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What are the three stages of fetal development called?

Fetal development is an orderly and intricate process. It begins before you even know you're pregnant and ends with the birth of your baby. Between conception and delivery, there are many detailed steps that have to occur.

There are three stages of fetal development: germinal, embryonic and fetal. Most people don't talk about their pregnancy in these terms, but it can be helpful to know.

Germinal stage

The germinal stage is the shortest stage of fetal development. It begins at conception when a sperm and egg join in your fallopian tube. The sperm fertilizes the egg and creates a zygote. The zygote begins its journey down to your uterus over the course of about one week. During this journey, the zygote divides many times, eventually creating two separate structures. One structure eventually becomes the embryo (and later, the fetus) and the other becomes the placenta. Cell division continues at a rapid pace. Eventually, the zygote turns into a blastocyst. The blastocyst arrives at your uterus and implants into your uterine lining. If implantation is successful, your body immediately begins producing hormones to support a pregnancy. This also stops your menstrual period.

Embryonic stage

The embryonic stage lasts from about the third week of pregnancy until the end of the eighth week of pregnancy. The blastocyst begins to take on distinct human characteristics. It's now called an embryo. Structures and organs like the neural tube (which later becomes the brain and spinal cord), head, eyes, mouth and limbs form. The cells that will form the fetal heart begin to cluster around five to six weeks and can pulse. Buds that will become arms and legs also form around the sixth week. By the end of the eighth week, most of the embryo's organs and systems take shape. For a lot of people, this is the point in pregnancy where morning sickness begins.

Fetal stage

The fetal stage of development begins around the ninth week and lasts until birth. This is when the embryo officially turns into a fetus. The fetus gets its assigned sex around nine weeks of pregnancy, although your healthcare provider can't detect it on ultrasound yet. The fetus's major organs and body systems continue to grow and mature. Things like fingernails, eyelashes and hair also grow. The fetus is able to move its limbs, although you may not feel it until 20 weeks of pregnancy. The majority of growth - in both weight and length - happens in the fetal stage.

When does a pregnancy start?

The start of pregnancy is actually the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). This is the gestational age of the fetus. It's about two weeks ahead of when conception actually occurs. Though it may seem strange, the date of the first day of your last period will be an important date when determining your due date. Your healthcare provider will ask you about this date and will use it to figure out how far along you are in your pregnancy.

How does conception work?

Each month, your body goes through a reproductive cycle that can end in one of two ways. You'll either have a menstrual period or become pregnant. This cycle is continuously happening during your reproductive years - from starting your period to menopause around age 50.

In a cycle that ends with pregnancy, there are several steps. First, a group of eggs (called oocytes) gets ready to leave your ovary for ovulation (release of the egg). The eggs develop in small, fluid-filled cysts called follicles. Think of these follicles as small containers for each immature egg. Out of this group of eggs, one will become mature and continue through the cycle.

The mature follicle now opens and releases the egg from your ovary. This is ovulation.

After ovulation, the opened follicle develops into a structure called the corpus luteum. This releases the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone helps prepare your uterine lining for pregnancy. If you don't become pregnant during a cycle, this lining is what your body sheds during your period. If sperm fertilizes the egg, conception occurs and the fertilized egg begins its journey to your uterus, where it will implant.

How long is a pregnancy?

Traditionally, we think of pregnancy as a nine-month process. However, this isn't always the case. A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks, or 280 days. Depending on what months you're pregnant during (some are shorter and some longer) and what week you deliver, you could be pregnant for either nine months or 10 months. This is completely normal and healthy.

Stages of Growth Month-by-Month in Pregnancy

The fetus will change a lot throughout a typical pregnancy. This time is divided into three stages, called trimesters. Each trimester is a set of about three months. Your healthcare provider will probably talk to you about fetal development in terms of weeks. So, if you're three months pregnant, you're about 12 weeks.

You'll see distinct changes in the fetus, and yourself, during each trimester of pregnancy.

First trimester

The first trimester will span from conception to 12 weeks. This is generally the first three months of pregnancy. During this trimester, the fertilized egg will change from a small grouping of cells to a fetus that begins to have human features. The first trimester is exciting, but also when most people develop unpleasant symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue.

Month 1 (weeks 1 through 4)

Although it's strange, the first two weeks of pregnancy are a "getting ready" period. Your body slowly releases more hormones and your uterus prepares for a potential pregnancy. At the end of the second week, your ovary releases an egg (ovulation). If sperm meets an egg just after ovulation, the process to pregnancy continues.

Week 3: Fertilization occurs during the third week. A sperm and egg join and create a zygote.

Week 4: The tiny bundle of cells turns into a blastocyst and implants into your uterine lining. The beginning of what will become the placenta forms. A water-tight sac forms around the blastocyst. This is the amniotic sac, and it provides cushioning to a fetus during pregnancy.

By the end of the fourth week, the blastocyst is about 2 millimeters (mm) long - the size of a poppy seed.

Month 2 (weeks 5 through 8)

The second month of pregnancy is when most people realize they're pregnant. Pregnancy hormones go into overdrive, and by about the fifth week, an at-home pregnancy test will show as positive. This is when many people begin to feel symptoms of pregnancy.

Week 5: The neural tube (brain, spinal cord and other neural tissue of the central nervous system) forms. The tiny "heart" tube will pulse 110 times a minute by the end of the fifth week.

Week 6: Tiny buds that become arms and legs also develop. Blood cells are taking shape, and circulation will begin. Structures that'll become the ears, eyes and mouth take form. Your healthcare provider can probably detect pulses in the cluster of cells that will form the heart on a vaginal ultrasound.

Week 7: Bones begin replacing soft cartilage and genitals begin to form. The embryo's head is large in proportion to the rest of its body. Some people think the embryo resembles a small tadpole or seahorse due to its prominent tail (which becomes legs) and large head.

