Pregnancy Calendar
PREGNANCY CALENDAR
PREGNANCY CALENDAR: MONTH ONE
Baby’s Growth
After the sperm and egg combined, your newly created baby began a process of cell division that could rightly be called “explosive.” In these first four weeks, before some women even realize they are pregnant, your baby has begun to develop everything it needs to survive until birth. The fertilized egg will create your baby, the placenta, the amniotic sac and the amniotic fluid.
The creation of your baby begins before he is even attached to your uterine lining. As the egg divides and grows, cells begin to be specialized. Approximately 10 days after fertilization, your baby implants in the uterus. The lungs, heart and spinal cord begin to form. By the third week of life your baby’s heart is already pumping blood on its own.
By the end of the fourth week your baby is less than .03 oz, and is approximately 1/8 of an inch long.
When the egg becomes fertilized, your body begins producing higher levels of progesterone to prevent menstruation and keep the pregnancy healthy. It is initially produced by the ovary, but production will eventually be taken over by the placenta.
In response to the progesterone, the uterine lining thickens and the blood supply to the uterus increases. The cervix plugs with mucus to provide a protective barrier. Your uterus begins to enlarge and soften to allow implantation.
As your uterus begins to change, you may notice some pre-menstrual type cramping. The increased metabolic rate and the growth of the uterus cause an increased need to urinate. You will probably be more tired than usual and may even have short periods of faintness. The pregnancy hormones trigger the maturation process in the mammary glands, which may cause breast tenderness or soreness.
During this first month, you may wonder if you are pregnant. You can watch for the early signs of pregnancy and confirm your pregnancy with your midwife if you want to be sure.
PREGNANCY CALENDAR: MONTH TWO
Baby’s Growth
In this second month of life, your baby continues to develop internal organs and other major structures of the body. By the end of the eighth week, all the organs are present. There is also continued growth and development of the brain and spinal column.
The arms and legs begin as small buds off the body, and during this second month they begin to lengthen. At the end of the arms and legs, tiny finger and toe buds begin to form. Even at this early stage, your baby already has individual fingerprints.
Your baby’s eyes and ears are beginning to form, although he will not be able to see or hear until later. If you could see into his gums you would find that tooth buds are beginning to appear.
At the end of the eighth week your baby will be around 1 inch long and weigh 0.1 oz.
By this point your body is in full pregnancy swing, and you may be feeling some major changes happening. Pregnancy hormones have caused your breasts to grow and mature, which may cause breast tenderness or soreness. These same hormones may be to blame for the morning sickness experienced by about half of all pregnant women.
As your metabolic rate increases, you will find that your overall energy need (calorie) has increased, especially your need for protein. Some women find that if they are not eating enough they feel lethargic, or may experience nausea. Fatigue is to be expected in early pregnancy, but it should not be excessive. Be sure you are eating enough good food and that you are getting adequate rest to ensure your body has the strength it needs every day.
Your blood volume has increased to help meet the needs of the baby. And blood supply to the uterus and vagina has increased significantly. You may find your vaginal area to be extra sensitive and slightly swollen from the extra blood. You will also notice an increased vaginal discharge that helps keep the vaginal canal clean and infection free.
You may also begin to have mood swings. Although increased moodiness is to be expected from the hormonal changes, it should not be excessive. The thyroid is especially sensitive during pregnancy, so you should alert your doctor to any indications that you may be experiencing above average moodiness.
Symptoms
These symptoms are commonly experienced during this month.
- Urinary Frequency
- Breast Soreness
- Increased Fatigue
- Increased Moodiness
- Increased Vaginal Discharge
- Morning Sickness
- Faintness
PREGNANCY CALENDAR: MONTH THREE
Baby’s Growth
By the end of this month your baby will be recognizable as a human. The face is formed; complete with 32 permanent teeth buds. There are even nails at the end of the fingers and toes. The genital organs are still forming, so you are not likely to be able to distinguish the sex yet.
Cartilage bones are forming rapidly, and the muscles have already begun to be laid down. Your baby will even move as the brain, nerves and muscles begin to function. However, baby’s small size makes his movements undetectable.
Your baby has a sucking reflex already in place, and may suck on his thumb or fist. He is also practicing swallowing the amniotic fluid, and at this point is able to excrete it as urine.
At the end of the twelfth week your baby will be around 3.5 inches long and weigh 1.7 oz.
You have probably started to see some weight gain as your body grows to accommodate the baby. Weight gain is normal in pregnancy and should not be discouraged.
