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Sixth week of obstetric pregnancy. Signs and sensations. Embryo development by day and week

At the 6th week of pregnancy, significant changes occur in the body, thanks to which the woman notices the first signs of her new condition. The ultrasound photo already shows the unborn baby - a small clot that looks like a tadpole. To facilitate the further course of pregnancy, the patient needs to adjust her daily routine and diet in accordance with the changed needs of the body.

What happens to the expectant mother at 6 weeks of pregnancy?

In the sixth week of pregnancy, all changes occur under the influence hormonal changes. Increased secretion of progesterone, necessary for normal tone of the uterus and blood supply to the embryo, disrupts the functioning of digestive system. If the fruit changes hormonal levels If they are exclusively beneficial, then for the expectant mother they become a cause of toxicosis and deterioration in general well-being.

Woman's feelings

The following sensations indicate pregnancy:

  1. Increased sensitivity of the mammary glands, manifested by swelling and soreness of the nipples.
  2. General weakness. It occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels necessary for blood supply to the fetus, which can cause a woman’s blood pressure to decrease. The patient feels dizzy, lethargic, and decreased performance.
  3. Problems with urination. Occurs due to pressure from the uterus on bladder. You should be wary if you experience cutting sensations when visiting the restroom. During pregnancy, the muscles of the ureters weaken, which opens the door to infection and increases the risk of developing cystitis.
  4. An increase in body temperature to 37°C, associated with increased secretion of progesterone. During this period, expectant mothers are advised to monitor their basal temperature. You need to be wary if its indicators significantly decrease or increase: in the first case, this indicates an interrupted pregnancy, in the second, it indicates parallel inflammation.
  5. Pulling sensations in the lower abdomen. This condition is normal and indicates stretching of the uterine ligaments. You should consult a doctor if the lower part is very painful and tight, the pain spreads to the left or right of the uterus and is accompanied by dark spotting. This usually indicates an infection, ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Nature of the discharge

Discharge at 6 weeks of pregnancy should normally be light and odorless. You should be alert to the appearance of copious mucus that is yellow, green, or light brown in color with a pungent odor, indicating an infection. Often during this period a woman develops thrush, as evidenced by a cheesy discharge accompanied by itching.

There is no need to panic if a few drops of blood are mixed with the light “smear”. Often pink discharge appears on the days of expected menstruation. This may also be due to microtrauma to the vaginal mucosa resulting from a careless gynecological examination or vaginal ultrasound. Although pink discharge is normal, you should tell your doctor if it occurs.

The pathology is abundant, growing brown discharge, causing pain to the woman. This symptom indicates a lack of progesterone and a threat spontaneous interruption pregnancy. You should consult a doctor immediately if painful sensations the lower abdomen is accompanied by copious bloody discharge with clots that appeared after blows and falls.

Toxicosis of pregnant women and other unpleasant symptoms

By the 5-6th week of pregnancy, a woman begins to show the first signs of toxicosis. Most pregnant women easily tolerate this period, and some do not have it at all. In 60% of cases, patient complaints are reduced to vomiting and increased salivation, which do not harm the fetus and disappear by the 4th month of pregnancy from conception. Only 10% of cases require special treatment.

Most often, nausea and vomiting bother the expectant mother in the morning. At normal course during pregnancy, attacks occur no more than 3 times a day and, provided the drinking regime is maintained, do not worsen general state patients. Vomiting in the evening is a consequence of overwork, poor nutrition and lack of oxygen.

Depending on the frequency of vomiting and accompanying symptoms The following forms of toxicosis are distinguished:

  1. Easy. It occurs in most women due to intolerance to smells and food. Often accompanied by a weak appetite and slight weight loss, but never leads to a deterioration in the general condition. Vomiting causes minor drying of the skin and oral mucosa.
  2. Average. Attacks of vomiting occur regardless of meals, their number increases up to 10 times a day. The woman's general health deteriorates: low-grade fever, heart rate increases with decreasing blood pressure, which leads to general weakness. Clinical studies show a slight decrease in hemoglobin and an increase in acetone in the urine.
  3. Heavy. Unreasonable vomiting bothers the patient up to 20 times a day. There is a significant decrease in body weight (up to 8 kg in 1.5 weeks). Against the backdrop of refusal to eat, dizziness, loss of strength, and changes in psychological state are noted. If left untreated, hepatic-renal failure and coma develop.

