Congratulations – you are going to have a
baby. Your life is about to change in
many wonderful ways, and your body will be undergoing many changes over the
next weeks and months. As a mom to be it
is important for you to know what to expect when you are expecting, and this
pregnancy calendar is designed to do just that.
Week 1
It may seem odd, but week one actually
starts with your monthly menstrual period.
That is because your due date is calculated based on the first day of
your last period. At this point your
baby has not yet been conceived, but there are some steps you can take to keep
yourself – and your future son or daughter – healthy.
That’s because your health and the health
of your baby go hand in hand. If you are
actively trying to get pregnant it is important to avoid things that could harm
the development of your baby. Avoiding
alcohol and other drugs is essential at this point – the presence of alcohol or
drugs in your system at the time of conception could have a profound effect on
the developing fetus.
It is also important to talk to your doctor
about any medications you are taking, including over the counter medications
and even herbal remedies. Even seemingly
innocuous medications could have an effect on your baby, or on your ability to
conceive, so it is important to let your doctor know you plan to get pregnant.
Week 2
Fertilization will take place this week,
and by the end of the week you will be officially pregnant. Even though you will not know your baby’s sex
for many more weeks, the gender of your baby will be determined the moment the
egg and sperm meet.
Even before your baby is conceived, your
body will be getting ready to host its new resident. The uterine lining that will serve as
nourishment for the growing baby is beginning to develop. Your body will also secrete a follicle
stimulating hormone designed to help the egg mature. When the egg is mature ovulation will take
place, and at this point you will be the most fertile. If you are trying to have a baby, now would
be the perfect time for a romantic dinner followed by a night of passionate
lovemaking.
Week 3
At this point you most likely do not
realize you are pregnant, but in fact a new life has begun to grow inside
you. Your baby has just been conceived,
but he or she is getting off to a great start.
At this point the fertilized egg has begun to divide exponentially,
turning one cell into two, then four, then eight and so on. The cell division will continue as the
fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tubes into the uterus. By the time the fertilized egg has reached
the uterus the clump of cells resembles a tiny ball.
This ball of cells will become hollow and
filled with fluid, at which point it is known as a blastocyst. By the end of week three the blastocyst will
become attached to the lining of the uterus in a process known as
implantation. The lining of the uterus
will provide vital nutrients to the fetus as it grows and develops.
During this time it is important for moms
to be to get plenty of good nutrition, particularly nutrients like folic
acid. Folic acid is particularly
important for the growing fetus, playing a role in the prevention of many
common birth defects. Since you probably
don’t yet know you are pregnant, it is important to eat right at all times,
both for your own health and that of your future son or daughter.
It is also a good idea to increate the
amount of protein in your diet when you are trying to conceive. This added protein will play a big role in
the development of your baby. Extra
calcium is important as well, both for your own bone health and the development
of your fetus. Be sure to eat lots of
quality dairy products, dark green vegetables and other calcium rich foods.
Week
4
At four weeks your baby has morphed from a
blastocyst into an embryo. The embryo is
made up of two distinct layers of cells and these cells will eventually develop
into all of your baby’s organs. At this
point in development the yolk sac and amnion will develop as well. The amnion will be filled with amniotic
fluid, which will surround that embryo and protect it. The yolk sac produces the blood needed to
nourish the embryo at this point. Later
in the pregnancy this vital role will be taken over by the placenta.
During this stage of development the embryo
will be burying itself deep into the walls of the uterus. Once the embryo is fully implanted it will
start to produce a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropic, or hCG. This hormone will serve to maintain the lining
of the uterus, and it will also signal the ovaries to stop releasing eggs. This is why your period stops after you have
conceived.
During this period some women may feel some
slight cramping and a bit of spotting, and sometimes this spotting is mistaken
for the monthly menstrual cycle. If you
are unsure about your pregnancy status it is a good idea to take a pregnancy
test. Home pregnancy tests look for the
presence of the hCG hormone, so you should be able to get an accurate result at
this time. If the results of the home
pregnancy test are unclear it is a good idea to make an appointment with your
gynecologist.
