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Summary of Conception
The ovary releases an egg, or ovum, that travels through the fallopian tubes. The sperm meets the ovum there. Next, the sperm through a process called conception. Next, the zygote implants itself in the uterus. -
Implantation
This is when the zygote attaches itself inside the uterin wall. It is then covered by that lining. Despite the rapid growth of the zygote, it's only the size of the head of a pin. -
Conception
The sperm meets the ovum in the fallopian tubes, creating a fertilized egg that will plant itself in the uterine line. -
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Germinal Stage
The first stage in the baby's development. Includes the formation of the zygote, or fertilized egg. Weeks 1 and 2. -
Cell Divison
While the zygote is still in the Fallopian tube, it begins to grow by cell division. This is when a single cell splits into two cells, then four cells, then eight cells, and so on. -
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The Embryonic Stage
The second stage of pregnancy. The baby is now called an embryo. Weeks 3 through 8. -
Month One
-A woman will miss her mentrual period
-Other signs of pregnancy may not be noticeable quite yet. -
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The Fetal Stage
This is the last stage of pregnancy. At this point, the baby is called a fetus. Week 9 through birth. -
Month Two
-Breasts begin to swell.
-Pressure on bladder from enlarging uterus results in need to urinate more frequently.
-Possible nausea or "morning sickness."
-Fatigue is also common. -
Month Three
-Breasts become firmer and fuller. They may ache.
-Nausea, fatigue, and frequent urination may continue.
-Abdomen becomes slightly larger. The uterus is about the size of an orange.
-Weight gain may total 2-4 pounds. -
Month Four
-Abdomen continues to grow slowly.
-Most discomforts of early pregnancy, such as morning sickness, are usually gone.
-Appetite increases. -
The mother feels the baby kick
The mother begins feeling the baby kick around week 18 (between 4 &5 mos.) Telling the doctor is important because it helps them predict how old the baby is and whether or not it is developing normally. -
Month Five
-Enlarged abdomen becomes apparent.
-Slight fetal movements felt.
-Increased size may begin to affect posture. -
Month Six
-Fetal movements sensed as strong kicks, thumps, and bumps. Some may even be visible.
-Weight gain by the beginning of this month may total 10-12 pounds. -
Month Seven
-Increased size may begin to affect a woman's posture. -
Baby is able to live outside the womb
The baby is able to live outside the womb at 7 weeks; however, it could be fatal to the baby. Some are so small and weak that they need to live in the NICU to survive. -
Month Eight
-Discomfort may result from increased size. Backache, leg cramps, shortness of breath, and fatigue are common.
-Fetal kicks may disturb the mother's rest.
-At the beginning of this month, weight gain totals about 18-20 pounds. -
Month Nine
-"Lightening" felt as the fetus drops into the pelvis. Breathing becomes easier.
-Other discomforts may continue.
-A total weight gain of 25-25 pounds is typical.
-False labor pains may be experienced. -
The arrival of the baby/ average pregnancy length
Towards the end of pregnancy, the babies weight starts shifting down into the birth canal. This is called lightening. Usually the fetus is upside down, with the head nestled in the mother's pelvis; the easiest and safest place for a baby. However, sometimes the baby is breeched, meaning the heads not down which usually results in cesarean section. Soon the muscles of the uterus begin to stretch for the baby. They will go back to normal approximately 6 weeks after delivery.
