🤰 First trimester
6 weeks pregnant
Your baby is about the size of a lentil
By Emma Whitfield · Pregnancy & Baby Writer
Your baby at 6 weeks
Tiny buds that will become arms and legs are appearing, and the face is starting to take shape. The heart is beating at roughly twice the adult rate.
Your body at 6 weeks
Nausea and heightened sense of smell often peak around now. Frequent weeing starts early as blood volume increases. Emotional ups and downs are normal and hormonal.
Common symptoms this week
- Nausea and food aversions
- Heightened sense of smell
- Frequent weeing
- Emotional ups and downs
Symptom lists are typical, never exhaustive — and having none of them is normal too.
Focus this week
Eat little and often to manage nausea — dry toast or a plain biscuit before getting up can help. Stay hydrated with small sips.
Week 6 checklist
- Eat little and often — an empty stomach makes nausea worse
- Keep plain crackers by the bed for before you get up
- Chase your booking appointment if nothing is scheduled yet
6 weeks pregnant: common questions
When will I have my first scan after finding out I'm pregnant?
The routine NHS dating scan happens at 11–14 weeks. Earlier scans are only offered if there's a medical reason, such as bleeding, significant pain or a history of ectopic pregnancy — if you have any of those, contact your GP or early pregnancy unit rather than waiting.
How big is my baby at 6 weeks pregnant?
At 6 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a lentil, about 0.5cm. These are approximate averages — every baby grows at its own pace.
What's happening at 6 weeks pregnant?
Tiny buds that will become arms and legs are appearing, and the face is starting to take shape. The heart is beating at roughly twice the adult rate. For you: nausea and heightened sense of smell often peak around now. frequent weeing starts early as blood volume increases. emotional ups and downs are normal and hormonal.
Which trimester is 6 weeks?
6 weeks pregnant is in the first trimester. The first trimester runs to the end of week 12, the second from weeks 13 to 26, and the third from week 27 to birth.
Sources & further reading
This is general information, not medical advice — every pregnancy is different. For anything that worries you, and for all your antenatal care, speak to your midwife or GP. If your baby's movements ever slow down or change, contact your maternity unit immediately, day or night. Reviewed July 2026.