Pregnancy Month by Month

Pregnancy continues to be one of the most researched conditions today. With technology growing more and more, the images we can receive of our babies pre-labor are astonishing. However, there are some things that pictures do not show. Here, you will see what your baby is doing month by month.

First Trimester (1-3 Months):

The first trimester is often the most important. This trimester includes the first doctor's visit, calculating your due date, and listening to the baby's heartbeat. Remember, your due date at this point is simply an estimate. A full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. However, your due-date will depend on the first day of your last period. This will often mean that your due date can be within two weeks of either direction of your due date.

By the end of the first month, a sac forms around the fertilized egg (embryo). Fluid gradually fills this sac, called the amniotic sac, and is used to cushion the embryo. The placenta also develops this month. The placenta is used to transfer nutrients from you to your baby. It also transfers waste from your baby. Also this month, your baby begins developing dark circles for eyes, and the lower jaw, mouth, and throat are developing. This month, your baby is approximately ¼ inch long.

During the second month, your baby's face develops into more distinct features. The nervous system, by this time, is well formed and the digestive system begins to develop. By the end of the second month, your baby is approximately one inch long and weighs about 1/3 ounce.

By the end of the third month, your baby is fully formed. He has arms, hands, fingers, feet and toes. He can also open and close his fists and mouth. Although his gender is difficult to determine this month, your baby's reproductive organs have developed. At the end of this trimester, your baby is about four inches long and weighs about one ounce.

The risk of miscarriage this trimester is at a maximum. Approximately, only 3% of miscarriages happen beyond the first trimester. Signs of a miscarriage can be extremely vague. Some women who have signs of a miscarriage are not miscarrying at all. However, some women who generally have no characteristics for a miscarriage eventually have one. Signs of a miscarriage include vaginal bleeding (brown or bright red), passage of clots or a gush of clear or pink vaginal fluid, abdominal pain or cramping, fever or dizziness. If any of these symptoms are experienced, contact your doctor immediately. By the end of this trimester, your risk of a miscarriage dramatically decreases.

Second Trimester (4-6 Months):

During month four, your baby's fingers and toes are well-defined. Teeth and bones become denser, and his eyelids, eyelashes, eyebrows, nails and hair are formed. His nervous system is functioning and the reproductive organs and genitalia are now fully developed. This is the month you will likely catch a glimpse of your baby's sex. Your baby is about six inches long and weighs approximately four ounces.

Month five is a milestone for both mommy and baby. His hair begins to grow on his head. Also, your baby's body is covered with very fine hair. This hair protects your baby, and is usually shed within the first week of life. The baby's skin is also covered in a "cheese" like substance. This is called vernix. This substance protects your baby's skin from the long term exposure to the amniotic fluid. It is shed just before birth.

During this month you may also feel your baby move. Your baby's muscles are developing and he is exercising them. By the end of this month, your baby is about ten inches long and weighs approximately ½ to one pound.

By the sixth month, your baby has been moving considerably. His eyelids part and the eyes open. Tiny veins are visible under his translucent skin. Your baby may also respond to sounds and light. Many fetuses hiccup within the womb, and this can also be felt by you. Your baby weighs about two pounds and is approximately twelve inches long. If born today, your baby may survive with intensive care.

During the seventh month, your baby's hearing is fully developed and he responds to light, sound, and even pain. This month, fat begins to develop on his body as he prepares for delivery. Weighing anywhere from two to four pounds and about fourteen inches long, your baby will likely survive outside of the womb.

During the four weeks of the eighth month, your baby continues to grow at around five pounds. He is maturing and is rapidly developing body fat. You will notice him kicking more and with more strength. Although his lungs may still be immature, most of his internal organs have developed.

During the last month of pregnancy, your baby is fully matured and continues to store body fat. His reflexes are more coordinated now as he can blink, turn his head, and grasp firmly. His position changes as he prepares for delivery. Your baby will drop into your pelvis, and his head will usually be facing down toward the birth canal. He is about eighteen to twenty inches long and weighs about seven pounds.

Pregnancy can be the best time of your life. Congratulations on the newest member of your family!