Our Baby Journey6 weeks pregnant
6 weeks pregnant is about 1½ months. It falls in the second month of pregnancy. You are in week 6 of 40, in the first trimester. Here is what is happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is about the size of a lentil.
Length: about 5 mm (0.2 in) from crown to rump · Weight: less than 1 g
Your baby at 6 weeks
The heart starts beating. Tiny buds that will become arms and legs appear, and facial features begin to form.
The neural tube along your baby's back is closing this week. At the top end, it is already bulging into the early sections of the brain, and the embryo has a curved, C-shaped body. Folic acid supports this step, which is why it matters so much in early pregnancy.
The heart is still a simple, developing structure, but its cells are now beating in a regular rhythm, and this flicker can often be seen on a transvaginal ultrasound. Small bumps called arm buds appear, with leg buds following shortly after. Ridges on the sides of the neck, called pharyngeal arches, will help form the jaw, face, and parts of the ear.
Dark spots mark where the eyes are developing, and tiny pits show where the nostrils will be. Early versions of the liver, pancreas, and lungs are also beginning to take shape.
Your body at 6 weeks
Morning sickness, which can happen at any time of day, often becomes noticeable. Your sense of smell may be stronger.
For many people, week 6 is when morning sickness really begins. A heightened sense of smell, which may make cooking smells, perfume, or coffee hard to tolerate, can make nausea worse. Tiredness is often intense because your body is building the placenta and your blood volume is starting to increase. You may also feel bloated or notice extra saliva. Your uterus is still tucked inside the pelvis, so you will not show yet. Eating something bland before getting up may help settle your stomach.
Your belly at week 6
In month 2 (weeks 5–8) you are not showing yet. Your uterus is slowly growing but is still tucked inside your pelvis. Bloating can make waistbands feel tighter.
Belly size and shape vary a lot depending on your build, whether this is your first pregnancy, your baby's position and the amount of amniotic fluid. At checkups your doctor or midwife may measure your fundal height to track your baby's growth, and may arrange an ultrasound if the measurement is quite different from what they expect.
Symptoms at 6 weeks pregnant
- Nausea or vomiting at any time of day
- Strong sensitivity to smells
- Extreme tiredness
- Bloating and gas
- Extra saliva
- Tender, swollen breasts
Checkups around week 6
If you have an early ultrasound this week, it may show your baby's heartbeat as a small flicker. Many people do not have their first scan until later, and the timing of the first appointment varies by country. If you have had bleeding or pain, your provider may arrange a scan to check the pregnancy is in the uterus.
Tips for week 6
- Drink fluids often in small sips to stay hydrated.
- Try ginger tea or ginger biscuits for nausea.
- Contact your provider if you can't keep any food or fluids down.
Common symptoms in the first trimester
The first trimester runs from week 1 to week 13. It is when your baby's major organs, spine and heart form, and when many people feel the most tired and nauseous. Not everyone has every symptom, and it is normal for symptoms to come and go. Common ones include:
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), which can happen at any time of day
- Tiredness and needing more sleep
- Tender, swollen breasts
- Needing to urinate more often
- Food aversions or cravings and a metallic taste
- Mood swings
- Light spotting around implantation
Read the full first trimester guide.
When to call your doctor or midwife
Contact your healthcare provider or maternity unit straight away, or get emergency care, if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- A severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
- A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
- Fluid leaking from your vagina
- Severe vomiting where you cannot keep fluids down
- Your baby moving less than usual or a change in their pattern of movements (later in pregnancy)
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Feeling very low, anxious, or having thoughts of harming yourself
Have a question about week 6?
Ask our AI pregnancy assistant about symptoms, nutrition, scans or anything else on your mind this week.
Frequently asked questions
How big is my baby at 6 weeks pregnant?
At 6 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a lentil. That is about 5 mm (0.2 in) from crown to rump, weighing less than 1 g.
How big is my belly at week 6 of pregnancy?
In month 2 (weeks 5–8) you are not showing yet. Your uterus is slowly growing but is still tucked inside your pelvis. Bloating can make waistbands feel tighter. Bump size, shape and when you start to show vary a lot from person to person.
Can you hear the baby's heartbeat at 6 weeks?
Usually not by listening. At 6 weeks, a transvaginal ultrasound may show the heartbeat as a flicker on the screen, but a handheld Doppler used on your belly usually cannot pick it up until around 10 to 12 weeks. Home Doppler devices are not recommended for checking on your baby.
What if no heartbeat is seen at 6 weeks?
It does not necessarily mean something is wrong. If you ovulated later than average, your baby may be a few days younger than your dates suggest, and the heartbeat may not be visible yet. Providers commonly recommend a repeat scan in about one to two weeks before drawing any conclusions.
Is spotting normal at 6 weeks pregnant?
Light spotting is fairly common in early pregnancy and often settles on its own. Still, let your doctor or midwife know about any bleeding. Seek prompt care if bleeding becomes heavy like a period, or comes with cramping, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, or fainting.
What trimester is 6 weeks pregnant?
Week 6 is in the first trimester, which covers weeks 1 to 13.
How many months is 6 weeks pregnant?
6 weeks pregnant is about 1½ months. It falls in the second month of pregnancy. The second month covers weeks 5 to 8. Pregnancy is about 40 weeks, or roughly 9 months, counted from the first day of your last period.
This page is general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife. Every pregnancy is different, and baby sizes are approximate averages. Last updated 2026-11-07. See our medical disclaimer.