When talking about the size of a developing baby, most healthcare providers will discuss the size in terms of `crown-to-rump` length. Crown-to-rump length simply means the distance from the top of the baby's head to its buttocks. Because the baby's legs are usually bent or tucked inwards, crown-to-heel length is hard to determine. By the sixth week of pregnancy, your developing baby is 2 to 4 mm long. You may have even gained a few pounds at this point. However, if you have been nauseated or not eating well you might have lost weight.
You have actually been pregnant for an entire month now! More than likely, you have noticed some changes within your body and you might also notice that your clothes are fitting slightly tighter around the waist. Some women also gain pregnancy weight in their legs, face and breasts. It is not uncommon to experience heartburn or constipation at this time either. Symptoms are usually not severe at this time. If you were to have a pelvic exam at this point of your pregnancy, your doctor would be able to feel your uterus and would notice some changes in its size. Although you will not be able to hear your baby's heartbeat with a Doppler yet, you might be able to see it beating if you have an ultrasound now.
From week 6 to week 10 of your pregnancy, you will be in the embryonic period. This is a very important time of development for your baby and the embryo is most susceptible to experience developmental interferences at this time. Although the embryo is still very small, it is growing and developing rapidly. Your baby's early brain chambers are forming and the eyes are also beginning to form. Buds will appear and will develop into arms and legs in later weeks.
Many pregnant women will have their first prenatal appointment around this time. Generally, the first appointment is the longest and your doctor will gather a health history of you, the father and your families. You should ask questions and get to know your healthcare provider well. Your doctor will probably ask about any prior medical problems, your pregnancy and birth history and other gynecological concerns. You should tell your caregiver about any prior miscarriages, stillbirths or abortions that you have had. You should also tell your doctor about any medications that you take or allergies that you have. Your doctor will give you a pelvic exam and a Pap smear. During a pelvic exam, your doctor will be able to determine if your uterus is the appropriate size. A breast exam will also be performed. Lab tests may also be done at this prenatal visit. Some doctors will also perform early ultrasounds during the first prenatal appointment to date the pregnancy, confirm the pregnancy or check for abnormalities.
The heart is starting up. The fetus` blood group may be different from your own!
Facial features are visible, including a mouth and tongue. The eyes have a retina and lens.
The digestive system starts forming, beginning with the first cells of the stomach and the intestine.
There are small indentations in the head, ready for the development of facial features, eyes, and ears. The outline of the jaw starts to form.
cosmomama - 1.8 hours ago
mum2be: I hope so badly that you are ok. please keep us posted. my thoughts are with you. hopefully it was just a broken blood vessel. there are a lot up there and they are engorged right now. sometimes they rupturewith movement. good luck! LILPIGZ: I had a cyst on my ovary when I pg with my son. I had 2 at once actually and I didn't even know I was preggo yet. it has no effect on the baby. the baby is safe and snug in your uterus. if the cyst pops, which it probably will, the fluid drains into your abdomin and unfortunitey it HURTS. and you won't be able to have any pain killers for it so you'll just have to wait it out. if its small like yours, the pain's not so bad. but baby will be ok :) I don't want to scare you about the pain. the 2 I had when I was pregnant barely hurt. I had a huge one before that and I was on morifne (nor preggo then). it was worse than labor. but, again, it was HUGE. Yours is small so don't worry!
cosmomama - 2 hours ago
I have a very important question. ever since the dr said that I may have a blighted ovum, I can't stop stressing over it. my question is if anyone knows whether or not you can still have a blighted ovum even if your hormones are still rising. they thought I had one until may hormones were tested and then they said maybe I'm just not very far along. there was a yolk sac too and I don't know if blighted ovums usually even have that. the reason I'm stressing is because I read that hormones can still go up because the plecenta is still growing and creating hormones, but the baby is not. so even though my hormones are good, I'm still scared to death that there's no baby. my next u/s is in 2 weeks and I can't wait that long. does ANYBODY know? if my hormones are good, am I safe?
kix - 4.9 hours ago
Well, I just had my first u/s and the Dr. said, 'here's what I am not happy about, the sac is a little small, the baby is a little small and the heartbeat is a little slow.' I go back for another u/s next Friday. She said we should know a lot more by then. It's going to be one hell of a week...
sarah7693 - 6.7 hours ago
ugh...bad head cold and trying not to take anything for it. The only thing that worries me is that every time I cough...I get cramps afterward just for a few seconds. Hopefully everything is okay! I still have to wait 2 weeks until my first appt. ugh!