Appearance and development of the embryo

By the 6th week of pregnancy from conception, an embryo can be seen on an ultrasound image. The image shows a dense clot that looks like a curled tadpole or auricle measuring 5 mm (see photo). At this stage, the embryo takes on the shape human body: the foundations of future arms and legs, facial features and inner ears are laid. The liver, spleen and lungs continue to form, but most importantly, the fetus acquires the rudiments of the brain.

By the sixth week of pregnancy, muscle tissue develops, which, together with the acquisition of the umbilical cord, allows the embryo to move in the amniotic sac. The woman does not feel the baby’s movements in any way, but he is already beginning to move his head and limbs. This period is also characterized by the formation of the circulatory system and control of the brain’s work. internal organs.

By the sixth embryonic week, female and male glands are formed. It is impossible to determine the sex at this stage, but with the help of an ultrasound you can hear the baby’s first heartbeat. At the 6th embryonic or 8th obstetric week, the placenta is attached to the uterus, which ensures further development of the fetus due to improved nutrition, protection from harmful factors environment, saturation with oxygen and nutrients.

What studies are carried out, what does the ultrasound show?

Most often, it is by the 6th week that the expectant mother visits the doctor, where she learns about her new condition. To reduce the likelihood of complications, the gynecologist refers the patient for consultation with a therapist, ophthalmologist, dentist and otolaryngologist. Examinations by specialists make it possible to promptly identify foci of inflammation and hidden pathologies and resolve the issue of choosing a method of delivery.

What studies are needed to determine pregnancy management tactics? This:

  • general blood and urine tests, including determination of group and Rh factor;
  • blood test for hCG - human chorionic gonadotropin, the level of which can be used to judge the normal or pathological course of pregnancy;
  • blood test for sexually transmitted diseases;
  • vaginal smear.

Due to its low information content, ultrasound is not included in the list of planned procedures at week 6. An ultrasound will determine the fact and exact duration of pregnancy, show abnormalities in the development of the embryo, and the location of the fertilized egg in the uterus. The study is mandatory for IVF, suspected fetal pathology, ectopic or frozen pregnancy, or threat of miscarriage.

Regardless of how the sixth embryonic week proceeds, it is necessary to adhere to general recommendations: normalize diet, work and rest, avoid overwork and stress, be sure to monitor weight changes. You should consult with your doctor regarding the choice of special vitamin and mineral complexes, and, if necessary, maintenance medications.

Nutrition and drinking regime

In the early stages of gestation, you need to avoid heavy fried and fatty foods. To avoid anemia, which often occurs during pregnancy, and developmental disorders of the baby’s cardiovascular and nervous systems, it is better to give preference to light but nutritious foods. For normal development A baby requires six basic components:

  • vitamins of groups B and E - wholemeal bread, green vegetables, chicken eggs, nuts, dried apricots;
  • protein, and 50% of the diet should be products of plant origin - beans, buckwheat, lentils, soy, cauliflower, spinach;
  • folic acid – beef and chicken liver, greens, raisins;
  • iodine – sea fish and cabbage;
  • iron – apples, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, persimmons.

During the first months, you should not blindly follow the “8 glasses of water a day” rule, so as not to provoke swelling. A pregnant woman should drink as much as her body requires, taking into account the new condition.

If the patient experiences vomiting during the first weeks, the amount of fluid consumed must be increased to avoid dehydration. In this case, you need to drink not coffee and tea, but clean water.

Lifestyle of the expectant mother

In order for everything to be fine with the baby, the lifestyle of a pregnant woman should be based on 3 components:

  1. Normal mode of work and rest. To add strength to a patient struggling with sudden sleepiness, it is recommended to go to bed an hour earlier. You should avoid overwork and be sure to rest during your lunch break.
  2. Walks in the fresh air. Not only does the flow of oxygen help combat impending nausea and dizziness, but it also provides harmonious development fetus It is better to walk in the morning and evening hours to provide a boost of energy for the day and prepare the body for sleep.
  3. Motor activity. The 6th week of pregnancy from conception is often accompanied by a loss of strength in a woman. Despite this, you need to overcome yourself and do the simplest morning exercises. This enhances metabolic processes in the mother’s body, so necessary for the child, and prevents toxicosis.

