Baby Development Month by Month

A baby grows and develops an amazing amount in just nine months. Here’s a short summary of how your baby’s development occurs during pregnancy.
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Month 1 – Week 1-4

After an egg has been fertilized and implants into the uterine lining, a sac grows around it. This becomes the amniotic sac and will hold the amniotic fluid and cushion the embryo. The placenta also forms during this month. This will bring nutrition and support to the baby from the mother.
The face and eyes begin to develop, and the heart begins to beat. By the end of the 4th week, your baby will slightly smaller than a grain of rice! B vitamins play a crucial role in you and your baby’s development and your health during pregnancy. Vitamin B6 and Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) are especially important for early development, so make sure you are getting the right amounts of these.

Month 2 – Week 5-9

At two months pregnant, your baby’s face continues its development. Buds that will eventually be limbs begin to develop. Organs such as the brain, sensory organs, and the digestive tract begin to take shape. The cartilage in the embryo begins to be replaced by bone. By the end of the second month, your baby is about 1 inch long! After about 6 weeks, your baby’s heartbeat can be detected with an ultrasound. It is never too soon to start taking prenatal vitamins and omega 3’s and fish oil to help your baby have a healthy development. The American Pregnancy Association recommends Nordic Naturals’ selection of supplements including:

• Vitamin D3
• Omega-3D
• Ultimate Omega
• Children’s DHA Xtra
• Artic-D Cod Liver Oil

Month 3 – Week 10-14

The limbs, as well as the hands, feet, fingers, and toes, become well developed. The fingernails and toenails begin to form. The external ears and teeth begin their development as well. Though reproductive organs haven begun to form, they can’t yet be determined on an ultrasound or sonogram. By the end of the 3rd month, your baby is fully formed (with all organs and extremities present), he or she weighs about an ounce and is 4 inches long!
After the 3rd month of development, the chance of miscarriage drops considerably.

Month 4 – Week 15-19

Hair, eyelids, eyelashes, and nails become well developed. The heartbeat is now clearly audible through a Doppler instrument. The teeth become denser, and the baby begins to stretch, yawn and make other movements. The reproductive organs are now visible on an ultrasound. Your baby can now stretch, suck their thumb, yawn, and make super cute faces.

This is the month that his or her nervous system develops. Their reproductive system also fully develops meaning your doctor can tell you whether you are having a girl or boy via ultrasound. By the end of the 4th month, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs 4 ounces!

Month 5 – Week 20-24

This month you may start to feel the baby move. Hair growth continues on the baby’s head and body. The shoulders and back become covered with a thin hair called lanugo. A thick substance, called vernix caseosa, covers the skin to keep it protected from the exposure to amniotic fluid. This layer will shed before the baby is born. At the end of month 5, your baby is about 10 inches long and can weigh anywhere from .5 lbs – 1 lb!
If your baby is born prematurely after the 23rd week, he or she will be kept in the NICU for a better chance of survival.

Month 6 – Week 25-30

The skin is still translucent yet reddish and wrinkled. His or her fingerprints and toe prints become well developed. The baby’s eyelids become parted, and the eyes can be opened. Your baby will respond to external stimuli such as sounds by increasing their pulse or moving. This is when you may experience your baby’s hiccups in jerk-like motions. At the end of month 6, your baby is about 12 inches long and can weigh close to 2 lbs!

Month 7 – Week 26-29

During this month, your baby will continue to grow and develop the existing organs and systems. In addition, a layer of fat will begin to be stored. At this stage, hearing is fully developed. He or she will react to sound, pain, and light and often changes position. The amount of amniotic fluid that cushions the baby begins to decrease as the baby grows larger. At the end of this month, your baby is about 14 inches long and can weigh between 2 – 4 lbs!
If born prematurely after week 27, your baby has a better chance of survival.

Month 8 – Week 30-34

The baby continues to mature during this month, adding to fat stores and experiencing a rapid development of the brain. The baby can see at this stage and will begin to kick more. Most of the internal organs and systems are fully developed, but the lungs still need time to mature. By month 8, your baby is close to 18 inches long and can weigh close to 5 lbs!

