Your Pregnancy,
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The First 4 Weeks
Week 1 
This is the week of your last menstrual period. The first day of bleeding
is considered the official date of pregnancy and the 40 weeks of pregnancy
are calculated by this date. Use the Due Date Calculator
at Robyn’s Nest to determine your due date.
Week 2
The uterus is forming a blood rich lining that is called the endometrium.
This will thicken, upon fertilization, to form a sack strong enough to
carry and cushion your baby throughout the entire pregnancy. At the same
time, in one of the ovaries, the eggs ripen in fluid filled sacs called
follicles.
Week 3
Around the 14th day, one of the eggs travels down into the fallopian tube.
This is ovulation. If in the next 24 hours one of the 350 million sperm
in the average ejaculate can get all the way from the vagina through the
uterus and into the fallopian tube to penetrate the egg, the egg will
become fertilized. Sperm can live for up to 5 days in this environment,
therefore making pregnancy possible for up to 5 days after intercourse.
The fertilized egg immediately begins dividing and floats down into the
uterus. The sex of your baby is predetermined by the fathers sperm chromosomes.
Week 4
By the end of this week, you will have missed a period. The cluster of
cells that was once an egg splits into two. One half attaches itself to
the uterine wall and becomes the placenta (the placenta will feed and
nourish the baby). The other half will become the fetus. You may begin
experiencing some of the Signs of Pregnancy.
Weeks 5-8
Week 5
The fetus cell cluster is about the size of an apple seed and has now
become an embryo. The placenta and umbilical cord are now functioning.
You may be experiencing the Signs of Pregnancy
now. A home test will verify your suspicions. Now is the time to schedule
your first obstetrical appointment. Weeks 5-10 are critical to baby’s
development even though your tummy is still flat.
Week
6
The fetus has a beating heart now. Other major organs are developing now
too. The kidneys, liver, and neural tube (which connects the spinal cord
and brain). You may begin to experience nausea, fatigue, and sore breasts.
Week 7
The embryo is now the size of a raspberry. Its head is large and dark
spots have appeared which will become the eyes and nose. The arm and leg
buds begin to show themselves, as do the ears.
Week
8
Webbed fingers and toes emerge. Your uterus is now about the size of a
peach.
Weeks 9-12
Week 9
Your uterus is now about the size of a tennis ball. It is still low
in the pelvis and presses against your bladder causing the need to urinate
more frequently. The fetus is constantly in motion, although you will
not feel it yet. You will notice that your bras no longer fit. Time to
purchase some new ones.
Week 10
The fetus now resembles a shrimp with its large head and disproportionately
small body. The genitals have begun to form. The heartbeat may
be heard after either the 10th or 11th week by a special stethoscope.
Week 11
The fetus weighs about 1/2 ounce now. The doctor should be able to hear
the rapid heartbeat of your baby by using a special stethoscope now. Vital
organs are developing and your baby is forming tiny fingernails and hair.
Week 12
The fetus’ kidneys have formed and the baby will start to pass urine
into the amniotic fluid that surrounds him in the uterus. The eyelids
have developed. Toothbuds are forming along with the vocal cords. The
fetus now begins to bend and stretch, moving its arms and legs, making
fists, opening hands and lifting its head. You will not feel these movements
for quite some time. The chance of miscarriage
has been greatly reduced after 12 weeks.
Weeks 13-16
Week 13
The fetus is constantly moving around, safely cushioned by the amniotic
fluid. Although you still do not feel these movements, the baby is exercising
as he grows. The chance of miscarriage is
greatly reduced after 12 weeks.
Week 14
Facial feature and fingerprints have now formed. The fetus is about 3-4 inches
long now.
Week 15
An ultrasound scan is usually performed
in the 15th or 16th week. You will be delighted to see your baby’s
entire body, beating heart, and the ultrasound tech or your doctor will
be able to tell you the sex of your baby.
Week 16
By now, the main organs in the baby’s body are formed. The amniotic fluid,
the placenta and the surrounding membranes sustain his life. The baby’s
environment sustains the perfect temperature regardless of the weather outside.
However, avoiding high temperatures like a hot tub or sauna is recommended.
Extreme heat may cause the mother palpitations.
Weeks 17-20
Week 17
Any nausea you may have experienced in the first 3-4 months has subsided
now. You are feeling new energy and quite fit. The baby is now inhaling
and exhaling the amniotic fluid. The circulatory system is also operating
now. The chances of a miscarriage at this
stage is greatly reduced.
Week 18
You may be beginning to feel fetal movements known as quickening. The
sensation feels much like flutters in your abdomen. Your waist is thickening
and your breasts may be becoming quite large. The area around the nipple
(the areola) may be becoming a much darker shade.
Week 19
The baby is now rolling, sucking his thumb or hand, kicking and learning to
swallow. He is gulping amniotic fluid.
Week 20
You may notice that your blood vessels have become more prominent. You
now have up to 20% more blood volume in your body to support the growing
baby inside you. The top of the uterus now reaches your belly button.
The baby weighs about 9 ounces and may be up to 6 inches long. The uterus
is now egg shaped. You're halfway there!
