Pregnancy Week-by-Week, Pregnancy Week-by-Week Guide, Week-by-Week Pregnancy
Being pregnant is an intensely intimate and personal experience, and you will most likely be very interested in what changes are happening to you and your baby on a week-by-week basis.
There is an excellent detailed pregnancy calendars available on the Internet, or from your midwife or local medical centres, but here are some of the key points along the various stages of pregnancy:
* Week 4 – The fertilised egg has completed the weeklong progress through to the uterus, and now implants into the endometrial surface. At this stage the egg is called a blastocyst, and by the 4th week it has split into two, one part forming the placenta and the other will become the embryo. The umbilical cord also begins to form at this stage.
* Week 13 – This is the beginning of the second trimester, and the risk of early miscarriage should now be greatly reduced. Also the mother should begin to feel more energized and less nausea all the time. The foetus will now measure about 7cm and will have doubled in weight to around 1-2 oz. The intestines have been developing outside the body, but now move into the abdomen and serious growth begins, with the vocal cords and many reflexes developing, and the foetus will begin to move around inside the uterus.
* Week 26 – You are now moving into the third trimester and because of the increase in pregnancy hormones you may find you will experience some dental problems, so make sure you have a dental check up during this time and follow good dental hygiene practices. It is also a good idea to ensure you get the required daily intakes of calcium and vitamins B, C and D – which should also help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. You may also find that the increasing weight of the baby begins to become uncomfortable and you may have trouble sleeping or standing/sitting for long periods of time. The baby will be very active around week 26, as it is still relatively small and has room for movement. It may jump in response to sudden noises or bright light, and can also respond to touch. By now the baby will be around 23cm long and weight about 1lb 12 oz.
* Week 28 – Around this week your baby will open its eyes for the first time, and serious growth continues, weighing in now at around 2lb and 4oz. You will find that your muscles and joints are loosening in preparation for the birth and so your coordination will be a little off, so take care when you are out and about not to trip over or bump into things.
* Week 38 – The baby is now preparing for the birth by settling into the pelvis, and you may feel a few twinges as its head rests against nerves in this area. The baby will also start to slow down around this time and you should keep a track of its movements, as when these drop off altogether it is a sign birth is imminent. Also you may lose the mucus plug that has been blocking the cervix from infection at this time, and this indicates labour will start within the next seven days or so. The baby’s lanugo and vernix (fine hair and creamy substance protecting the growing skin) will disappear this week, and by now the baby should have begun to reach its target birth weight, and should be around 6-7lbs.
* Week 40 – The baby is now fully developed and ready to go, weighing around 7-8lbs. Labour can come at anytime now, but many women give birth a week or two early, or even late. If you do pass your due date, your doctor will only suggested inducement if they are concerned about the baby’s health, as due dates are not always completely accurate. Keep eating healthy, rest as much as you can as the babies weight will be very tiring and try to stay close to home or near transport, as it is only a matter of time now!