Beluga - 9.4 hours ago
I am also off to week 7.... See you all there!! Sticky baby dust to all... xoxo
Beluga - 9.4 hours ago
jevleunbebe... My peanut's heartbeat was 119 bpm and the U/S technician did not mention anything about being low, high or normal... At the end she just said that everything looked great, so I am thinking is fine... On the bright side, you will have another scan next week and will get to see your peanut again!!... I do not have any more U/S scheduled until week 20.... :-(
Beluga - 9.4 hours ago
mum-2-B... Oh!! My thoughts and prayers are with you! Try to rest as much as you can, stay in bed or sofa and drink lots of water... maybe it was only broken blood vessels, since the linings are very sensible at the beginning of PG....
lil.pigz - 10.1 hours ago
Hi all! 1st day of week 6 here:-)Had my 1st dr visit yesterday, saw baby's heartbeat on the u/s. Dr found a 5cm cyst on my left ovary. Said not to worry, that he will keep an eye on it though. Anyone else ever have this? Im still worried. I read horrible things on the internet about cysts twisting and bursting and what not. Now every twinge I feel I think, oh no, is that the cyst???
mum-2-B - 10.6 hours ago
So I called my Dr. office and left a message for him to call me. Of course the one day that I really need to talk to someone that knows what they are talking about I get to talk to a new employee who almost sounded giddy that she was getting to answer the phone. Arg!
mum-2-B - 12 hours ago
Thats great news Beluga... Myself I am worried SICK!!! last night about 1hr after i went for a run (Dr approved) I came home and way lying in bed. First I felt a slight cramping on each side of my belly and then i felt something DRIP. I wiped and it was blood. Red brand new blood. a little more seeped out and then nothing and one drip this morning when i got up (probably just from getting up). I am so scared. I am calling my Dr. right now. Ill keep you posted.
jevleunbebe - 16.2 hours ago
Hello all. I had my u/s yesterday. The DR said everything is fine except for the heartbeat. It was 98 bpm. She said it was a low and should be 130 bpm. I have another scan next week. Has this happened to anyone?
DarLyn01 - 17.1 hours ago
well off to week 7 later today...see you all there :)
Kingwoodmom - 23.3 hours ago
My last pregnancy I worried so much over every little thing, I forgot to enjoy my pregnancy.. I will not do this, this pregnancy. My little guy turned 4 months today. He is my little blessing. He's going to have a little sister or brother...
So my point being sit back and enjoy being pregnant.
babychavez - 23.6 hours ago
Congrats Beluga! Hope we all continue to get these great news. =)
Beluga - 1 days ago
Well ladies, I went to my first U/S this afternoon... according to the measurements, I am 6 weeks 6 days PG, which is correct according to my last period... I was able to listen to my little peanut's heartbeat... it beats at 119 beats per minute... The crown-to-rump lenght (CRL) was 55 mm... They also were able to determinate that I ovulate from my right ovary... Sticky baby dust to everyone!! xoxo
jessicagraham310 - 1 days ago
I am 6 weeks and 6 days and have had a few early m/c . I had an u/s at 5 weeks and 4 days but only saw the sac but the doc said everything was measuring right on track but I still worry. I had to go back in and have them look at my cervix with a camera because of a abnormal pap and the mucus plug was in place and cervix was closed . I go back on the 9th of july for a repeat u/s and I hope I see a heart beat I never had any problems getting pregnant with my two sons and no worries with the pregnancy,s but I just cant stop thinking something may be wrong because I dont feel like there is anything in my belly . any advice this is my first time on a page like this.
jessica7 - 1 days ago
akcoastiewife & Cosmomama, I am also on the wait with you. I had my HCG levels checked today, and they were 26,662. I go back Saturday again to have it re-checked. My Dr said this is encouraging news. I think I have her convinced to let me get an u/s with the new machine in their office or the one at the bigger hospital that is more advanced. She knows me well enough to know that my body goes into a shut-down mode under this much stress, and it is better to satisfy my anxiety now rather than wait.