Ways to cope with the manifestations of toxicosis

During the first weeks of pregnancy, you should protect yourself from irritating odors and ventilate the room more often. It is necessary to exclude from the diet foods that provoke gas formation and retain fluid in the body: legumes, milk, cabbage, baked goods, marinades and pickles. After eating, it is better to take a walk in the fresh air, but under no circumstances lie down.

The following products help to quickly eliminate an impending attack of nausea:

  • bread or dried fruit on an empty stomach;
  • cold mint tea with lemon;
  • “watery” fruits and vegetables – watermelon, apples, cucumbers, sweet peppers;
  • a piece of ginger or ginger broth;
  • peppermint candies;
  • juices of sour berries - cranberries, currants, cherries, cherry plums, but you should not abuse them so as not to irritate the walls of the stomach.

Intimate life

Getting pregnant does not mean giving up intimate relationships. At 8 obstetric weeks, the fetus is reliably protected by the mucous plug and amniotic fluid, and therefore, if there is no threat of miscarriage and other contraindications, sex at 6 weeks cannot harm the baby. Sexual intercourse also helps to cope with emotional fluctuations that arise due to increased production of progesterone.

The gestational age of 6 weeks (eighth obstetric) is a critical period in the life of the embryo. Many mothers know that every four weeks of pregnancy (that is, 4, 8, 12 obstetrics) are dangerous in terms of its termination. The child is especially sensitive to various influences and grows very quickly. These seven days are counted starting from the first day of the last menstrual cycle, that is, the obstetric period.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, in the sixth week after conception and in the tenth, miscarriages very often occur. Usually before this the embryo stops developing. Well, the cause of his death could be his mother’s common cold. Remember what happens to the fetus at six weeks of gestation, how actively the body develops during this period, and how organs are formed. And if you get sick at the “inopportune” moment, the formation of tooth buds may be disrupted, for example, or a heart defect may appear. This is all very, very serious.

In addition to the mother’s illnesses, the following have a dangerous effect on the child’s body:

  • ultraviolet and ionizing radiation;
  • alcohol;
  • pesticides and toxins;
  • some medications;
  • food and other chemicals, etc.

It is also necessary to take into account that the formation of the placenta, a temporary organ through which oxygen and nutrients will be delivered to the baby in utero, will also depend on the state of health, nutrition, and lifestyle of the expectant mother; it also produces some enzymes and hormones that are very important for the regulation of pregnancy . If something is disrupted at the stage of its formation, the placenta may “age” ahead of time, and this threatens the child with a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and developmental delays.

New signs at 6 gestational weeks of pregnancy

In addition to toxicosis, which is already in full swing in many expectant mothers at this stage, some taste “perversions” appear. For example, a mother suddenly wants to eat strawberries, and immediately after that the “herring under a fur coat” salad. Moreover, various products that are incompatible with each other are absorbed quite normally by her and do not cause a feeling of nausea. It happens. Also, some particularly capricious expectant mothers may send their husbands to the store at night to buy something unusual, for example, a coconut. This feature is not expressed in all women, naturally. A craving for unusual foods in the diet may appear even more late dates pregnancy, but then she often talks about a lack of some vitamins in the body.

The main signs of pregnancy at 6 weeks look like this:

  • morning sickness;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • frequent urination;
  • enlargement and tenderness of the mammary glands;
  • mild cramps in the lower abdomen;
  • thirst for one food and aversion to another;
  • shortness of breath;
  • increased vaginal discharge;
  • flatulence and bloating;
  • dizziness;
  • headache;
  • anemia.

Feelings and sensations of a woman in the sixth week

Future mommy observes her body very carefully and notices that her tight jeans or trousers have become not very comfortable to wear. Of course, the tummy is still very small, but in mothers with many children it is already beginning to show. And if a woman does not yet experience the pangs of toxicosis and eats well, then fat begins to be deposited on her stomach, which also leads to the fact that clothes become small.

But whatever the reason, you can already buy maternity clothes. Usually these are low-rise jeans with a special soft insert for the tummy or overalls. You can also find skirts for pregnant women, dresses with high waist, which emphasize or, on the contrary, hide an interesting situation. The expectant mother should look good and take care of herself. You shouldn’t dress up in anything, in “oversized” things, when there are so many special clothes in stores at affordable prices.

