6 Weeks Pregnant

By the time you are 6 weeks pregnant your baby has developed into what is known as an embryo. Around 4mm in length and weighing less than 1g, the embryo looks like a tadpole.

The embryo has a blob-like head that curves down, with gill-like folds that develop into facial features. Little buds on the side of the embryo will form the arms and legs. The skin is a thin layer of cells and is permeable to fluid.

At this stage an embryo looks nothing like a human but the beginnings of the major organs have formed. There is a tiny heart that circulates blood through new vessels. The basis of the spinal cord has formed and the beginnings of the digestive system are in place. There is a tube that runs from the embryo's mouth to its tail, from which the stomach and bowels will develop.

At this early stage the embryo floats in a fluid-filled bubble that will develop into the amniotic sac. This sac is covered by a protective layer of cells called the chorion. A yolk sac is attached to the embryo and supplies it with all its nutrients until the placenta is formed.

During the first 12 weeks your baby will develop all the features and major organs of a little human being and be particularly susceptible to harmful environmental influences. To help development in this vital time you can take folic acid, cut out alcohol, cigarettes and any drugs or medicines.