Week 6

Six weeks in, and your tiny embryo is now about the size of a lentil. It may be small, but big things are happening. One of the most exciting? That little heart might already be beating—though it’s still too early to hear without an ultrasound.

Also happening? Hormones. Lots and lots of hormones.

What’s Happening in Your Body?

Your embryo is growing fast—developing eyes, ears, a jaw, and limb buds (aka the early start of arms and legs). Meanwhile, your hCG and progesterone levels are peaking, which can lead to… well, all the fun stuff below.

Your uterus is also doubling in size to make space for what’s ahead. If you feel bloated, now you know why.

Common Symptoms This Week

Let’s just say Week 6 can hit hard. Here’s what might show up:

• Morning sickness (which, fun fact, does not stick to mornings)

• Exhaustion (you could win medals for how tired you are)

• Sore or swollen breasts

• Mood swings and irritability

• Frequent peeing

• Food cravings… or total food aversions

And if you don’t feel any of these? Totally okay. Every pregnancy writes its own story.

What You Can Do This Week

• Eat small, frequent meals to manage nausea (plain crackers and ginger tea are MVPs)

• Try vitamin B6 if nausea gets tricky (always check with your provider)

• Hydrate, even when it’s hard

• Rest without guilt—your body is building a tiny, beating heart

And if the symptoms are getting intense, remind yourself: this is temporary. Truly.

Real Talk

This week can feel like whiplash. You may be overjoyed one minute and overwhelmed the next. You might cry because someone ate the last pickle. You might be falling asleep mid-conversation. You might already be googling “is it normal to feel miserable at 6 weeks pregnant?”

Yes. It is.

This is not the part of pregnancy they show in commercials—but it’s real. And it’s okay to admit it’s hard. You’re still doing great.