Pregnancy calendar - week #6

Pregnant mothers - week #6

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

Ok, something's up. Wondering why you're getting nauseous during everyday activities? Why your breasts are achy? Why you're peeing twice an hour? Well, my dear, it's because you're pregnant and experiencing your first bouts with fluctuating hormones and morning sickness.

Maybe it will hit you when you're brushing your teeth and suddenly feel like throwing up. Or when you want to yell at the person who just cut you off in traffic. Or when that fruitcake from last Christmas suddenly starts making your mouth water.

A lot of wild and crazy (and quite unpleasant) things may be coming your way soon. We hate to be the ones to tell you, but it's around week 6 when all the symptoms of pregnancy come on full force. You may have bouts with nausea and vomiting, and morning sickness will rear its ugly head as well.

Perhaps you're wondering exactly why morning sickness happens. Not everything is known about its causes, but these are believed to be major contributors:

• Remember hCG, the hormone produced by the fetus to protect the lining of the uterus? Studies suggest that when hCG levels peak, so does nausea.
• Heightened estrogen levels (created by the placenta)
• Intensified sensitivity to smell (perhaps this is the best time to remind your husband/partner to wash his feet, wear deodorant, and lay off the #1 combo at the local taco joint.)
• Sensitive stomach

By the way, morning sickness doesn't just happen in the morning. It can hit you at any time, although it usually starts in the A.M.

Maybe you're one of the 25% of women who don't experience much morning sickness during their first trimester. If so, congratulations! Enjoy this time while it lasts.

During week 6, the placenta continues to form. Now it's starting to develop it's lining. Exciting times!

Baby and fetal development - week #6

Construction zone: drive slow!

Ok, so now we know why your body is going through so much--lots is happening in baby's development this week:

• Larynx begins to form
• Inner ear begins to form
• The heart is extending out from the body, and has started its circulatory functions
• Early stages of the liver, pancreas, lungs and stomach are evident
• The brain and nervous system are rapidly developing
• Optic vesicles developing (which will eventually make the eyes)

By the end of week 6, your little (tiny) one will be between 4 and 6 mm. That's the size of a very tiny bead. All that going on in such a tiny space--amazing!

And the most exciting thing: The sound of baby's heartbeat could probably be picked up by an ultrasound.

Pregnant dads - week #6

Was it something I said?

Is she complaining more than usual? Has she made some nasty comments about the way your feet smell?

If she has, don't take it personally. With hormones wildly fluctuating and her body busy making another body, it's no wonder she seems so irritable. Why not help out the cause by treating her extra special? Bring her a morning snack. Rub her feet. Special order cupcakes for her. After all, she's your special cupcake (awwwww... we just couldn't resist!)