Following Pregnancy - Week By Week

The Growth of a Child In Its First Home

Pregnancy week by week, closely followed can be very fascinating to know, since it shows the development of the child little by little. It can be divided into three trimesters. The first trimester consists of the first three months, the second of the next three months, and the third from the sixth month till the due date. Usually a pregnancy lasts anywhere 38-42 weeks.

1) The first week is actually the menstrual period. Since the expected due date is calculated from the last day of the period, even though the baby hasn’t yet been conceived.

2) In this week, egg fertilization by the sperm takes place only at the end. So you may still not know you are pregnant. The sex of the baby is determined by the end of fertilization. This is the mid point of the menstrual cycle where the lining of the uterus is developing to nourish the baby.

3) At this stage, you may still not know you are pregnant. Nearly a day after fertilization, the fertilized egg divides itself into two and continues to divide while traveling through the fallopian tube to the uterus. When it reaches the uterus, it has become a ball of cells and this is called a morula. At the end of this week, the morula attaches itself to the uterus lining. This is termed as implantation.

4) In the fourth week, it develops into an embryo, which is made up of two cells, and which will eventually develop into the baby’s organs and body parts. Since the baby produces a hormone called the human chorionic gonadotropin, it is at this time the ovary stops releasing an egg every month, and monthly periods stop taking place. It is at this time you may realize you are pregnant.

5) At this point the baby’s heart is formed by the bulge in the center of the embryo. Now the placenta develops.

6) By week six, the baby’s brain and nervous system begin developing. The baby’s heartbeat can also be detected by an ultrasound. Digestive and respiratory systems also start forming. This is when symptoms like morning sickness and frequent urination can occur.

7) In this week, the umbilical cord is formed, which provides oxygen and nourishment to your baby, and helps in disposing of the baby’s wastes. The lungs also begin to form.

8) Fingers and toes begin to form, and the eyes become obvious. The baby’s genitals also start to form, although sex determination is not possible at this stage. At this stage you can get your pregnancy confirmed by a urine test.

9) In this week, the baby’s head is growing in contrast to the body. Muscles develop and may cause the baby to make some first movements.

10) This is the end of the embryonic period. The baby now has a distinctively human appearance

11) To accommodate for the rapidly growing baby in size, the placenta increase in number and size.

12) The baby’s kidneys are functioning, and it will not be able to pass urine. This is the end of the first trimester.

13) The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to your baby.

14) The baby’s thyroid glands develop

15) The baby’s internal skeletal system develops. Muscle development continues.

16) Development of facial muscles takes place.

17) Placenta grows and contains numerous blood vessels that carry nutrients and oxygen to the baby’s developing body from your body.

18) Ears move to their position, and your baby will now start hearing your heartbeat and even get startled by loud noises. The bones begin to harden.

19) This week brings about the development of brown fat to keep the baby warm.

20) Nails and hair grow. This week marks the mid point of your pregnancy.

21) The intestines and bone marrow spaces develop.

22) Taste buds, brain and nerve ending form. The reproductive system is developed according to the sex of the baby.

23) The baby moves its muscles in the fingers, toes as a result of which you might feel its movements forcefully now and then.

24) The baby’s lungs are developing the capacity to produce a substance that keeps the air sacs in the lungs from collapsing thereby letting us breathe with ease.

25) Since the hearing is developed, your baby will hear when you talk to it. Nostrils also start to open.

26) Hair grows on the head, and eyelashes are formed.

27) The lungs continue to develop, and if born at this stage, there is a chance for survival.

28) The position of the baby can be determined at this stage, whether it is bottom first or head first, although the baby may change its position by itself later.

29) The baby is active, and you can feel its hard movements in your belly.

30) In order to breathe on its own after birth, the baby will copy breathing movements in your diaphragm.

31) By now the baby is urinating after swallowing the fluid in the sac.

32) Eyelashes, eyebrows and hair are evident.

33) Your baby can listen, and react to light.

34) By now most babies are in a position for delivery.

35) The baby’s growth may make it hard for it to move, but the movements may be more powerful. If in a head first position, the pressure may lay on the pubic bone of the mother.

36) There are sucking muscles and fat on the baby’s face.

37) The baby has developed coordination and can respond to bright light.

38) The baby’s first bowel movement takes place.

39) The soft hair covering the baby’s body has mostly disappeared.

40) You could be delivering your baby this week, or not, because most deliver at 42 weeks also. The baby’s skin may be dry and have patches, but that is normal.

Following pregnancy week by week is different for every woman. Every woman has a different experience. Although it is advisable to keep check on your pregnancy progress, it is also advisable to not get too paranoid, if your doctor tells you there is nothing to worry about. At the end of nine months, rest assured, you will have a beautiful and healthy baby.