12 weeks how many months pregnant
Baby Development, Symptoms and Tips
Key Takeaways at 12 Weeks Pregnant
- Those overwhelming first-trimester symptoms may begin to wane. That means morning sickness may start fading soon and the outrageous exhaustion-fog may lift. Hope is on the horizon!
- Have you bought maternity pants yet? If not, it’s time to loosen your purse strings—and your belt. Your belly is expanding and a budding bump is probably visible at this point.
- Baby continues to develop by leaps and bounds every day. Their fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and their eyes, nose and fingernails are forming—so cool!
- Getting a 12-week ultrasound? Your tech might be able to determine the sex of baby at this point, but it’s not guaranteed, nor is it foolproof.
Things are changing fast at 12 weeks pregnant. You’re reaching the home stretch of the first trimester (we know, finally!), which means your hormones are likely to tone things down a bit. It also means you may be ready to share your pregnancy news with family and friends. So exciting!
Baby at Week 12
Your 12-week fetus is almost done developing their body’s important systems and parts, which means it’s all about getting bigger and more mature from here on out. Yep, baby's about to enter the growth and maturation stage, in which organs and tissues will grow and develop rapidly.
Baby at 12 weeks is opening and closing their fingers and curling their toes, and their brain is developing fast!
Baby is now developing reflexes—if you poke your 12-week pregnant belly while looking at baby on an ultrasound, you'll likely see movement. If you’re 12 weeks pregnant with twins, your twosome is developing at a similar rate as singleton babies at 12 weeks. Later on, they’ll have a slightly slower rate of growth.
How big is baby at 12 weeks?
At 12 weeks pregnant, baby is as big as a plum. The average 12-week fetus is about 2.1 inches long and .49 ounces. Now that baby's got pretty much all of their important organs, their main job is to keep on growing. Go, baby, go!
12 weeks pregnant is how many months?
At 12 weeks pregnant, you’re about three months pregnant. Remember, pregnancy is 40 weeks long, which doesn't break down cleanly into nine months. Just two more weeks until you can officially put your first trimester behind you!
12 week ultrasound
You may have one more prenatal checkup before the end of your first trimester. Whether or not you have a 12-week ultrasound may depend on your doctor’s preference and maybe also on what your insurance covers. If you do get an ultrasound at this time, you’ll notice that you can see your 12-week fetus more clearly this time around, which may make you want to start spreading the news that you’re expecting.
Itching to find out if it’s a boy or a girl? We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but on a 12 weeks pregnant ultrasound, the sex isn’t usually revealed. Between 12 and 13 weeks is the very earliest a boy or girl could possibly be seen on an ultrasound, and the anatomy is still difficult to make out with any certainty. Your OB or technician is much more likely to be able to see baby’s sex at the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan, which will happen around week 20. However, if you received DNA blood testing for chromosomal disorders, you may find out baby’s sex when you get those results—if you want to know, that is!
Around week 12, you might want to know more about baby’s health, so you may have genetic testing done to determine the risk of birth defects or other problems. This can be a little scary—and confusing—so be sure to ask your OB plenty of questions, and know that it’s much more likely that baby is a-okay than anything else.
What does a 12-week fetus look like?
With the first trimester almost done, you may be wondering, “what does a 12-week fetus look like?” New and exciting changes are happening for baby at 12 weeks! The eyes and nose take shape, fingers and toes lose their connective webbing, fingernails develop, teeth buds crop up and organs such as the kidneys and intestines keep growing.
3D Views: My Baby, My Body
See their progress for yourself with our 3D interactive tool.
See My Baby in 3D
See My Body in 3D
Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 12
Here’s the good news about 12 weeks pregnant symptoms: Morning sickness and fatigue may start to fade a bit soon as your hormones start to calm down. The bad? Headaches and dizziness may replace them. We’ll take that trade-off. Here’s more info about what’s happening to your body at 12 weeks pregnant:
Increased discharge
This clear discharge might seem weird, but it’s normal and has an important purpose: to protect your vagina from infection. But if you have yellow, greenish, pink or brown discharge during pregnancy week 12, call your doctor right away. Those colors could be a sign of infection or even miscarriage.
Spotting
Spotting or bleeding during pregnancy at 12 weeks could be worrisome—or it could be nothing at all. For example, your cervix is more sensitive during pregnancy, so simply having sex could cause light bleeding that’s harmless. If you’re spotting or bleeding, definitely tell your doctor. If the bleeding is accompanied by cramping or the flow is heavy, it’s an urgent call.
