How the baby grows during pregnancy
PREGNANCY is calculated from the first day of the woman’s last period. So, for as much as three weeks of this first month she might not be actually pregnant.
PREGNANCY is calculated from the first day of the woman’s last period. So, for as much as three weeks of this first month she might not be actually pregnant.
The first sign of pregnancy is a missed period in week five. Urine tests are considered largely reliable so the mother-to-be does not have to have her pregnancy confirmed.
Week 5
The embryo is about the size of a baked bean and its spine and nervous system begin to form.
Blood vessels are forming in what will become the umbilical cord and tiny buds which will become limbs.
Week 7
The baby’s heart is beginning to develop. A woman experiences the side-effects of early pregnancy like urinating more often, nausea and feeling irritable.
All medication need to be carefully checked since the baby is undergoing vital development in the first 12 weeks.
Week 8
The embryo officially becomes a foetus. A scan taken should show the baby’s heartbeat.
The nervous system is developing rapidly especially the brain. The head gets bigger and eyes form.
The limbs are growing and look more like arms and legs.
All internal organs are developing and becoming complex.
Women who are at a higher risk of passing on sickle cell anaemia should take a blood test before 10 weeks.
Week 12
The threat of miscarriage is much reduced. By now the foetus is fully formed. It is about 8cm long and weighs about 60g.
The woman’s uterus is becoming larger and starts to rise out of the pelvis and the pregnancy is probably beginning to show.
The foetus can move its head quite easily although the mother may not feel any movement yet.
Week 14
A woman is one third of the way through. A scan is recommended to estimate when the baby is due.
The foetus has toe and finger nails, eyebrows and eyelashes by week 16.
It is also covered with very downy hair which disappears before birth or shortly after.
The umbilical cord is fully formed providing nourishment and removing waste products. The foetus looks fully human now.
In week 17, the mother is visibly pregnant. An ultrasound scan to check the physical development of the baby, is made during weeks 18-20.
Week 19
The foetus is about 15 to 20cm long and weighs about 300g.
At 20 weeks, the foetus develops a waxy coating which provides protection for the skin as the baby floats in amniotic fluid.
The foetus’ senses begin to develop at about week 22. Taste buds have started to form on the tongue and the foetus starts to feel touch.
Week 24
An antenatal checkup and scan will check the baby’s position.
A baby born this early can survive with medical help, although it may be prone to breathing difficulties.
At week 25, all organs are in place and the rest of the pregnancy is for growth.
The foetus skin is gradually becoming more opaque and it measures about 34cm and weighs about 800g by week 27.
Week 29
Some women develop restless leg syndrome such as crawling tingling or even cramps and burning inside the foot or leg in their third trimester.
Mother and newborn baby contractions may begin around now. They do not usually hurt.
By week 31, the mother’s breasts start to produce colostrum to feed the baby for the first few days before normal milk starts.
Week 32
A baby born now has a good chance of survival.
From week 33, the baby should become settled in a head downwards position.
The mother may find it more difficult to eat full meals as the expanded uterus presses on her stomach.
From about week 36 the baby’s head may engage in the pelvis any time now.
The baby’s lungs are practically mature now and it can survive unaided. Another ante-natal appointment is required.
Week 39
The mother has reached her full size and weight. In theory the baby should be born in week 40.
The mother’s cervix prepares for the birth by softening. If there are signs of distress to mother or child the birth will be induced.
BBC ONLINE
The first sign of pregnancy is a missed period in week five. Urine tests are considered largely reliable so the mother-to-be does not have to have her pregnancy confirmed.
Week 5
The embryo is about the size of a baked bean and its spine and nervous system begin to form.
Blood vessels are forming in what will become the umbilical cord and tiny buds which will become limbs.
Week 7
The baby’s heart is beginning to develop. A woman experiences the side-effects of early pregnancy like urinating more often, nausea and feeling irritable.
All medication need to be carefully checked since the baby is undergoing vital development in the first 12 weeks.
Week 8
The embryo officially becomes a foetus. A scan taken should show the baby’s heartbeat.
The nervous system is developing rapidly especially the brain. The head gets bigger and eyes form.
The limbs are growing and look more like arms and legs.
All internal organs are developing and becoming complex.
Women who are at a higher risk of passing on sickle cell anaemia should take a blood test before 10 weeks.
Week 12
The threat of miscarriage is much reduced. By now the foetus is fully formed. It is about 8cm long and weighs about 60g.
The woman’s uterus is becoming larger and starts to rise out of the pelvis and the pregnancy is probably beginning to show.
The foetus can move its head quite easily although the mother may not feel any movement yet.
Week 14
A woman is one third of the way through. A scan is recommended to estimate when the baby is due.
The foetus has toe and finger nails, eyebrows and eyelashes by week 16.
It is also covered with very downy hair which disappears before birth or shortly after.
The umbilical cord is fully formed providing nourishment and removing waste products. The foetus looks fully human now.
In week 17, the mother is visibly pregnant. An ultrasound scan to check the physical development of the baby, is made during weeks 18-20.
Week 19
The foetus is about 15 to 20cm long and weighs about 300g.
At 20 weeks, the foetus develops a waxy coating which provides protection for the skin as the baby floats in amniotic fluid.
The foetus’ senses begin to develop at about week 22. Taste buds have started to form on the tongue and the foetus starts to feel touch.
Week 24
An antenatal checkup and scan will check the baby’s position.
A baby born this early can survive with medical help, although it may be prone to breathing difficulties.
At week 25, all organs are in place and the rest of the pregnancy is for growth.
The foetus skin is gradually becoming more opaque and it measures about 34cm and weighs about 800g by week 27.
Week 29
Some women develop restless leg syndrome such as crawling tingling or even cramps and burning inside the foot or leg in their third trimester.
Mother and newborn baby contractions may begin around now. They do not usually hurt.
By week 31, the mother’s breasts start to produce colostrum to feed the baby for the first few days before normal milk starts.
Week 32
A baby born now has a good chance of survival.
From week 33, the baby should become settled in a head downwards position.
The mother may find it more difficult to eat full meals as the expanded uterus presses on her stomach.
From about week 36 the baby’s head may engage in the pelvis any time now.
The baby’s lungs are practically mature now and it can survive unaided. Another ante-natal appointment is required.
Week 39
The mother has reached her full size and weight. In theory the baby should be born in week 40.
The mother’s cervix prepares for the birth by softening. If there are signs of distress to mother or child the birth will be induced.
BBC ONLINE