Week 6
Four weeks after conception

Your Baby
(Approximately 28 days post conception)

©1997 Bradley R. Smith
Most embryos measure 4-6 mm in length. Distinguishing criteria for this stage include the presence of all four limb buds and a closed otic vesicle. The lens disc is generally not yet indented.

Moving Into Pregnancy

Congratulations!  Pregnancy Confirmed! Just how pregnant are you? Are you gonna tell the folks and friends?  Because of  the risk of miscarriage, many people choose to wait until the end of the first trimester, but if you're like many parents-to-be, you may find keeping your lips zipped to be a great challenge.

What's Going On with Your Body?
Your uterus is the size of a plum, your breasts may be incredibly tender, and, ugh, you may start feeling some odd symptoms , though for some women the morning sickness doesn't kick in until later (if at all).

What's Going On with Your Baby?
This week your embryo is working very hard to begin growing its nervous system. There's a primitive heart now, and just wait until it can show you its love!  Tiny buds have appeared -- if all goes well, these will someday be arms to hug you and legs to kick at you during temper tantrums.  By now, your baby displays reflexes in response to a touch!   This means his nervous system is communicating with his primitive muscle cells.  This communication forms the foundation of all your baby's behaviour even after birth.

Careful, Mum!
Time to get VERY careful with your body.  If you haven't already done so, it's time to stop drinking, smoking, using drugs , and exposing yourself (and your embryo) to environmental hazards. The next few weeks are crucial for proper foetal development.

Please Note: This mumsweb.com  area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child's, please consult your family Doctor immediately.. mumsweb.com Legal Disclaimer.