Month 9 – Week 35-40+

The lungs become mature during this time in preparation for birth. Reflexes become more coordinated, allowing the baby to respond to sounds, blink, grasp, and turn his or her head. The baby may move less during the last few weeks and will move into a position for birth, with the head down near the birth canal. Your baby is now about 18-20 inches long and can weigh at least 7 lbs!

A Happy Momma = A Happy Baby

Pregnancy is such an exciting time for mom and baby. Getting plenty of rest, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding stress is especially important for you and baby. You can start bonding with your baby during pregnancy in several ways now. Below are some recommended books for you to learn more about how your body changes while your baby develops inside throughout pregnancy. Remember, a happy momma makes for a happy baby.

Recommended Books On Baby Development Month By Month and Pregnancy:

Before Birth: A week-by-week guide to your baby’s development during pregnancy

In the Womb: Witness the Journey from Conception to Birth with Astonishing 3D Images

A Child Is Born: Fourth Edition of the Beloved Classic–Completely Revised and Updated

Pregnancy Day By Day

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Congratulations! During the first and second week of pregnancy your body is preparing for possible conception.

How is pregnancy calculated?

Calculating the day your baby begins to develop and keeping track of your pregnancy dates can be a challenge. The development of pregnancy is counted from the first day of the woman’s last normal menstrual period (LMP), even though the development of the fetus does not begin until conception, which is about two weeks later.

Pregnancy is calculated from this day because each time a woman has a period, her body is preparing for pregnancy. Counting from the LMP, most women are pregnant an average of 280 days. Calculating from the LMP also gives a standard of measurement for health care providers to follow since it is extremely difficult to know exactly when conception occurred.

For more information on how pregnancy is measured, please see our information on calculating your dates.

What changes are occurring with your body?

Your period has just begun, and you may be thinking about becoming pregnant. Your ovulation time is the most important thing you need to understand when trying to conceive. Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary, pushed down the fallopian tube, and available to be fertilized.

The lining of the uterus has thickened to prepare for a fertilized egg. If conception does not occur, the uterine lining will be shed. The shedding of an unfertilized egg and the uterine wall occurs during menstruation.

There are also several facts that you need to know concerning ovulation:

• An egg lives 12-24 hours after leaving the ovary.
• Normally, only one egg is released each time you ovulate.
• Ovulation can be affected by stress, illness, travel, and significant changes in weight, exercise, and sleeping patterns.
• Some women may experience light spotting during ovulation. This is not considered to be an actual period, but rather an ovulatory bleeding.

What is happening with your baby?

Nothing is happening yet, but be patient while the stage is being set. Before long, an egg will be released and will be available to be fertilized.

How do you track ovulation?

A woman’s monthly cycle is measured from the first day of her menstrual period until the first day of her next period. On average, a woman’s cycle normally is between 28-32 days. Ovulation is calculated by starting with the first day of the cycle, which is the day the menstrual period begins.

Most women ovulate on any one day between Day 11 – Day 21 of their cycle. This is what many refer to as the “fertile time” or “fertility window” of a woman’s cycle because sexual intercourse during this time increases the chance of pregnancy.

For more information on tracking ovulation please see:

• Fertility Awareness
• Understanding Ovulation
• Ovulation Calendar

What should you plan at this time?

There may need to be some lifestyle changes made at this time to increase your chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby down the road. Adequate exercise and a balanced diet are important factors to evaluate.

It is recommended to begin taking prenatal vitamins and stop using substances such as:

• Caffeine
• Artificial sweeteners
• Alcohol
• Recreational drugs
• Nicotine

If you are taking prescription drugs, check with your health care provider to see if such medication is safe to take during pregnancy. For more information on nutrition during pregnancy, please see our information on pre-conception nutrition.

Tips for making your pregnancy better

The most important thing you can do right now is to act in the way you would if you already knew you were pregnant. Since it can be weeks before you know if conception has occurred, this will protect both you and your future baby from any substances or activities that could cause problems.

Tips for mom’s partner

Many times the male partner does not feel he has a role in a potential pregnancy at this time. However, his health and lifestyle can also affect your future baby. He may need to evaluate his nutrition, medication intake, as well as habits like smoking, and using drugs or alcohol.