Headaches
These may start to intensify around week 12 of pregnancy. Headaches may be caused by hormonal shifts, drops in blood sugar, dehydration, lack of sleep or stress. To deal, pay attention to what might be triggering your headaches and try to avoid those culprits. If you notice a drastic increase in headaches or a type of headache you’ve never experienced before (such as a migraine), or if your headaches are accompanied by other weird symptoms, let your OB know.
Dizziness
Whoa! Hormone shifts and blood pressure changes could cause dizzy spells around pregnancy week 12 (and sometimes even earlier!). You can help prevent dizziness by snacking regularly, avoid becoming overheated and drinking plenty of water. Sit or lie down if you’re feeling dizzy or lightheaded and let your doctor know about any severe bouts.
If you’re 12 weeks pregnant with twins, you may still be experiencing morning sickness, while your singleton mom-to-be counterparts are likely starting to see the light at the end of the nausea tunnel. Know that things will likely improve soon.
What should I be feeling at 12 weeks pregnant?
Your body is working hard, and you may wonder, “what should I be feeling at 12 weeks pregnant?” You may not be showing much on the outside yet, but on the inside everything feels like it’s changing! In addition to typical 12 weeks pregnant symptoms, you may start to feel shifts with morning sickness and fatigue. One day you might be exhausted, and another you may feel a burst of energy, while nausea comes and goes. Hang tight—you're getting closer to the second trimester! Make sure you get plenty of fluids and healthy foods for those days when morning sickness makes it rough to keep anything down.
Your Pregnant Belly at 12 Weeks
At 12 weeks, your pregnant belly is probably getting noticeable now. This is one reason many moms-to-be start to tell others they’re expecting around 12 weeks. (Of course, if you’re 12 weeks pregnant with twins, you may have been showing for weeks now, obviously because you’ve got double the babies in there!)
If you haven’t already, start taking photos of your pregnant belly at 12 weeks. Trust us, after pregnancy you’ll want a memento of how much your body changed throughout.
How does your stomach feel at 12 weeks pregnant?
You may already feel the waistband of your clothes getting tighter as your stomach begins to round out. When baby is at 12 weeks, your uterus is expanding to make room for your growing little one. This can also cause a tight feeling in your stomach itself as the stretching uterus puts pressure on the surrounding tissues of your body. Gas or constipation are other common causes of tummy troubles.
“You are moving for two!… Going for a walk, doing your favorite workout or dancing to music, creates better weight management, cognitive development, cardiovascular health and beneficial health outcomes for baby. Remind yourself on your exhausted days that exercising through your pregnancy is going to make this journey easier for you and set your baby up for a lifetime of better health!” - Joanie Johnson Rubin, pre- and postnatal fitness expert and founder of Strong Mom Society
Tips for 12 Weeks Pregnant
Here’s some advice for living your best pregnant life as you finish up your first trimester and move into your second.
Give sore breasts some TLC
Your body’s hormones are getting you ready for breastfeeding, which can make breasts sore or tender. Soothe pain by wearing comfortable clothes that don’t irritate the body, trading in underwire bras for maternity or nursing bras with soft support or using ice packs for temporary relief.
Wear sun protection
One 12 weeks pregnant symptom that can occur for many women is melasma, or the “mask of pregnancy,” where dark spots appear on the face. It’s caused by those active hormones, but melasma can be made worse with sun exposure. Protect your skin with a mineral-based sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat, and stay in the shade or indoors during the day whenever possible.
Don’t give into junk food temptations
If your appetite starts to return as morning sickness fades, don’t feed it with lots of sugar, fats or processed foods. Healthy eating is good for you and baby, and it also helps you achieve a healthy weight gain moving forward. While it’s totally normal to not gain any weight in the first trimester (or even lose a few pounds), women of normal pre-pregnancy weight should plan on adding a pound or two a week during the second trimester
Think about getting physical
Pretty soon, you’ll have more energy, so make sure to talk with your OB about a safe exercise plan for the rest of your pregnancy. Regular workouts may help manage weight gain, make your heart and lungs strong, decrease pain and potentially reduce risk of issues such as gestational diabetes.
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Pregnancy Checklist at 12 Weeks Pregnant
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12 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Size, Symptoms & Tips
12 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide
Congratulations! You’re 12 weeks pregnant and in the home stretch of your first trimester. At this stage of your journey, new developments are quickly unfolding. Check out this week-by-week guide to find out what’s in store for your baby and your body in week 12 of pregnancy.
