Pregnancy Month by Month

All About Pregnancy By The Month Part #1

Prenancy can be something of a mystery.  That is certainly true for the first time mother-to-be.  Let's create a calendar of sorts that lays out exactly what a pregnant women can expect every month leading up to the brith of her child.

Month Number One

For the first 8 weeks, the developing baby is called an "embryo." Tiny limb buds appear and will slowly  grow into arms and legs over the next months. Heart and lungs begin to form. About the 25th day the heart starts to beat. The brain and spinal cord, begin to form. At end of 30 days the embryo is about 1/2 inch long and weighs less than 1 ounce.

The Woman's  Body

You become pregnant and miss your period. Your body is making hormones needed to "grow" a baby. Your breasts are slightly bigger and sore. Eating crackers may ward off any morning sickness. Cravingsmay appear.  You will urinate more.

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Before you get pregnant, supplement your diet with B vitamin folic acid (found in most multivitamins) to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine. Visit your doctor for your first checkup as soon as you think you are pregnant.

Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Take only those drugs prescribed by your doctor.

Month Number Two

All of your baby's major body organs and systems are formed and developing. Early stages of placenta, which exchanges nutrients from your body for waste products produced by the baby become visible. Ears, ankles and wrists are formed. Eyelids form and grow, but are sealed shut. Fingers and toes are developing.  By end of second month, fetus can be identified as a real human in the making - about an inch long and weighing less that an ounce. 

Mommy's breasts are still sore; nipples and the area around them begin to darken. More morning sickness?  Probably.   You may feel tired and need to rest more. The total amount of blood in your body increases.

Eat a variety of healthy foods from the five major food groups.  Continue to supplement your diet with folic acid during the second and third months of pregnancy.  That is to reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water, juice and/or milk every day. 

Month Number Three

Embryo now called a "fetus." Fingers and toes have soft nails.  Mouth has 20 buds that will become "baby teeth." You can hear your baby's heartbeat for the first time (10 to 12 weeks).  For the rest of pregnancy, all body organs will mature and fetus will gain weight. By month's end the fetus is 4 inches long and weighs a little over 1 ounce.

You may still feel tired and have morning sickness. You may have headaches. You may get lightheaded or dizzy. Your clothes may begin to feel tight around your waist and breasts.  (Isn't this FUN?)  It may soon be time start planning for those exciting maternaty fashions.

You have a slightly increased need for almost all vitamins and minerals to nourish your baby. A healthy diet should take care of that. You may have gained 3 or 4 pounds by now.   You can expect to gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.  Don't give up exercise.  Walking is good.

By the end of the 3rd month, the fetus is four inches long and weighs a little over one ounce.

Month Number Four

Oh boy, now the fetus moves, kicks, swallows, and can hear your voice. The skin is pink and transparent. Umbilical cord continues to grow and thicken to carry enough nourishment from mommy, but it also can pass along hazards like tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Placenta is fully formed.
By end of this month, fetus is 6 to 7 inches long and weighs about 5 ounces.

Hungry!  Your appetite will be increasing as morning sickness fades away.  You will begin to feel better with more energy.  Have you ever been tiickled from the inside out.  Get ready for near the end of the month (16-20 weeks), you might feel the faint movement of your baby for the first time.  Oh look; you are developing a "baby bump" as your belly begins to show .  Maternity clothes here you come.

Pregnant women need more iron than even a good diet can supply. Your doctor may recommend iron supplements.   You'll probably gain about 1 pound a week, or 12 to 14 pounds, during the second trimester (months 4-6).

By the end of the 4th month, the fetus is 6 to 7 inches long and weighs about 5 ounces.

Pregnancy month by month part two...

  
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    Pregnancy Month by Month