Men can also benefit from taking prenatal vitamins or another type of vitamin supplement, including a proper diet, prior to conception.

Want to Know More?

• Preconception Health for Women
• Preconception Health for Men
• How to Get Pregnant Naturally

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How is the Third Week of Pregnancy Calculated?

There is oftentimes a lot of confusion when discussing the way in which pregnancy is calculated. Because most women do not know when they conceived (as it is difficult to know exactly when ovulation occurs), pregnancy is always determined from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Given that this is the way pregnancy is calculated, your pregnancy will last around 40 weeks. For more information on how pregnancy is measured, please see our information on calculating your dates.

What changes are occurring with your body when you are 3 weeks pregnant?

Many women do not notice any changes, but some women experience mild cramping and increased vaginal discharge around ovulation. During ovulation, the ovaries release a mature egg that begins to travel through the fallopian tubes towards the uterus. Sperm travels through the uterus to fertilize the egg within the fallopian tube. Only a single sperm can fertilize an egg. Both the sperm and the egg contain 23 chromosomes that will combine to make up the zygote which contains a total of 46 chromosomes. At conception, your baby’s gender, eye color, hair color, and many other features have already been determined. The zygote continues to travel through the fallopian tubes into the uterus where it will attach itself to the uterine wall. For additional information on ovulation please read Ovulation Frequently Asked Questions or Understanding Ovulation.*

What is happening with your baby at 3 weeks pregnant?

The blastocyst is growing and multiplying rapidly at this point. Part of the blastocyst will become the placenta, which will produce hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This is the pregnancy hormone that is detected by pregnancy tests. Amniotic fluid is also collecting around the cells and will protect and cushion your baby throughout your pregnancy. Significant aspects of fetal development begin during this week, including the development of the brain, spinal cord, heart, and gastrointestinal tract.*

How big is your baby when you are three weeks pregnant?

The embryo in your body is very small and actually looks more like a group of cells than a baby. It is the size of the head of a pin and approximately .0019 inches (.048 mm) long. It could be seen by the human eye if it were not inside your body.*

What should you plan for this week?

Exercise is important during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning or continuing an exercise routine. In most circumstances, if you are already on an exercise routine, then you can likely continue your active lifestyle. Remember that your baby is taking in everything that you do, both good and bad. You want to avoid alcohol, illegal drugs, certain medications, certain foods, caffeine, and smoking. Nutrition is also important this early in pregnancy. Folic acid and other essential nutrients and vitamins are necessary for fetal growth and healthy pregnancy. Eating a balanced diet with adequate amounts of protein and calcium is also important for both you and the baby. If you have questions, check with your health care provider to see what dietary recommendations they encourage.

Tips for making your pregnancy better

Your body is beginning to go through some drastic changes, and you may feel overwhelmed at times. Make sure that you do not neglect to get adequate rest and nutrition. Take time to relax and enjoy being pregnant. Stress is the worst thing for your body and baby during pregnancy, use techniques to keep your stress levels low.

Tips for mom’s partner

Both you and your partner may have fears that begin to emerge, even if this was a planned pregnancy. Be open with each other, and discuss your concerns. Ask questions so she feels you want to be involved in the pregnancy. Take time to plan little ways that you can offer support and surprise her over the next 37 weeks.

Want to Know More?

• 7 Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
• Morning Sickness Remedies

Sources:

Mayo Clinic

Centers for Disease Control 

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Congratulations! Pregnancy weeks four through seven are when most women discover they are pregnant. This week-by-week newsletter will keep you informed about what to expect during your pregnancy. If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you may want to begin by reading weeks 1 through 3.

How is pregnancy calculated?

There can be a lot of confusion when discussing the way in which pregnancy is calculated. Since most women do not know when they conceived as it is challenging to know exactly when ovulation occurred, pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Counting from your LMP, your pregnancy will last around 40 weeks. For more information on how pregnancy is measured, please see our information on calculating your dates.

What changes are occurring in your body when you are 4 weeks pregnant?