Week 8: All of the major organs and body systems are developing. The embryo has web-like hands and feet. Eyes become visible and ears begin to form. The umbilical cord is fully developed and helps to transport oxygen and blood to the embryo.

After the 8th week, healthcare providers refer to the embryo as a fetus. It will remain a fetus until birth.

By the end of the second month, the fetus is about 0.5 to 1 inch (in) long - about the size of a black bean.

Month 3 (weeks 9 through 12)

The third month of pregnancy is when an embryo becomes a fetus. It's a period of rapid growth and development. The fetus develops distinct facial features, limbs, organs, bones and muscles. By the end of the 12th week, the fetus has an assigned sex, but it won't be visible on ultrasound for several more weeks.

Week 9: The beginnings of teeth and taste buds are forming. Its muscles are forming and its body shape takes on more of a human appearance. But, its head is still 50% of its length. Your provider may be able to hear its heartbeat with a Doppler ultrasound.

Week 10: The arms, hands, fingers, feet and toes are fully formed (no more webbed fingers). Fingernails and toenails are beginning to develop and the external ears form. The external genitals also begin to form, but it's too soon to see them on an ultrasound.

Week 11: The fetus is starting to explore a bit by doing things like opening and closing its fists and mouth. Its knees, elbows and ankles are working, but it's too soon to feel any kicks. The bones are hardening, but its skin is still see-through. Facial features are more prominent.

Week 12: All the organs, limbs, bones and muscles are present and will continue to develop in order to become fully functional. The circulatory, digestive and urinary systems are also working and the liver produces bile. The fetus is drinking and peeing amniotic fluid.

Since the most critical development has taken place, your chance of miscarriage drops considerably after 12 weeks (the end of the first trimester). Most people begin feeling some relief from morning sickness now, too.

At the end of the third month, the fetus is about 2.5 to 3 inches long - about the size of a plum.

Second trimester

The second trimester of pregnancy is often thought of as the best part of the experience. By this time, any morning sickness is probably gone and the discomfort of early pregnancy has faded. You may also start to feel movement as the fetus flips and turns in your uterus. During this trimester, many people find out about the fetus's assigned sex. This is typically done during an anatomy scan (an ultrasound that checks physical development) at around 20 weeks.

Month 4 (weeks 13 through 16)

Many people begin showing signs of being pregnant at this point in pregnancy, especially if you've been pregnant before. Your pregnancy care provider can hear the fetal heartbeat loud and clear on a Doppler ultrasound. The fetus can even suck its thumb, yawn, stretch and make faces.

Week 13: Vocal cords form and the fetus's large head begins to grow proportionate to its body.

Week 14: The fetus's skin starts to thicken and fine hair begins to grow. It can start bringing its fingers to its mouth and turn its head. External genitals are fully developed and fingerprints begin to form.

Week 15: Some organs, like intestines and ears, are moving to their permanent location. The fetus still uses amniotic fluid to practice breathing, but its lungs are beginning to develop. The fetus begins to make more purposeful movements, like sucking its thumb or smiling.

Week 16: The fetus has lips and its ears are developed enough that it can hear you talk. Even though its eyes are closed, the fetus can react to light by turning away from it.

By the end of the fourth month, the fetus is about 5 inches long and weighs about 4 ounces. For reference, that's about as big as an avocado.

Month 5 (weeks 17 through 20)

By the end of the fifth month of pregnancy, most people begin to feel the fetus moving around. The first movements are called quickening and can feel like a flutter. If your pregnancy has been healthy to this point, you'll finally get your first ultrasound. You may even get to find out the fetus's assigned sex.

Week 17: The fetus still has thin skin, but will start to put on fat. Its skin is covered with a whitish coating called vernix. This "cheesy" substance is thought to protect fetal skin from long-term exposure to amniotic fluid.

Week 18: The fetus is covered in lanugo, a peach fuzz-like hair. It helps keep the fetus warm and provides another layer of protection. The fetus may have a sleep-wake cycle, and loud noises may wake the fetus if it's asleep.

Week 19: The fetus is getting stronger and most people begin to feel kicks and punches. The fetus also has its own unique set of fingerprints and can hiccup.

Week 20: The fetus's nails grow towards the end of its fingers. The area of the brain responsible for its five senses begins to develop.

By the end of the fifth month, the fetus is about 9 to 10 inches long and weighs about 1 pound.

Month 6 (weeks 21 through 24)

If you could look inside your uterus right now, you'd see that the fetus's skin is reddish in color, wrinkled and veins are visible through translucent skin. In the sixth month of pregnancy, its eyelids begin to part and you may notice regular, jerky movements. The fetus responds to sounds by moving or increasing its pulse.

Week 21: Limb movements are coordinated and frequent. The fetus has bone marrow that helps it produce blood cells.

Week 22: The fetus's grasp is getting stronger and it can touch its ears and the umbilical cord. It can hear your heartbeat, your stomach rumble and your breathing.

Week 23: If born prematurely, the fetus may survive after the 23rd week with intensive care. It will begin rapidly adding fat to its body.

Week 24: The fetus's lungs are fully developed, but not well enough to work outside your uterus.

By the end of the sixth month, the fetus is about 12 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds.

Month 7 (weeks 25 through 28)

The fetus continues to mature and develop reserves of body fat. The fetus changes position frequently and responds to stimuli, including sound, pain and light. The amniotic fluid begins to diminish.

Third trimester

This is the final part of your pregnancy. You may be tempted to start counting down the days to your due date and hope that it comes early, but each week of this final stage of development helps the fetus prepare for birth. Throughout the third trimester, the fetus gains weight quickly, adding body fat that'll help after birth.

Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely as you approach your due date. You'll visit your provider biweekly and then weekly. Make sure to ask your provider any questions you have about labor and delivery.

Month 8 (weeks 29 through 32)

The fetus continues to mature and develop reserves of body fat. The brain develops most rapidly during this time. The fetus can see and hear most stimuli. Most internal systems are well-developed, but the lungs may still be immature.

The fetus is about 17 to 18 inches long and weighs as much as 5 pounds.

Month 9 (weeks 33 through 36)

During this stage, the fetus continues to grow and mature. The lungs are close to being fully developed at this point in pregnancy. The ninth month is mostly about putting the finishing touch on growth and brain development.

The fetus is about 17 to 19 inches long and weighs from 6 to 7 pounds.

Month 10 (Weeks 37 through 40)

In this final month, you could go into labor at any time. At this point, the fetus's position may have changed to prepare for birth. Ideally, it's head-down in your uterus. You may feel very uncomfortable in this final stretch of time as the fetus drops down into your pelvis and prepares for birth. Your provider may encourage you to perform kick counts, which is a way to track how much the fetus moves.

The fetus is about 18 to 20 inches long and weighs about 7 to 9 pounds.

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Fetal Development: Week-by-Week Stages of Pregnancy

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Fetal development is how a fetus grows during pregnancy. It begins at conception and ends at birth. Many changes occur to the fetus and the pregnant person in this time.

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Pregnancy is a special time in your life. And, as excited as you may be about your impending or ongoing pregnancy, there are quite a few hiccups along the way. But, most problems you face during pregnancy are, in fact, quite common.

Of course, you should always consult your doctor whenever you experience any discomfort during pregnancy. In the meanwhile, we've compiled a list of common pregnancy problems that you may have to experience when you are pregnant. So, read our post and keep yourself informed.

15 Pregnancy Problems That You May Face During Your Pregnancy Period:

1. Bleeding In The Gums:

When you are pregnant, you may experience some swelling and pain in your gums, especially when you brush.
[ Read: Remedies For Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy ]
You may notice blood from your gums while you brush, which often happens when there are hormonal changes as a result of being pregnant.

It is quite normal to feel hot at all times, even when the weather may not be that hot.

You may feel that you are always sweating, or feel too flushed and uncomfortable, as if you are having a heatstroke.

Urinary incontinence is a condition in which you may unwillingly end up leaking a little urine while you cough, sneeze or sometimes even laugh out loud.

Though it can be extremely embarrassing, it is one of the very common problems during pregnancy and for some time after your pregnancy.

The many hormonal changes in your body can often leave you feeling constipated, or make it very uncomfortable for you to pass stool.

If your doctor has started you on iron supplements, ask if you can change the brand or put it on hold for some time. This is one of the seen problems of pregnancy.
[ Read: Constipation During Pregnancy ]
To avoid constipation, make sure you drink at least eight to ten glasses of water each day. Consider including more liquids to your diet, such as fresh juices, milkshakes, tender coconut water and such.

It may often be scary, but it is extremely normal to have vivid dreams when you are pregnant.

In most cases, the dreams will be extremely strange and you will find it hard to explain why you had such a dream in the first place.

Sometimes, you may start feeling tired only around the third trimester, but in many cases, you can also feel very tired during your first 12 weeks.

The many hormonal changes that you experience will make you feel tired at all times, even if you have rested well.

When you are pregnant, your body will pump a higher amount of blood to your skin. As a result, you will feel the skin starts itching.
[ Read: Itching During Pregnancy ]
Once you reach towards your third trimester, or your bump starts to grow considerably, it will stretch the skin around your abdomen and lead to more itching.

You may experience mild headache in the first few weeks of pregnancy, while in some cases, it could also be quite severe. Even though they are a normal occurrence, headaches can be very uncomfortable.

The main reason you experience headaches when you are pregnant is the change in your hormone levels.
[ Read: Headache During Pregnancy ]
Try yoga or relaxation techniques, make sure you get enough sleep and are well rested and drink at least eight to ten glasses of water to minimize the discomfort.

The hormonal changes you go through will lead to indigestion, sometimes as early as the start of your second trimester.

Eat light meals and break them up into six small meals through the day instead of three big ones. Avoid eating fried or oily food and opt for lighter meals. Do not stay hungry as it can trigger heartburn.

Also, as your unborn baby grows bigger and your womb expands, it will put a considerable amount of pressure on your stomach. As a result, you can experience a lot of indigestion and heartburn.

While it can definitely make you panic, a little nose bleed when you are pregnant is actually very common and nothing to worry about.

The main reason is the change in your levels of hormones.

You probably thought that you will start producing milk once your baby arrives. In fact, your body will start preparing milk as soon as you are pregnant.

It is absolutely normal for your breasts to start leaking a little milk when you are pregnant.

During your pregnancy, you may notice an increase in the amount of discharge from your vagina.

Not only will the amount change, but you will also notice a difference in the texture and smell of the discharge.

While bleeding from your vagina while you are pregnant is a common and normal occurrence, you need to tell your doctor about it the moment you spot it.
[ Read: Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy ]
The little blood you notice during your early pregnancy is known as spotting. It happens when the embryo gets implanted in the walls of your womb.

As tired and exhausted as you may feel when you are pregnant, it is also possible that you will find it difficult to sleep.

The many changes in your body and the hormonal imbalance that you are going through at this time will also make it difficult for you to get proper sleep. Once your abdomen grows considerably, you may also feel a considerable amount of pressure when you lie down.

While it is not extremely common, many women do experience a lot of pain and discomfort in their pelvic region while they are pregnant.

The pelvic pain during pregnancy is known as pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) [3] or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) [4] .