By the end of this month your hormone levels will have decreased their fluctuations, which may mean that you feel more yourself for the next few months. Also, at the end of this month your baby will be fully formed, needing only to gain weight and continue developing certain organs and structures. This means your risk for miscarriage decreases significantly.
Your increased blood volume would cause you to have high blood pressure if it weren’t for the effect of the progesterone on your arteries, causing them to relax and expand enough to accommodate the blood. Progesterone has the same effect on your digestive system, making it relaxed and sluggish, which may be the culprit behind some digestive discomfort.
By the end of this month you should feel less fatigue, however you will probably still tire more easily. It’s important to take frequent breaks and get adequate rest throughout the day.
Symptoms
These symptoms are commonly experienced during this month.
- Urinary Frequency
- Nose Bleeds
- Increased Fatigue
- Increased Moodiness
- Increased Vaginal Discharge
- Morning Sickness
- Weight Gain
PREGNANCY CALENDAR: MONTH FOUR
Baby’s Growth
As your baby’s ear bones begin to harden this month, he may begin to hear some sounds. Hearing will not be complete until the seventh month. The lungs also continue development, and as a part of that you baby will “breathe” amniotic fluid.
His face, right down to the external ears will be well developed. He can frown, squint and grimace. Although he cannot see yet, his retinas are becoming sensitive to light. Eyebrows and scalp hair are beginning to appear. He can even suck his thumb.
At the end of the sixteenth week your baby will be around 5.5 inches from crown to rump and weigh 6 oz, and baby is now big enough that his heartbeat can be heard with a regular stethoscope.
Around this time you may notice some changes in your skin. Your nipples may darken, and the veins will be more prominent. You may also begin to see blotchy skin on your face. Some experts say this is normal, others say it may signal a deficiency in your diet.
Your uterus and skin need twice as much blood as usual, and your kidneys need 25% more blood than usual. This means your heart is working twice as hard just to meet your bodies’ regular demand. Your uterus has outgrown your pelvis and will be forced into the abdomen, which will decrease your lung capacity. If you engage in regular activity, you may find that you are breathless easier and fatigue easier than you did before you were pregnant. It is important that you begin using this as an indicator of when to slow down or end an activity.
Some mothers are able to recognize the baby’s movements during the fourth month, although it is normal not to recognize it until the fifth month. It may feel like bubbles or butterflies fluttering in your belly.
Symptoms
These symptoms are commonly experienced during this month.
- Heartburn
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Nosebleeds
- Blotchy Skin
- Increased Fatigue
- Vaginal Discharge
- Baby’s Movements
PREGNANCY CALENDAR: MONTH FIVE
Baby’s Growth
Your baby’s senses are beginning to activate. His skin is sensitive to touch, he is beginning to taste, he may respond to some sounds and his eyesight continues to develop.
Along with the development of the internal organs, your baby has developed some protections for the uterine environment. The Vernix Caseosa, a cold-cream type substance, is secreted from his oil glands to protect his skin from the amniotic fluid. Downy hairs called Lanugo hair have grown on his skin which may help hold the vernix in place as well as help regulate his temperature.
He has a primitive immune system, which does offer him limited protection from infection and illness. He is also developing a special type of fat called “Brown Fat” which helps him regulate his temperature. Deposits of brown fat will continue until he is born, at which time the fat will begin to dissolve.
At the end of the 20th week your baby will be around 7.5 inches from crown to rump and weigh 1 pound, and baby’s kidney’s are now functioning well enough that they can make urine.
Your nausea should have disappeared by now, but you may be feeling heartburn or indigestion when you eat. You may also be experiencing some constipation and pelvic pain. Although some pelvic pain is normal due to the relaxing and stretching of the pelvis, you should seek the advice of your caregiver if the pain is excessive or interferes with your regular activities.
You should be feeling the baby’s movements by the end of this month. You may also have grown enough that you begin to see stretch marks.
Your thyroid gland is more active during pregnancy, which may cause an increased perspiration. Some women find that the increased blood volume during pregnancy causes their gums to bleed and nosebleeds.
Although still early, some women begin to have leaking fluids from their breasts. It is normal for the breasts to leak, and normal for the breasts not to leak. It will have no effect on your ability to breastfeed.
Symptoms
These symptoms are commonly experienced during this month.
- Feeling Movements
- Heartburn and Indigestion
- Constipation
- Nose Bleeds
- Stretch Marks
- Blotchy Skin
- Leaking Breasts
- Bleeding Gums
- Pelvic Pressure
- Swelling
- Vaginal Discharge
- Varicose Veins
PREGNANCY CALENDAR: MONTH SIX
Baby’s Growth
Your baby’s skin has become opaque (it had been see-through), but it is still immature. The retina of the eye continues to form, but that also is not mature yet. The circulation to the lungs is forming, and the lungs are beginning to develop surfactant (a substance that keeps the lungs from sticking to themselves), however the lungs will be one of the last parts of your baby to fully mature.
His body has caught up with his head, and although the head is still large compared to an adult, your baby’s body and head are in the right proportions for a newborn. His brainwaves also resemble those of a full-term newborn. He is developing a sleep-wake pattern and may be developing an active time that is pretty regular from day to day.
At the end of the 24th week your baby will be around 10 inches from crown to rump and weigh 2 pounds.
For most women the second trimester has brought some welcome changes. The uterus is too large for the pelvis, so there is less pressure on the bladder, but the uterus is not quite large enough to cause real problems with eating and breathing. You should have more energy than you did in the first trimester, along with an increased libido. You should also be feeling the baby move every day.
Weight gain should be pretty steady now, meaning only that you continue to gain weight, not lose it. The growing uterus may be causing stretch marks across your lower abdomen and sides. The pressure of the uterus may also be causing some constipation and heartburn.
Your thyroid gland is more active during pregnancy, which may cause an increased perspiration. Some women find that the increased blood volume during pregnancy causes their gums to bleed and nosebleeds.
Although still early, some women begin to have leaking fluids from their breasts. It is normal for the breasts to leak, and normal for the breasts not to leak. It will have no effect on your ability to breastfeed.
Symptoms
These symptoms are commonly experienced during this month.
- Feeling Movements
- Heartburn and Indigestion
- Constipation
- Bladder Infections
- Stretch Marks
- Contractions
- Leaking Breasts
- Bleeding Gums
- Hemorrhoids
- Pelvic Pressure
- Leg Cramps
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of Breath
- Blotchy Skin
- Swelling
- Vaginal Discharge
- Varicose Veins
- Weight Gain
PREGNANCY CALENDAR: MONTH SEVEN
Baby’s Growth
Your baby is growing fast, and space is getting tight. He may wiggle if he gets uncomfortable. As he becomes more oriented in space, he may move to a head down position.
Your baby can see, although the view from the uterus looks mostly like a dull glow when it is bright and just black when it is dark. Even this little difference in lightness helps him begin to adjust to the day and night cycle where he lives.
He can also hear, although most sounds are muffled. He is already becoming accustomed to mommy and daddy’s voices, as well as the sounds that are familiar where you live. He is learning to feel comfortable with the music you listen too, other people you live with, pet noises and regular life around you.
He can also taste, although the flavors of the amniotic fluid are subtle. What you eat can change the flavor of the amniotic fluid, so he is already becoming accustomed to the types of food you eat.
His lungs are preparing for breathing, and his movements give his muscles exercise. There is tremendous brain and nervous system growth taking place this month. He is also beginning to be able to have some ability to regulate his body temperature. His bone marrow is now fully responsible for making his blood, and he passes about 1 pint of urine every day. The fat developing under his skin helps to smooth out the wrinkles as it gives him energy stores for the first few days of life.
At the end of the 28th week your baby will be around 11 inches from crown to rump and weigh 3 pounds.
As you make the move to the third trimester, the large size of the uterus is forcing it to take up room in the pelvic area again, which may bring back frequent urination. The increasing size of the uterus also may begin to cause some back pain. Good posture, low heeled shoes and pelvic rocking will help to minimize backaches.
Your increased size brings with it some difficulty sleeping. Use extra pillows to make yourself comfortable, or try other sleeping arrangements such as a couch or a guest bed.
Even if you are not leaking fluid, the colostrum has formed in your breasts. It is not complete, however. The antibiotic properties for which colostrum is famous will not appear until sometime during labor.
Constipation and hemorrhoids may become a problem. Put a low stool under your feet as you use the toilet to realign your body in a gentler potty position.
Symptoms
These symptoms are commonly experienced during this month.
- Fatigue
- Heartburn and Indigestion
- Constipation
- Stretch Marks
- Backache
- Leaking Breasts
- Bleeding Gums
- Pelvic Pressure
- Varicose Veins
- Contractions
- Hemorrhoids
- Faintness
- Leg Cramps
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of Breath
- Blotchy Skin
- Swelling
- Vaginal Discharge
- Difficulty Sleeping
PREGNANCY CALENDAR: MONTH EIGHT
The eight month is a time of rapid growth for your baby, especially brain growth, so be sure you are eating well.
PREGNANCY CALENDAR: MONTH NIGHT
Your baby is practically ready to be born. A few last details to give him a great start in the world beyond your womb and he’s on his way.
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