- How far along is 12 weeks pregnant? First trimester
- How many weeks of pregnancy are left? 28 weeks
- How many months is 12 weeks pregnant? You’re in your third month.
With week 11 of your pregnancy complete, you’re on week 12. Enjoy it, as week 13 is on the horizon!
One of the most exciting things about pregnancy is how many changes you’ll experience with your little one over the span of just seven days! Here are some tips and tricks to keep on top of all that’s happening.
Your baby at 12 weeks pregnant
What’s happening in there
- Your baby at 12 weeks is the size of a lime.
- You’re officially in the last week of your first trimester.
- The countdown continues: You’ve got 28 weeks to go!
12 weeks: baby development
- All systems go: Most of your baby’s internal systems are formed by week 12. The kidneys are functioning and can turn any amniotic fluid consumed into urine. That little abdomen is now large enough to hold the intestines, and the digestive muscles are contracting in preparation for being able to eat and digest after birth. The liver is producing blood cells now too, helping to really accelerate development.
- Get ready to make some noise: At week 12, your baby’s vocal cords are developing, preparing for giggles, gurgles, and the inevitable crying when you finally meet.
- Prepping for that close-up: By week 12, your baby’s profile will be visible on a sonogram, with all the changes to their face discernible.
- The internal computer has started up: The corpus callosum is developing. This is a bundle of 200 million axons, or nerve fibers, that coordinates motor, sensory, and cognitive functions between the right and left sides of the brain.
What’s going on with your 12-week embryo?
Well, your baby is growing … and is actually not in the embryonic stage anymore. At eight weeks from fertilization, the embryo has transitioned to the fetus stage. Time is going fast!
What should I be feeling at 12 weeks pregnant?
- You’re going to feel the love the first time you hear your baby’s heartbeat. It’s usually audible during checkups at the 12th week mark.
- You will feel bloated as your intestines are unceremoniously moved out of the way by your hungry little baby, coupled with the effects of progesterone. This pregnancy hormone is responsible for slowing down your digestive system, giving your blood more time to absorb nutrients and pass them through to your baby.
- You’re going to be tired a lot more. You are now working 24/7 to not only fuel your baby’s growth, but also to produce the placenta. It’s a small miracle, but anytime you feel you’re exhausted, take a little “you time” while you still can!
- The constant urge to pee should hopefully have subsided by week 12.
How big is my baby at 12 weeks in the womb?
Week 12 pregnancy symptoms
During week 12 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.
8 common 12 weeks pregnant symptoms and pain
- Burping, bloating, and flatulence are part of the side effects of pregnancy hormones that relax the digestive tract. Avoid beans, fizzy sodas, candy, and fried foods.
- Hooray, you’re not feeling sick! Instead, welcome to progesterone’s new trick—dizzy spells. This pregnancy hormone can cause your blood vessels to widen to increase blood flow to your baby, but it slows its return to you, causing lower blood pressure and light-headedness.
- You may be producing excessive saliva. It’s an odd symptom, but rather than drooling, try chewing gum!
- Your sex drive can drop considerably. It’s completely understandable at this point as your body is playing so many tricks on you both physically and emotionally.
- At 12 weeks pregnant, headaches, driven by—you guessed it—hormones, are common.
- You may start to experience what is called round ligament pain. This pregnancy symptom, which feels like sharp jabbing discomfort in your abdomen or hip area, is caused by the extra pressure put on your ligaments as your belly expands and stretches. Certain exercises may help. Just be sure to get an OK from your doctor first.
- Vaginal discharge will continue throughout your pregnancy.
- Your skin may be changing. You may notice the “mask of pregnancy,” or chloasma, appear in brownish patches on your face and neck. These will usually lighten or disappear after your baby is born.
Will I be showing at 12 weeks pregnant?
Women at 12 weeks pregnant may be showing, especially if they’ve had previous pregnancies or are carrying multiples. Is this your first baby? Your belly might be sporting that telltale bump, but you may have to wait a little longer. The pregnancy belly pop will be here soon enough.
3 tips for week 12 for a healthy and safe pregnancy
Being 12 weeks pregnant is an important time for you and your baby. Here are some tips on how to adjust to this new stage to keep you and your baby safe.
