Week 6 of 40

First trimester

What's happening with the baby

At around 6 weeks the embryo is often about 5 to 6mm long (roughly pea-sized) and may look a little like a tadpole on early ultrasound. The NHS week 6 guide and Tommy's week 6 page describe limb buds, early ear marks and a heart that has usually begun beating.

On a vaginal scan the heartbeat can sometimes be seen as a quick flicker, though most people are not offered a scan this early unless there is a specific reason (such as IVF follow-up or bleeding). Pregnancy, Birth and Baby's week 6 page covers the same stage for an Australian audience.

The brain, liver and early musculoskeletal structures are developing quickly. Looking after your own health still comes first.

What you might notice

Nausea and vomiting are very common now. Despite the name, "morning sickness" can last all day. The NHS morning sickness page explains what often helps and when to seek care. Tiredness can feel extreme. Sore breasts, headaches, heightened smell, food aversions, needing to pee more, mild cramping and mood swings are also frequent.

Light spotting can still happen; get it checked rather than guessing. Many people feel rough in the first trimester and better after about week 12, but timelines vary. If you cannot keep food or drink down, or sickness takes over daily life, that can be hyperemesis gravidarum and needs medical care, sometimes in hospital.

Emotionally, it is normal to feel excited, flat, tearful or scared. Talk to someone you trust, and tell a midwife or doctor if low mood or anxiety is sticking around.

Things worth doing

Ease nausea where you can. Small frequent snacks, rest, fluids in sips, and avoiding trigger smells help some people. Many expecting parents try ginger foods or drinks for mild nausea, but if you're unsure about ginger supplements or stronger remedies, check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist. Travel-sickness wristbands are a low-risk experiment. If nothing stays down, call your midwife, GP or maternity unit. See the NHS sickness guidance.
Keep antenatal plans moving. Book or confirm your first pregnancy appointment if you have not already. Bring a list of medicines and questions (NHS antenatal care).
Folic acid and vitamin D. Many expecting parents continue folic acid through week 12 and take vitamin D as advised where they live, but if you're unsure what you should be on, check with your doctor or midwife (NHS vitamins).
Stop smoking and avoid alcohol. Quitting at any point helps. Ask for structured support rather than white-knuckling it alone. Partners who smoke should avoid smoking near you. See NHS stop smoking and alcohol in pregnancy.
Headaches. Rest, fluids and sleep hygiene first. Many expecting parents use paracetamol if they need a painkiller, at the dose on the pack for the shortest time, but if you're unsure whether that is right for you, check with your doctor or midwife. Ibuprofen is generally avoided in pregnancy unless a doctor specifically advises it. Seek care for a sudden severe headache. See the NHS headaches page and medicines guidance.

For partners this week

Nausea and exhaustion can make ordinary days hard. The NHS page for partners and Tommy's partner guide both stress practical support.

Take over cooking smells that trigger them, or handle meals they can face.
Encourage rest without making them feel useless for needing it.
Go with them to get help if vomiting will not stop or they seem dehydrated.
If you smoke, keep smoke away from home and the car.

When to get help

Bleeding, especially with pain or dizziness
Severe abdominal pain or shoulder-tip pain
Vomiting so often you cannot keep fluids down (for many services, roughly 24 to 72 hours is a cue to call; do not wait if you feel very unwell sooner)
Signs of dehydration: very dark urine, not peeing, confusion, faintness
Fever, painful urination, chest pain, or a severe headache
Thoughts of self-harm, or anxiety or depression that you cannot manage

Miscarriage is common in early pregnancy. Bleeding does not always mean it is happening, and clinicians would rather see you than have you wait in fear. Contact your early pregnancy service, midwife, GP or emergency care if something feels wrong. Start with the NHS sickness page or bleeding page if you need a clear checklist.