Pregnancy Week 6

Where Life Finds Its Rhythm

You are six weeks into a journey that, in so many ways, has already transformed you. You may not show yet. You might not even feel "pregnant" in the way you expected—but inside you, there is movement. Microscopic. Monumental. Your baby is forming, reshaping cell by cell, while your body and soul are making room for an entirely new reality. You are becoming a home—not just in the physical sense, but in the emotional, spiritual, ancestral sense too. The shift is sacred, and it's happening even when you're standing still.

This week, you might feel a mix of awe and exhaustion. You could be lying in bed wondering, Is this normal? or Why do I feel so much, so fast? And mama, I want you to know: that mix of confusion, wonder, and sensitivity is part of the magic. Week 6 is often when the changes become real. The symptoms start speaking louder. The emotions come in waves. And beneath all of that? A tiny, precious heartbeat might be fluttering for the first time. It's quiet thunder. It's life saying, I'm here.

👶🏽 My Baby: The First Song of Life

At six weeks, your baby is about the size of a lentil seed—just 4 to 6 millimeters long—but what's happening inside that tiny frame is nothing short of miraculous. This is the week when your baby's head and trunk become clearly distinguishable, creating the foundational silhouette of a human being. Little facial features—still just impressions—are beginning to form. Tiny dark spots are appearing where eyes will eventually blink, ears will listen, and a mouth will one day cry out for you. It's subtle now, but these delicate indentations will blossom into the features you'll one day memorize.

Most incredibly, a heartbeat is now possible to detect—either by a sensitive transvaginal ultrasound or, later, by Doppler. That steady rhythm, about 100 to 160 beats per minute, is often the first real sign of life parents experience, and it can be emotionally overwhelming. It is your baby's first music.

Also beginning this week: the early structures of the brain and central nervous system. An electroencephalogram (EEG) could detect the beginning flickers of brain activity. Your baby's larynx (voice box) is also forming, creating the groundwork for those future coos, cries, and one day—the first "mama." The circulatory system is functioning, helping distribute nutrients and oxygen. Simultaneously, the foundations of the digestive and respiratory systems are developing. Think of it as your baby's internal blueprint coming into focus—delicate systems sketching themselves into being, all while protected inside you.

Week 6 pregnancy essentials including prenatal notes, tea with lemon, and healthy foods

🌺 My Body: This Is What Transformation Feels Like

Your body at six weeks is a space of sacred construction. Every cell is working overtime. You may not see the bump yet, but trust—there is massive change underway. And for many, this is the week when pregnancy symptoms start to really kick in.

Let's start with the big one: morning sickness. Despite the name, this queasy feeling can hit any time of day or night. Some feel it as mild nausea when brushing their teeth. Others experience more persistent, debilitating waves. This reaction is triggered by the rapid increase of hormones like hCG and estrogen, both crucial for supporting early pregnancy—but rough on your stomach. You may also notice heightened sensitivity to smells, or that some foods you loved just last week suddenly repulse you. The flip side? Cravings may begin—your body's way of asking for nutrients (or comfort). Don't be surprised if you're dreaming about pickles, toast, or citrus.

Tender, swollen breasts are another common symptom this week. They're getting ready—already!—to produce milk. Your nipples may darken, your veins may appear more visible, and even brushing against a T-shirt might feel like too much. A supportive, soft maternity bra can offer huge relief.

One often-overlooked symptom? Constipation. Slowed digestion (thanks, progesterone) plus less physical movement and mild dehydration can make things... sluggish. This is your sign to stay hydrated, up your fiber intake (think leafy greens, oatmeal, lentils), and incorporate gentle movement like walking or prenatal yoga.

Remember: these changes, as uncomfortable as they may be, are proof that your body knows exactly what it's doing. Trust the process. You are not broken. You are becoming.

🛡️ My Health: Tiny Precautions, Big Impact

You might've heard the rule: No changing cat litter during pregnancy. And yes—it's for a very real reason. Cat feces can contain a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause toxoplasmosis, an infection that—while often mild for you—can be dangerous for your developing baby, especially in early pregnancy.

So what can you do? If you live with a cat, have someone else take care of the litter box. If that's not possible, wear gloves, wash your hands thoroughly afterward, and change the litter daily to reduce risk. Avoid digging in soil that may have been used by outdoor cats unless you're gloved up.

Toxoplasmosis can also be contracted from undercooked meats and unwashed produce. So now's the time to sharpen your food safety:

Cook all meat to safe internal temperatures.
Wash fruits and veggies with a veggie-safe scrub or rinse.
Clean all surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards thoroughly after raw meat prep.

These changes may feel small, but they create a safer nest for your baby.

Pregnant woman writing in a journal by a window

📋 Tips & To-Do's: Anchoring Yourself This Week

✨ Preparing for Your First Prenatal Appointment

If you haven't already, it's time to schedule your first prenatal visit—typically set between 8 and 10 weeks. This appointment is where your pregnancy journey officially begins in the medical sense.

Expect to:

Review your medical history
Give blood and urine samples
Get a pelvic exam
Possibly receive an early ultrasound

You'll also discuss:

Your due date
Any chronic conditions or risk factors
Genetic screenings
Lifestyle choices, including medication use, alcohol, and smoking

Ask about what's safe, what's not, and bring a list of questions. Don't worry if you forget something—the door to information and reassurance is always open.

✅ To-Do List for Week 6:

💧 Hydrate and fiber-up—think leafy greens, berries, beans, and warm water with lemon
🛒 Find a supportive maternity bra—comfort now can save discomfort later
📞 Schedule your first prenatal appointment if you haven't already
📓 Start a pregnancy journal—capture feelings, questions, and memories
🧼 Practice safe food handling and cat care routines
🧘🏾‍♀️ Rest when you need to—don't wait for burnout to give yourself grace

🌕 A Soul Note from Draya

There's something wildly beautiful about this part of the journey. The outside world may not see what's unfolding—but you do. You feel it. So if you're crying one minute, laughing the next, then knocked out on the couch an hour later—it's okay. You are not meant to "power through" this experience. You are meant to move with it. And through all of it, I want you to remember: You are whole. You are worthy. You are already enough. Not just because you're growing a baby, but because you are you.