- Fuel their mind: Now that your baby’s brain and nerves are developing rapidly, you need to fuel that growth with the right foods. Combine a healthy diet with prenatal vitamins that include DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to nourish your baby’s fine motor development and vision.
- Slow and steady wins the race: Your joints are probably loosening up from a hormone called relaxin, which will eventually aid the opening of your cervix. For now, it can also loosen ligaments throughout your body, making you more prone to injury. So take things slow and steady, whether you’re working out or carrying groceries.
- Don't let the flu get you down: Be sure to get a flu shot; the CDC recommends vaccination for all moms-to-be.
Week 12 pregnancy checklist
Knowing what to do week-by-week can help you feel prepared and alleviate stress. Add these new items to your to-do list this week. You’ve got this, mama!
Learn more about your pregnancy, including pregnancy planning and pregnancy nutrition, to feel prepared to continue this magical adventure. You’re armed with the facts and know what to do, so now you can take time to connect with the little one growing inside you.
With week 11 in the rearview mirror and week 12 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 13!
Join Enfamil Family Beginnings
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Months of Pregnancy | Elite Clinic
- First month of pregnancy (weeks 0-4)
- Second month of pregnancy (weeks 5-8)
- Third month of pregnancy (weeks 9-12)
- Fourth month of pregnancy (weeks 13-16)
- Fifth month of pregnancy (weeks 17-20)
- Sixth month of pregnancy (weeks 21-24)
- Seventh month of pregnancy (weeks 25 -28)
- Eighth month of pregnancy (weeks 29-32)
- Ninth month of pregnancy (weeks 33-36)
- Tenth month of pregnancy (weeks 37-40)
First month of pregnancy (weeks 0-4) >
starts on the first day of the last menstrual period and lasts 4 weeks.
Fertilization occurs about two weeks after menstruation. Then a child is born.
At the end of the month, 36 weeks (8 months 12 days) remain before delivery.
At the end of the month the fetus is two weeks old.
Pinhead sized fetus.
REMEMBER! During pregnancy, you should not take any medication on your own initiative. Check with your doctor or health center nurse for safety information.
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The second month of pregnancy (weeks 5-8)
begins when 4 weeks have elapsed from the first day of the last menstruation.
Lasts 4 weeks.
At the end of the month, 32 weeks remain before delivery (7 months 14 days).
At the beginning of the month, the embryo is two weeks old, at the end - six weeks old.
At the end of the month, the length of the embryo is about 1.5 cm.
The embryo has small arms and leg rudiments.
The heart and nose begin to develop. ears and eyelids, nervous system, spine and umbilical cord.
REMEMBER! Smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm your baby.
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The third month of pregnancy (weeks 9-12)
begins when 8 weeks have elapsed from the first day of the last menstruation
At the end of the month, 28 weeks (6 months 16 days) remain before delivery.
At the beginning of the month the fetus is 6 weeks old? at the end of 10 weeks.
At the end of the month, the length of the fruit is approx. 9 cm. The weight is approx. 20 g.
The heart starts beating for the first time.
The fetus floats in the amniotic fluid in the bladder and receives nutrients through the umbilical cord.
The fetus already has the upper and lower jaws and the rudiment of the tongue. The first rudiments of teeth appear.
REMEMBER! A good physical and mental condition of the mother contributes to the successful development of the fetus: a healthy diet and walks in the fresh air are useful for both.
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The fourth month of pregnancy (weeks 13-16)
begins when 12 weeks have elapsed from the first day of the last menstrual period.
At the end of the month, 24 weeks remain until delivery (5 months 18 days)
At the beginning of the month, the fetus is 10 weeks old, at the end of the 14 weeks.
At the end of the month, the fetus is about 16 cm long and weighs about 100 g. The uterus is about the size of a fist.
The head is large and makes up almost half of the total length. The face begins to take shape. Ears and genitals develop.
The fetus tries to breathe and swallow. He pushes with his legs, moves his toes and fingers, turns his head. The mother, however, does not yet feel these slight movements.
REMEMBER! in order to receive maternity benefit, must appear at the antenatal clinic or doctor no later than during the fourth month of pregnancy.
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The fifth month of pregnancy (weeks 17-20)
begins when 16 weeks have elapsed from the first day of the last menstruation.
At the end of the month, 20 weeks (4 months 20 days) remain before delivery.
At the beginning of the month the fetus is 14 weeks old, at the end of the month it is 18 weeks old.
At the end of the month, the length of the fetus is about 25-27 cm, its weight is about 250-300 g.
