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First Trimester
Early pregnancy.
Most critical stage as all major organs begin to form.
Baby now receives good and harmful substances from the mother. -
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Mother Goes Through Changes
Mother begins to have morning sickness, breast tenderness, increased urination, and fatigue. -
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Weeks 5-8
The embryo is about 1/10 of an inch and the heart of the developing embryo which is exceptionally small begins to beat. -
Heartbeat Can Be Seen
The babies heartbeat can be seen at 6 weeks via ultrasound. -
Heartbeat Can Be Heard
The babies heartbeat can be heard at 9 weeks via doppler. -
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Weeks 9-12
The embryo is about 1/4 inch long and has distinct, slightly webbed fingers.
Veins are clearly visible.
The heart has separated into right and left chambers. -
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Second Trimester
Bone cells replace cartilage.
All parts of the body mature.
Overall size quickly increases.
Referred to as the "best" time in pregnancy for mom.
Baby begins to hear. -
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Weeks 13-16
At the three month mark, the baby is by now 1 inch long and fully formed.
They have started kicking and swallowing.
All organs and muscles are formed and beginning to function. -
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Quickening
Quickening is when the mother feels the baby move for the first time.
Quickening occurs during the 16 to 20 week mark. -
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Weeks 17-20
At four months the baby is 3 inches long.
The baby is covered in lanugo or thick, downy hair.
Their heartbeat can be heard clearly.
When the first kick may happen. -
Week 20
The baby's gender can be detected around week 20. -
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Weeks 21-24
At five months a protective coating known as vernix begins to forms on the baby's skin.
By the end of the month, the baby will be about 7 inches long.
The baby will way about 1/2 a pound. -
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Weeks 25-28
Eyebrows and eyelids are visible.
Babies lungs are filled with amniotic fluid and they have started breathing motions.
They can hear you. -
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Third Trimester
Age of Viability: most babies survive if they were born.
Baby is fully developed.
Just need to mature and grow in order to be ready. -
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Weeks 29-32
At the end of the 7th month, the body is well formed.
Their fingertips have fingernails.
May feel Braxton-Hicks contractions in the 7th month. -
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Weeks 33-36
During the eighth month, the baby is gaining half a pound a week, and layers of fat are piling on.
They have probably turned head-down in preparation for birth.
They weigh about 3-4 lbs. -
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Weeks 37-40
During the ninth month, the placenta provides antibodies to help protect the baby and the lungs are now mature.
Baby gains more weight this month and usually weighs between 7-9 lbs.
The baby is about 19-22 inches when they are born.
They may grow crowded during this month so they may move around less. -
Birth
The baby is born.
