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Conception - 1 Month
The egg meets the sperm and fertilize. The egg begins to develop many cells quickly. It makes its way through the fallopian tube to the uterus.
During conception the mother does not feel anything going on. Her uterine wall might be shedding.
Tips- Exercising and trying to maintain your body weight. Try to reduce the amount of stress you have. -
Month 1
The cells begin to form what is called a zygote. It implants itself into the wall of the uterus. The placenta is beginning to form.
The mother may feel nausea and have cramps. She might feel tired or have fatigue. She might also have spotting from the zygote implanting into the uterus.
Tips- Exercising, especially walking, can help because it does not cause strain. Getting a good amount of sleep or increasing how many hours you sleep. Eat often but make sure it is not a lot of food. -
Month 2
The baby is now turning into what is called an embryo. It is making a million new cells every minute. They are forming the organs of the baby.
The uterus is starting to expand for the baby. The mother will have to start to going to the bathroom because the uterus is pushing on the bladder. Morning sickness will start to occur very often in the second month.
Tips- Go to the doctor to make sure the baby is healthy and developing normally. Familiarize yourself with what to eat and not to eat. -
Month 3
The baby is now called a fetus. It is growing fingers and toes as well as fingernails and toenails.. The face of the baby has also formed.
The mother will start to feel very tired during this month of pregnancy. There might be a slight rounding in the abdomen. Your digestion slows down so there will be some bloating.
Tips- Have a well-rounded, healthy diet to help cope with the morning sickness. Always stay hydrated. Start to look into birth classes depending on what kind of birth you want. -
Month 4
The bones of the baby are starting to harden. He/she is growing hair as well as eyebrows and eyelashes. The outer ears are starting to develop.
Dark blotches or spots might start to show up on the mother, especially on her face. Morning sickness has most likely gone away by now. The mother might not feel as tired as she did before.
Tips- Eat lots of protein because it is essential for growth and development. Start talking or singing to the baby. Continue to eat well. -
Month 5
The baby develops a thick white substance called vernix to protect his/her skin. The bones and muscles are developed now. It can also kick and move around.
The mother may start to notice stretch marks. Her feet and ankles are swelling. She gets especially hungry this month of pregnancy.
Tips- Now is a good time to start setting up the nursery. Try to avoid sweets and junk food. Try to not gain too much weight, as it is unhealthy for you and your baby. -
Month 6
The head of the baby is nearly proportional to the body. He/she is starting to gain fat to keep him/her warm. He/she is producing white blood cells to help fight diseases.
Heartburn is common for this month of pregnancy. The mother might also start to feel Braxton Hicks contractions to help prepare for labor. Cramps should be familiar by now.
Tips- Use pregnancy skin care products to help fade stretch marks. Keep eating on a healthy diet. Eat foods that are rich in fiber for hemorrhoids. -
Month 7
The brain and nervous system are growing fast. The lungs are now beginning to function. The hearing is now fully developed.
Mother feels short of breath sometimes because the uterus is above the navel now. She might have trouble sleeping at this stage. She may be clumsy and out of balance because the baby is growing big.
Tips- Eat a variety of foods. See doctor more frequently until baby is born for check ups. Avoid loud noises that may startle the baby. -
Month 8
The baby is pretty much completely formed by now. The lungs and brain are still developing. The baby is probably not moving around as much because the space is cramped.
The mother experiences more Braxton Hicks contractions. Heartburn occurs because of the relaxed muscles. She will start taking more trips to the bathroom because the bladder is being pressed on.
Tips- Small, frequent meals to help digestion. Take prenatal supplements. Try sleeping with a pregnancy pillow. -
Month 9
Baby is fully formed and getting ready to go outside the womb. She/he is gaining weight. Her/his reflexes are coordinated.
The mother is uncomfortable a lot of the time. Breasts may start to get more tender. During the last few days of pregnancy, she will often feel energetic.
Tips- Eat healthy and stay hydrated. Plan ahead if your going to breastfeed. Get as much rest as you can. -
Delivery
Umbilical cord is clamped. Pressure in the lungs of the baby drop. Blood starts flowing normally.
The mother is now going into labor. She will have contractions. She will start to push the baby out.
Tips- Let the baby work its way down. Try to be calm and patient. Try keeping blood pressure down.