Week 5
At week five the embryo that had been an
indistinct clump of cells has begun to take on a definitive shape. By week five the embryo will have developed
the neural tube that will eventually become the baby’s brain and spinal
cord. The embryo will also have a
distinct bulge in the middle where the heart will eventually form. It is also during this time that the placenta
will develop and take over the job of nourishing the baby.
It is also at this point that moms to be
may feel the first signs of nausea and morning sickness. Some women are greatly troubled by these
symptoms, while others may see virtually nothing. Nevertheless it is a good idea to avoid foods
that often trigger morning sickness.
These problem foods include soft cheeses like blue and brie, juice, hot
dogs, deli meats, raw shellfish and raw eggs.
Now is also the time to pass the job of
cleaning the litter box on to your partner.
Cat feces can carry a disease known as toxoplasmosis, which can be very
dangerous to the developing fetus.
Week 6
By the sixth week the embryo’s brain and
nervous system are starting to develop in earnest. At the same time the precursors of the eyes,
known as optic vesicles, are starting to develop on the sides of the head.
At this point the baby’s heart will start
to beat, and you may even be able to pick up this heartbeat during your ultrasound
exam. The precursors of the respiratory
system and digestive system are also forming at this time, as are the small
buds that will develop into the baby’s arms and legs. At this point your baby is still quite small,
probably about 2 to 5 millimeters in length.
By week six many moms to be may be seeing
some of the more unpleasant signs of pregnancy, including fatigue and
nausea. Although most of us are familiar
with the term morning sickness, this sudden nausea can appear at any time, so
be prepared.
You may also find that your breasts have
become quite tender, and you may find yourself urinating more than normal due
to hormonal changes that can affect your kidneys. If you find yourself feeling unwell and run
down just think about your baby and the joy he or she will bring to your life.
Week 7
At this point your baby is adapting well to
its life inside your body. By this time
your baby’s umbilical cord has already formed, and this cord will serve as a
lifeline to you throughout the pregnancy. The umbilical cord will provide vital oxygen
and nourishment for the fetus throughout the pregnancy and help to dispose of any
waste products.
Your baby’s face will also be forming at
this point, as the mouth, eyes, ears and nose become more defined and
recognizable. The baby’s digestive
system and lungs are also continuing to form as week seven rolls around.
During the seventh week of pregnancy you
will have developed a mucous plug at the opening of your cervical canal. This plug forms as a part of pregnancy, and
its job is to seal off and protect the uterus and its precious cargo. This plug will eventually be lost as the
cervix dilates in preparation for the delivery of the baby, but that is still a
long way off.
Week 8
By the eighth week of pregnancy the baby’s
fingers and toes have just begun to form.
At this point your baby is able to flex his or her arms at the elbow and
the wrist. The digestive tract is
continuing to grow as well, with longer intestines and a more pronounced
abdomen. The eyes are continuing to
develop as well, and they have even started to develop a bit of pigment.
At this point the buds that will become the
baby’s genitals are even becoming apparent, although these features will not be
distinct enough to accurately determine if you should paint the nursery pink or
blue.
During this period you will continue to
experience the symptoms of pregnancy, including extreme tiredness, nausea and swelling
of your abdomen. Now is also the time to
schedule your first prenatal exam. As
soon as your pregnancy is confirmed it is important to have a thorough exam and
pay careful attention to the advice of your doctor. Proper prenatal care is particularly crucial
during the early weeks of your pregnancy.
Week 9
At this point your baby still has a tail,
but that tail has begun to shrink and will eventually disappear
altogether. The baby’s head continues to
grow, and it will appear quite large for the body. By this week your baby will be between 16 and
18 millimeters in length, and you will be able to see the flaps of skin that
will develop into his or her eyelids.