uhoh-impreggo - 1 days ago
You ladies shouldn't worry so much. They're just average measurements, babies grow at their own paces and when they're still rather microscopic is no time to worry! I didn't have an u/s until I was 13 weeks and they said the baby was 11 w. My boyfriend was quite worried, but I wasn't. At our 16 week scan they moved my due date closer and said I was measuring a week ahead by then. We haven't had one since (now 24 weeks) but the uterus is growing, baby is kicking and curling up and being taken note of.
when I was in the early weeks a lot of women were getting u/s with 'jus the sac' etc. Remember- your doc gives you these tests in part to pad the bill. At my last I was told we don't need more than 1 u/s and definitely not more than two unless other exams cause question, but since we're addicted to them the drs order them and bill the insurance.
I hope everything turns out wonderful for you ladies, but try not to focus too much on the end result. Enjoy every moment you can of having your baby inside.
1stMr.Bean - 1 days ago
mplsmama-don't worry. According to my dates, I should be almost three weeks further and I cried and argued with the doctor when he told me how far along I was. My 'funny' boyfriend was even joking about how my dates weren't matching with when we were intimate. I am 1000% sure when we conceived because we were only intimate once during April and May and nothing since. I demanded another ultrasound two weeks later and the baby actually measured four days ahead of where he should have been according to my progress. Maybe you ovulated late! Maybe your little one will have a growth spurt. I know how frustrating it can be...trust me!
babyblue10 - 1 days ago
Hello all, congrats to everyone on their babies. I am new here, just went to the Dr. after 5 days of spotting and bleeding to find a baby with a heart beat!! Its been a long week trying to stay calm. Hopefully things continue to go well. It will be a good night sleep tonight!!
mplsmama - 1 days ago
Hi ladies... after reading others' posts, it seems I'm not alone... just to let a few of you know, I'm right there with you! I had my u/s today, and things aren't looking great for me either. I should be about 7 wks, and the baby measured 5 wks, 3 days. Now I just get to wait another wk for another u/s. Guh-reat. My hcg levels were tested around 4 1/2 wks and were going up great, so they think my dates may just be off. But my cycles are very regular, and I'm fairly certain I know when I conceived. I really doubt my dates are off. I'm trying to be optimistic, but I'm not holding my breath. I didn't have a single worry w/ my pregnancy w/ my dtr, so this is just such a blow. I hate that my dr didn't do more hcg testing... I'm thinking of calling to see if they could do that again.
nychellay - 1 days ago
BABYCHAVEZ-------------- I was supposed to be 7w4days today, according to my last menstrual cycle. I went to the docs tuesday to find out that I was only 6.5 weeks, which changed my due date from 2/14 to 2/20.Anyway...I saw the fetus at 6.5 weeks (the fetus looked more like a gray spot with arms), so maybe you will see something too. you may not be as far along as you thought you were if you didn't see anything the first time. They can only measure how far along you actually are based off of the baby's length.
babychavez - 1 days ago
Thanks for responses...I'll talk it over w/my dh as soon as he gets in so we'll see.
mum-2-B - 1 days ago
Hi babychavez - I agree with akcoastiewife. It is better to wait a week now than have to wait more weeks later for another appointment because you did it too soon. Im sending good vibes your way. Im sure it will be fine
akcoastiewife - 1 days ago
I would wait til 8 weeks. I had my vag U/S done yesterday and I was supposed to be 6w5d,I saw just the sac. I go back in 2 weeks and then Ill be 8w6d. Hopefully I will see something then. I told myself yesterday that I wished I had not done one period, then I wouldn't have this worry on my shoulders. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you.
babychavez - 1 days ago
I need advice plz. I have my second transvag ultrasound this coming tues (7/7) I would be 7wks 2day. I had my first ultrasound when I was exactly 5 wks. They saw a gestational sac, and yolk sac but no fetal pole. She said it was too early but I'm soooo scared that I won't see anything at this coming ultrasound. I've heard of ppl seeing something at 8wks would you guys switch your appts to the following week or go the 7wk one. I just don't want to be crushed and have her say I'll see you back in another 2 wks or a d&c if its still early.
