Subscribe to our newsletter
6 weeks pregnant, or 4 weeks after conception: closure of the neural tube
At this embryological stage, the neural tube, the nerve groove at the back of the embryo, closes. The neural tube forms the early brain and spine. It’s important to take a 400 micrograms folic acid tablet every day before you're pregnant and until you're 12 weeks pregnant. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida.
By 6 weeks, your baby's heart is beating and the structures necessary for forming the eyes and ears are developing. Small buds will appear on top of the embryo, this later becomes your baby's arms.
Related articles
Pregnancy week by week
35 weeks pregnant, or 33 weeks after conception: a decrease in amniotic fluid
Pregnancy week by week
34 weeks pregnant, or 32 weeks after conception: developing lungs
Pregnancy week by week
33 weeks pregnant, or 31 weeks after conception: average prematurity in case of birth
Pregnancy week by week
32 weeks pregnant, or 3O weeks after conception: baby is practising swallowing, breathing, sucking and kicking
Pregnancy week by week
31 weeks pregnant, or 29 weeks after conception: is baby head-down?
Pregnancy week by week
30 weeks pregnant, or 28 weeks after conception: eyes wide open