At 6 weeks pregnant, your body is deep in a cascade of hormonal and physiological adaptation. Whether you’re newly aware of your pregnancy or have been anticipating it for weeks, this stage often brings a blend of subtle shifts and pronounced sensations. Some days may feel full of energy; others may feel heavy with exhaustion. Both are normal.
This is a time of rapid internal transformation—where your body is laying the groundwork for the months to come. While much of what’s happening remains invisible to others, your nervous system, hormones, and emerging embryo are in active conversation.
Below is a straightforward guide to what you may be feeling, how your baby is developing, and how to support your body and mind this week.
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How You’re Feeling in Your Body
At 6 weeks, the hormonal orchestration of early pregnancy is in full effect. Expect fluctuations—and honor them.
Hormonal surges and their sensations
At this stage, levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), or the hormone detected by pregnancy tests, continue to rise steeply. Progesterone and estrogen also remain elevated, supporting the uterine lining and early placental development. These hormones affect not only reproductive tissue, but also smooth muscles throughout your body, your digestive system, and even your nervous system.
Fatigue that feels profound
Deep fatigue is a hallmark of early pregnancy. Progesterone’s calming, muscle-relaxing effects can make your body feel ready for rest in moments you’d otherwise feel alert. This is not laziness; it’s energy being rerouted toward growth, repair, and hormonal regulation. Allow yourself gentle rest without guilt.
Nausea and food aversions
Many people begin to notice morning sickness around week 6, though “morning” is a misnomer. For some, nausea comes and goes throughout the day. Food aversions and sudden sensitivity to smells can surface as your gastrointestinal tract responds to rising hormones, particularly hCG and estrogen. Eating small, balanced meals and sipping fluids throughout the day can help ease discomfort.
Breast tenderness and fullness
Breasts may feel heavier, more sensitive, or tingling—a result of increased blood flow and hormonal signaling preparing your body for lactation later in pregnancy.
Digestive shifts
Slowed motility which is part of progesterone’s effect on smooth muscle, can lead to bloating, gas, or constipation. Fiber, hydration, and gentle movement can support digestion.
Emotional sensitivity and mood shifts
Your emotional landscape may feel layered with intensity. Hormonal shifts influence regions of the brain linked to mood regulation. You may notice moments of joy, anxiety, sadness, or emotional fluidity. All of this can coexist—and all of it is physiologically grounded.
Cramping and spotting awareness
A mild pulling or cramping sensation, similar to menstrual cramps, is relatively common this early, as the uterus begins to change. Light spotting can also occur, but heavier bleeding, intense cramps, or dizziness should always be discussed with your care provider.
Your nervous system is listening closely to these hormonal signals. Tenderness, physical or emotional, is a sign of attunement, not weakness.
What’s New With Your Baby
At 6 weeks, your baby is undergoing dramatic embryonic development. Though tiny, the pace of change is extraordinary.
Size and scale
Your embryo is still incredibly small—often compared to the size of a lentil—but the cellular activity within is immense.
Heart beginnings
One of the most remarkable developments around week 6 is the formation of the primitive heart tube. This structure will soon begin to beat in a coordinated rhythm, setting the stage for circulatory function. Often, an ultrasound at weeks 6–7 can detect this heartbeat, a profound moment for many families.
Neural pathways emerging
The neural plate—the precursor to the brain and spinal cord—continues to fold and develop. This early nervous system formation sets the foundation for all future brain, sensory, and motor development.
Limb buds and structural beginnings
Small buds that will later become arms and legs are beginning to take shape. Facial features, eyes, and ears are in their earliest formation phases. While not yet recognizable as a baby in the way later ultrasounds will show, these structures are beginning their remarkable journey of development.
Placenta and amniotic environment
Your placenta continues to develop as the primary support interface between your body and the embryo. It will take over hormone production and nutrient transfer in the weeks ahead. The amniotic sac—the fluid-filled environment that cushions and protects your baby—is also forming.
Everything happening this week is foundational: neural, cardiac, skeletal, and bodily systems are being established. This makes early nutritional support, rest, and physiological care especially meaningful.
Your Week 6 To-Do List
1. Confirm prenatal care and schedule your first appointment
If you haven’t already, reach out to a healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy medically and schedule your first prenatal visit. Early care offers guidance, reassurance, and personalized monitoring.
2. Begin or continue prenatal vitamins with folate
If you haven’t started a prenatal vitamin, especially one with folate (or methylated folate), this is a good time to begin. Folate supports early neural development and cellular division, foundational processes happening now.
3. Lean into rest and hydration
Fatigue this early is not accidental. Prioritize hydration and intentional rest. Even short, restful breaks can support your hormonal regulation and energy balance.
4. Nourish your digestive and metabolic system
Small, frequent meals with protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats help stabilize blood sugars and may alleviate nausea. Ginger, lemon, or savory broths can be soothing. If certain foods trigger nausea, focus on what feels manageable rather than what “should” be eaten.
5. Track symptoms with curiosity, not judgment
To better understand your body’s patterns, consider gentle tracking — symptoms, mood, appetite, sleep — without pressure. Noticing patterns supports more informed conversations with your provider later.
6. Avoid harmful substances and discuss medications
Caffeine moderation, avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, and consultation with your provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medications are essential now.
7. Explore early community or support
Even at 6 weeks, emotional support matters. Whether a partner, friend, therapist, or support group, having someone to talk with about the transition you’re experiencing can make a meaningful difference.
8. Cultivate grounding practices
Gentle breathing, restorative stretching, mindful pauses, or connection with nature can support your nervous system amid hormonal and physiological shifts.
The Takeaway
At 6 weeks pregnant, your body and embryo are engaged in a deeply coordinated process of growth and adaptation. Hormones aren’t just chemical messengers; they are active participants in shaping your physical and emotional landscape.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic. 1st trimester pregnancy: what to expect.
2. What to Expect. 6 Weeks Pregnant.
3. Babylist. 6 Weeks.
4. The Bump. 6 Weeks.