You may begin to exhibit some early pregnancy symptoms such as breast tenderness, headaches, lower backaches, and nausea. It is important to know that many early pregnancy symptoms are similar to those you may experience before your period. Other women may not have any pregnancy symptoms except for a late or irregular period. If you have missed your period, then you could take a pregnancy test. This would be the earliest that a home pregnancy test can detect pregnancy.*

What is happening with your baby when you are 4 weeks pregnant?

There are three layers to your baby- the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. These three layers will form the baby’s organs and tissues. The ectoderm will become the nervous system (including the brain), skin, hair, nails, mammary glands, sweat glands, and enamel for the teeth. The mesoderm will become the heart, circulatory system, skeleton, connective tissues, blood system, urogenital system, and the muscles. The endoderm will house the lungs and develops into the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, the liver, pancreas, and thyroid. Arm and leg buds begin developing at this point, although they are not clearly distinguishable. The placenta has also begun to form and is producing some important hormones including hCG. There is a movement of rudimentary blood through the main vessels.*

How big is your baby?

Babies are still very small at this point and measure about 0.078 inches (1.98 millimeters) in length.*

What should you plan for this week?

If your period is late or if you have an irregular period, you may want to take a home pregnancy test. If the result is positive, you can try to schedule an appointment with a health care provider, although many health care providers wait to see you until you are 8 to 12 weeks pregnant. If your test is negative and your period is late, then you should wait a week before testing again. Some women take 2 to 3 weeks after a missed period before producing a detectable level of the pregnancy hormone. You also want to begin looking for a health-care provider and decide where you will have your baby. Many doctors and midwives will allow you to arrange an appointment so you can meet them and ask questions before deciding if they will become your provider. For more information on choosing your health care provider, see our information on your birthing choices.

Tips for making your pregnancy better

If you have not begun an exercise routine, check with your healthcare provider to see what he/she recommends. Even if you already have a routine, you might want to read about exercise during pregnancy. Take a look at our information on:

• Exercise guidelines during pregnancy 
• Effects of exercise during pregnancy
• Top recommended exercises
• Exercise warning signs

You also want to be careful about the different medications you take during pregnancy. You should check with your health care provider before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications. Your prenatal vitamin should contain at least .4 mg (400 micrograms) of folic acid. Prenatal vitamins normally contain .8 mg to 1 mg ( 800 micrograms to 1 milligram) of folic acid and also have high iron content. These are important for both you and your baby.

Tips for mom’s partner

Continue being open with your partner about your fears and excitement about her being pregnant. Talk about when you want to share the news with family and friends. Think of creative ways to share the news with friends and family. A happy mom is a happy baby. The most important thing you can do and assure mom feels happy and stress-free throughout her pregnancy.

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Congratulations! Weeks four through seven are when most women discover they are pregnant. This week-by-week newsletter will keep you informed about what to expect for you and your developing baby during your pregnancy. At 5 weeks pregnant, you may want to begin by reading weeks 1 through 4. And get the Fetal Life App for Apple and Android endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.

How is pregnancy calculated?

There is can be confusing when discussing the way in which pregnancy is calculated. Since most women do not know when they conceived as it is challenging to know exactly when ovulation occurred, pregnancy is determined from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Counting from your LMP, your pregnancy will last around 40 weeks. For more information on how pregnancy is measured, please see our information on calculating your dates.

What changes are occurring to your body when you are 5 weeks pregnant?

There are still probably not any changes noticeable to those around you at this time. You may begin to notice more pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness. About 50% of pregnant women will experience morning sickness. Morning sickness normally begins around the 6th week of pregnancy, but it is not too soon to begin preparing for how you will deal with it. Morning sickness can be experienced in the morning, throughout the day, or in the evening. For ways to help deal with nausea that accompanies early pregnancy, read our tips for surviving morning sickness. If morning sickness is so severe that you are constantly throwing up and not keeping anything down, consult with your doctor about the possibility of having hyperemesis gravidarum.

What is happening with your baby?

Your baby looks more like a tadpole than a baby at this point. Your baby’s heart is beating at a steady rhythm, and the structures that will become the eyes and ears are forming. The fetal skeleton is also beginning to form.

How big is your baby when you are 5 weeks pregnant?

Your baby is still very small, measuring 0.118 inches (3 millimeters) long. At this point, your baby’s length is measured from the crown of the head to the bottom of the rear end (CRL). The CRL measurement is used until 20 weeks gestation, at which point it will change to measuring from crown to heel (CHL).

What should you plan for this week?

If you still have not arranged an appointment for your first prenatal visit, then you should go ahead and do so. If you are still interviewing doctors and/or midwives, you would want to begin narrowing it down to choose your provider.

Tips for making your pregnancy better

You may be wondering how much weight you should expect to gain. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds (11.3 to 15.9 kilograms) during pregnancy for women who are at a normal weight when conception occurs. Underweight women should gain about 34 pounds (15.4 kilograms), while overweight women should gain about 20 pounds (9 kilograms). For more information see about pregnancy weight gain.

Tips for mom’s partner

Try helping out with household tasks without being asked. This could be as simple as vacuuming, taking out the trash, washing the dishes or making her favorite meal. Be prepared to help her more, especially near delivery and after the baby has arrived. You will discover you can do a lot more than you believed possible when it is required to care for your newborn.

Want to Know More?

• Your First Prenatal Visit
• Sign up for our weekly email newsletter
• Bonding With Your Baby: Making the Most of the First Six Weeks
• 7 Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

The post 5 Weeks Pregnant appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

How is pregnancy calculated?

There can be confusion when discussing the way in which pregnancy is calculated. Since most women do not know when they conceived as it is difficult to know exactly when ovulation occurred, pregnancy is always determined from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Counting from your LMP, your pregnancy will last around 40 weeks. For more information on how pregnancy is measured, please see our information on calculating your dates.

What changes are occurring with your body during the 6th week of pregnancy?

Some pregnant women may notice that they have gained a few pounds by this point, while others may have actually lost weight. You may begin noticing changes in your breasts including tenderness, darkening of the areolas, and swelling. You may also begin experiencing heartburn, which is common during pregnancy. Some women experience light bleeding during pregnancy. This spotting (spots of blood on your underwear or toilet paper after using the restroom) may be accompanied by light cramping. This is not necessarily a reason for concern. However, you will want to monitor the spotting, and let your doctor know about it at your first appointment. You would also want to consult your doctor if the bleeding becomes heavy like a normal period or if the cramps are worse than normal period cramps. This could be a sign of a miscarriage.

What is happening with your baby during the 6th week of pregnancy?

Your baby is rapidly growing. The neural tube, from which the brain and spinal cord will develop, is closing along baby’s back.  The heart and other organs also are starting to form and the heart begins to beat. Development of the lungs, jaw, nose, and palate have begun. The hand and feet buds have webbed-like structures that will become the fingers and toes. A vaginal ultrasound may be able to detect an audible heartbeat at this time.

How big is your baby at six weeks?

Your baby is about ¾ of an inch (19.05 millimeters) in length.

What should you plan for during the 6th week of pregnancy?

Knowing your blood type and your partner’s blood type is important during pregnancy. Each person’s blood is one of four major types: 

• Type A
• Type B
• Type AB
• Type O

Blood types are determined by the types of antigens on the blood cells. Antigens are proteins on the surface of blood cells that can cause a response from the immune system. The Rh factor is a type of protein on the surface of red blood cells. Most people who have the Rh factor are Rh-positive. Those who do not have the Rh factor are Rh-negative. It is important to know your blood type because complications could occur if the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive.

Tips for making your pregnancy better

Some women complain that their prenatal vitamins make them sick to their stomachs. If you experience this, you may want to take them with food or at night before going to bed. If you continue to have problems tolerating your prenatal vitamins, consult your health care provider before stopping them completely.

Tips for mom’s partner

Your partner may be struggling with morning sickness, and you may feel completely helpless. However, you can help mom cope with nausea and vomiting that are common during the first trimester.  Suggest these natural options she can try to help ease the discomfort.

