6 Weeks Pregnant: Heartbeat, Symptoms & Baby's Development

6 Weeks Pregnant: Heartbeat, Symptoms & Baby's Development

At 6 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a lentil and their heart has started to beat. On an early vaginal ultrasound, you may even see it flickering. For many people, this is also the week pregnancy symptoms really kick in.

Baby's size
About the size of a lentil (3 to 5mm)
Heartbeat
Around 100 to 120 beats a minute
Forming now
Arm and leg buds, facial features and major organs
Common symptoms
Nausea, tiredness and needing to wee more

What's happening this week

Your baby is growing quickly and is measured from crown to rump, because they spend their time curled up with their tail tucked in. Here's what's taking shape this week.

Heart

Beating steadily

The heart beats around 100 to 120 times a minute and will speed up over the next few weeks. It's still a simple structure and divides into four chambers later in the first trimester.

Face

Early features

Dark spots mark where the eyes will be, and small pits form where the nostrils and ears will develop. The jaw and cheeks are starting to take shape.

Body and organs

Buds and beginnings

Tiny arm buds appear, with leg buds close behind. The brain is growing fast, and the lungs, liver, kidneys and gut are beginning to form.

Will I have a scan at 6 weeks?

Not everyone does. In Australia, the routine scans are usually at 11 to 13 weeks and 18 to 20 weeks. An earlier dating scan may be offered if you're unsure of your dates, you've had bleeding or pain, you've had an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage before, or you conceived with IVF.

At this stage, scans are usually done vaginally because the baby is so small. If the scan is very early, the heartbeat may not be visible yet, and a follow-up scan a week or two later is common.

Symptoms at 6 weeks pregnant

Hormone levels are rising fast, and many people notice symptoms ramping up this week:

  • Nausea and vomiting. Up to 80% of pregnant people have morning sickness, and it often starts around now.
  • Tiredness. Rising progesterone is thought to be the main cause, so rest whenever you can.
  • Needing to wee more. Your kidneys are processing more fluid, so expect more trips to the toilet.
  • Bloating and wind. Your tummy may feel bigger even though there's no bump yet. Looser waistbands help.
  • Tender breasts. Extra blood flow can make them feel sore, heavy or tingly.
  • Headaches. Hormone changes, tiredness and dehydration can all play a part.
  • Mood swings and vivid dreams. Hormones and big life changes can affect your emotions and your sleep.

See your GP or go to your nearest emergency department if you have heavy bleeding, strong pain on one side of your tummy, shoulder tip pain, or feel faint.

Needing to wee, or a urinary tract infection?

Weeing more often is a normal part of early pregnancy, but urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also more common when you're pregnant. Here's how to tell the difference.

Normal in early pregnancy

  • Needing to wee more often
  • Getting up at night to wee
  • Pale yellow wee when you're drinking enough

See your GP if

  • It burns or stings when you wee
  • You feel an urgent need to go, but only a little comes out
  • Your wee is cloudy, smelly or has blood in it
  • You have a fever or chills
  • You have pain in your lower back or side

A UTI needs treatment, as it can spread to your kidneys. Your GP can confirm it with a urine test and prescribe antibiotics that are safe in pregnancy. Your first antenatal visit usually includes a urine test to check for infections that aren't causing symptoms.

Easing headaches

Drink plenty of water, eat regular meals and rest when you can. Gentle activity like walking, swimming or pregnancy yoga may also help. Paracetamol is generally considered safe for short-term use, but check the dose with your pharmacist. Avoid ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories, and only take aspirin if your doctor has prescribed it. See your GP if a headache is severe or doesn't go away.

Looking after yourself this week

Morning sickness

Small, frequent snacks, a dry cracker before getting up and ginger can all help. See our week 5 tips on managing morning sickness for when to see your GP, and read our full guide to managing morning sickness.

Rest

First trimester tiredness is real. Go to bed early, nap when you can and say no to extra commitments for now. For most people, energy starts to return in the second trimester.

Stay comfortable

Clothes with a softer or looser waistband help with bloating, and a supportive, non-wired bra can ease sore breasts.

Prepare for your first antenatal visit

Write down your questions before your appointment. Things to ask about include any medicines you take, your health and family history, screening tests, and your options for care. Here's what happens after a positive test.

Look after your mood

Feeling overjoyed one minute and overwhelmed the next is normal. If you feel low or anxious most days, talk to your GP or call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306.

Your to-do list for week 6

Helpful for this stage

Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books MaternityComfort essentials for pregnancyShop maternity

Week 6 FAQs

Can you hear the heartbeat at 6 weeks?

Not usually. At 6 weeks, the heartbeat may be seen flickering on a vaginal ultrasound, but it's too faint to hear with a handheld doppler. Most people hear it at an appointment from around 10 to 12 weeks.

What if no heartbeat is seen on a 6-week scan?

This is common if the scan is very early or your dates are slightly out. Your doctor will usually suggest a follow-up scan in a week or two. Talk to them about what the result means for you.

How big is my baby at 6 weeks?

About the size of a lentil, roughly 3 to 5 millimetres from crown to rump. Babies are measured this way at this stage because they're curled up.

Is it normal to feel bloated at 6 weeks pregnant?

Yes. Rising progesterone slows your digestion, which can cause bloating and wind. Eating smaller meals more often and wearing clothes with a looser waistband can help.

What can I take for a headache when pregnant?

Paracetamol is generally considered safe for short-term use in pregnancy, but check the dose with your pharmacist. Avoid ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories unless your doctor advises it, and see your GP if headaches are severe or don't ease.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

Sources: