Wonderful Stages of Pregnancy - Slideshow

Pregnancy

Normally, pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks, with three trimesters. The duration is calculated from the beginning of the last menstrual period, though the fetus develops only two weeks after the menstrual period. Pregnancy occurs when the female egg is fertilized by the male sperm during the ovulation stage (days 11 to 21 of the monthly cycle) in the woman. The monthly cycle ranges from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next menstruation and averages 28 to 32 days. The word pregnant originates from Latin, where prae indicates 'before' and gnasci indicates 'to be born'.

First Trimester

The length of a pregnancy is normally divided into three trimesters:

First trimester 1 to 12 weeks

Second trimester 13 to 28 weeks

Third trimester 29 to 40 weeks The colour of the hair, eyes, and the gender of the baby are determined at conception. 1st and 2nd Weeks of Pregnancy No drastic changes in the body during menstruation and the week following menstruation. Change in lifestyle: During conception, avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and medications. Those with medical conditions should discuss the necessary precautions to observe, with their family physician.

3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Week

Discharge from the vagina

Cramping, Acute exhaustion, Headache Menstruation is halted Morning sickness Nausea Loss or gain of weight Heartburn Outward projection of nipples, swollen breasts Spotting of blood Chances of a miscarriage, if excess bleeding occurs with major cramping Issues with prenatal vitamins - constipation A pregnancy test measures the hcG hormone levels and confirms pregnancy. Women should consume prenatal vitamins that contain between .8 to 1 mg folic acid and a high iron content, for the baby's and their health.

Fetal Changes during 3rd, 4th, 5th 6th Week

The fetus consists of cells (blastocyst) that is the size of a pin and ranges from 0.078 inches to 3/4th inch long.

Part of the blastocyst forms the placenta and releases the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The heart, spinal cord, brain, skin, circulatory system, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, thyroid, pancreas, eyes, ears, skeleton, and the gastrointestinal tract begin to develop at this stage. Heart beats steadily Tadpole-shaped fetus Development of brain Webbed hands and legs Lungs, nose, jaw bones form

7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Week

First major visit to the doctor (around 8-12 weeks). Medical history and tests, such as ultrasound, cervical cultures, pap smear are conducted.

Morning sickness Consumption of frequent small meals Frequent urination Strong tastes and distastes Increase in blood volume by 40% to 50% Heartburn Mood changes Growing uterus but no visible signs

Fetal Changes during 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Week

1 to 2 inches long

Eyelids, ears, hair, tongue, facial features, external genitalia begin to form Elbows, toenails, fingernails, and toes are observed Embryonic tail disappears Body straightens out Muscles contract Maturation of lungs, kidneys, and heart Swallows amniotic fluid

11th and 12th Week

End of first trimester

Increased hair and nail growth Darkening of areola of the breasts Dark patches in the skin (chloasma) Second time pregnant women may require maternity clothes Perform vaginal exercises - Kegel exercises No visible signs of pregnancy Weight gain - 1.3 to 1.8 kgs

Fetal Changes during 11th and 12th Week

2.5 - 3.15 inches long

Nearly completed external genitalia Transparent skin Bones begin to harden Continued maturation of nervous system Kidneys are able to secrete urine Eyes and ears move closer

Second Trimester 13th and 14th Week

Morning sickness may subside

Heartburn Tight fitting clothes are replaced with loose clothes or maternity clothes Colostrum starts to form in the large nodular breast Veins are visible below the breast skin Stretch marks appear (Vitamin E, alpha hydroxy acids, exercise prevent the marks)

Fetal Changes during Second Trimester 13th and 14th Week

Head is 1/3rd of total body length

3.75 to 4 inches long; weighs < 0.05 kg Soft, fine hair (lanugo) covers the body Fully functional kidneys and urinary tract Spleen produces red blood cells, liver produces bile Arms lengthen and become proportional Continued development of brain - facial expressions

15th and 16th Week

2.27 kgs weight gain

Uterus may be felt 5 to 6 inches below the belly button Start sleeping on the side Pregnancy glow - Increased blood circulation (50%), increased secretion of oily glands Uterus weighs 1/4kg

Fetal Changes during 15th and 16th Week

4.75 to 5.31 inches long; 57 to 70 grams in weight

Eyes move closer towards the nose Ears continue to develop Babies may suck their thumb Erect head Circulatory system, urinary system functions normally Heart pumps approximately 25 quarts of blood each day

17th, 18th, 19th Week

Enlarged abdomen, uterus pushes the intestines upwards and to the side of the abdomen

Women may develop sciatic nerve pain and sharp pain around the abdomen or hip region (round ligament pain) Women may experience low blood pressure, dizziness, and should move slowly while standing up from a sitting position Alpha fetoprotein test Take short naps

Fetal Changes during 17th, 18th, 19th Week

5.75 to 7 inches long; weighs 110 to 200 grams

Improved hearing Umbilical cord is longer and thicker Formation of fat tissue and genitalia Myelin covers the nerves Hair starts to sprout on the scalp Regions in the brain controlling senses are getting specialized

20th, 21st, 22nd Week

Each week there is a gain of 230 to 450 grams.

