Major developments occur during nearly every week of the first trimester. It can be difficult to comprehend the amount of changes taking place for both the mother and her unborn child.
During week six of pregnancy, the embryo is already beginning to develop his or her nose, ears, and mouth. However, they appear as dark spots and buds rather than prominent features at this point. The embryo's heartbeat is twice as fast as that of an adult, ranging from 100 to 160 beats per minute. Although the baby-to-be is only about the size of a lentil bean (about one quarter of an inch long), his or her intestines, lungs, pituitary gland, brain, muscles, and bones are already in the early stages of development.
Although the mother-to-be is not yet showing any physical signs of pregnancy, she may be experiencing emotional symptoms. This could be due to the surge in hormones that occurs in the early weeks of pregnancy, making her feel happy one moment and overcome by sadness in the next. Mood swings can also be due to the overwhelming notion that she is about to be a parent and the changes that parenthood will bring. One physical symptom that should not be ignored is spotting or light bleeding after urination. While this is often normal in the first trimester, it can also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. To be on the safe side, women should always consult their physician if they experience any spotting or bleeding.
The symptoms that are beginning to appear in week six will only intensify over time as the embryo continues to develop.