Week 6: The First Heartbeat
Baby is about the size of Lentil (4mm)
The neural tube closes. The heart begins to beat at approximately 110 bpm. Limb buds appear as tiny paddles. Facial features begin forming: optical vesicles and otic placodes are present.
Morning sickness peaks between weeks 6-9. hCG continues rapid rise. The uterus grows from walnut to plum size.
What is important now
If nausea is severe (hyperemesis gravidarum), contact your provider. Stay hydrated above all else.
Common symptoms
- inability to keep fluids down 24hrs — contact provider
- severe one sided pain — emergency evaluation
Wellness this week.
Nutrition
Managing nausea while maintaining nutrition
- Eat small amounts frequently
- Bland carbs often tolerated
- Ginger in multiple forms
- Protein helps
Exercise
Movement
Listen to your body; gentle movement if tolerated
Sleep
As much as your body needs
Position: Any comfortable position
· Sleep is your body's building time
· Keep snacks nearby for middle-of-night nausea
Mental wellness
Mindfulness
Severe nausea is debilitating—medication is available and safe if needed.
“Nausea, while miserable, is often a sign of strong pregnancy hormones.”
Your timeline.
Week 6
This week- routine
Checkpoint 1 — Mutterpass may be issued upon heartbeat confirmation
Week 19
In 13 weeks- routineWeeks 19–22
Checkpoint 2 — Screening Ultrasound
Choice between a basic biometric scan or detailed organ scan. Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and checks placental position.
GoalAssess fetal anatomy and growth, check for structural abnormalities, and verify placental location.
Week 28
In 22 weeks- routine
Checkpoint 1 — GDM screening
- routine
Checkpoint 2 — Rhogam if Rh-negative
Week 29
In 23 weeks- routineWeeks 29–32
Checkpoint 3 — Screening Ultrasound
Third and final routine ultrasound. Assesses fetal growth, position (cephalic/breech), amniotic fluid volume, and placental function.
GoalConfirm appropriate growth trajectory and baby's position for delivery planning.
Week 35
In 29 weeks- self pay igelWeeks 35–37
Checkpoint 1 — GBS Testing — Self-pay/IGeL
Rectovaginal swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus colonization. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
GoalIdentify GBS carriers to enable prophylactic treatment during delivery.
Safety: If you cannot keep any fluids down for 24 hours, contact your provider—IV fluids may be needed.
Your journey, your rhythm.
Track your pregnancy week by week with gentle, personalized guidance.