The obstetric calendar is somewhat different from the usual calculations. That is why the 6th week of pregnancy is the 4th week from the moment of conception.
During this period, the woman's body undergoes the first, but very significant changes - the tiny heart begins to beat. The heart rate is 150 times per minute. It is twice as fast as an adult.
Listening to the sounds that delight every expectant mother with a stethoscope is still impossible, however, you can already see the pulsation on the monitor of the ultrasound device. At this stage, the first symptoms appear that make a woman buy a pregnancy test and make an appointment with a gynecologist.
What does a woman feel at 6 weeks of pregnancy
On the 6th week of pregnancy, hormones in a woman's body are actively changing.
Progesterone is intensively produced to protect the body from infections and to ensure normal blood supply to the fetus.
But its excess negatively affects the digestive system, which leads to toxicosis.
What happens in the body of a woman:
- increased fatigue;
- frequent urination;
- salivation;
- heaviness in the mammary glands, darkening of the nipples;
- uncontrolled mood swings;
- morning vomiting;
- rejection of the usual smells and tastes;
- unpredictable food preferences;
- weakness in muscles.
Thin future mothers on this period may begin to recover, the belly increases. Moreover, the last symptom is not associated with the size of the uterus (it barely reaches the size of the plum), but with the slow functioning of the intestine.
Reacts to pregnancy and skin. It becomes more porous and fat. For owners of dry skin, this is beneficial, but pregnant women with problem skin may begin to suffer from acne.
Pain and discharge in women
Due to changes in the hormonal background, women on the 6th week of pregnancy may experience a whitish or transparent discharge without odor. This is normal. The excretions provoke lactic acid bacteria, which are activated in a pregnant woman at this time.
Sometimes the discharge becomes thick and white, itching is added to it. Such symptoms are characteristic of candidiasis (thrush) that occurs in a pregnant woman due to a decrease in immunity.
If the symptoms of the disease do not cause severe discomfort, it is better to postpone the treatment of thrush with antifungal drugs until a later date.
If the discharge acquires a pungent odor and turns a different color, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will select a gentle treatment regimen.
Spotting, often accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen, require immediate treatment to a specialist, as they may indicate a beginning miscarriage.
What happens to the baby at obstetric week 6 of pregnancy
The sixth obstetric week is the time of active development of the baby. Its growth is from 2 to 4 mm, but it already possesses a brain in which all departments are formed, which will further develop along with the development of the embryo. The fetus lays the bronchi and lungs, forms the main organ of the immune system - the thymus gland.
The baby has ear and eye placodes, which are gradually transformed into organs of sight, hearing and balance. Nerve ganglia are also formed, which are responsible for the transmission of impulses from the brain (spinal and cerebral) throughout the body. The embryo begins to move, arching the body in different directions, and already perceives vibrations in the fluid that surrounds it.
On the 6th week, the hands and legs of the baby are formed. Moreover, this process is so fast that by the end of the week the beginnings of fingers appear. The internal organs begin to develop - the spleen, bone marrow, intestines, esophagus and expansion for the future stomach.
Analyzes, examinations, ultrasound and fetal photo
Most women prefer not to get registered in the antenatal clinic at the sixth week of pregnancy, but postpone a visit to the gynecologist until 10-12 weeks. This is justified if the woman is not disturbed by anything, there is no uncharacteristic discharge or pain. If a pregnant woman becomes registered at the 6th week of pregnancy, she needs to pass all initial tests. It:
- blood;
- urine;
- smear on the vaginal flora.
Pregnant women whose health causes concern are prescribed tests for progesterone, as well as hCG. The level of hCG at this time should be from 50 thousand to 200 thousand mU / ml. Indicators below the norm may indicate a threat of miscarriage, an incorrect position of the embryo or problems with its development.
In some situations, a woman is referred for an ultrasound. Ultrasound examination on modern devices makes it possible to determine the place of attachment of the fetus. This allows early detection and termination of an ectopic pregnancy, which can cause irreparable damage to the body of a pregnant woman.
