You and your baby at 6 weeks pregnant - Your pregnancy and baby guide
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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:
- free NHS prescriptions in pregnancy
- free NHS dental treatment in pregnancy, if you're pregnant when you start your dental treatment
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.
Media review due: 17 March 2020
Page last reviewed: 17 July 2018
Next review due: 17 July 2021