|
PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT |
EFFECTS ON MOTHER |
| During the First Month |
Cell multiplication begins.
The fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus.
Internal organs and the circulatory system begin to form. The heart begins to beat.
By the end of the month, small bumps indicate the beginning of arms and legs. |
Missed menstrual period.
Other signs of pregnancy may not yet be noticeable. |
| During the Second Month |
At five weeks, the embryo is only about 1/4 inch (6mm) long.
Face, eyes, ears, and limbs take shape.
Bones begin to form.
Internal organs continue to develop. |
Breasts begin to swell.
Pressure on bladder from enlarging uterus results in need to urinate more frequently.
Possible nausea ("morning sickness")
Fatigue is common. |
| During the Third Month |
As this month begins, the fetus is about 1 inch (25mm) long.
Nostrils, mouth, lips, teeth buds, and eyelids form.
Fingers and toes are almost complete.
All organs are present, although immature. |
Breasts become firmer and fuller and may ache.
Nausea, fatigue, and frequent urination may continue.
Abdomen becomes slightly larger. The uterus has grown to about the size of an orange.
Weight gain totals 2-4 pounds. |
| During the Fourth Month |
At the beginning of this month, the fetus is about 3 inches (76mm) long and weighs about 1 ounce.
The fetus can suck its thumb, swallow, hiccup, and move around.
Facial features become clearer. |
Size change continues slowly.
Most discomforts of early pregnancy are usually gone by this time.
Appetite increases. |
| During the Fifth Month |
As this month begins, the fetus is about 6 1/2-7 inches (16-18 cm) long and weighs about 4-5 ounces.
Hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows appear.
Teeth continue to develop.
Organs are maturing.
The fetus becomes more active. |
Enlarged abdomen becomes apparent.
Slight fetal movements are felt.
Fetal heartbeat may be heard through a stethoscope.
Increased size may begin to affect posture. |
| During the Sixth Month |
The fetus is now about 8-10 inches long and weighs about 8-12 ounces.
Fat is being deposited under the skin, but the fetus still appears wrinkled.
Breathing movements begin. |
Fetal movements are now sensed as strong kicks, thumps, and bumps. Some may be visible.
Weight gain by the beginning of this month may total 10-12 pounds. |
| During the Seventh Month |
The fetus is about 10-12 inches long and weighs about 1 1/2-2 pounds.
Periods of fetal activity are followed by periods of rest and quiet. |
Increased size may begin to affect posture. |
| During the Eighth Month |
Weight gain continues rapidly. The fetus is about 14-16 inches long and weighs about 2 1/2-3 pounds.
The fetus may react to loud noises with a reflex jerking action.
In most cases, the fetus moves into a head-down position. |
There may be discomfort as size increases. Backache, leg cramps, shortness of breath, and fatigue are common.
Fetal kicks continue to be felt; they may disturb the mother's rest.
At the beginning of this month, weight gain totals about 18-20 pounds. |
| During the Ninth Month |
At the beginning of the final month, the fetus is about 17-18 inches long and weighs about 5-6 pounds. Weight gain continues until the week before birth.
Skin becomes smooth as fat deposits continue.
Fetal movements decrease as the fetus has less room to move around.
The fetus acquires disease-fighting antibodies from the mother's blood.
The fetus descends into the pelvis, ready for birth. |
"Lightening" is felt as the fetus drops into the pelvis. Breathing becomes easier.
Other discomforts of late pregnancy may continue.
A total weight gain of 24-30 pounds is typical. The uterus is the size of a small watermelon by the time of birth.
False labor pains may be experienced. |