Your baby’s digestive system is continuing
to develop as well, and the intestines are continuing to get longer. The anus has now formed as well, as have the
reproductive organs, including the testes or ovaries. Your baby may begin to move at this point, so
be on the lookout for these exciting signs of life.
Now is the time to start researching your
family medical history, paying careful attention to any genetic problems or
hereditary diseases. Be prepared to
discuss your family history with your doctor at your first prenatal exam. Also discuss any medications you are taking, including
not only prescription medications but herbal remedies and over the counter
preparations as well.
Week 10
By the tenth week of development all of
your baby’s vital organs have formed and they are all beginning to work
together. Other changes, like the
separation of the fingers and toes, will have taken place as well. At this point your baby’s vestigial tail will
have disappeared completely, and tooth buds will be forming in his or her
mouth. If the baby is a boy his testes
will have already begun to make testosterone, so be prepared.
The tenth week of pregnancy also marks the
end of the embryonic period. By this
time the baby is now fully recognizable as a human being, and beginning with
week 11 he or she will officially be called a fetus.
During this week you may be having a
prenatal visit, complete with a full battery of tests. You will probably have your blood checked and
your blood pressure evaluated during your exam, and you may also have an
external abdominal exam to determine the size of the baby and his or her
position in your uterus. You may also be
asked for a urine sample so that other important tests can be done. If you have a genetic predisposition to
certain diseases or a family history of congenital conditions you may be asked
to undergo further testing.
Week 11
As week 11 arrives your baby will have
started to grow quite rapidly, and by now he or she is about two inches
long. At the same time the blood vessels
in your placenta are expanding to accommodate the growing fetus. The placenta is also increasing the number of
blood vessels in order to provide more nourishment as the baby continues to
grow.
The development of your baby’s face is
continuing as well, and by now most facial features are easily
recognizable. At the same time the
baby’s head continues to be disproportionately large for its body, making up about
half of the total length of the body.
Your baby’s reproductive organs are growing
rapidly as well, but it will still be difficult to determine the gender. At this stage of gestation the external
genitals on male and female fetuses can look quite similar, so don’t start
painting the nursery just yet.
By this stage of your pregnancy you will
probably have put on some weight, since your baby will need extra nutrients to
continue his or her growth. In most
cases a good guideline for weight gain is between 25 and 35 pounds over the
course of your pregnancy, but it is important to talk with your doctor about
what you can expect in terms of your weight.
Week 12
At twelve weeks of gestation your baby’s
brain will be undergoing a period of rapid growth, ready to fill that big
head. Your baby will also begin to
sprout fingernails and toenails at this point.
As the end of the first trimester
approaches your baby will have functional kidneys, allowing the fetus to pass
urine. The umbilical cord will remove
these waste products while providing much needed oxygen to help your baby
continue his or her development.
It is at this point that many moms to be
will develop that distinctive glowing appearance. While some of this glow is due to the
excitement of impending motherhood, it can also be a result of increased blood
flow and extra hormones. Unfortunately
these hormonal changes can also cause acne in some women. While it may be unpleasant it is important to
treat this pregnancy-related acne with care.
Before using any treatment it is important to check with your doctor,
since some acne treatments can be harmful to your baby’s development.
Week 13
As the second trimester gets underway the
placenta will have developed fully and it is now providing the baby with nutrients,
oxygen and a well developed waste disposal system. The placenta will also be pumping out
hormones like progesterone and estrogen - hormones that will help to maintain
the pregnancy. At this point your baby
has eyelids in place to protect the eyes, and at this stage many babies will
begin to such their thumbs.
You have probably been taking prenatal
vitamins on the recommendation of your doctor, and hopefully you have been
eating a healthy and balanced diet. All
of these extra nutrients are serving your baby well, helping in the growth and
development of the young fetus. It is
important to keep going to your prenatal appointments and to keep following the
recommendations of your doctor.
