6 WEEKS PREGNANT

• In this image of the developing embryo, you can notice some big changes since the previous weeks.
• Your baby has now curved inwards, with the umbilical cord in the middle.
• You can see the baby’s head at the upper right side of the image.
• Small buds can be seen where the arms and legs will eventually develop.

Congratulations! The second month of your pregnancy has begun. This means, all of your baby's organs and body parts have started to take form. During this stage, your baby's heart is beating twice as fast as yours. (Your heart just skipped a few beats reading that, didn't it?) Along with the baby’s brain, their muscles, pituitary gland (the master gland) and bones are also growing gradually.

Here are some of the 6 week pregnancy symptoms you may notice:

• Swollen breasts : This is sign that you are getting ready for lactation. Keep your padded bras in the back of your drawer and bring out those comfy sports bras out.
• Frequent urination : This can be a bit irritating in the beginning! But here's a great tip: leaning forward while urinating helps in clearing out the bladder more. Once done, pace around your room for about 30 seconds, the rest of the urine will also come out. This will make your trips to the washroom less frequent.
• Tiredness : Drink at least eight glasses of water every day and focus on foods rich in fibre. It is going to make you feel much better and a lot less tired.
• Mood swings : The high level of pregnancy hormones can be blamed for the annoying mood swings. Be conscious and vary of these signs, and try to be calm.
• Nausea and vomiting : This is the healthiest sign of pregnancy in the initial weeks. You can have anything that your stomach can handle like whole-wheat crackers, cheese, curd, cereals etc. Focus on small meals that will give you essential carbs and proteins.

• With most of the week 6 pregnancy symptoms kicking in slowly now, you may feel strange at this stage and very very tired.
• This is also the time to watch out for any warning signs such as excessive bleeding or severe pain in the lower abdomen.
• By now you would most probably have identified a gynaecologist.
• Keep track of these symptoms so you can discuss them with your doctor in the next visit.
• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet in the initial weeks of pregnancy so that your baby gets all the essential nutrients.
• Try and have small, regular meals and avoid food items that make you sick.
• Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.