6 weeks pregnant – time to register the pregnancy

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I met with the doctor and registered my pregnancy by filling out a quick form (MAT B1). Even as I was sitting in the doctor’s office and going through the form with hubby, it still hadn’t sunk in that I was 6 weeks pregnant. I wasn’t even sure that I was, as I hadn’t received full confirmation from the doctor, and I was worried I had misread the pregnancy test somehow.

The doctor asked me some health questions and advised me to take 400mg of folic acid to prevent the baby from developing Spina bifida. The doctor also said he would send a referral letter to the hospital, who would then arrange appointments for my antenatal blood test, nuchal translucency scan and midwife booking. It sounded like I was in for an exciting ride of appointments and tests!

The initial registration appointment flew by, and I was surprised the doctor didn’t test me to make sure I was actually pregnant. No blood tests? No urine tests? Were they going to take my word for it and assume I tested correctly? Although, you can’t get false positives, right?

I took a detour to Boots to buy Pregnacare Plus before I went home, and as soon as I got back, I immersed myself in all the pregnancy websites available on the internet and registered my details to receive regular pregnancy emails. Some websites even offered free pregnancy/baby stuff when registering, so I looked forward to receiving a cuddly toy, a changing mat, a soft football and lots of money off vouchers. I even ordered a super-duper baby book called Your Baby and Child* and started reading the first chapter.

I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this mummy business and getting it right!

A fun fact – Your baby is the size of a small bean, and your heart beats about 150 words a minute!

Table of Contents

The science part

6 weeks pregnant – Time to register the pregnancy - motherhooddiaries

Baby development at 6 weeks pregnant

At 6 weeks pregnant, your baby has grown to the size of a small pea and is developing significantly with tiny buds that will grow into arms and legs. By pregnancy week six, your baby’s heart is already beating, and their organs are beginning to develop. You might wonder, “How big is my baby at 6 weeks?” or “What does a baby look like at 6 weeks?” Here’s what’s happening during the 6th week of pregnancy:

Your baby now has a bump where the heart is and at the head end of the neural tube.
The embryo, now called a 6-week foetus, has a tail-like structure resembling a tadpole.
Limb buds are forming, and dimples on the sides of the head will become ears.
Thickenings where the eyes will develop are becoming more pronounced.
A thin, see-through layer of skin covers the embryo.
Most importantly, you can identify the heartbeat at 6 weeks via an ultrasound.

Your body at 6 weeks pregnant: symptoms

During the 6th week of pregnancy, symptoms can vary greatly among women. Here’s what you might experience:

It’s still safe to exercise if you’ve done so previously, but avoid overexertion.
Morning sickness: Feeling nauseous is common and can occur at any time of the day.
No symptoms at 6 weeks pregnant? Don’t worry—this is also normal, as every pregnancy differs.
Brown discharge at 6 weeks pregnant when wiping can be concerning but is usually due to implantation or hormonal changes. If you’re concerned, please consult your doctor or book an early scan to check everything is ok.
Some women might notice their stomach feels different at 6 weeks pregnant, with bloating or mild cramping being common.

Your next steps

Get fitted for a maternity bra to support your changing body shape
Read up on your abbreviation notes in your maternity folder so you know what they all mean
If you haven’t done so already, give up smoking and alcohol to improve your and your baby’s health
Invest in maternity jeans for a more comfortable fit, as you may start to feel bloated

What your pregnant belly feels like at 6 weeks

At 6 weeks pregnant, you might not notice much of a bump yet, but some women feel bloated or notice their 6 weeks pregnant belly size changing slightly. While your baby is still tiny, the uterus is beginning to expand, which may cause mild discomfort in the stomach area.

FAQs for the 6th week of pregnancy

Does a baby have a heartbeat at 6 weeks?

Yes, at 6 weeks, the baby’s heart has started beating, and it can just be seen during an ultrasound.

What does a pregnant belly feel like at 6 weeks?

At this stage, many women describe their bellies as feeling bloated or tender due to hormonal changes.

What are normal hCG levels at 6 weeks of pregnancy?

Normal hCG levels at 6 weeks can range between 1,080 and 56,500 mIU/mL. Your doctor can confirm if your levels are progressing appropriately.

How big is my baby at 6 weeks?

Your baby is about 6 mm long—approximately the size of a small pea.

What should you not do at 6 weeks pregnant?

Avoid smoking, alcohol, and certain foods like raw fish or unpasteurised dairy products. Always consult your healthcare provider for a full list of dos and don’ts.

Is brown discharge normal at 6 weeks pregnant?

Spotting or brown discharge at 6 weeks pregnant is common and usually harmless, but consult your doctor if you’re concerned.

Early pregnancy tips for 6 weeks pregnant

Take prenatal vitamins containing folic acid to support neural tube development.
Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals to manage nausea.
Learn more about early pregnancy symptoms at 6 weeks to understand what’s normal.
Register for your first prenatal appointment to discuss your progress.

How to get ready for the weeks ahead

Wondering what comes next? Here’s how to prepare as your pregnancy progresses:

Plan for upcoming appointments, including your first ultrasound for week 6 pregnancy.
Familiarise yourself with terms like trimester and common pregnancy milestones.
Look up popular baby names, including top picks for boy names and girl names.
Explore resources like the NHS, Mayo Clinic or American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for expert advice.

Video highlights at week 6

Are you curious about what other mums experience during the 6th week of pregnancy? Many video diaries showcase real experiences, from symptom changes to belly size. Watching these can provide insight and reassurance.

Common concerns: Braxton Hicks and other symptoms

Though Braxton Hicks contractions don’t usually occur until much later, some women report mild cramping as the uterus starts to grow. Always consult your doctor if you’re unsure about any symptoms.

How many months is 6 weeks pregnant?

At 6 weeks, you’re about 1.5 months pregnant and at the start of your first trimester.

Final Tthoughts

The 6th week of pregnancy is an exciting time of rapid growth and change for both you and your baby. From monitoring symptoms to preparing for upcoming milestones, understanding what’s normal at 6 weeks pregnant can help you feel more confident as you progress through your pregnancy.

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Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your midwife.