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Month 1
The embryo is about the size of a pin head. The first month is a critical stage for the spinal cord and brain. The internal organs and circulatory system starts to form, and the heart will start to beat. The mother might have slight symptoms such as nausea and tiredness, but she will most likely not realize she is pregnant until she has a missed period.
http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/service/maternity/pregnancy-month-by-month/
Child Development Text book -
Month 2
The embryo is about 1/4 inch. The face, ears, and limbs begin to take shape. The bones will begin to form, but will not be strong. The mother will have more symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, moodiness, and hormone changes.
http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/service/maternity/pregnancy-month-by-month/
Child Development Text book -
Month 3
The embryo will now be around 3 inches. The nostrils, eyelids, and lips will form. All organs are made at this time, but they are still very immature. The mother's middle may start to grow, she will be moody, and she will avoid certain foods out of instinct to keep her baby safe.
http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/service/maternity/pregnancy-month-by-month/
Child Development Text book -
Month 4
The embryo will be about 3 inches in the 4th month of pregnancy. The baby will be able to suck its own thumb, swallow, hiccup and move around. Facial features will start to become more clear. The mother will have less nausea and her hormones will stabilize, but she might have heartburn.
http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/service/maternity/pregnancy-month-by-month/
Child Development Text book -
Month 5
The fetus will be 6 1/2 to 7 inches. Hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows will start to grow and appear. The organs will mature and the teeth will begin to form in the gums. The mother will have gained from 5 to 15 pounds. Her appetite will increase, and she will start to forget things often.
http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/service/maternity/pregnancy-month-by-month/
Child Development Text book -
Month 6
The fetus is 8 to 10 inches. Fat deposits under the skin, but the fetus is still wrinkled. The fetus starts to do a breathing movement. The mother has a large stomach, heartburn, cramps. The mother will gain a pound a week on average.
http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/service/maternity/pregnancy-month-by-month/
Child Development Text book -
Month 7
The baby is 10 to 12 inches long. The baby will have periods of inactivity followed by rest and quiet. The baby can taste and hear at this point. Mothers might start having Braxton Hicks contraction, which are contractions that don't have a purpose in childbirth. They don't speed up or slow down the process.
http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/service/maternity/pregnancy-month-by-month/
Child Development Text book -
Month 8
The baby is 14 to 16 inches. The child may react to loud noises with a jerking action. The baby's head will be turned towards the mother's pelvis. The mother will have discomfort because of the lack of room, and the baby might be in her ribs and organs. The mother will experience more Braxton Hicks contractions.
http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/service/maternity/pregnancy-month-by-month/
Child Development Text book -
Month 9
The baby will be 17 to 18 inches. The baby's skin becomes smooth as fat grows under the skin more. The baby will develop disease-fighting antibodies in this last month. The mother won't be able to sleep as well because she will be highly uncomfortable and have high levels of anxiety.
http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/service/maternity/pregnancy-month-by-month/
Child Development Text book -
5 Birth Defects
- Muscular dystrophy: progressive weakness and shrinking of the muscles
- Clef palate: gap in the roof of the mouth
- Spina bifida: incompletely formed spinal cord
- cerebral palsy: child is slow to develop motor skills
- cystic fibrosis: very salty sweat and a cough that doesn't go away
