Table of Contents
Week 1-2: The Start of Life
The first two weeks after conception are all about the formation of your baby’s body. At this stage, your baby is no bigger than a pinhead, but already has some of the basic components of the body, such as the brain, spinal cord, and heart. During this time, your baby is also busy developing the placenta, which will provide nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby throughout the pregnancy.
Week 3-4: The Embryo Takes Shape
By week three, your baby is now officially an embryo, and the development is starting to pick up pace. The embryo is about the size of a grain of rice and is starting to develop the basic structure of the body, including the head, torso, and limbs. The heart is also starting to beat, and the nervous system is beginning to form. At this stage, it’s important to start taking good care of yourself, as your baby is very vulnerable to any harmful substances you may consume, such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
Week 5-6: Major Organs Take Shape
At five weeks, your baby is now about the size of a lentil, and all the major organs are starting to take shape. The liver, kidneys, and lungs are all beginning to form, and the digestive system is starting to develop. Your baby’s arm and leg buds are also starting to grow, and the fingers and toes are beginning to form. By six weeks, your baby’s brain is rapidly developing, and the face is beginning to take shape, with the eyes, ears, and nose all becoming more apparent.
Week 7: Brain Development Continues
At seven weeks, your baby is about the size of a blueberry, and the brain development is still the main focus of development. The brain is rapidly growing, and the nerve cells are multiplying at an astonishing rate. The arms and legs are also starting to lengthen, and the fingers and toes are now separated. The heart is fully formed and is now beating at a regular rhythm, pumping blood around your baby’s tiny body. Your baby’s mouth and tongue are also starting to develop, and the intestines are beginning to move into the abdomen.
Week 8: Baby’s First Movements
At eight weeks, your baby is now the size of a raspberry, and is starting to move around. Although you won’t be able to feel any movement yet, your baby is now starting to make small, jerky movements as the muscles are starting to develop. The eyelids are now fully formed, and the eyes are moving closer together. The ears are also taking shape, and your baby is starting to be able to hear sounds from the world outside the womb.
Week 9-10: Baby’s Appearance Becomes More Human-Like
At nine weeks, your baby is now about the size of a cherry, and is starting to look more like a miniature human. The head is still large in proportion to the body, but the neck is now more defined. The fingers and toes are now fully formed, and the nails are starting to grow. The major organs are all now formed, although they will continue to mature throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. By ten weeks, your baby’s face is becoming more human-like, with the eyes moving closer together, and the ears moving to their final position on the sides of the head.
Frequently Asked Questions About 6 Week Development Of Baby
Q: How big is my baby at six weeks?
A: At six weeks, your baby is about the size of a lentil, or around 0.2 inches long.
Q: Can I feel my baby moving at eight weeks?
A: Although your baby is now starting to move around, you won’t be able to feel any movement until around 18-20 weeks.
Q: When can I find out the sex of my baby?
A: The earliest you can find out the sex of your baby is usually around 16-20 weeks, although it may be possible to tell earlier with certain tests.
Q: Is it safe to drink alcohol or smoke during the first six weeks of pregnancy?
A: No, it’s not safe to consume any harmful substances during pregnancy, as they can harm your developing baby.
Q: What should I be eating during the first six weeks of pregnancy?
A: It’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. You should also take a prenatal vitamin to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.