The fetus develops its own blood circulation and the heart beats twice as fast as that of an adult.
The skin of the fetus is covered with fluffy hair that disappears before delivery. Appear. in particular. brows.
The placenta at this stage is almost the size of the fetus and protects the fetus from harmful substances. but can't filter everything.
By this time, the mother already feels the movements of the fetus in that case. if she gave birth before.
REMEMBER! The time has come to arrange with the antenatal clinic nurse about family preparation.
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The sixth month of pregnancy (weeks 21-24)
begins when 20 weeks have elapsed from the first day of the last menstruation.
At the end of the month, 16 weeks (3 months 22 days) remain before delivery.
At the beginning of the month the fetus is 18 weeks old, at the end of the month it is 22 weeks old.
The weight of the fetus is from 400 to 600 g, the length is about 30 cm. It moves so that even the primipara feels its movements. A heartbeat is heard.
At the end of the month, the fundus of the uterus is at the level of the navel. Faster uterine growth is often a sign of twins.
The fetus tries to suck, the thumb often slips into the mouth. Hands, hair and nails grow. The protective shell begins to turn into skin.
The fetus sleeps most of the time, but may be awakened by voices or shaking from outside.
REMEMBER! At the 22nd week of pregnancy, you can already apply for maternity, paternity, parenthood and childbirth benefits. (See chapter Services and Benefits for Families with Children).
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The seventh month of pregnancy (weeks 25-28)
- begins when 24 weeks have elapsed from the first day of the last menstruation.
At the end of the month, there are 12 weeks left before delivery (2 months 24 days).
At the beginning of the month the fetus is 22 weeks old, at the end of the month it is 26 weeks old.
The weight of the fetus is about one kilogram, its length is about 35 cm.
The fetus moves a lot, turns and pushes with its legs so that it can be seen even from the outside. He opens and closes his eyes, has a strong grip on his hands.
The uterus has risen to the level of the navel. The first contractions of the uterus may be felt in such a way that the abdomen "hardens" for a few seconds.
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The eighth month of pregnancy (weeks 29-32)
begins when 28 weeks have elapsed from the first day of the last menstruation
At the end of the month, there are 8 weeks left before delivery (1 month 26 days).
At the beginning of the month the fetus is 26 weeks old, at the end of the month it is 30 weeks old.
The fruit is about 40 cm long and weighs about 1. 5 kg.
In appearance, the fetus is similar to a newborn, however, it is more fragile, If it had been born, it could have remained alive.
However, the fetus's lungs and many other organs are not yet fully developed. It does not have all the antibodies that a full-term fetus has.
REMEMBER! during this period, you should not work for a long time standing on your feet, lifting heavy weights or doing other heavy work.
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The ninth month of pregnancy (weeks 33-36)
begins when 32 weeks have elapsed from the first day of the last menstruation.
At the end of the month, there are 28 days or four weeks left before delivery.
At the beginning of the month the fetus is 30 weeks old, at the end of the month it is 34 weeks old
The length of the fetus is about 47 cm, weight is about 2700 g.
The fetus moves less than before, as the uterus becomes cramped for him. Most fruits turn head down during this period.
A greasy layer forms on the surface of the skin, the so-called. original lubricant.
The uterus has risen to its maximum height, to the ribs.
REMEMBER! Prepare now everything you need for the child.
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The tenth month of pregnancy (weeks 37-40)
- begins when 36 weeks have elapsed from the first day of the last menstruation, or 34 weeks from the start of fertilization.
At the beginning of the month, the fetus is 34 weeks old and is usually born at 38 weeks.
The uterus descends and the fetal head is placed in the exit position. The cuts are greatly enhanced.
The fetus pushes so hard in the uterus that it can knock over a book placed on the mother's stomach.
Most newborns are 49 to 52 cm long and weigh 3,000 to 4,000 grams. Childbirth occurs at the end of the tenth month of pregnancy. However, the onset of labor a week earlier or a week later is a common occurrence.
REMEMBER! If amniotic fluid begins to leak, pain or spotting occurs, or when contractions become regular, you should immediately go to the maternity hospital. (See the chapter on Childbirth.)
Although pregnancy is a normal state, it tires a woman's body. All organs must adapt to the new state. The metabolism is accelerated, breathing and blood circulation are more efficient, the uterus is enlarged. During pregnancy, the placenta secretes many enzymes and hormones, which, along with the corpus luteum and the lower cerebral appendage, regulate the changes that occur in the body.