Photos of the fetus at this time are informative only for specialists, therefore, an ultrasound scan should not be performed without a doctor's prescription. This can be dangerous for the unborn baby.
Possible threats
Every week of pregnancy can pose certain dangers for both the woman and the embryo. And the 6th week is no exception. The main problem that a pregnant woman can face is a miscarriage.
It is associated with anomalies of development, changes in the genetic apparatus of the fetus, associated with exposure to toxic substances. Danger is caused by improper formation of the baby’s organs or uncharacteristic embryo insertion.
At this stage of pregnancy can not be overheated - to visit saunas, baths or take hot baths. This can increase the mother's body temperature, which will lead to accelerated growth of individual cells of the embryo. So, if these are connective tissue cells that grow faster than muscle cells, then the child may suffer congenital heart defects.
Twins at 6 weeks from conception
Multiple pregnancy is always a surprise for parents. But it is important to determine it at an early date not only because of the opportunity to make the relatives happy with the good news.
Maintaining such a pregnancy has its differences. And the sooner the doctor finds that the pregnant woman is not one, but two babies, the higher the likelihood that pregnancy and childbirth will pass without complications. There are several factors provoking the birth of twins. It:
- genetic predisposition;
- in vitro fertilization;
- taking oral contraceptives;
- age of the pregnant woman is over 35 years old.
At the sixth week after conception, the gynecologist may suspect twins during a gynecological examination. This is due to the fact that the uterus increases disproportionately to the duration of pregnancy. But such a diagnosis is effective only for thin women. Estimate the size of the uterus full of pregnant without ultrasound diagnosis is difficult.
At an early stage of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks), twins are under constant threat. There is a high risk of miscarriage, missed abortion (including one fetus), complications that require constant monitoring by doctors. By making an uterus ultrasound in a timely manner, you can reduce the risk of problems associated with multiple pregnancies.
Symptoms experienced by a twin pregnant on the 6th week since conception are also characteristic of singleton pregnancies. However, when carrying two embryos, such unpleasant moments as morning toxemia are also doubled.
Women note a sharp decrease in appetite, morning vomiting, nausea, intolerance of strong odors, etc. Moreover, this condition can last for twins, and can last up to 16 weeks.
Recommendations gynecologists
The sixth week often becomes the first in which the expectant mother learns about her interesting position.
And it is necessary as soon as possible to begin to follow the simple and accessible recommendations of gynecologists concerning the nutrition and lifestyle of a woman.
Experts advise to adhere to the following rules:
- To reduce the symptoms of toxicosis, you can increase the number of meals up to 5-7 times, while reducing the serving size. Breakfast with morning vomiting is, without getting out of bed.
- In the early stages of pregnancy, folic acid is recommended, as well as iodine-containing drugs, if the pregnant woman lives in a region with iodine deficiency. With a strong toxicosis and the inability to eat fully, the woman is recommended special vitamin complexes.
- Taking vitamins prescribed by a doctor, it is better to choose the time when the state of health is normal. For example, if you feel sick in the morning, then the medication should be transferred to the evening.
- It is important to observe the drinking regime, trying to drink a sufficient amount of liquid - 1.5-2 liters per day (water, juices, compotes).
- It is necessary to refrain from contact with harsh aromas. This applies to both perfumes and household chemicals with fragrances.
- Stress loads must be minimized. A pregnant woman should fully relax and get enough sleep.
- Sex life for a period of 6 weeks of pregnancy in the absence of medical evidence is not limited to almost anything. However, often due to poor health, libido decreases.
- An obstacle to physical exertion can only be the poor state of health of the future mother. Swimming, gymnastics and yoga for pregnant women in the early stages will help prepare the body for childbirth and improve the well-being of women.
- Given that the risk of miscarriage on the 6th week of pregnancy is high enough, it is important to abandon lifting weights and other power loads.
While carrying a baby, a woman changes both externally and internally. Moreover, changes occur already on the 6th week of pregnancy.
Attention to trifles at an early period allows you to avoid possible health problems of the future mother and baby.
Some more useful information about six weeks of pregnancy can be found in the following video.