akcoastiewife - 1 days ago
Thats awesome news cosmomama. Now you and I are on the 2 week wait together. At least you had your HCG levels checked . My Dr said that they wont test them unless they really think something is wrong, so maybe she doesn't think that my U/S was anything out of the norm. AGAIN Congrats on the good news.
mum-2-B - 1 days ago
great news cosmomama! glad to hear it
cosmomama - 1 days ago
hey ladies. thanks so much for all of your support. it's been a rough few days and it'll be another rough 2 weeks until my next ultrasound...if I make it that far. here is my latest update. the dr called with my hcg levels and they are at 46,000 and the dr said that this is more than great and so far it looks like my pregnancy is going ok. they are redoing an hcg test tomorrow but she said only 65% of pregnancies actually do have hormones that double every 48 hours. so I shouldn't worry as long as they go up. we just have to make sure that they don't significatly drop. she said that women miscarrying usually drop below 500. she thinks I either ovulated very late or I have a blighted ovun (this is what some of you women are talking about- when there is a sac, but it's empty). however, my hcg levels seems to indidcate the prior, that I ovulated really late. anyways, she said all I can do is wait 2 more weeks and hopefully they'll see a baby and not an empty sac. and hopefully I don't lose it before then. I had 1 spot of pink blood this morning, but nothing else. I remember that happened once with my son too. its just bad timing for that mind game if it means nothing! ok well thanks again girls. I'm hanging in there for now. only time will tell.
akcoastiewife - 1 days ago
Thanks for all the support ladies. Since I dont know when I ovulated, but I do know my last period, it is possible that i am not as far along as I think that I am. From reading other post, and some other supportive websites, it seems that a lot of women have this same problem and dont end up seeing the baby until 8 or 9 weeks. I am just staying positive. I mean I still feel the pregnancy symptoms, and my bb's are getting more and more tender everyday. Although no morning sickness yet.
mum-2-B - 1 days ago
Thanks Beluga
It is definatly hard not to worry when you have gone through that. I worry now too because I am 0- i think that some of the babys blood may have mixed with mine to create antibodies. My Dr. said that it is possible and that we need to wait and see what my blood work comes back with. What really gets me is that they wont tell me what blood type my husband is because aparantly it is very common that husbands arnt fathers. still though I know mine is so why wont they just tell me :(
Beluga good luck with the u/s cant hardly wait till mine :)
Beluga - 1 days ago
Today at 4pm (currently is 2:30pm) I will have my U/S... I went to my first doctor's appointment on Monday to confirm my PG... They did confirm it... but my doctor is asking for an early U/S to be sure of the dates, since I had a baby 3 months ago, and I had only 1 pospartum period... I hope everything turns out good... I am very nervous... I will keep you guys posted.... :-D
Beluga - 1 days ago
mum-2-be... I also had a similar experience two years ago... My doctor thought to hear a heartbeat, so I believe that everything was fine... I went for my 12 week U/S when I was 11 weeks and they found nothing but an empty sac... They did a D&C procedure and after analysis, they also found fetal matter... I was devasted... My last PG I was soooo worried and did not stop worrying until my 12 weeks appointment when I saw my little bean in the U/S... This time I am also soooo worried thinking that maybe this will repeat... all I can do is wait and pray that everything will turn out okay... Baby dust to everyone, xoxo
SunshineBaby1 - 1 days ago
I started spotting and a good bit of cramping. Called the OB and they're sending me for bloodwork, putting me on pelvic rest and, if my levels are 10,000 or more, getting and ultrasound, or more bloodwork next week. I never had a drop of blood with #1 and am trying to stay calm. She told me there was nothing I could do to change the end result, whatever was going to happen was going to happen. I think she was trying to make me feel better, in that I'm not doing anything wrong, but I wish there was something I could do that would be more reassuring. Or that it wasn't a holiday weekend. I'm supposed to call the on-call OB tomorrow if I'm still spotting so she can find out my levels and give me other ideas? Or maybe just send me to the hospital for an u/s? I don't know... so I'm waiting for my Mom to come stay with my son so I don't have to be lifting him everywhere while I go to get blood taken.
Beluga - 1 days ago
cosmomama... My thoughts and prayers are with you... xoxo
Beluga - 1 days ago
akcoastiewife.... I hope those week fly for you, my thoughts and prayers for you and your little bean... xoxo
kristin75 - 1 days ago
SunshineBaby1,
Thank you so much for your reply. Congrats on the birth of your baby...I'm so happy things turned out for you. I hope I have the same result.