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Pregnancy calendar
You are pregnant! Your baby will be born in 40 weeks. What changes will occur in your body, how your baby will grow will tell "Calendar of pregnancy".
1-2 weeks
Pregnancy begins at the moment of fertilization or conception.
Fertilization is a complex biological process of the fusion of female and male germ cells (egg and sperm). The resulting cell (zygote) is a new daughter organism.
A mature egg leaves the ovary approximately on the 12-14th day of the menstrual cycle (ovulation) and enters the fallopian tube, where it remains viable for 24 hours. During an orgasm, a man ejects from 200 to 400 million spermatozoa into the woman's vagina. Some of them penetrate through the cervix into the uterine cavity, and from there into the fallopian tubes. Here, spermatozoa retain the ability to fertilize for 48 hours. Thus, within 6-7 days of a woman's menstrual cycle, conception is possible.
Fertilization of the female egg is performed by a single sperm in the upper part of the fallopian tube. There are two types of sperm: those containing the Y chromosome (“male”) and the X chromosome (“female”). When an egg cell (containing the X chromosome) fuses with a sperm cell, their genetic material is combined and the sex of the child is determined. If there are two X chromosomes in the child's genetic makeup, it's a girl; if an X chromosome and a Y chromosome, it's a boy. It is impossible to change the sex of the child, so you should not follow the "folk beliefs" that guarantee the birth of a child of a given gender.
The fertilized egg begins to divide with the formation of a multicellular organism and move through the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity. During this period, the nutrition of the embryo is carried out at the expense of those substances that have been accumulated in the egg. If the peristalsis of the tube is slowed down (due to inflammatory diseases), the embryo penetrates the wall of the fallopian tube with the occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy.
Implantation (introduction) of the embryo into the uterine wall occurs 7-8 days after fertilization.
On the seventh day of pregnancy, the outer layer of the embryo (trophoblast) begins to produce a hormone - chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone gives the mother's body information that pregnancy has occurred, and begins its functional restructuring. Diagnostic test strips detect the chorionic gonadotropin in the urine of a pregnant woman, which makes it possible to diagnose pregnancy at an early stage.
3-4 weeks
You do not have the expected menstruation, nausea in the morning, and frequent urination during the day. You become emotionally labile, irritable, whiny. Basal body temperature is above 37°C.
In appearance, your unborn baby resembles a small auricle measuring 4 mm, surrounded by a small amount of amniotic fluid. On the 21st day after conception, the brain and spinal cord are formed. By the end of the first month, the circulation of embryonic blood is established, the umbilical cord has formed - the connection of the embryo with the future placenta. The eye sockets, the rudiments of arms and legs appeared, the laying and development of other internal organs of the fetus is underway: the liver, kidneys, urinary tract, and digestive organs.
5-6 weeks
You no longer doubt that you are pregnant. Regardless of how you feel, all pregnant women need to visit a antenatal clinic and undergo an examination that will allow you to identify and correct existing health problems in time.
Starting from the 5th week, there may be a threat of termination of pregnancy. This will be evidenced by: periodic pain in the lower abdomen and in the lumbar region, a feeling of pressure on the rectum, an increased amount of mucus. If you experience these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
By week 6, the face is formed in the embryo: eyes, nose, jaws and limbs.
7-8 weeks
From the 7th week of pregnancy, the yellow body of pregnancy undergoes reverse development, the production of hormones begins to be carried out by the forming placenta.
The baby develops large blood vessels, the heart becomes four-chambered. Bile ducts appear in the liver. There is a development of the endocrine glands, the brain. The auricles are already formed, fingers have appeared on the limbs. The embryo begins to move. At week 8, under the influence of the Y chromosome, the formation of male gonads (testicles) occurs. They begin to produce testosterone - the male sex hormone, which will lead to the formation of the sexual characteristics of the boy.
9-10 weeks
Your metabolism is changing significantly to provide the growing body with all the necessary "building materials" - amino acids, energy. Disadaptation to such a restructuring can result in toxicosis of the 1st half of pregnancy. It is characterized by nausea, vomiting, salivation, weight loss. When the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor.
At the tenth week, the development of the oral cavity, intestines, rectum, and bile ducts ends in the embryo. The formation of the face and hemispheres of the brain was completed. The development of the cerebellum, the main coordinator of movements, begins.