Some common symptoms of PPGP are pain on both sides of your lower back, pain in the area between your vagina and anus, and pain over and near the pubic bone.
[ Read: Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy ]
You can feel the pain most when you are walking, turning in bed, climbing stairs or standing on one leg.

Speak to your doctor immediately, as soon as you notice the pain problem during pregnancy.

Don't think about it too much, as it will make you worry more and further elude sleep. Try and find a position that you feel is the most comfortable for you. If you feel you can't sleep for too long at a stretch, nap during the day and whenever you can. You can also try and sit in a comfortable chair and get some sleep time.

If you notice the bleeding in the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy, it could also be a sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy [2]. Do not panic yet, as many women who do experience vaginal bleeding during this time also go on to have healthy pregnancies and births. Make sure you do inform your doctor immediately about it though.

Do not worry, as it is extremely normal. When you are pregnant, the walls of your vagina will turn softer. The increase in vaginal discharge will help to ward off any infection that can otherwise move from the vagina to the womb.

The fluid that you see now will be colostrum, the first milk that your body produces.

Also, when you are pregnant, your skin tends to get drier than usual. The same applies to the skin inside your nose, which can often feel chaffed and bleed a little.

Mild itching is common and natural, but make sure that you do not suffer from severe itching. If you do, it could be a sign of a health condition known as obstetric cholestasis or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) [1].

Listen to your body and get rest whenever you feel tired. Avoid walking too much or doing things that can tire you.

Having such dreams is extremely common. When you are pregnant, especially if you are pregnant for the first time, it can give rise to a lot of anxiety and confusion. You may constantly be worrying about how you will cope up as a mother, how you can ensure that both you and your baby are safe and many more such things. The uncertainty, the anxiety and all the hormonal and other changes happening inside you are what can lead to the unexplainable and vivid dreams.

When you are pregnant, your pelvic muscles begin to relax and prepare for the impending birth. It means that you have less control over your pelvic muscles. You can ask your doctor to recommend you some pelvic floor exercises and also let you know which ones are safe for you to try.

The change in your hormone levels along with the increase in the supply of blood to your skin is responsible for this increase in your body heat during pregnancy.

The condition is commonly known as pregnancy gingivitis, and can also sometimes be an indication of gum disease. Make sure you speak to your doctor and dentist about it.

2. Feeling Very Hot:

3. Urinary Incontinence:

4. Constipation:

5. Vivid, Strange And Unexplainable Dreams:

6. Feeling Excessively Tired:

7. Itching:

8. Headache:

9. Heartburn And Indigestion:

10. Bleeding Through The Nose:

11. Leakage From Nipples:

12. Increase In Vaginal Discharge:

13. Bleeding From The Vagina:

14. Unable To Sleep Or Insomnia:

15. Pain In The Pelvic Region:

Pregnancy comes with a host of changes to your body, and many of them can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms. While most of the problems during pregnancy shared here are very common, remember that every pregnancy is unique. What can be normal for someone may need medical assistance in another. So make sure you discuss everything with your doctor.

Moms, which of these problems did you face while you were pregnant? Do tell us about it here.

Recommended Articles:

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15 Common Pregnancy Problems - Everything You Need To Know

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Pregnancy is a special time in your life. And, as excited as you may be about your impending or ongoing pregnancy, there are quite a few hiccups along the way. But, most problems you face during pregnancy are, in fact, quite common. Of course, you should always consult your doctor whenever you experience any discomfort during pregnancy.

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What health problems can develop during pregnancy?

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The Effects Alcohol Can Have On Your Pregnancy

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Dr. Natasha Withers discusses why expecting mothers should avoid alcohol during pregnancy.To view over 15,000 other how-to, DIY, and advice videos on any topic, visit http://www.monkeysee.com/

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It is amazing that hundreds of women find out they are pregnant every day all over the world, yet people still know so little of how this all works. What is known is a lot of the science, and what research and doctors have said about it, but it is still such a mysterious thing. A woman's system has the ability to create a child and grow them for 9 months to perfection.

The first month of pregnancy is a mystery to a lot of women, and that is mostly because most women don't even know they are pregnant until they have passed this time. By the time a woman sees those two pink lines, so much has already happened to her and she was never even aware of it. People rely on science and medical journals to let them know what happens to the mother during that first month of pregnancy.

We are going to go through that first month and all the changes that occur, and we are going to list 20 things that are happening to mom's system, and some side effects mom may even think belong to something else. Since we are going to be starting at what is considered day 1 of a woman's pregnancy, it will all start even before an egg has met its match.

20 Menstrual Cycle

That's right, a pregnancy actually starts on the first day of a woman's cycle, before she has even technically conceived. The day a woman gets her period is considered day 1 of her cycle. Most women have a cycle anywhere around 28 days. The start of each cycle will always begin with the first day she is on her menstrual cycle. That is because it is this that sets everything else into motion.

About 14 days into her cycle, women will generally ovulate though this can differ slightly women to women and cycle to cycle. If a woman is actively trying to conceive, tracking her cycles is incredibly important in determining when the best time to 'baby dance' is.

19 There Is A Hormone Surge!

Believe it or not, this is not a positive pregnancy test. This is a positive ovulation test, another tool actively used by women who are trying to conceive. What these tests do is they detect the LH hormone in a woman's body. Women always have this hormone in their body, but it normally lays at pretty low levels. There will be a spike, or a 'surge' of the LH hormone 24-36 hours before ovulation is going to occur.

These tests can help mom determine when she is about to ovulate, so that she can time things properly. These tests can be tricky because you will always get two lines, but you want the test line to be the same line as the control line or darker, and that is what signifies a positive.