Other things that you could do that may be helpful include:

• Cooking (or ordering takeout!)
• Helping with the kitchen clean-up
• Grocery shopping
• Doing laundry
• Cleaning up around the house

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The post 6 Weeks Pregnant appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

Congratulations! Weeks four through seven are when most women discover they are pregnant. This week-by-week newsletter will keep you informed about what to expect for you and your developing baby during your pregnancy. If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you may want to read the previous articles. Get the Fetal Life App for Apple and Android endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.

How is pregnancy calculated?

This is just a reminder that pregnancy is calculated from the first date of your last menstrual period (LMP) and not when you conceived.

What changes are occurring to your body when you are 7 weeks pregnant?

During pregnancy, your body will experience gradual changes. It is not likely that the people around you can even tell that you are pregnant at this point. You may have gained a couple of pounds, but you also may have lost weight if you are experiencing morning sickness. Losing weight this early is not uncommon, and in a few weeks, things will begin to shift in the other direction. You may also be experiencing other early pregnancy symptoms.

What is happening with your baby during the 7th week of pregnancy?

At this point, every essential organ has begun to form in the embryo’s tiny body. The hair and nipple follicles are forming, and the eyelids and tongue have begun developing. The elbows and toes are more visible as the trunk begins to straighten out.

How big is your baby during the 7th week of pregnancy?

Your baby is approximately an inch (2.54 centimeters) long by the end of this week and weighs less than an aspirin.

What should you plan for the 7th week of pregnancy?

If you have not chosen a doctor or midwife at this point, it is time to choose one. Read our information on choosing a health care provider and what to expect at your first prenatal visit. At this point, you are well into your first trimester and may be suffering from morning sickness. Seventy to eighty percent of all pregnant women experience some form of morning sickness, which is caused by the increased amount of hormones in your body. If morning sickness is so severe that you are constantly throwing up and not keeping anything down, consult your doctor about the possibility of having hyperemesis gravidarum.

Tips for making your pregnancy better

Here are a few helpful hints on your quest to surviving morning sickness:

• Eat small meals often.
• Eat soda crackers or dry cereal 15 minutes before getting up in the morning.
• Get plenty of rest, and nap during the day.
• Sniff lemons or ginger, drink lemonade or eat watermelon to relieve nausea.
• Ginger chews can help with nausea.
• Eat salty potato chips. They have been found to settle stomachs enough to allow you to eat a meal.
• Do not skip meals or lie down after eating.
• Do not cook or eat spicy food.
• Take Vitamin B6 (50mg) daily.
• Ask your doctor about supplements that could help alleviate morning sickness.

Tips for mom’s partner

Talk with your partner about which prenatal appointments she would like you to attend with her. Many couples like to attend every appointment together, while others only attend major appointments like sonograms together. Begin making plans to attend some or all of the appointments, and do not forget to mark them on your calendar. Being supportive and making plans together is extremely important to mom and for baby.

Want to Know More?

• Pregnancy Nutrition
• Exercise During Pregnant
• Nordic Naturals – The Official Omega 3 of the American Pregnancy Association
• Safe Catch Tuna 

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You have now completed almost two months! Here is what you can expect at eight weeks pregnant. If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you may want to read weeks 1-7. Get the Fetal Life App for Apple and Android endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.

How is pregnancy calculated?

This is just a reminder that pregnancy is calculated from the first date of your last menstrual period (LMP) and not when you conceived.

What changes are occurring with your body when you’re 8 weeks pregnant?

Although it may not look like your body has changed from the outside, many changes have occurred throughout your body. Before you were pregnant, your uterus was about the size of your fist, but it is now about the size of a grapefruit. You may have noticed changes in your breasts as well. They may be more tender and sensitive. This is completely normal as your body is preparing for lactation. Another change that has occurred that you may not be aware of is that your blood volume has increased by 40 to 50 percent.

What is happening with your baby when you’re 8 weeks pregnant?

Everything that is present in an adult human is now present in your baby. The ears are continuing to form externally and internally. The bones are beginning to develop, and the muscles can contract. Fingers and toes are webbed and are growing longer. Your baby’s facial features continue to mature. The tip of the nose is present, and the eyelids are now more developed. The embryonic tail is also disappearing, and your baby’s body is beginning to straighten out. While your baby’s gender has already been determined, the external genitals are still forming and cannot be clearly seen.

How big is your baby?

