In this 6th week of pregnancy (8 weeks of amenorrhea), the embryo continues to grow rapidly. Its size has doubled compared to the previous week: it now measures between 10 and 14 mm and weighs 1,5 g. It is still very small and yet in two weeks, his weight has multiplied by 100. He begins to do some flexes but these movements remain imperceptible for the mother-to-be.

The process of cell differentiation and organogenesis continues actively. The 6-week-old embryo still has a very curved shape, but little by little the different features of the human body are emerging:

• the limbs continue to lengthen and at their end the paddles – future hands and feet – are now separated by a small narrowing – the future wrists and ankles. With the grooves that emerge, the fingers of the hands appear transparent even if they are still webbed;
• the eyes, at the base two spots of dark cells on both sides of the head, progress towards the middle of the face, while the buds of the jaws and nose also move closer. The dental blade at the origin of future teeth is formed;
• vertebrae and back muscles begin to form around the spinal cord;
• the outline of the pulmonary system becomes clearer;
• a new layer of cells appears on the body, forming the epidermis;
• the stomach is now formed;
• the sex glands (ovaries or testes) are not yet present but the primitive sex cells which carry the “genetic code” of these glands (and therefore the sex of the baby) are now in their place.

On the side of the appendages, the villi which hitherto surrounded the egg begin to disappear, except at the level of the attachment to the uterine wall. There, on the contrary, the villi multiply to form the future placenta which very soon will ensure fetal-maternal exchanges.

It is possible to see the 6 week old embryo with an ultrasound.

One month pregnant, the level of the hormone hCG continues to increase, the various ailments of pregnancy –- therefore do not fade yet. Others can even appear as heavy legs, favored by the increase in blood volume which impairs venous return.

The breast continues to grow, as does the uterus. If the mother-to-be notices it on a daily basis, pregnancy still remains invisible from the outside.

From the 2nd month of pregnancy, under the effect of progesterone, body temperature is observed to have a thermal plateau greater than or equal to 37 ° C. There is then a regulation with a tendency to hypothermia at the end of pregnancy.

The body of the 6 weeks pregnant woman (8 weeks gestation) begins its changes. The belly may start to harden very slightly. The fetus, which is also 6 weeks old, begins to move, although this is imperceptible to the mother-to-be.

6 weeks pregnant, the mother-to-be may be prone to cramps. In addition, she needs minerals so that the baby has everything and can continue to grow. Magnesium helps prevent cramps. This mineral is found in the diet: dark green vegetables are rich in magnesium, like beans. The seeds (nuts, almonds, etc.) contain enough of it. Dark chocolate can also provide the necessary. To avoid a magnesium deficiency, a pregnant woman can hydrate with water rich in minerals or with supplements, if necessary and according to the advice of her doctor. 

As the feeling of heavy legs or cramps can appear, solutions must be provided from the start, to avoid inconvenience. Indeed, these are pregnancy ailments that can persist throughout the 1st trimester. Getting the right physical activity can really help improve blood circulation. Walking is a great way to stay in good physical condition, as is swimming. These two sports can be practiced without risks for the pregnant woman. However, medical advice should always be sought before embarking. Certain sports, such as cycling, should be avoided because the risk of falling is high. The first trimester is not over and the risk of miscarriage has not been ruled out. 

• perform the various examinations prescribed during the first prenatal consultation;
• start thinking about how to care for the baby, especially since in some cities pre-registrations for nurseries are done early during pregnancy. Also check with your company;
• if it was not done as part of the preconception visit, a check-up to the dentist is recommended. Dental health can indeed have an impact on the good progress of pregnancy;
• make an appointment for the early prenatal interview. This interview, individually or in pairs with the midwife or the doctor, is 100% covered by the Health Insurance. It is not a medical visit but an interview during which to address all the medical, psychological or social questions or difficulties inherent in pregnancy, childbirth and future parenthood. If necessary, the midwife or the doctor will refer the mother-to-be or the couple to other professionals: specialist doctor, psychologist, social worker, etc.

Pregnancy is not a disease but it still requires taking care, especially during this first trimester when the body undergoes major physiological transformations.

From the start of pregnancy, it is advisable to take care of your skin, in particular to prevent stretch marks. Even if the belly is not yet visible at 6 weeks of pregnancy (8 weeks), it is never too early to apply an anti-stretch mark cream daily to preserve the elasticity of the skin which will be severely tested. during those nine months. You can opt for a special pregnancy anti-stretch mark cream or a more natural treatment such as shea oil or sweet almond oil, mixed in equal parts with rosehip or calophyll oil for more efficiency.

Also pay attention to sun exposure which promotes the mask of pregnancy, hyperpigmentation of the skin on certain areas of the face. A hat and high protection sunscreen are essential even before entering the 2nd month of pregnancy.