The uterus has grown and begins to put pressure on the bladder. The expectant mother is forced to visit the toilet more often. Of course, frequent urination is generally characteristic of pregnancy, including its earliest stages, but then the cause of the phenomenon lies elsewhere - the action of the hormone progesterone. Now the effect on the bladder is mechanical.

Some mothers claim that at six weeks of pregnancy there are already sensations of the baby moving. But this is impossible. The baby is still very small, weighing only a few grams. Usually fermentation processes in the intestines are mistaken for a child.

The main danger is the threat of miscarriage

As we already wrote at the beginning of this article, this week is critical. It is during this period that miscarriages very often occur. Most of them occur due to chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. About 90% of pregnancies in the first trimester end for this reason. But some miscarriages are associated with insufficient progesterone production.

How to understand that there is not enough progesterone and there is a risk of pregnancy loss? There is no need to be tested for this hormone. During pregnancy, it is not informative. But if you have unpleasant sensations in the uterine area - spasms, heaviness, a stomach like stone. Moreover, this happened more than once or twice; perhaps it makes sense to prevent miscarriage with the help of progesterone. Duphaston tablets are prescribed internally. The dosage depends on the severity of the symptoms. And the drug “Utrozhestan” is suitable for vaginal use. Some women are forced to take progesterone almost until the end of pregnancy, so as not to give birth prematurely. If there is no serious threat, then from the second trimester the dosage of progesterone is reduced, and by 16-20 weeks the woman stops taking it. But only if nothing worries you: there is no pain, bleeding and the length of the cervix is ​​normal (isthmic-cervical insufficiency is excluded).

I would like to note that in hospitals neither the first nor the second drug is given out. You will most likely have to buy them yourself.

What happens to the fetus 6 weeks after conception?

By the end of this week, the growth of the embryo is already about 20 mm. This is the size of a bean or raspberry. The baby is growing approximately 1 mm per day. And it weighs 3-5 grams. And they say that the child is already responding to touch. The speed of children's development amazes even scientists. About 90% of the anatomical systems of the body have been formed. And also, the baby begins to move. But for now these are spontaneous movements. And it is precisely the 6th week after conception that is the final one, when the baby is called an embryo; when the 7th week of pregnancy arrives, it will already be a fetus.

Little heart becomes more complex and becomes four-chambered, like in humans and all mammals. Its connection with the main vessels becomes better. A baby's heart beats at a very high speed - 150-170 beats per minute, which is about 2 times faster than that of an adult.

Fingers and toes appear. The arms can already bend at the joints. The skeletal system is actively developing. The brain has different hemispheres and convolutions. The kidneys and bladder are fully formed.

The intestine grows in length and forms a physiological hernia in the area of ​​the umbilical cord. The stomach ends up in the abdominal cavity, and nerve endings appear in it. The salivary glands are being formed.

The face of the embryo changes. Facial features are already visible more clearly. The ears, tip of the nose and upper lip. Very soon the eyelids will be visible on the tiny face.

Boys develop genitals and testicles. But the sex of the baby is not yet visible on an ultrasound. The amount of amniotic fluid increases.

Be careful - smoking and alcoholic drinks

Your body is the house in which your child grows. In the future you are destined to become two separate people, but now you are one organism. And all the substances that enter your bloodstream are delivered to the tiny embryo. Most mothers-to-be expose their baby to toxins, either consciously or unconsciously, from time to time.

We have already talked about the potential harm of caffeine in the article about the fifth week of pregnancy. And here we will describe the harm of tobacco and alcohol for a child. Awareness will allow you to easily refuse these bad habits.

Smoking cigarettes

Extensive research into the effects of tobacco on the fetus has clearly shown that it has adverse effects and may interfere with fetal development. Women who smoke often give birth to low birth weight babies due to intrauterine retention their development. Smoking increases the risk of stillbirths and birth defects.

Babies born to women who smoke have a higher risk of abnormalities physical development And mental abilities, vision problems and a tendency to chronic lung diseases. In addition, toxins in the blood of a smoking woman reduce the oxygen supply to the baby.

Smoking during pregnancy can cause shortness of breath and tachycardia in a woman. Since smoking is known to affect the immune system, you will be more susceptible to infections.