Weeks 21-24
Week 21
The fetus is now growing a waxy coating called vernix. This coating protects
the skin and allow for easier delivery. You will want to sign up for childbirth
classes. These classes fill up very quickly, so enroll early. You will
want to contact the local hospital for a tour and some even provide classes
for siblings!
Week 22
You will notice that your breathing may be becoming deeper. Your body’s
demand for more oxygen to supply both you and the baby is the cause. Practice
deep breathing and relaxation now.
Week 23
Your baby is now about 1 pound in weight. His body is now proportioned to his
head like a newborn. He is steadily gaining weight. The baby can make a fist
and punch the uterine wall.
Week 24
Your baby now measures about 8 inches from crown to rump. The baby can
hear your voice from within the womb now. He also hears your heartbeat.
He may startle at sudden loud noises, flailing his arms and legs. Your
doctor may order a glucose screening between
now and 28 weeks.
Weeks 25-28
Week 25
Nearly half of all women experience heartburn around the 25th week. Eating
smaller meals and resting in a semi-upright position may help to alleviate
these symptoms. You may also feel a rhythmic jumping in your abdomen.
No need to worry, your baby probably has the hiccups.
Week 26
At this point, your baby probably weighs about 11/2 pounds and may be up to 9
inches in length. You will feel his activity, punching, kicking, rolling. He is
still in a head up position. So kicking will be felt low in the abdomen and
punching, typically in the upper abdomen.
Week 27
You may have gained between 16 and 22 pounds now. You may see red streaks on
your tummy or breasts. These may be stretch marks. Using a vitamin E ointment
or cocoa butter lotion may be helpful.
Week 28
Fine downy hair covers the baby’s body. The baby may be 91/2 inches now
and up to 3 pounds in weight. She can hear your voice clearly now and will
recognize it immediately after birth. Her heart beats faster when she hears
your voice. She may even “dance” to music you play for her.
Weeks 29-32
Week 29
The fetus will double or triple its weight between now and birth. The space in
the uterus is becoming tighter and tighter. Your blood volume now is up by
almost 3 quarts. Your heart is working harder too.
Week 30
You will feel the stretching of ligaments, which can often be felt as
back pain. The baby now has eyelashes and hair. You may be experiencing
rehearsal contractions called Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Week 31
Time to practice relaxation breathing with Braxton-Hicks contractions. Your
baby can see the light through the walls of the womb. He practices blinking.
This is a good time to Choose a Pediatrician ,
pre-register at the hospital and make birthing decisions. See
Decisions to be Made.
Week 32
Many babies have inverted to a head down position in the uterus now. Those who
have not will likely turn in the coming weeks. You will know when your baby has
turned when you feel powerful kicks under your rib cage and the hard ball of
the baby’s head on the pelvic floor. The baby now measures about 11 inches
from crown to rump and weighs a little over 4 pounds.
Weeks 33-36
Week 33
You are gaining about a pound a week now. Most of that weight is going
to the baby. A dark line may appear below your navel. This is where the
muscles have stretched. It will disappear after birth.
Week 34
Time to Pack for Labor and Delivery. You may be
growing impatient to see your little bundle of joy. You may also be
experiencing more lengthy and powerful Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Week 35
A baby born after 32 weeks has an excellent chance of survival. At 35-36 weeks,
your baby may weight nearly 6-7 pounds and may be up to 18 inches long.
Week 36
Your baby’s toenails have reached the tips of his toes. The mature
umbilical cord is about 20 inches long. The uterus is now just at your rib
cage. Breathing may be difficult. Also, smaller and more frequent meals may be
necessary as the stomach has little room now. When the baby’s head engages
in the pelvis, referred to as “drops” you will have some relief from
these symptoms.
Weeks 37-40
Week 37
The baby’s nervous system is maturing for birth. The baby’s
head may have dipped or dropped into your pelvis, alleviating the shortness
of breath symptom. A baby at 37-38 weeks is considered full term. He or
she could be born anytime. You will experience more Braxton-Hicks contractions
and you may wonder, “Is this it?” See “It’s
Time” for more details.
Week 38
The baby is now ready for birth. The downy hair and vernix has just about
disappeared, swallowed by the baby. This and other matter remains in the
baby’s bowels until the first bowel movement after birth called meconium.
Meconium is a tar like substance excreted by the baby after birth. The baby has
very little room to move around now. You will still feel movement, but not the
active kicking and punching of earlier.
Week 39
If you have not yet delivered, firm up your plans. Some women experience
“nesting” just prior to their baby’s delivery. Nesting is a
sudden burst of energy that often compels the mother-to-be to clean and prepare
for the baby’s arrival. Have you decided whether or not to
circumcise a boy? Have you chosen a Pediatrician? Have you decided to
Breast-feed or Bottle-feed? Have you chosen a name for your baby? See
Decisions to be made.
Week 40
Do not worry if you have not yet delivered. Only 5% are on time. Although
anticipation may be overwhelming, try to rest as much as possible. It
won't be long before you are holding your baby in your arms. Watch for
symptoms that you might be in labor (“It’s
Time”). A baby ready for birth weighs anywhere between 6 and
11 or more pounds. Your partner may be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat
right through the uterine wall
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