Once a woman gets that positive ovulation test, or even if she doesn't use them, the same thing will happen. At some point, an egg will be dropped. During the time a woman is on her period, and before ovulation happens a fibroid is growing in one of her ovaries. A fibroid is what is holding the egg, and these can be seen through ultrasounds where individual eggs can not. This comes in handy for women who are going through fertility treatments.

The fibroid grows and grows and should get to about 20mm in diameter before it "bursts" and releases an egg. The egg is released, and it travels down the fallopian tube, or it starts to anyways. If a woman is about to become pregnant, it will encounter some new friends along its journey to the uterus.

17 Egg And Friend Meet...

We are all adults here, and when two people are trying to conceive a baby, there are certain things that must happen. We won't get into too much detail here, because this is something we all know a lot about already, but it is a big event that changes everything. If mom and dad have timed it right, when the egg is making its way down the fallopian tubes, it should be met with its new 'friends'. Fertilization usually occurs in the fallopian tubes.

It just takes one single sperm to fertilize an egg, and once that little guy makes its way into the egg, a miracle is happening. The egg, or blastocyst, starts splitting into multiple cells. Out of this little blastocyst, the baby, placenta, amniotic sac and fluid are all forming. Such as amazing thing that is going on without mom even knowing anything is going on. The now fertilized egg will continue its journey to the uterus.

16 ...But It May Not Stick Around

The fertilized egg is not a journey to nowhere, it is headed down to the uterus where it should be making its home for the next 9 months. It takes more than just a fertilized egg to become pregnant, the egg has another hard task ahead of it. Once it arrives in the uterus, it must implant itself into the uterine wall. If it does this, congratulations you are pregnant! If it does not do this, you are either not pregnant, or it will result in a chemical pregnancy.

When it does implant into the wall, it is quite normal for a woman to experience some bleeding. This would only be light bleeding and will result in spotting. This can get a lot of women's hopes up as they may assume their period is just coming earlier than normal! Implantation bleeding doesn't happen to every women or for every pregnancy, but it is something that occurs, and it is normal.

15 That Egg Has A Lot To Do!

We have said it before that so much happens in the first month of pregnancy without mom even knowing anything is going on. This is especially true if mom was not actively trying to get pregnant. As soon as the sperm penetrates the egg, there is a lot going on. The moment the sperm meets the egg, action begins to take place. The egg starts to immediately start cell division.

This means that the cells begin to multiply to form all the different parts of the baby, something we will talk about a bit later. It is amazing that at this time, a time when women do not even know they are pregnant yet, so much is happening to make sure your baby has everything needed to survive in the outside world.

14 Forming Within Your Form

If not before the end of the first month, very close to the beginning of the second month the little baby has already begun to form, all within the woman's body. It may still be very small, and it won't even be seen on an ultrasound, but the baby is there. It may look more like a tadpole than a baby at this point, but vital organs are already beginning to form.

During this first month of pregnancy, the lungs, heart and spinal cord will all begin to develop. Giving your baby the very basics at what it takes to survive in an outside world. By the end of the second month, your little one will start pumping blood throughout their whole body.

13 Menstrual Cycle Ends

What will happen (or not happen) at the end of the first month of pregnancy is that a woman's menstrual cycle will end. This is how a lot of women find out they are expecting in the first place. There are pregnancy tests that can tell you before the date of your expected period, but they are always their most accurate on the day of your missed period.

The reason a woman's menstrual cycle ends are because of hormones. A normal menstrual cycle is triggered when an egg has not been fertilized or implanted and the uterine lining sheds, making way for a new month. When a fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus, it starts the release hormones that signal to your body to stop the menstrual cycles.

12 Already Running To The Bathroom

Everyone knows that when you are pregnant, you are constantly running to the washroom. Many people think this only occurs as a woman gets later on in her pregnancy, and while that does happen, it also occurs in the very beginning of pregnancy too. Sometimes, women state that this was one of the first symptoms they had that they were pregnant.

Pregnancy results in high levels of the hormone progesterone. This hormone does a lot to our bodies, and one of the things it does is it cause thickening of our uterine wall, to help sustain the pregnancy. It also puts pressure on your bladder already. Your kidneys also swell in result of pregnancy. A lot of the time women feel they need to urgently go when they actually don't, because of everything going on in the body.

11 Hormonal Changes

A lot of what is happening in mom's body that first month is due to hormones. Hormones can cause a lot of changes in a person's body, and some of them are great changes and others are more negative. No two women experience the same changes in hormones, so while it may be hard to say exactly how it will change, but we know that it does change.

A lot of women notice a change in their libido in the first month of their pregnancy, and this can go either way. They can either feel an increase or a decrease in their libido. This change, which may or may not be a negative one, does tend to go back to normal in the second trimester when the hormones have calmed down a bit.

10 Can't Get Enough Sleep

When I was pregnant with my first child, I knew well before my missed period that I was pregnant. How? Well, I could not stay awake for the life of me. I would struggle to make it through the work day and would be in bed at 6pm and sleep the entire night. It was bizarre, and what immediately told me something was different, that something was going on.

In the first month of pregnancy, it is normal for a woman to feel extremely tired. As we have stated, there is a lot going on in a woman's body, and her baby is growing rapidly. All of this takes a lot of work, and mom's body is hard at work without her even knowing. This means she is prone to be a lot more tired than she normally would be. This sleep is vital as it is what gives your body energy to continue to grow and nurture that little baby, so don't fight the urge to sleep!

9 Why Morning Sickness?

The number one symptom of pregnancy is morning sickness; however, it is not that easy. There are a lot of women out there who don't get morning sickness and continue to have a healthy pregnancy. Morning sickness doesn't always show up in the first month of pregnancy, but it can. It is another sure-fire way a woman knows that she is expecting.

