Skip to main content

You and your baby at 6 weeks pregnant - Your pregnancy and baby guide

Your baby at 6 weeks

By the time you're 6 to 7 weeks pregnant, there's a large bulge where the heart is and a bump at the head end of the neural tube. This bump will become the brain and head.

The embryo is curved and has a tail, and looks a bit like a small tadpole. The heart can sometimes be seen beating on a vaginal ultrasound scan at this stage.

The developing arms and legs become visible as small swellings (limb buds). Little dimples on the side of the head will become the ears, and there are thickenings where the eyes will be.

By now, the embryo is covered with a thin layer of see-through skin.

You at 6 weeks

It's normal to feel a range of emotions in pregnancy and everyone's experience is different.

A healthy diet in pregnancy, having foods that are nutritious and safe to eat, is important for the wellbeing of you and your baby.

Stopping smoking when you're pregnant is one of the most important things you can do for your baby's wellbeing.

Ask your midwife, GP or pharmacist for advice and the details of your nearest NHS stop smoking service.

Things to think about

All women are entitled to:

Find out what to expect from your NHS pregnancy journey, including your first midwife appointment.

The Start4Life site has more about you and your baby at 6 weeks of pregnancy.

You can sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Go back to 5 weeks pregnant

Go to 7 weeks pregnant

See 3 to 42 weeks of pregnancy

Media last reviewed: 17 March 2017
Media review due: 17 March 2020

Page last reviewed: 17 July 2018
Next review due: 17 July 2021