SunshineBaby1 - 1 days ago
But - I have the same fears this time! I don't have my first appointment until July 21, and then the u/s within 2 weeks of that. I get so scared to be excited and hopeful, but I can't help it all at the same time!
SunshineBaby1 - 1 days ago
kristin - that did happen to me with my first pregnancy. We ended up with u/s each week, and were told each week to not expect a heartbeak and I'd probably miscarry. My son turned 1 in June!!! :-)
mum-2-B - 1 days ago
cosmomama - My heart totally goes out to you right now. You are in my prayers that everything is fine and that somehow you totally got the date mixed up... however if it is what we all hope its not you are very lucky that you know right now whats actually going on... when i had my m/c the same thing happened to me only i found out 2 months later... when my Dr. 'thought' he had heard a h/b and when we had told all of our friends and family. we went in for the u/s because i had a little spotting and there was nothing but an empty sac! When they did the D&C however they found a small amount of fetus matter and determined that the baby must have stopped growing very early on. .... I send good thoughts your way... please keep us posted.
Kingwoodmom - 1 days ago
Hello guys in wk 6.. I don't have my scan till next Friday. I will be 7 wk 1 day..
kristin75 - 1 days ago
Hey girls. I'm 6 weeks along...and I had my hcg levels done. Monday there were 1300, 48 hours later they only went up to 1500. Has this happend to anyone else? I've heard they are supposed to double. My doc said they are going up, so thats good...but I'm scared.
babychavez - 2 days ago
I feeeeellll siiiiccckkk!!!! nauseas sick...not a cold sick. I wasn't nausea's at all w/my daughter but so many ppl say that when you have more ms u have a girl. Wasn't like that for...was it like that for you?
pinkmama - 2 days ago
akcoastiewife- i hope the next two weeks FLY by for you!! youre in my prayers!!!! maybe the machine they used just wasnt strong enough to see everything clearly!
pinkmama - 2 days ago
cosmomama- im praying that everything is still ok, and that youre just further behind than you thought. please keep us posted. youre in my prayers =o)
moonbunny - 2 days ago
actually just found the answer to my own question..just in case anyone else is curious, this will explain it well:
http://health.discovery.com/tools/calculators/pregnancy/pregnancy.html
'Naegle's Rule' (which is what the hospital used) does seem a very interesting method. hugz, moonbunnyxx
moonbunny - 2 days ago
ooooooooh in week 6 already!! tell me, anyone..do u have conflicting due dates calculated. Just like my first pregnancy I ended up with a different date from the hospital than that calculated here or on just about ANY calculator online..they reckon I'm due Feb 28th instead of the 25th..and no doubt that date will change again when I go in 4 my first appointment..at least that's what happened last time. I guess it doesn't matter that much but all these different 'methods' ..can't they just settle on one?? hugz all, moonbunnyxxxx
jessica7 - 2 days ago
To AKCOASTIEWIFE: I had the same thing happen to me yesterday, but instead of one gestational sac, they found two!!!! No history of twins in our family either. They told me it was too early to see anything, and just the same as you they have told me to wait 2 weeks. I am going to beg my doctor to send me to one of the bigger hospitals because they hve more advanced equip. I dont think I can wait 2 weeks. I am a super pessimist. COSMOMAMA, I am crossing my fingers for you. Dont give up yet, and keep us posted. Weird things happen. They told me I was barely 6 weeks, which means I found out I was pregnant 4 days after I conceived. I dont believe it, but will wait till my next apt I guess. Hang in there!!
DarLyn01 - 2 days ago
cosmomama - i'm praying for you, there is still hope..hang in there and take it easy...we are all thinking of you...
mom2ucc - 2 days ago
cosmomomma: Take a deep breath my dear...doctors do not know everything and from your post it sounds like yours still has some doubt. No matter what happens you are at least prepared now. I pray that everything works out for you! Miricles happen every day and doctors do not really know much about the growth of a human embryo and what it takes to develop. Have faith my dear and keep your chin up! You are in my thoughts!
The due date from members in week 6 is from Friday 19 February 2010 up to & including Thursday 25 February 2010. See the full timeline here
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