Morning sickness is not always about running to the toilet, it can be as little as just feeling nauseous in the morning time. This is due to the raising levels of hormones, especially estrogen, in a woman's body. These hormones cause the stomach to empty a lot slower, which can lead women to vomit. This also can happen all day and is not just set to the morning.

8 Aversions Start

In the first month of pregnancy, women can gain some pretty superhero skills. They all of a sudden have a heightened sense of smell. They can smell out anything, and this is not always a good thing. Mom will also start to have some serious aversions, and these aversions to food and smell can trigger some pretty awful nausea and can have a woman running to the bathroom.

It isn't always to negative things either. The smell of chocolate or coffee could all of a sudden by repulsive to a woman when she is pregnant. It can be another early symptom to a woman when she starts dry heaving at the sight, sound or smell of what was once her favourite food or drink!

7 Headaches Galore!

Along with being extremely tried, another early symptom I had in my first month of pregnancy was an extreme and violent headache. It was quite debilitating, and nothing seemed to make it better. Little did I know at the time that this was an early symptom of pregnancy and is quite common in the first month. This is one symptom that can easily be overlooked because so many things can cause a headache.

When a woman becomes pregnant, her blood volume increases, and she has surges of hormones. Both of these things can cause extreme headaches. Her body is also going through a stressful period, and stress has also been known to cause a headache.

6 The Look Won't Change

We have talked about a lot of things that do happen to a woman in her first month of pregnancy, and while there is a lot going on inside, there is something that won't really happen for a while yet. The physical and outside look of a woman will not change much at all. If this is a woman's first pregnancy, she will likely take a while to start sprouting a bump.

Even if this is their second, third or fourth pregnancy, a month is a little too early to be showing. If mom is sprouting some growth it will likely be due to bloat, but she can always play it off as a baby bump! Basically, in the first month, there will be no clear visual signs that mom is expecting from the outside.

5 Mom May Experience Sensitive Areas

It may seem like a broken record the amount of times I mention hormones in this article, but it is unavoidable. Hormones are the culprit for 99% of the early pregnancy symptoms and what is going on in a woman's body. In the first month, these hormones can cause some very sensitive areas on a woman's body, specifically on her chest.

It is not just the uterus that responds to a pregnancy, but it is the whole body. A lot of the times when a woman is pregnant, she mistakes a lot of the symptoms as signs that her menstrual cycle is coming because they can be so similar.

4 Tasting Metal? It's Normal!

Another very weird thing that happens in a woman's body when she is in her first month, and throughout her first trimester, is feeling like she has a roll of coins in her mouth. A lot of women experience a very unpleasant taste in their mouth when they are early on in their pregnancy. This condition is so common that it has a name; Dysgeusia.

This is yet another thing that is caused by a surge in pregnancy hormones. Talk about bad timing as well, because it always happens when a woman is in her first trimester and is battling morning sickness. Nothing will cause you to run to the bathroom more than feeling you have been sucking on a metal hand rail for a while. It does tend to clear up by the second trimester, so there is hope for everyone out there.

3 Her System May Fight Back

Unfortunately, there are cases where one month of pregnancy is all some women receive. There are many reasons why a woman loses a pregnancy, and most of them have nothing to do with what the mom does, eats or drink. The body doesn't respond to feelings or emotions, it responds to health, and if it doesn't deem the baby as viable, it will protect the mother. It is doing what it is supposed to do.

A lot of women lose their pregnancy before they even know that they are expecting, especially when it happens in the first month. The woman will just assume she is experiencing her period, even if it is a little heavier than normal.

2 Mental Health Changes Are Normal

Not all things that happen in the first month of pregnancy are physical, a lot of it is emotional. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and while there remains a lot of stigma around it, the world is starting to accept it more and more. There are a lot of emotional and mental health changes that a woman can experience in the first month of pregnancy.

If mom happens to know that she is expecting, and she has been trying, she will be elated. Sadly, that feeling doesn't always last long as worry and anxiety kick in, because a lot of women are afraid of losing the baby. There are also emotional changes that are caused by hormones and are beyond a woman's control. Her mental health needs to be cared for as much as her physical health.

1 Full Of Joy!

By the end of the first month, a woman is taking a pregnancy test and finding out if her life is about to change forever. If she sees those two pink lines, and has been waiting for them, she will be filled immediately with joy. Even if the pregnancy is unexpected, she will still be full of joy after the initial shock wears off.

Even though she didn't know she was pregnant until this point, her body has been filled with joy for weeks now as it nestles and grows the perfect little baby. For 2 weeks, her body has been nurturing, caring for and loving this little baby without mom even knowing what is going on. The human body is an amazing thing and it is moments like this that really remind us of what we are capable of.

References: zliving.com, aboutkidshealth.ca

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20 Things That Happen To Mom In The First Month Of Pregnancy

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It is amazing that hundreds of women find out they are pregnant every day all over the world, yet people still know so little of how this all works. What is known is a lot of the science, and what research and doctors have said about it, but it is still such a mysterious thing.

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What happens to the mother and fetus at 5 months?

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What happens to the mother and fetus at 5 months?

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At five months, you are in the second trimester of pregnancy. This month marks the growth spurts in your little one, and the pregnancy belly is also visible, indicating that it's time for a wardrobe makeover. The craving instincts now overrule the morning sickness.

Here, MomJunction tells you about the pregnancy changes that affect your body, your baby's development, and the precautions you must take in the fifth month of pregnancy.

What Symptoms Do You Experience In The Fifth Month Of Pregnancy?

The pregnancy symptoms that you might experience in the fifth month include ( 1, 2):

Gravity changes: The center of gravity of your body changes with the growing belly, which can make you feel imbalanced at times.

Shortness of Breath: The growing uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing difficult.

Headaches: Hormonal fluctuations cause headaches.