Week 14
By the fourteenth week of development your
baby may have some hairs on the face or body.
As growth continues these fine hairs, known as lanugo, will come to
cover most of the baby’s body surface.
This protective coating will be shed just before your baby is born.
Your baby now has fully formed genitals, so
at this point you will be able to determine whether you will be having a son or
a daughter. Some parents are just dying
to know which color to paint the nursery, while others prefer to wait for the
big surprise. This is an important
decision, and one only you and your partner can make.
If you are over the age of 35 your doctor
may talk to you about amniocentesis.
This procedure is typically performed between 15 and 18 weeks of
gestation, and it is able to pick up many genetic abnormalities. The odds of many birth defects increase with
the age of the mother, so if you are having a baby later in life you may want
to consider this procedure.
Amniocentesis does carry a slight risk of miscarriage, so it is essential
to weigh these risks against the potential benefits.
Week 15
At this stage of gestation your baby’s skin
is continuing to grow, providing important protection to those delicate
internal organs and structures. Your
baby will also be growing additional hair, including eyebrows. Facial features continue to form as well, and
at this stage your baby’s ears are nearly in place, although they are still a
bit lower than they will be on the newborn.
The skeletal system is continuing to grow
as well, as are the muscles that will power that tiny skeleton. At this point your baby is probably moving
around a great deal, and you may even be able to feel some of those movements.
By now you will probably be ready to trade
in those traditional clothes for looser fitting maternity wear, as your stomach
will have greatly increased in size. As
your abdomen continues to swell it is important to wear clothes that are
comfortable and loose fitting.
By this point you may also find that those
pregnancy hormones have kicked into high gear.
You may find that you are on an emotional roller coaster from time to
time, up one minute and down the next.
Try to take it all in stride, content in the knowledge that you will be
meeting your new son or daughter very soon.
Week 16
By now your baby weighs approximately four
ounces and measures nearly five inches in length. At this stage of development your baby can
hold his or her head up, and the facial muscles are developed to the point
where common expressions may be visible.
Your baby can squint, frown and maybe even smile.
At this point in your pregnancy you may be
offered a blood screening test called a “triple screen” or “triple marker”
test. This specialized maternal blood
test is designed to measure the levels of a protein in the baby’s blood, along
with two hormones in the blood of the mother.
These test results can provide an indication that the baby is at risk
for common birth defects like spina bifida or Down syndrome. Chances are your baby will pass these tests
with flying colors, but it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about the
value of this screening.
Week 17
By now your baby is over five inches long
and nearly five ounces in weight. Even
after all these weeks of development your baby is still quite small, but he or
she will be growing a great deal over the coming weeks and months.
By now the placenta that provides such
important nourishment is growing larger to accommodate your growing baby. This vital source of nutrients contains
literally thousands of blood vessels which bring nutrients to the growing
fetus.
At this point in your pregnancy you may be
noticing a distinct swelling in your breasts as the pregnancy hormones coursing
through your body prepare for milk production.
These changes can increase the size of your breasts, so you may find yourself
shopping for a new bra.
Week 18
At 18 weeks of gestation your baby’s ears
will have moved to their final position on the head, and the ears will now
stand out from the head instead of lying flat.
In fact your baby can probably hear sounds at this point, so why not
sing your son or daughter a lovely lullaby?
Your baby’s eyes are continuing to develop
as well, and those eyes are now facing forwards instead of being stuck off to
the sides. In fact those eyes may be
sensitive enough to detect the light of a flashlight placed against your
growing belly. At this point in the
development your baby’s bones will have begun to harden. The bones in the legs are among the first to
harden, but the others will soon follow suit.
At this point you are probably starting to prepare for the arrival of your new baby. You may have started to work on the nursery, and you may already be shopping for baby clothes, a crib and other essentials. While you prepare for your new son or daughter it is a good idea to also start shopping for a good pediatrician.