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Pregnancy and Prenatal Development
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Month 1- Fetus
At two weeks, the size of a pin head.
Egg attaches to lining of uterus.
Critical stage for brain and spinal cord development.
Internal organs and circulatory system begins to form.
The heart begins to beat. -
Month 1- Mother
Missed menstrual period. -
Month 2- Fetus
About 1/4 (6 mm) long as month begins.
Face, eyes, ears, and limbs take shape.
Bones begin to form. -
Month 2- Mother
Breasts begin to swell.
Pressure of bladder from enlarging uterus results in need to urinate more frequently.
Possible nausea ("morning sickness").
Fatigue is common. -
Month 3- Mother
Breasts become firmer and fuller, may ache.
Nausea, fatigue, and frequent urination may continue.
Abdomen becomes slightly larger
Uterus is about the size of an orange.
Weight gain may total 2-4 pounds (0.9-1.8 kg.) -
Month 3- Fetus
About 1 inch (25 mm) long as month begins.
Nostrils, mouth, lips, teeth buds, and eyelids form.
Fingers and toes almost complete.
All organs present, although immature. -
Month 4- Mother
Abdomen continues to grow slowly.
Most discomforts of early pregnancy, such as morning sickness, usually gone.
Appetite increases. -
Month 4- Fetus
About 3 inches (7.6 cm) long, 1 ounce (28 g) as month begins.
Can stuck it's thumb, swallow, hiccup, and move around.
Facial features being clearer. -
Month 5- Mother
Enlarged abdomen becomes apparent.
Slight fetal movements felt.
Increased size may begin to affect posture. -
Month 5- Fetus
About 6 1/2-7 inches long, about 4-5 ounces as month begins.
Hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows appear.
Teeth continue to develop.
Organs are maturing.
Becomes more active. -
Month 6- Mother
Fetal movement sensed as strong kicks, thumps, and bumps.
Some may be visible.
Weight gain by the beginning of this month may total 10-12 pounds. -
Month 6- Fetus
About 8-10 inches long, about 8-12 ounces as month begins.
Fat deposits under skin, but fetus appears wrinkled.
Breathing movements begin. -
Month 7- Mother
Increased size may affect posture -
Month 7- Fetus
About 10-12 inches long, about 2 1/2-2 pounds as month begins.
Periods of activity followed by periods of rest and quiet. -
Month 8- Fetus
About 14-16 inches long, about 2 1/2-3 pounds as month begins.
Weight gain continues rapidly.
May react to loud noises with a reflex jerking action.
Moves into a head-down position. -
Month 8- Mother
Discomfort may result from increased size, backaches, leg cramps, shortness of breath, and fatigue is common.
Fetal kicks may disturb the mother's rest.
AT the beginning of the month, weight gains total of 18-20 pounds. -
Month 9- Mother
Lightening felt as the fetus drops in the pelvis.
Breathing becomes easier.
Other discomforts may continue.
A total weight gain of 25-35 pounds is typical.
False labor pains may be experienced. -
Month 9- Fetus
About 17-18 inches long, 5-6 pounds as month begins.
Weight gains continues until the week of birth. Skin becomes smooth as fat deposits continue. Movements decrease as the fetus has less room to move around. Acquires disease-fighting antibodies from the mother's blood. Descends into pelvis, ready for birth.