Week 6, side effects of pregnancy (video):

6th week of pregnancy

Week 6, pregnancy side effects

2013-06-05T00:00:00

Alcohol

Alcohol is bad for your health at any stage of life, but especially during pregnancy. Its use during the first trimester greatly undermines health and has serious consequences for a growing fetus. A pregnant woman who drinks alcohol suffers from a lack of folic acid and thiamine in the body, which in turn affects the baby. Women who drink often experience falls or accidents after drinking alcohol, resulting in miscarriage or serious injury to the abdomen and uterus. The likelihood of liver disease, bone marrow disease and pneumonia is also higher among them.

Alcohol enters the baby's body through the placenta and can cause irreparable damage. The baby will be born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). These children have a higher risk of developing mental retardation, problems with the central nervous system, deformed facial features, and kidney and heart pathologies.

Many women believe that small doses alcohol will not harm the child. But there are no studies that would confirm this point of view. And it is not known how much alcohol will lead to the development of FAS in a child. Therefore, it is better to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy. Current advice for expectant mothers

There are two problems that almost all expectant mothers are at risk of encountering. This headache and constipation. Both of these problems are almost always provoked either by medications taken or by hormonal conditions. We will talk about how to defeat both one and the other pathology.

There are several types of headaches. And to pick up the right tactics action, you need to understand why you have a headache.

1. Osteochondrosis, injuries of the cervical spine. During pregnancy, you will not solve this problem. So far the recommendations are sufficient physical activity And correct posture. After childbirth - consultation and examination by a neurologist. At severe pain- take painkillers. Expectant mothers can take Paracetamol at a dosage of 15 mg per 1 kg of weight.

2. High or low blood pressure. If the pressure rises, it is very dangerous. It is necessary to take drugs that reduce it on a regular basis. They will become a cure for headaches. Physical activity and a cup of coffee will help with low blood pressure.

3. Pain from suboptimal sleep duration. It can also occur in non-pregnant women if they go to bed too early or too late. And also, it can provoke a “heavy head” nap. The problem can be solved by normalizing the duration and frequency of rest.

4. Migraine. This is the most painful form of headache. It is distinguished by its localization in one part of the head. Migraines are often triggered by foods: chocolate, cheese, sausage, various sauces, citrus fruits, pineapples, bananas, etc. Doctors recommend keeping a special diary in which you write down every day what you ate and when you got a headache. This helps to find the dependence of pain on the foods eaten. Normalizing the menu saves the situation.

Often headaches occur due to a small amount of fluid consumed, especially in hot weather. This is simply a symptom of dehydration. Just drink more and your headache will stop.

Constipation in expectant mothers is caused by certain drugs that reduce the tone of the uterus, as well as by the hormone progesterone directly produced by the body. It weakens intestinal motility. To normalize its functioning, you need to eat less foods that cause constipation. You should mainly limit flour. And here dairy products, it is recommended to eat more vegetables and fruits. And be sure to drink enough fluids. Bran is good for constipation. You can use them together with kefir.

If you can’t normalize your stool simply with food, lactulose syrup remains. A very mild and safe laxative. It works when you can choose the right dosage. Often, for regular bowel movements, you need to drink more syrup than indicated in the instructions. It's absolutely safe. Well, the first aid means are glycerin suppositories and microenemas "Mikrolaks".

The most active formation of the unborn child occurs in the first trimester. At this time, the foundations are laid that will influence his entire future life. The sixth week of pregnancy is a very important milestone in embryo development. During this period, the embryo becomes large enough to be seen, the uterus enlarges, and significant changes occur in the woman’s abdomen, which become noticeable on ultrasound examinations. Technically, the sixth week of pregnancy is actually the fourth week of fetal development, but it is counted from the first day of your last period before pregnancy. This period is called obstetric.

Sixth obstetric week Pregnancy is a period of growth and development of the unborn child. It is at this time that the main vital organs and parts of the body begin to form, so it is imperative that short term start paying close attention to the woman’s health and emotional peace. At this time, the fetus is still very small and vulnerable, so the pregnant woman is advised not to overexert herself and eat right so as not to provoke possible negative consequences.

Signs of pregnancy at 6 weeks

Already at this early During pregnancy, a woman begins to notice changes occurring in her body. They are due to the fact that the body begins to actively prepare for bearing a child and produces a large amount of hormones that rebuild all processes in a woman’s body.

Already at this time, severe toxicosis appears, characterized by a feeling of nausea, vomiting, a change in reaction to odors and food, and increased salivation.

