real — physically, at least. You might not have a bump yet, but your body is flooded with hormones and working hard to support your baby’s development.
Here’s what you might be feeling this week:
Nausea or food aversions (often worse in the morning… or randomly at 4pm)
Sore, heavy or tingly boobs
Exhaustion that hits like a wave
Needing to wee more often
A strange metallic taste in your mouth
Mood swings or emotional overload
Cramping or pulling sensations in your lower belly
💡 Reassurance alert: Light cramping at this stage is usually normal — your uterus is growing and stretching. But if you’re ever unsure, speak to your GP or midwife.
📅 What to Do at 6 Weeks Pregnant
This is a good week to:
Contact your GP or self-refer to maternity services if you haven’t already
Keep taking your folic acid (or methylfolate) and vitamin D
Eat what you can manage — don’t worry if it’s beige carbs and ginger biscuits
Rest when you can — this part is exhausting, even if you’re doing “nothing”
If you’re already thinking ahead (or just like to feel in control), you can also book our free Natural Labour & Birth class — it’s gentle, realistic and led by real midwives.
💬 Honest Midwife Thoughts
Week 6 can be emotional. You might not feel like yourself, you might be worrying about symptoms (or the lack of them), and you’re probably more tired than you’ve ever been.
This part is hidden — physically and emotionally — and it can be hard going. But you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong.
Growing a baby is a full-time job. And right now, your job is to survive it, not style it.
💜 We’re here when you want straight-talking, warm support — from midwives who see the whole picture, not just the scan photo.d embrace the miraculous journey that lies ahead.
