Key Takeaways at 6 Weeks Pregnant
Baby's heartbeat is most likely detectable by ultrasound at this point. If your doctor gives you an ultrasound at that all-important first visit, you'll hopefully be able to see (and hear) that pitter-patter activity.
Studies have shown that women with nausea and vomiting during the first trimester have a lower risk of miscarriage than do women without these symptoms. What's the connection? Nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy might indicate you are experiencing the climb in hormones needed for a healthy pregnancy.
Your nausea and vomiting may be worse than ever: Morning sickness peaks around 9 or 10 weeks of pregnancy for many women. That's when levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are highest (morning sickness is thought to be linked to rises in hCG and estrogen).
This week, you can officially take a pregnancy test — your hCG hormone levels are high enough to show a positive result, and you may have early symptoms like fatigue and nausea.
During the first trimester, the fetus is most susceptible to damage from substances, like alcohol, drugs and certain medicines, and illnesses, like rubella (German measles).
Mopping, washing clothes, cleaning the floor and other chores which requires you to bend is not recommended during pregnancy. Pregnancy weight gain can cause a marginal shift in the body's centre of gravity and bending during this time can be risky for the sciatic nerve (runs from the lower back to the leg).
Most miscarriages - 8 out of 10 (80 percent) - happen in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. Miscarriage in the second trimester (between 13 and 19 weeks) happens in 1 to 5 in 100 (1 to 5 percent) pregnancies. Pregnancy loss that happens after 20 weeks is called stillbirth.
Most moms will tell you that the first and last months of pregnancy are the hardest. The first eight to 12 weeks can certainly present some debilitating symptoms: morning sickness and nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fatigue so strong it sentences you to the couch for days. Challenging, no doubt.
First Trimester (0 to 13 Weeks)
The first trimester is the most crucial to your baby's development. During this period, your baby's body structure and organ systems develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this period. Your body also undergoes major changes during the first trimester.
Even in your third trimester of pregnancy, bending is still considered safe for your baby. You'll probably find it becomes increasingly difficult for you, though, if not impossible. Apart from your extra body weight, the size of your belly is increasing.
Don t be surprised if you develop a bit of a 6 weeks pregnant belly. Although your 6 week embryo is still well down in your pelvis, some women, especially those who've been pregnant before, seem to show much earlier. General abdominal distention is usually the cause.
1 Morning sickness is usually the worst during the first trimester, with symptoms resolving early in the second trimester. There have been numerous studies showing that people who have morning sickness during the first trimester have lower odds of miscarriage and other negative pregnancy outcomes.
If you are pregnant and working, you may want to reduce or avoid: Stooping, bending, or squatting often. Lifting heavy objects from the floor or any location that requires you to bend or reach. Lifting overhead or reaching.
Mopping and vacuuming can aggravate sciatica, a painful inflammation of the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back down the entire leg. It's common during pregnancy because the increased weight of the uterus puts pressure on the nerve, and chores that require you to lean forward at an angle can worsen it.
Unfortunately, ladies, most products are safe to use for cleaning during pregnancy. Yes, even bleach. So you don't have to call a maid to do the household cleaning unless you want to.
Resveratrol toxicity. The outer skin of grapes is rich in a compound called resveratrol. Although scientific research identifies resveratrol as a healthy nutrient, it could be toxic to pregnant women. This is because resveratrol can react with disproportionate hormone levels a pregnant woman might have.
BEST FOODS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:
Berries such as Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, and Goji Berries. Vegetables such as Artichokes, Broccoli, Asparagus, and Squash.