What does baby look like at 6 weeks?

At 6 weeks, your baby is the size of a Sweet pea — 0.25 in long, < 1 g. Facial features forming — eyes, nose, jaw. Hands and feet as paddle-shaped buds

6 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development & What to Expect

Q: What symptoms are normal at 6 weeks pregnant?

Heightened smell sensitivity — evolutionary protection against toxins. Food aversions — often to meat and strong flavors; trust your instincts

Q: What should I do at 6 weeks pregnant?

Eat small, frequent meals — every 2 hours. Book a GP or midwife booking appointment

💡 Expert tip

First prenatal appointment is usually scheduled at 8–10 weeks. Book it now if you haven

🌱 Baby's development this week

Facial features forming — eyes, nose, jaw
Hands and feet as paddle-shaped buds
Brain growing at 100 neurons/minute
Liver beginning to produce red blood cells

Science fact

At 6 weeks, the embryo

🤰 Your symptoms this week

Heightened smell sensitivity

evolutionary protection against toxins

Food aversions

often to meat and strong flavors; trust your instincts

Bloating

progesterone slows digestion to maximize nutrient absorption

💛 Changes in your body

Nausea often peaks this week
Heightened sense of smell — food aversions common
Mood swings from hormonal shifts
Waistline may begin to thicken slightly

💙 Mental health this week

The 6–8 week window has the highest miscarriage risk, which can cause significant anxiety. This anxiety is rational and valid — seek support if overwhelming.

🥗 Nutrition focus

Choline (eggs, beef) is critical for brain development — most prenatals omit it
Avoid vitamin A supplements (safe from food sources like carrots)
Iron absorption doubles in pregnancy — pair with vitamin C

📅 Appointment / test

First ultrasound is often done at 6–8 weeks to confirm heartbeat and dating.

✅ This week's checklist

✓

Eat small, frequent meals — every 2 hours

✓

Book a GP or midwife booking appointment

✓

Start tracking symptoms in a journal or app

Track your pregnancy week by week

Interactive guide · 40 weeks · Fruit size visualizations · Personalized tips

Explore Week 6 in the Interactive Guide →

Week 6: Baby

🌱 Baby's development this week

🤰 Your symptoms this week

💛 Changes in your body

🥗 Nutrition focus

✅ This week's checklist

Track your pregnancy week by week