Fetal development in pregnancy week 6:
This is going to be a busy week for your amazing little embryo. Their brain is still growing remarkably fast; miniature hand plates are starting to develop and the early formations of what will be their fingers are already visible. Also, the lower limbs do not develop quite as fast, so they’re pretty much still flippers. Up until this point, your baby has been very curled up with the head and tail in close proximity, but this week their trunk and neck are beginning to grow and straighten as their tail recedes into its resting position in the back. Even though your little miracle is only 6 weeks old, they’re already capable of demonstrating reflex responses to touch!
Maternal Changes
You may be in the throws of morning sickness by 6 weeks pregnant. Morning sickness during pregnancy is perfectly normal, though some women experience a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. This is a pregnancy complication characterized by nausea and vomiting that is so severe that you may require hospitalization. Women affected by hyperemesis gravidarum may experience dehydration, electrolyte deficiencies, and higher weight loss than normal. The common symptoms include rapid weight loss, a fast heartbeat, weakness, and frequent vomiting.
The exact cause of this condition is unknown, though some studies suggest that younger maternal age, obesity and first time pregnancy are potential risk factors for the condition. Typically hospitalization will be necessary to help restore fluids that you are losing through vomiting to help replace electrolytes. Your healthcare provider may also have to provide hyperalimentation, a procedure in which you will receive nutrients and vitamins through an IV line. Your doctor may recommend additional nutritional or vitamin supplementation after your hospitalization to ensure that you are able to store up an adequate number of nutrients for your baby. Normally, this condition will not have any ill effects on your baby once it is treated properly.
By pregnancy at 6 weeks, your uterus is probably about the size of a plum and your breasts are probably getting quite tender. Some women even find the sensation of their shirt rubbing against their breasts uncomfortable. At some point in pregnancy, your areolas or the dark area surrounding your nipple will start to darken. Physicians aren’t 100% sure why this occurs, though some believe that the darkening helps the baby find their food source that much faster after birth!
You probably haven’t actually started showing yet, though you will be able to detect subtle changes in your body. Your jeans may start to fit less comfortably around the midsection. It will be quite some time, however, before you will actually need to purchase maternity clothes. One thing you might opt to do is to extend the period of time you wear ordinary clothes. You may want to invest in one or two pairs of pants that are a size bigger than your normal clothing. Belly belts are another option. These allow you to continue to wear your pre-pregnancy pants as your waistline expands.
Dad
It’s not easy watching the mom-to-be in your life feel ill. Be sure to ask her what you can do to help. Sometimes a cool wash cloth for her face and neck is helpful, sometimes bringing her a snack before she gets out of bed can help and sometimes she just wants to be alone.
Maternity Clothes
Most career-oriented mothers look for maternity pant sets/short sets at one time or another. The key to buying maternity pant sets/short sets is finding one or two styles that you can mix and match with a variety of tops and accessories. Truth be told, you only need one or two maternity pant sets/short sets to last you your entire pregnancy. Pantsets can often be worn in a variety of ways; you can wear them with or without a jacket, with or without various accessories and with a casual, formal, career or even sexy top for an evening out on the town.
Destination Maternity’s Pants Sets and Shorts Sets are crafted with love and care. They typically look elegant and professional, making them a favorite even among non-pregnant women!
Pregnancy Health Tips
By 6 weeks pregnant, you may start putting on some weight. Women who do not have severe morning sickness often realize they’ve gained 1 to 5 or more pounds during their first trimester. Many women believe that they should eat for two when pregnant. Realistically speaking, your body actually does not require additional calories until about the second trimester of pregnancy, when you should be consuming about 300 additional calories per day. 300 calories does not amount to much. One bagel may have as much as 300 calories. Many pregnant women go overboard, and consume in excess of 500 or more calories each day.
You will find that as your morning sickness subsides, your appetite will increase. The best thing you can do to help nourish your baby and curb your appetite is to eat several small or mini meals each day. This can actually help morning sickness as well, as morning sickness is frequently much worse on an empty stomach. Be sure that when you are eating those 300 additional calories, you make healthful selections and eat a healthy pregnancy diet. Fruits, nuts, yogurt, and other healthy foods will not only help combat cravings, but they will also provide your developing baby with much needed nutrients. High fiber foods also help combat constipation, a common side effect of pregnancy. Fiber helps you feel full longer, and it helps your digestive tract function more smoothly during pregnancy.
Twin Tips
Nausea and vomiting may be multiplied if you’re carrying more than one baby. Though the standard remedies can still be helpful.