Hello mommies, it’s Pregymatic here, your trusted expert friend, as we dive into the exciting 6th week of your pregnancy. Get ready for some incredible changes that you’re going to adore.
Oh! It seems someone inside the tummy is already showing their mischievous side. Let’s take a closer look at the baby’s development, shall we?
The size of the fetus is comparable to that of a pomegranate kennel, resembling a teeny-weeny tadpole with a cute little tail. This tail, known as the spinal column, will provide flexibility and strength to your baby. Tiny buds on the trunk are sprouting rapidly, soon to become your baby’s adorable arms, legs and ears.
Now, let’s talk about vision. Never underestimate the power of the brain and nervous system, as they are working diligently to develop the optic vesicles, which will eventually form those beautiful pairs of eyes that will captivate their mama, the wonder lady. These vesicles also contribute to the formation of the inner ears. Hey, mommy, it’s time to have heart-to-heart conversations with your little one. They absolutely adore hearing your kind words.
Guess what? The little heart has started beating twice as fast as yours. Isn’t that exciting? You can even listen to it through an ultrasound or a Doppler instrument from the 6th week of pregnancy. Imagine hearing that speedy racer beating at a rate of 160 to 180 times per minute. At this stage, your baby looks all curled up, with its tiny arms, legs and that adorable little tail that will soon disappear in the coming weeks.
The face, cheeks and jawline are taking shape and new dark spots are beginning to appear, aiding in the formation of eyes and nostrils. A tiny dent indicates the formation of ears. It’s a remarkable process!
Now, let’s shift our focus to the mother. Shall we check on you?
Your symptoms may start to become a bit stronger from this point, but fret not! Just follow your obstetrician’s advice and embrace a happier, stress-free lifestyle.
- Constipation: Apart from not eating enough fiber, drinking enough water, or getting adequate exercise, your daily dose of vitamins and any additional medicines can also sometimes lead to constipation. To ease this discomfort, stick to a fiber-rich diet and drink plenty of fluids. Let nature flow smoothly.
- Morning Sickness: Sugar and hormonal changes are the culprits here, with HCG playing its mischievous part too. Maintain a balanced lifestyle, find reasons to laugh and keep moving around as much as possible. Opt for six small meals throughout the day and remember, happiness is the key.
- Mood Swings: Ah, the famous mood swings! Don’t worry, they’re perfectly normal and just a part of the pregnancy package. Focus on positive things, indulge in a small adventure, plan a family get-together, or make some new friends. Easy peasy, right?
- Swollen Breasts: Sore, swollen and sensitive—they’re going to be like that for a while. But fear not! Find solace in your most comfortable cotton pajamas and let your girls relax.
- Metallic Taste: Blame the rising estrogen for this one. You may find certain foods unappealing while discovering a newfound curiosity for others. Freshen up with a zesty, salty lemonade—it works wonders.
Headaches: Ouch! Please, no more headaches! I feel you, mama. Try comfortable yoga poses (under expert guidance), stay hydrated and include citrus in your diet in every possible way. In just a few days, those pesky headaches will bid farewell.
You’ve come so far, mama. Remind yourself that this is just a phase that will pass. Your baby is listening, working tirelessly to meet you soon. It’s a mutual effort. Stay positive and embrace the wonders of the 7th week!
Suggested Tests for the 6th Week:
- Full Blood Examination (FBE) to check for iron deficiency and other causes of anaemia if present.
- Complete Blood Count and Antibody Screening.
- Syphilis Screening.
In addition to the tests mentioned above, a few other reference tests may be required. These tests serve as a guide for the little one, ensuring a healthy and safe journey.
Recipe for the 6th week: Spinach Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of Spinach
- 3 Garlic cloves
- 1 tsp Maida Flour
- 2 tsp Butter
- 100ml Milk
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Method:
- Rinse the spinach in hot water and then in cold water.
- Grind the spinach to make a fine spinach paste.
- Heat 2 tsp of butter in a pan and add garlic.
- Add the spinach paste, 1 tsp of maida and 100ml of milk.
- Stir everything together in a hot pan until the spinach is well cooked. Add water if required.
- Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Facts: Spinach (100g) – 23 kcal and 263 mg of Folate.
Spinach is a delicious green leafy vegetable and highly nutritious with great benefits if taken during pregnancy. See below the benefits of including spinach during pregnancy:
- Source of Folate: While you may be on supplements, it is also important to focus on a natural diet. Spinach has folate, a B-vitamin that will help in the proper formation of the neural tube of the baby.
- Source of iron: Spinach has a rich content of iron that is key for the formation of red blood cells and saves you from iron-deficiency anemia.
- Fiber: Spinach is a super fibrous food that will help you get relieved from constipation and support regular bowel movements.
- Water content: Spinach also has a good level of water content that helps you when you are dehydrated around this time.
Have spinach as a part of your balanced diet with other nutritious foods. Always consult a healthcare professional for your pregnancy.