The embryo is a little over an inch (2.54 centimeters) long and is approximately the size of a bean.

What should you plan for this week?

You might be going in for your first prenatal visit, or it may still be a couple of weeks away. (The first prenatal visit is usually between 8 and 12 weeks from your last menstrual period.) If you did not meet with your health care provider before you were pregnant, this may be a longer appointment. Your doctor will ask for your medical history which includes:

• Medical problems
• The date of your last menstrual period
• Birth control methods
• History of abortions and/or miscarriages
• Hospitalizations
• Medications you are taking and medication allergies
• Your family’s medical history

You can also expect:

• A medical exam with a Pap Smear, cervical cultures, and an ultrasound
• Opportunity to address any questions that you may have

Tips for making your pregnancy better

During pregnancy, some women develop oily skin and suffer from acne. If you are using over-the-counter medications to treat this, it is important that you know what ingredients the products contain. If you have questions regarding the safety of a particular medication during pregnancy, it is best to consult with your health care provider or a pharmacist.

Tips for mom’s partner

If you have pets, you may need to take over their care while your partner is pregnant. A pregnant woman should be wary of changing cat litter due to the possibility of becoming infected with toxoplasmosis. You can also help her by shopping for dog and cat food so she can avoid the strain of lifting large bags.

Want to Know More?

• 7 Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
• Nausea Help During Pregnancy 
• Prenatal Vitamins

The post 8 Weeks Pregnant appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

Congratulations! You are one week closer to holding your bundle of joy. Here is a list of things to think about 9 weeks pregnant. Get the Fetal Life App for Apple and Android endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.

What changes are occurring with your body during the 9th week of pregnancy?

You still may not physically appear pregnant to other people, but you definitely are beginning to notice several changes. You may experience mood swings, heartburn, and feeling more bloated. These are common discomforts during pregnancy. Preventing heartburn is the best way to deal with it. You can avoid heartburn by eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of eating three larger meals. You can also prevent heartburn by avoiding lying down after meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods.

What is happening with your baby during the 9th week of pregnancy?

While still extremely small, your baby is now ready for rapid weight gain. Your baby is beginning to look more like a little person since the embryonic tail is completely gone by week 9. The eyelids are fully formed, have fused shut, and will open again during week 28. All the baby’s joints, including the knee, elbow, shoulder, ankle, and wrist joints, are working and allowing the baby to move about freely within the amniotic sac. Your baby’s heart began beating around day 24. Now the heart has divided into four chambers, and the valves are beginning to develop. Your baby can also make a fist and may begin sucking his/her thumb.

How big is your baby during the 9th week of pregnancy?

Your baby is about the size of a grape, measuring 1.67 inches (4.24 centimeters) from its head to its rump, and weighs a fraction of an ounce.

What should you plan for this week?

If you are over the age of 35 or have a family history of a genetic illness such as cystic fibrosis, then you may want to consider seeing a genetic counselor. Talk with your health care provider about obtaining a referral or the need to perform prenatal tests such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This test may be performed between 9 and 12 weeks and detects chromosomal abnormalities (i.e., Down Syndrome) and genetic disorders (i.e, cystic fibrosis) with high levels of accuracy (98-99%).

Tips for making your pregnancy better

At this point in your pregnancy, you may begin to feel more fatigued. This may be caused by hormonal changes, trouble sleeping at night, or morning sickness. Not sleeping well at night may be due to not being able to find a comfortable position or from frequent trips to the bathroom. If you are having difficulty sleeping, you might want to consider changing your sleeping positions.

Tips for mom’s partner

Attempt to create a tranquil, quiet, relaxed environment in your bedroom. This can be achieved by moving the office out of the bedroom and into another room in the house. You can also replace brighter bulbs with dimmer bulbs, or if you are really handy you can put in a dimmer switch.

Want to Know More?

• Nordic Naturals: The official  Omega 3 of the American Pregnancy Association
• Affordable Cord Care: Everyone should have the right to affordable cord blood storage
• Nighttime Ice Cream: Specially formulated to be pregnancy friendly

The post 9 Weeks Pregnant appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

The post 10 Weeks Pregnant appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.