Fatigue: As the body works more to fulfill the growing demands of the fetus, you start to feel tired.

Dizziness: The hormonal fluctuations in the body make you dizzy.

Leg cramps: Vitamin deficiency, extra weight or being too active or inactive at this time could result in leg cramps (3).

Nasal congestion: The increased estrogen level causes the nasal membranes to expand, thereby increasing the mucus flow and causing congestion.

Constipation: An increase in the progesterone level causes slow movement of the food through the intestine, leading to indigestion and constipation.

Heartburn: The growing uterus pushes up the gastric acids in the stomach to the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Back pain: The extra pressure of the baby's weight on the lower back or the sciatic nerve (that runs from the spine to legs) causes back pain.

Increase in appetite: As the morning sickness wanes by this month, your cravings increase.

Frequent urination: The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, resulting in frequent visits to the bathroom.

Insomnia: The back pain, frequent urination, leg cramps deprives you of a sound sleep.

Edema: The water retention in the body makes your feet, hand, and face to swell.

Bleeding gums: Hormonal changes and an increase in the blood flow can cause bleeding gums.

Apart from these symptoms, you may experience other physical and psychological changes too.

Physical Changes In The Fifth Month

Physiological changes you go through include:

A growing belly: The belly is visible by now, and it feels itchy as the skin stretches.

Enlarged breast: The breast starts the milk production, and hence it looks bigger and fuller.

Colostrum: A yellow liquid starts discharging from the nipples, which is the first milk for your baby.

Stretch marks: The growing uterus causes tiny tears in the skin tissues, creating stretch marks.

Linea nigra: A line that runs from the navel to the pubic hairline gets darker.

Darker areola and nipples: The skin pigmentation could make the nipples and the area around them look darker.

Emotional Changes In The Fifth Month

Few emotional changes you may experience are:

Mood swings: They are the result of hormonal fluctuations.

Stress: The thoughts of parenthood and anxiety during pregnancy can put you under stress.

Pregnancy brain: Due to the hormonal fluctuations, it is common to forget things during this time.

By this month, your baby's development picks up the pace. Are you anxious to know about it? Keep reading here.

Baby Development In The Fifth Month Of Pregnancy

The fifth month spans from weeks 17 to 20 (4). By this time, your baby grows from the size of a Turnip to a Banana (5).

Baby weight (6): Around 5 to 10 ounces (140 - 300g)

Baby's length: 5.1 - 10in (CRL) (13 - 25.6cm (CRL)) between 17th and 20th weeks. From week 20, the length is measured from crown to rump.

Here is how your baby is developing during this month ( 7, 8, 9):

Body parts

Development

Skin

Vernix caseosa, a greasy material covers and protects the skin.

Hair

Starts to grow on the head.

Lanugo

Fine hair that covers the body.

Eyes

Eyebrows, eyelashes, and eyelids start appearing.

Heart

Heart rate follows a daily cycle called circadian rhythms.

Ear

Cochlea fully developed and the fetus starts hearing.

Genitals

In girls, the ovaries develop about 7 million oogonia, which give rise to primary oocytes.

Nerves

Getting covered with a tissue called myelin.

Fingers

Fingerprints are developed.

It's a moment of joy when you feel your baby's first movement. Read here to know what happens inside your womb this month.

Baby's Position And Movements In The Fifth Month

Position: The baby has a lot of free space inside the womb to move around. Hence, there is no specific position that the baby attains during this month.

Movement: The baby's movements can be felt slightly by this time, like a fluttering feeling in the stomach, referred to as quickening. First-time mothers may not be able to recognize it and take it for gas in the stomach (10).

Eating the right food in the right amounts is essential for the health of the mother and the baby. However, it is also necessary to ensure that you stay away from foods that are not recommended for pregnant women.

Pregnancy Diet For The Fifth Month

Here is the list of foods that you should add to your diet (11):

Add a lot of green leafy vegetables, bread, milk, sardines, and fortified cereals that are rich in Calcium. It promotes healthy bones and teeth in your baby. According to ACOG, a pregnant woman should take 1000mg of calcium/day.

Iron helps in the production of red blood cells. The recommended intake is 27 mg/day (including any supplements). Whole grain products, fish, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, beans, lean pork, and beef are a good source of this mineral.

According to the ACOG, the recommended daily intake of Folic acid by a pregnant woman is 600mcg/day. It prevents congenital disabilities relating to the brain and spine in the baby. Add a lot of Leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, and kale), kidney beans, lentils, nuts, citrus fruits, and beans in the diet.

Vitamin D that promotes healthy eyesight and strengthens the bones and teeth. Salmon and milk fortified with Vitamin D are a good source. The recommended intake is 600 IU per day.

Add Vitamin A rich foods like orange or yellow vegetables (sweet potatoes or carrots), leafy green vegetables, liver, and milk. The recommended daily intake is 750-770mcg/day. It promotes bone strength and healthy eyesight.

Protein can be obtained from lean meat and poultry, eggs, seafood, peas, soy products, beans, milk, and unsalted seeds and nuts. It is necessary for muscles and brain.

Add Vitamin C rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli in your diet. It promotes healthy gums, teeth, and bones. The average daily recommended intake is 85mg.

Foods To Avoid During The Fifth Month Of Pregnancy

Here is the list of foods you need to avoid:

Stay away from raw or uncooked food as it can cause a foodborne disease called listeriosis (12).

Avoid eating fishes like swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and shark that have a high level of mercury.

Avoid consuming more than 200-300 mg of caffeine a day as it may lead to a miscarriage (13).

Avoid unpasteurized milk and cheese.

Avoid food containing gluten such as wheat and barley (14), if you have celiac disease. Instead, switch to vegetables, fruits, beans, poultry, and meat.