11-12 weeks
The body has adapted to the new conditions. By this time, nausea, vomiting, salivation practically disappear. You become balanced, calm.
Uterine growth becomes noticeable after 12 weeks
13-14 weeks
By this time, the formation of the main organs of the unborn child is completed. In appearance, the fetus resembles a small person.
15-16 weeks
A change in skin pigmentation is possible - the midline of the abdomen, nipples and the skin around them have darkened. These phenomena should pass soon after childbirth.
The formation of the placenta ends. The fetus and placenta represent a single functional system. During this period of pregnancy, the fetus floats freely in the amniotic fluid. The composition of the amniotic fluid can determine the condition of the fetus.
17-18 weeks
These days, your unborn child begins to move. His limbs, ligamentous apparatus, cerebellum have already developed enough. By this time, the formation of the immune system is completed.
19-20 weeks
There have been big changes in your body. The pulse became more frequent, cardiac output increased significantly (40% higher than the initial level) and the volume of circulating blood (almost 500 ml).
Due to the increased volume of plasma compared to the mass of red blood cells, hemoglobin decreases in blood tests.
Some women during this period experience frequent and painful urination, pain in the lumbar region on the right or left, weakness. A large uterus presses down on the bladder, the mouth of the ureters, disrupting the outflow of urine. Stagnation of urine and incomplete emptying of the renal pelvis create conditions for the development of infection. Bacteriuria develops and pyelonephritis of pregnant women may occur. If there is any suspicion of pyelonephritis, you should immediately consult a doctor, because this disease is not only dangerous for your health, but also for the further growth and development of the fetus.
The weight of the baby is 300-350 grams, he often and quite actively moves, swallows amniotic fluid, begins to open his eyes.
21-22 weeks
In these weeks, the fetus already has a mass of 400-500 grams, and it develops very intensively bones and muscles, which require calcium from your body. Therefore, if you do not want to lose your white-toothed smile, then, on the advice of your obstetrician-gynecologist, start taking calcium supplements regularly. This will help save your teeth and get rid of leg cramps. They appear for the same reason of calcium deficiency.
23-24 weeks
At this time, the weight of the fetus is 500-600 g. It already has all the organs and systems fully formed. Until that time, only his lungs remained immature. And now, by 24 weeks, they begin to ripen. And the cells lining the lung alveoli produce surfactant, a substance that, by lubricating the alveoli, prevents them from sticking together during breathing. However, the amount of surfactant is so small that a child born at this time will not be able to breathe on its own. To survive outside the uterus, he needs sophisticated breathing equipment, incubators, a control system, infusors for nutrition, infusion media, artificial surfactant.
There are perinatal centers where children born during these terms of pregnancy are nursed. It is very difficult. And therefore, the longer the pregnancy is prolonged, the more likely the birth of a healthy and viable child. Therefore, try to do everything so that the child is born on time, full-term and healthy.
By this gestational age, the uterus is at a height of about 24 cm above the pubic bone, and now it not only builds up muscles, but is also stretched by the fetus that completely filled its cavity.
25-26 weeks
The fetus already has a mass of 700-750 g. Due to the improvement of the brain structures in his body, a connection is established with the adrenal cortex and they begin to produce corticoids - hormones necessary for adaptation. The pituitary gland of the fetus reaches such a degree of maturity that the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone begins, which also stimulates hormonal production by the adrenal glands. In short, all forces are thrown to the upcoming "publication". But the most obvious changes in these weeks occur in the lungs - there is an increased maturation of cells that produce surfactant. However, a fetus born during this period can only survive in incubators with artificial lung ventilation, artificial feeding with special infusion media. Therefore, try to keep both him and yourself from rash steps.
At this time, it's time to start preparing for the future feeding of the child. Under the influence of placental lactogen, your breasts, that is, the mammary glands, are growing rapidly. From time to time, droplets of colostrum may appear on the nipples. Daily air baths, washing with cool water, rubbing the nipples with a rough towel will help prepare the nipples for feeding. If the nipples are flat, start to stretch them little by little.
27-28 weeks
This period completes the second trimester of pregnancy. By this time, the fetus weighs up to 1000 g and has a height of up to 35 cm. However, he still cannot live on his own, because. his lungs are not mature enough and special equipment is still needed to nurse him. During these periods of pregnancy, there is an intensive growth of the fetus, the formation of muscles. His movements become more active. Periods of movement alternate with its relatively calm state when the fetus is sleeping. With an ultrasound, you can see that he already knows how to suck his thumb and even smile!