Also due to the influence large quantity Progesterone, necessary to strengthen the uterus and its increased blood supply, may cause digestive disorders, which also affects the manifestation of toxicosis.
Doctors in this condition advise pregnant women to drink more water to cope with the feeling of nausea. A large amount of fluid helps remove salts from the body and helps cope with unpleasant symptoms. Also, to unload the digestive system, which cannot cope with the food entering it, it is recommended to switch to frequent meals in small portions. This can also reduce the feeling of nausea and help cope with discomfort and vomiting.
Also, under the influence of hormones, pregnant women become irritable, they experience a loss of strength and even dizziness.
There may also be noticeable flaccidity in the muscles, affecting all movements of the woman. At the same time, severe stress and emotional unrest negatively affect the unborn child, so it is extremely important during this period of time to try to avoid mental stress and excessive worry.
In some cases, abdominal pain may begin in the sixth week of pregnancy. In this case, be sure to consult a doctor in a timely manner so that he can conduct a full diagnosis and rule out possible risks for mother and child. In most cases, abdominal pain is a direct signal that something is going wrong in a woman’s body, so you should not ignore these sensations.

Another a clear sign, meaning pregnancy is an enlargement of the breasts and a change in its sensitivity. Quite often there is pain and tingling in the nipples, darkening halos and hypertrophied tactile perception. For most pregnant women, even minor touches of the breast become too painful and unpleasant. Many women also note a feeling of heaviness in their breasts that appears with the onset of pregnancy.

In addition to these main manifestations, there may also be a decrease in blood pressure, skin problems, constipation, heartburn and other symptoms.
However, for some women, pregnancy may in fact not manifest itself at all and even pass without the toxicosis that is familiar to many. This largely depends on the individual characteristics of the woman’s body and how it reacts to pregnancy and excess hormones. The only symptom that is present in almost everyone is frequent urination. This phenomenon is due to the fact that it is caused by the physiological characteristics of a woman’s body, and not her hormonal background. Already from the sixth week of pregnancy, pressure from the uterus on the bladder may occur, which leads to frequent urge to go to the toilet. Despite the fact that at this stage this reproductive organ is still quite small and does not exceed the size of a plum, due to its location it affects all organs in the abdomen, including the urinary system.

Determination of pregnancy in the sixth week


Despite the fact that the life span of the embryo is still quite short, an experienced gynecologist can confidently determine whether there is a pregnancy or not.

At this time, a large number of tests are prescribed that check hormonal levels and measure all indicators.
This is necessary in order to promptly identify abnormalities that appear during pregnancy and may affect the health of the unborn child and his mother.

Wherein great attention pay attention to the level of the hormone progesterone, which is a very important substance for preserving and maintaining pregnancy, as it keeps the uterus in good shape and helps protect the embryo.

If the amount of this hormone is insufficient, the gynecologist prescribes drug therapy, helping to correct this deviation and maintain pregnancy.

During this period, the first ultrasound examination is carried out to determine exactly how many embryos the pregnant woman is carrying and whether they are developing in the right place. In the sixth week, it is clearly visible what type of multiple pregnancy is present and how many placentas are determined. Ultrasound examination makes it possible to timely diagnose the presence of an ectopic pregnancy with greater accuracy.

Fetal changes at 6 weeks


During this period of time, significant changes begin to occur in the embryo. In such a short period of time, the fetus grows quickly, and every day you can notice new changes.

It is at this stage of pregnancy that, with the help of ultrasound, it becomes possible to determine the beating of the still small two-chamber heart of the embryo.
It is very small, like a tube-shaped vessel, and beats twice as fast as his mother's heart - about 150 beats per minute.

The embryo itself now measures only 1 cm and weighs approximately 4 grams. But it is at this stage of development that such an important organ as the brain is formed. From it comes the central nervous system, which allows you to maintain life throughout the body. Thanks to this, already at such an early stage, the small organism begins to gradually show a reaction to stimuli coming from outside. Only now this is not yet noticeable to the mother - the fetus is too small, and its movements are not felt at all.


The sixth week of pregnancy is characterized by the formation of limbs. Now the ultrasound shows very small arms and legs. At this time, they have not yet fully grown and do not look like ordinary human hands, but they can already be noticed. The embryo develops a head and still has a small tail, which disappears later.

