Your Baby: In A Heartbeat
It's been six weeks since conception and the embryo is just over 3/4 of an inch long or 22 to 24 millimeters. Its head is quite large compared with the rest of the body, but the body will catch up in another couple of months. Its ears and eyelids are beginning to develop, as are its fingers and toes. Its arms are growing and wrists and elbows are visible. Its heartbeat is fast -- about 150 a minute -- twice that of an adult's.

Your Body: Think Twice
Now that you're pregnant, it's important to pay extra attention to what you do day in and day out because much of what you do - good or bad - affects your growing baby. For most women, that means reconsidering some simple pleasures - drinking a glass of wine at dinner, downing more than one or two espressos, dunking in a hot tub. Like most expectant mothers, you probably wonder which of these activities, among others, may or may not harm the new life inside you.

Without a doubt, you should give up alcohol, smoking, and using recreational drugs. For everything else, your best bet is to check in with your health care provider and read up on the dos and don'ts during pregnancy. Caffeine, for instance, probably won't harm your growing fetus if you keep your intake moderate. However, a recent study has implicated caffeine intake during the first trimester as a potential cause for miscarriages.

On That Note:
Another big question you might have is if you can take any over-the-counter or prescribed medications. In general and in brief, medicines should not be used unless needed. That said, there are some that are safe - and others that are not. Consult with your doctor to see what's okay to take when.

Weekly Tip
Pamper yourself while you can. Put your feet up, take a bath, read a book, get a manicure, rent your favorite romantic comedy, or go away for the weekend with your spouse. A little self-indulgence never hurt anyone!