The fundus of the uterus stands on average at a height of 27-28 cm above the womb.
29-30 weeks
The third trimester of pregnancy begins. The uterus stands at a height of 29-30 cm, it becomes more difficult for you to breathe. Now one of the most serious complications can develop - toxicosis of the second half of pregnancy, which is characterized by the appearance of edema, increased blood pressure and the appearance of protein in the urine. For early diagnosis of this complication, it is necessary to carefully observe an obstetrician-gynecologist and follow all his recommendations, incl. strict weight control. In the III trimester of pregnancy, the daily weight gain should be no more than 50 g, i.e. no more than 300 g per week. You should also monitor the ratio of drunk and secreted fluid.
31-32 weeks
Have you asked your doctor how the fetus is? Find out now it's very important. Its position can be longitudinal, transverse, oblique. Correct, normal is the longitudinal position of the fetus. Childbirth is safer with cephalic presentation. From this period of pregnancy, it is necessary to wear a prenatal bandage that will support the anterior abdominal wall and help maintain the correct position and presentation of the fetus. If the presentation of the fetus is breech, i.e. above the entrance to the pelvis is the pelvic end of the fetus, then the bandage should not be worn yet. There is gymnastics to correct the presentation of the fetus.
In the morning and evening for 1 hour, do the following: lie down on the bed on your left side and lie quietly for 15 minutes, then turn over to your right side and lie for the next 15 minutes, and then repeat these turns 2 more times.
Pregnant women with Rh-negative blood and with O (I) blood type need blood tests for Rh - or group immune antibodies. Immunization of pregnant women with Rh-negative blood is carried out from 28 weeks and within 72 hours after childbirth according to the indications, which will be discussed by the doctor observing you in the antenatal clinic.
33-34 weeks
The fetus already has a mass of 1800-2100 g, a height of 40-41 cm. By the end of this period, its lungs will begin to produce surfactant in full and will be able to breathe without special equipment. The fetus is fully developed, its chances of surviving in case of preterm birth are greatly increased. However, there is still extremely little subcutaneous fat, so his skin is thin and has a red color. Such a newborn retains heat very poorly and at birth needs an incubator or a heating pad. His body is still covered with fluff and cheese-like grease, the auricles are still very small, but they are already beginning to straighten out, the boy's testicles descend into the scrotum.
Caring for a premature baby is the hardest work for the whole family, associated with high material costs, physical overload of parents, and this work is not always rewarded, since a child can be born and remain sick. Therefore, up to 37 weeks of pregnancy, a woman should be especially attentive to her condition and, at the slightest suspicion of an increase in the tone of the uterus, starting frequent and regular contractions, immediately consult a doctor.
Doctors know that women, in anticipation of the arrival of a new person in the house, begin to glue walls and paint ceilings during this period. Don't take unnecessary risks. For this, prenatal leave is provided from 30 weeks, so that you can avoid overwork, do not push in transport, and have the opportunity to sleep. So repairs, stuffy shops, queues are no longer for you.
35-36 weeks
The fetus already has a mass of 2100-2700 g and a height of 44-45 cm. It is advisable to see a doctor during this period of pregnancy at least once every 10 days.
37-38 weeks
From this point on, your pregnancy is considered full-term. And if you have a baby in these weeks, he will live. Its development is complete. Now he has a mass of approximately 2700-3000 g. Height is 49-50 cm. The remaining two weeks he will add a little in weight and height.
It becomes easier for you to breathe, as the fetal head is pressed tightly against the entrance to the pelvis, the uterus pulls the anterior abdominal wall more, and therefore its bottom sank lower. Tension of the uterus; small sharp pulling pains in the lumbar region.
With an exacerbation of extragenital diseases, the appearance of signs of toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy, with an incorrect position of the fetus, with some gynecological diseases, against which pregnancy develops, a scar on the uterus, etc., early prenatal hospitalization is required. Do not forget to take an exchange card, passport, medical insurance policy and birth certificate to the hospital.
39-40 weeks
You can find out the approximate day of delivery by the date of the last normal menstruation - count back three months and add 7 days. The resulting number will be the estimated date of birth. More precisely, according to many parameters, ultrasound data, additional studies, the date of the first fetal movement, the date of the first visit to the obstetrician-gynecologist, especially if the visit was before 11-12 weeks of pregnancy.
The child already has all the signs of maturity.