Comfortable period of pregnancy Varicose veins may develop with weight gain Frequent rests reduce swelling in feet Uterus is 3/4 inch above the belly button

Fetal Changes during 20th, 21st, 22nd Week

7.75 to 10 inches long; weighs 260 to 400 grams

A white material called vernix caseosa covers the baby Meconium (the first excretion) starts to be produced. Baby starts to move and mother feels the movements Eyes, eyelids, eyebrows completely form; nonpigmented iris Continued development of pancreas Wrinkled skin Appears like a newborn baby but is much smaller

23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th Week

Approximate gain of 5.4 to 10 kgs

Uterus increases 1.5 to 2.5 inches above the belly button Colourless and odorless amniotic fluid may be discharged - one must immediately consult a physician Itchy skin due to stretching or dryness Dryness of eyes - Moisten with artificial tears Glucose screening test checks for gestational diabetes

Fetal Changes during 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th Week

11 to 14 inches long; weighs 450 to 900 grams

Body's soft hair (lanugo) darkens Rapid development of brain, lungs, taste buds Color and texture of hair develops Significant development of ear nerves Testicles begin descending into the scrotum in boys

27th, 28th, 29th Week - Third Trimester

Weight gain of 7.7 to 11.3 kgs

Acute sense of baby's movements Constipation and abdomen pain Cramps in legs Hemorrhoids Insomnia Uterus is 3.5 to 4 inches above the belly button Doctor's appointment is every 2 weeks until the 36th week Essential nutrients at this stage - calcium, iron, protein, folic acid, and vitamin C

Fetal Changes during 27th, 28th, 29th Week - Third Trimester

13.75 to 14.5 inches long; weighs 1 to 1.2 kg

Opens and closes eyes in a regular sleep and wake cycle Brain ventricles develop Baby looks more rounded Further development of eyebrows, eyelashes, and skin hair

30th, 31st , 32nd, 33rd Week

Insomnia

Exhaustion Mood changes Joints become loose Shoe size changes Uterus extends below the rib cage - 5 inches above the belly button Potential small contractions (Braxton-Hick) Small quantities of colostrum may leak Hemorrhoids Increased heartburn Difficulty breathing Weight gain - 10-12.7 kg Potential breakage of water sac with release of amniotic fluid Greenish discharge indicates infection

Fetal Changes during 30th, 31st , 32nd, 33rd Week

15.15-16.5 inches long; weighs 1.4-2.3 kg

Distinguishes between light and dark Fat layer develops Toenails and fingernails are complete Fully formed delicate skeleton Hardening of all skeletal bones except the skull.

34th, 35th , 36th Week

Amniotic fluid peaks between 34-36 weeks

Uterus is 5.5-6 inches above the belly button Once a week appointments with the physician Weight gain - 10.9-13.2 kg Lightening - Baby drops down to settle in the pelvic area and pushes against the bladder Frequent bathroom trips Increased Braxton-Hick contractions

Fetal Changes during 34th, 35th , 36th Week

17.5-19 inches long; weighs 2.3-3.1 kg

Fat formation under the skin regulates temperature Well developed lungs Nervous system continues to develop Baby's movements slow down Baby swallows the lanugo and the vernix caseosa surrounding the baby's body. Baby's head starts to point in the downwards direction.

37th, 38th, 39th, 40th week - Time for Delivery!

Weight gain: 11.3-15.9 kg

Decrease in amniotic fluid Increased Braxton-Hick contractions Mucus plug may be released in preparation for labor Increased swelling in hands and feet (potential pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)/toxemia/preeclampsia)

Fetal Changes during 37th, 38th, 39th, 40th Week

18-21 inches long; weighs 2.7-4.5 kg

One should discuss the options of changing the baby's breech position with the doctor. Formation of new skin cells Soft skull bones to enable passage through the birth canal. Head is cone shaped but the shape can be modified by gentle massaging. 2 soft spots (front and back) on the head.