First trimester · Pregnancy week by week
Week 6 of pregnancy
Baby is the size of a lentil. About 0.25 inches.
Most miscarriages occur before week 12, with the highest risk in weeks 6–8. Per the AAFP, the rate is comparable across demographics; what differs for Black women is access to early ultrasound confirmation. Source
What's happening with the baby
The embryo is about the size of a lentil. Tiny limb buds appear. Eye and ear structures begin to form. The brain develops rapidly. The heart now has chambers and is pumping.
What's happening for you
Morning sickness often peaks. Breast changes are pronounced. Mood swings continue. Fatigue is significant. Some women experience increased saliva (ptyalism) or metallic taste.
Common (normal) symptoms this week
Nausea and vomiting (any time of day, not just morning), fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent urination, food aversions, mild cramping, increased saliva.
Call your OB or 911 if
- Severe abdominal or one-sided pelvic pain with bleeding — possible ectopic pregnancy.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour) with cramping.
- Fainting, severe dizziness, or shoulder-tip pain — ectopic with internal bleeding is an emergency.
- Fever over 101°F with chills or pelvic pain.
- Severe vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down for 24+ hours (hyperemesis).
Why this week matters for Black families
The first trimester is when prenatal care begins, and the documented disparity in care begins here too. Black women are less likely to receive first-trimester prenatal care (78% vs. 88% for white women per the CDC). Establishing care early — before week 12 — is associated with lower complication rates across the rest of pregnancy. If you're newly pregnant and haven't been seen, call your OB or community health center this week. Adjunctive WIC eligibility means everyone enrolled in Medicaid is automatically eligible for WIC; that's a meaningful first-trimester decision (see WIC by state).
What to do this week
If you haven't seen an OB, this week is critical. Most first appointments include a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and date it. Discuss any chronic medications — many need adjusting in pregnancy. If you're nauseated, doxylamine + B6 (Diclegis) is the first-line treatment per ACOG.
References
- AAFP: Early Pregnancy Loss. 2011.
- ACOG Committee Opinion 814 — Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy.
Last medically reviewed: .
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