Signs of Pregnancy and Fetal Development

Signs of Pregnancy *Missed menstrual period *Breasts become fuller and more tender *Nausea or morning sickness *Fatigue *Sensitivity to particular foods or odors *Positive pregnancy test-at home or at the doctor’s office

Responsibilities of the Mother *Staying in good health is most important *Visit a physician and begin receiving care *Get plenty of rest *Eat nutritious foods *Avoid drugs, alcohol and tobacco *Health of the mother 2-3 years prior to pregnancy will greatly affect the health of the baby

1 Month Fetal Development Effects on Mother *Cell multiplication begins *Missed menstrual period *Egg attaches to the uterus lining *Fetal internal organs and circulatory system begins to form Weeks 1-4 Gestational age: 3-7 *Heart begins to beat *Small bumps show the beginnings of arms and legs

1 Month

2 Months Fetal Development Effects on Mother *Embryo is 1/4 inch long *Breasts begin to swell *Enlarging uterus places pressure on the bladder-more frequent urination *Face, eyes, ears, and limbs take shape Weeks 5-8 Gestational Age: 7-10 *Bones begin to form *Possible “morning sickness” *Development of internal organs *Fatigue

2 Months

3 Months Fetal Development Effects on Mother *Fetus is about 1 inch long *Breasts are firmer, fuller and ache *Nostrils, mouth, lips, teeth buds, and eyelids form *Nausea, fatigue, frequent urination Weeks 9-12 Gestational Age: 11-14 *Abdomen becomes larger *Fingers and toes are almost complete *Uterus is about the size of an orange *All organs are present, but immature *2-4 pound weight gain *Eyelids are fused

3 Months

4 Months Fetal Development Effects on Mother *Fetus is 3 inches long *Continued size change *Fetus weighs about 1 ounce *Discomforts of early pregnancy are gone *Can suck thumb, swallow, hiccup and move Weeks 13-16 Gestational Age: 15-18 *Increased appetite *Facial features are clearer

4 Months

5 Months Fetal Development Effects on Mother *Fetus is about 6-7 inches long *Enlarged abdomen is obvious *Fetus weighs 4-5 ounces *Fetal heartbeat is heard through stethoscope *Hair, eyelashes and eyebrows appear Weeks 17-20 Gestational Age: 19-22 *Teeth continue to develop *Organs keep maturing *Fetus is more active *Lanugo develops

5 Months

6 Months Fetal Development Effects on Mother *Fetus is 8-10 inches long *Fetal movement is strong *Fetus weighs 8-12 ounces *Fetus kicks and thumps are felt *Fat is depositing under the skin Weeks 21-24 Gestational Age: 23-26 *10-12 pound weight gain *Fetus looks wrinkled *Breathing begins

6 Months

Surgery on “Baby Samuel” at Week 21

7 Months Fetal Development Effects on Mother *Fetus is 10-12 inches long *Posture is affected by increased weight and size *Fetus weighs about 1½ to 2 pounds *Fetus is active, then rests Weeks 25-28 Gestational Age: 27-30 *Eyelids separate *Vernix develops

7 Months

8 Months Fetal Development Effects on Mother *Fetus is 14-16 inches long *Backaches, leg cramps, shortness of breath, fatigue *Fetus weighs 2 ½ to 3 pounds *Fetal kicks are felt *Fetus may react to noises with a jerking action Weeks 29-32 Gestational Age: 31-34 *Weight gain of 18-20 pounds *Fetus has moved to head-down position

8 Months

9 Months Fetal Development Effects on Mother Weeks 33-36 *Fetus is about 17-19 inches long *”Lightening”-the fetus drops into the pelvis *Fetus weighs 5-6 pounds, but weight gain continues *Easier to breathe *Skin is smooth because fat deposits continue *Usual discomforts of late pregnancy Weeks 33-36 Gestational Age: 35-38 *Fetal movements are slowed due to lack of room *Weight gain of 24-30 pounds *Disease-fighting antibodies are taken from the mother’s blood *Uterus is the size of a small watermelon *Fetus descends into pelvis and is ready for birth *May have false labor pains (Braxton-Hicks Pains)

9 Months