A nose, mouth, ears appear on the head, small eyeballs appear, and gradually develop.

In the sixth week, the active growth of cartilage tissue begins, which subsequently provides the basis for the entire skeleton of the child and helps to form tendons and muscle tissue.

The beginnings appear digestive tract, expressed by the intestinal tube and the developing liver and stomach, the excretory system is created, blood vessels appear, bronchi, trachea and lungs are formed.

Already at this stage of embryo development, its the immune system, therefore, the expectant mother needs to start following a special diet now, not get sick and give up bad habits in advance so as not to harm the health of the unborn baby.

At 6 weeks, not only the fetus develops, but also its placenta and umbilical cord. After the fertilized egg attaches to the walls of the uterus, the endometrium lining the uterine surface is destroyed, which subsequently, together with the membrane of the fertilized egg, becomes an important material for the structure of the placenta. At this stage of pregnancy, the placenta is growing and is already able to provide the baby with everything necessary for proper development nutrients And useful microelements and oxygen. Until this point, the embryo fed on the reserves of all substances contained in the yolk sac, which dissolves over time.

What symptoms should you consult a doctor for?


  • Abdominal pain. This is the most obvious and most terrible sign that not everything is in order in a woman’s body. In this case, it is very important to contact a gynecologist in time, who can check if everything is in order. Even if the pain is not actually constant, but appears only at certain times of the day or after a slight exertion, consultation with a specialist is still necessary. He will be able to correctly determine the nature of the pain and its causes and prescribe additional tests for that. To understand exactly what is happening to the body now. It is necessary to do this if, after unpleasant sensations, bloody discharge appears in the abdomen. Such a symptom may mean a high risk of miscarriage, and only timely health care can prevent this. It is worth remembering that pain in the lumbar spine in most cases does not entail any negative consequences, but are only a consequence of the influence of hormones and the resulting load;
  • Another signal that something is not right with a pregnant woman’s body is a change in discharge. The appearance of blood, additional inclusions, changes in color, smell and consistency indicate that treatment is necessary. Most often, such symptoms indicate that an infection is beginning to develop in a woman’s body. This is the most likely and very common cause, which is caused by a weakened immune system. female body due to pregnancy. Another reason may be a change in microflora due to hormonal imbalance, which leads to thrush. At the same time, it is extremely important not to self-medicate or take medications on your own, but to use only drug treatment, which will be prescribed by the doctor, since most medications are contraindicated at this stage of pregnancy.

If you have any problems, you should immediately contact your doctor, who will prescribe the correct medications. Any self-treatment can lead to a large number of undesirable consequences. Since the majority medications not intended for pregnant women and can only aggravate the situation; a competent gynecologist will be able to choose the right medicines and their dosage, which will not have a negative effect on the pregnant woman and her unborn child.

It should be remembered that in any case, it is extremely important not to engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication and contact your gynecologist in a timely manner. Only he can appoint and carry out everything necessary tests and examinations, which will allow timely diagnosis possible deviations from the norm during pregnancy and will contribute to the prompt elimination of the problem. This will significantly reduce the risk of complications that can arise if you wait too long to see a doctor.

During pregnancy, a slight increase in temperature may occur. This may not always mean the development of any disease. In a large number of cases, a slight increase in temperature is actually a sign of the hormonal system. At the same time, separate the slight increase in temperature due to natural processes in the body and the fever caused by the disease. In the first trimester of pregnancy, it is extremely undesirable to get sick and take regular cold and antiviral medications, as this can affect the embryo. Therefore, it is extremely important to protect yourself from contact with sick people, take vitamins to boost your immunity and try not to get too cold.

Diet in the sixth week


Proper nutrition is extremely important for a woman who is expecting a baby. It affects not only how the pregnancy itself proceeds, but also the development of the embryo itself. During this period of time, it is extremely undesirable to drink coffee, strong tea and eat spicy and smoked foods. It is best to focus on boiled lean dishes and plenty of vegetables and fruits. They will saturate the mother’s body with useful microelements, which will subsequently participate in the formation of the child’s tissues and organs, which is especially important in the sixth week of pregnancy.


Also, a pregnant woman's diet should include dairy products, nuts, lean meat and fish. All this together will provide the unborn child with all the substances that will be used during growth and development.