Avoid deep-fried and spicy foods as they can aggravate heartburn.

It's the time to fix your appointment with the doctor for the checks up to ensure both you and the baby are doing well.

What To Expect During Your Visit To The Ob/Gyn?

Here are some tests that your doctor would suggest for this month:
Physical examinations:

1. Blood pressure check

2. Weight check

3. Urine test for protein and sugar levels.

4. Measurement of the fundal height

Other:
1. Ultrasound: It is carried out to,

Monitor the fetal heart rate and growth of your baby in terms of weight and CRL (crown-rump length).

Check the position of the baby and the condition of the placenta.

The scan is also called anomaly scan (15).

2. Multiple marker test: It includes the screening of the mother's blood sample for evaluating the levels of (16);

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) - An abnormal protein levels of AFP in the maternal blood serum indicates:

Down syndrome

Open neural tube defects (ONTD), such as spina bifida

Defects in the wall of the fetal abdomen

Some other chromosomal abnormalities

A miscalculation in the due date because the protein levels do vary throughout pregnancy

More than one fetus makes the protein

hCG - It is the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, which is produced by the placenta.

Estriol - Produced by the placenta

Inhibin - Produced by the placenta

In case of unsatisfactory multiple marking testing results, an amniocentesis may be recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

3. Amniocentesis: It is done to check for open neural tube defects (ONTDs) such as spina bifida and chromosomal disorders. A sample of the amniotic fluid is tested to evaluate the results. In the case of twins and multiple babies, the sampling will be done from each amniotic sac.

Specific symptoms may indicate a problem and should be checked by the doctor immediately.

What Do You Need To Know In Your Fifth Month Of Pregnancy?

In the case of the following symptoms, get medical help right away ( 17, 18):

Vaginal bleeding

Belly or pelvic pain or severe cramping

Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, chills

Painful or less urination

Dark-colored urine

Vomiting that lasts longer than 24 hours or gets worse

Dizziness

Increased vaginal discharge or discharge with a foul smell

Do not overlook any unusual symptoms that could indicate complications with the pregnancy. Find out more about them next.

Complications In The Fifth Month Of Pregnancy

Pregnancy complications during this month include miscarriage or stillbirth ( 9, 20, 21).

Miscarriage: It is also described as pregnancy loss and happens before the 20th week of pregnancy. Its symptoms include:

Vaginal bleeding

Pain or cramps in the lower abdomen

Low back pain

Tissues, fluids, or clot-like material passing through the vagina.

Stillbirth: Also termed as fetal death can happen in or after the 20th week. It may be due to any birth defects or pregnancy complications.

Keep reading to what you can do to make your pregnancy a better experience.

Precautions To Be Taken In The Fifth Month

Here are some precautionary measures you can follow in the fifth month:

Keep your stress at bay.

Stay hydrated.

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

Give rest to your body.

Maintain oral hygiene.

Maintain the right posture while sitting and try sleeping positions that promote sound and comfortable sleep. Do not sit or stand suddenly as it may cause the blood pressure to drop and result in fainting or dizziness (22).

Take the prenatal vitamins regularly.

Do not lift heavy objects.

Have smaller meals at regular intervals.

Do not take any medicines without consulting the doctor.

Try walking and Kegel exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles.

Wear loose, breathable clothes and comfortable flat footwear.

Stay away from harmful chemicals.

There is a lot a partner can do to make you feel comfortable. Here are some must-do tips for the dads-to-be.

Tips For Dad-To-Be

Help your partner with household chores

Create a pleasant environment for her at home.

Accompany her during the prenatal visits.

Plan a day out with her.

Go shopping with her for maternal essentials.

Give her a good foot and neck massage.

The journey of pregnancy is nothing less than a roller coaster ride. The ups and down may take a significant toll on your body. However, you can stay relaxed as this phase is temporary. The moment you hold the little one in your hand, you are likely to forget all the pains. Stay relaxed and positive to enjoy this phase fully.

References:

1. Stages of pregnancy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
2. What happens in the sixth month of pregnancy?, Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc (2019)
3. Leg cramps during pregnancy, Healthdirect
4. Pregnancy - week by week, Health and Human Services (2012)
5. Week by Week Fetus Size Demonstrated by Fruits, EPAOA (2014-2019)
6. Fetal Development, UNSW Embryology (2018)
7. Fetal development - month 5, Sutter Health (2018)
8. Prenatal Form and Function - The Making of an Earth Suit, THE ENDOWMENT FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, INC (2001-2019)
9. 18 Weeks Pregnant: Your Body Shape Begins to Change, National Women's Health Resource Center, Inc
10. Quickening and Baby Movements: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Month, Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research (2016)
11. Nutrition During Pregnancy, ACOG
12. Listeria Infection (Listeriosis), Organization of Teratology Information Specialists
13. Pregnancy Precautions: FAQs, The Nemours Foundation (1995-2019)
14. How Celiac Disease Affects Pregnancy, Celiac Disease Foundation (1998-2018)
15. Morphology scan, Healthdirect.
16. Common Tests During Pregnancy, Stanford Children's Health (2019)
17. When to call us, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc (2018)
18. Prenatal care in your second trimester, NIH (2019)
19. What are some common complications of pregnancy?, NIH (2017)
20. What are the symptoms of pregnancy loss (before 20 weeks of pregnancy)?, NIH (2017)
21. Stillbirth, NIH (2016)
22. Low Blood Pressure - When Blood Pressure Is Too Low, American Heart Association, Inc (2019)

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5 Months Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Size & Baby Development

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At five months, you are in the second trimester of pregnancy. This month marks the growth spurts in your little one, and the pregnancy belly is also visible, indicating that it's time for a wardrobe makeover. The craving instincts now overrule the morning sickness.