Pregnancy timeline by

Prenatal care

lisawalker2_1 — 2024-09-05 02:18:00 UTC

It is important for women to think about their habits even before they become pregnant. When someone is trying to become pregnant they should take a multivitamin with folic acid. Folic acid helps prevent a birth defect called Spina Bifida when taken before and during the early stages of pregnancy. Websites such as plannedparenthood.org provide great resources and learning for expectant mothers and contraception and exams for those choosing to wait.

Mounth 1

lisawalker2_1 — 2024-09-05 02:18:09 UTC

During weeks one through four is when the sperm fertilizes the egg creating a zygote. The cells then divide making what's called a blastocyst which implants into the uterus

Month 2

lisawalker2_1 — 2024-09-05 02:18:18 UTC

Week 5 the nueral tube forms, which will become the brain, spinal cord and the central nervous system. The heart tube will form and it will beat nearly double the amount of an adult, roughly 110 beats per minute. Week 6 tiny buds form that make the arms and legs. The ears, eyes and mouth begin to form. Week 7 the soft cartilage is being replaced by bones. By week 8 all the main organs are beginning to develop.

Month 3

lisawalker2_1 — 2024-09-05 02:18:26 UTC

Week 9 through 12 wrap up the first trimester. Mothers may begin to feel some relief for morning sickness. There is also a much lower risk for miscarriages after the 12th week. The buds from month 2 become fingers and toes no longer webbed. All the organs, limbs and bones continue to develop. Now is a good time to see your doctor to make sure you are taking proper steps for prenatal care. Websites like babyyourbaby.org are also a great resource for expectant mothers.

Mounth 4

lisawalker2_1 — 2024-09-05 02:18:35 UTC

At the end of the fourth month the fetus is about the size of an avocado. It can yawn, stretch and even suck its thumb. External genitals are formed. The ears are mostly formed but the fetus can not yet hear. This would be a good time for mom to think about how she wants to give birth. Whether that is hiring a doula or signing up for a hypnobirthing class or writing a birth plan for her doctor. This can be very empowering for the mother.

Month 5

lisawalker2_1 — 2024-09-05 02:18:59 UTC

At this point the mother may begin to feel the fetus. At first it will be light like a fluttering. As the fetus becomes more developed and stronger the mother will feel kicks usually by week 19. At this time you will usually schedule your first ultrasound. If you choose, you may even be able to find out the baby's sex.

Month 6

lisawalker2_1 — 2024-09-05 02:19:08 UTC

At 23 weeks the baby has reached a point of viability. Where if born will have a chance of survival. This is an important milestone where mothers may breathe a sigh of relief. One must still take precautions as a baby born this early will have a long hard road in the NICU. The March of Dimes has a NICU support for parents dealing with such a difficult situation as this. https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/nicu-family-support . Here they can find support as well as educational information on how to navigate the NICU stay.

Month 7

lisawalker2_1 — 2024-09-05 02:19:25 UTC

The fetus at the end of the 7th month grows to about the size of an egg plant, 14.5 inches long and between 2 and 3 pounds. The fetus begins to react more to sound and light. It can open its eyes and blink.

Month 8

lisawalker2_1 — 2024-09-05 02:19:48 UTC

This time is the beginning of the third trimester. This is a time period where the baby will begin putting on fat to prepare them for after birth. Most organs, except the lungs and brain, are fully developed and ready for birth. The baby can make its own body heat which can make the mother feel very hot during the last few months of pregnancy.

Month 9

lisawalker2_1 — 2024-09-05 02:20:07 UTC

By week 36 the baby may "drop" which means it has flipped head down and lowered to prepare for birth. The bones of the fetus begin to harden with the exception of the skull which remains softer to allow it to pass through the birth canal.

Month 10

lisawalker2_1 — 2024-09-05 02:20:31 UTC

The baby is packing on roughly 0.5 lbs per week. At 39 weeks you are considered full term. By 4o weeks your due date has come. The mother should look for signs of labor, such as, your water breaking, steady contractions that increase in consistency and in intensity, losing your mucus plug. That can be a pink discharge.