In addition to food, many pregnant women also require additional vitamins, which the doctor prescribes separately. This is due to the fact that the growing organism inside a woman uses the mother’s resources for its formation. Therefore, in order for a woman’s body not to be depleted, she needs an additional supply of easily digestible microelements.


A newborn baby's senses adapt to interact with other people. The baby's hearing adapts to the human voice, recognizing familiar sounds, especially the mother's voice, very early. The baby quickly remembers the smell of his mother, especially if she breastfeeds him. On the contrary, the physical capabilities of a newborn are much less developed than those of the young of other mammals, for example, calves or lambs, which are able to stand up and walk within a few hours after birth. A newborn cannot even hold his head upright, much less control his arms and legs.

Baby 6 weeks: development of reflexes

The baby has special reflexes. Some of them will be lost by 6 weeks if the newborn develops normally. Some reflexes are essential for survival. For example, a baby instinctively turns its head if someone touches its cheek (search reflex), which allows the baby to find the nipple and feed. In addition, the child can suck and swallow at the same time, and he does not have to learn this.

Other reflexes are “primitive” and their benefits are less obvious. For example, the grasping reflex, if you “run” your finger over the baby’s palm, he will immediately clench his fist so tightly around his finger that it can be lifted above the surface. He will open his hand if you hit him lightly back side palms - this technique can be useful when the child’s hand gets tangled in the mother’s hair.

However, there is no benefit from this reflex for the baby; Baby monkeys need it to cling to their mother's back while she climbs a tree, and this may be seen as reflecting the general history of evolution.

After birth, a baby spends most of its time sleeping, although many exhausted parents would say that this is not the case. It turns out that in the first 6 weeks a newborn often sleeps for 2-3 hours, after which he wakes up and does not fall asleep again until he is fed. At first, the child does not see the difference between day and night, but after several weeks he gradually begins to sleep at longer intervals, while some children can sleep for only 8 hours, while others can sleep for 22 hours. Not many babies will sleep through the night in the first six weeks, and some won't get used to the routine for a year.

Newborn baby crying

At first, all your newborn's cries will seem the same. But after a while, parents can already distinguish between a sudden cry of pain and the methodical, rhythmic cry of a hungry child.

Baby crying is the most obvious way to get a mother to pay attention to her needs. At 6 weeks of age, baby cannot regulate temperature own body and can cry if he is too hot or too cold. Crying can also mean tiredness, hunger, pain and discomfort.

Sometimes, however, there seems to be no explanation for the crying. For example, a child has been washed, fed, and the room has been aired, but he cries and cannot sleep. Probable Cause- colic is an eternal misfortune in the new life of parents. Colic usually appears in the second week after birth and often lasts up to three months. Little is known about their causes and treatment, but everything resolves itself as the child grows up.

How does a child develop week by week?

Colostrum is a secretion produced mother's breast in the first few days after birth. It is a yellow liquid, thick, viscous, produced in small quantities, but containing such a percentage of protein that it lasts a child for a long time. In addition, colostrum contains antibodies that protect the baby from infections, especially in the intestinal and chest, and enriches the child with hormones and enzymes necessary for digestion. For mothers who cannot or do not want to breastfeed, there are special milk formulas.

At first, the baby can eat up to 12 times a day, but gradually the number of feedings decreases. On average, by six weeks he already needs 6 feedings a day. Children who are well fed gain 150-210 g per week.

Child social development

By 6 weeks, the newborn baby becomes stronger.

  • Now, if you sit him down, his head will no longer lean back as before.
  • At 6 weeks of age, the baby responds to familiar voices and rhythmic movements, such as gentle rocking; he will coo in response to his parents' speech and make guttural sounds when he is happy.
  • Although at 6 weeks your baby continues to sleep most of the day, he is more active when he is awake.
  • He will focus his gaze on the face and follow it, without looking away while he is being spoken to or fed.
  • If in the first days, lying on his stomach, the child turns his head to the side, his arm is bent, and his legs are spread out like a frog, then soon he will begin to raise his head and upper body above the bed, supporting himself with his elbows.
  • After a short period of inconsistent and unpredictable sleep, eating and crying, the baby will begin to develop a daily routine.

Even in the first 6 weeks of life, a newborn baby develops a certain relationship with its parents. Its individuality begins with the way it sleeps, eats and communicates with them.