Trimester 1
Week 6
Your baby is about the size of a pea.
Length: 0.6 cm · Weight: <1 g
Common this week: Nausea, Food aversions, Fatigue, Bloating, Excess saliva, Headaches.
Baby development
- The heart is beating at 80–100 beats per minute and may be visible on an early ultrasound.
- Small limb buds are forming — the beginnings of arms and legs.
- Facial features are starting to form, including eye pits and nasal pits.
- The brain is developing rapidly with three distinct sections.
Changes for you
- Nausea and food aversions often peak around weeks 6–8.
- The uterus is growing and you may feel occasional mild cramps.
- Increased saliva (ptyalism) is common.
- Emotional ups and downs are normal due to hormone surges.
Tips
- Book your dating ultrasound (usually done at 8–13 weeks) — ask your GP for a referral.
- Avoid soft cheeses (brie, camembert, ricotta), pâté, and raw sprouts — Australian FSANZ guidelines.
- Cold-smoked salmon and deli meats should be avoided due to Listeria risk.
- If headaches are persistent, consult your GP before taking any pain relief.
Appointments
- GP visit if not yet done. Request referral to OB or midwife and for dating ultrasound.
Warning signs
- Vaginal bleeding (any amount)
- Severe one-sided pain (may indicate ectopic pregnancy)
- Fever above 38°C
Australian notes
- Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. Pain or bleeding in early pregnancy should always be assessed urgently.
- Your GP will issue Medicare item numbers for antenatal blood tests and ultrasounds.