Pregnancy Calendar and Baby Development Month By Month in Womb

Pregnancy Calendar and Baby Development Month By Month in Womb

Expecting your own bundle of joy? Pregnancy is a wonderful phase but extremely intimidating at the same time. To take better care of yourself and your baby-to-be, all you need to do is learn as much as you can about the different stages of pregnancy. Here is a detailed description of what you can expect in each month of your pregnancy or pregnancy calendar.

1st Month 2nd Month 3rd Month
4th Month 5th Month 6th Month
7th Month 8th Month 9th Month

Month by Month Pregnancy Calendar

1. First Month

This stage is different for each woman. During the first month, the mother will experience some of the earliest signs of pregnancy. This is when you don’t experience any major physical changes because you only just discover that you are pregnant.

How the Mom’s Body Changes

  • Nausea or morning sickness is quite common.
  • You may feel more tired than usual because of the hormones.
  • The breasts will seem swollen and tender.
  • You may have to urinate more frequently than usual.
  • You will be more sensitive to certain tastes and smells.

Changes in the Baby

  • The genetic material of the baby is developed which means that you know if it is a boy or a girl.
  • As for the baby, it is called a blastocyst at this stage and is between 1 an 2mm in size.  

What your Prenatal Tests Will Include

  • A pregnancy test is done to confirm your pregnancy.
  • Tests like an internal pelvic exam, pap smear, urine tests and blood tests are done.
  • A medical history of the family is recorded.
  • Overall health including your blood pressure and weight will be checked.
  • You may be prescribed some pregnancy vitamins and supplements.

 

Diet During First Month of Pregnancy

  • Eat a lots of green leafy vegetables like spinach and asparagus.
  • Fruits like oranges, mangoes and pomegranates.
  • Pulses like lentils, beans and peas are important during first month of pregnancy.

 

2. Second Month of Pregnancy

The cells begin to divide fast and the baby begins to take the shape of a little human. There are hormonal changes in the mom’s body with very evident effects.

How the Mom’s Body Changes

  • The nausea, fatigue and sensitivity to smell and taste becomes more intense.
  • You will experience mood swings because of changing hormonal levels.
  • Sex drive or libido becomes lower.

Changes in the Baby

  • The size of the baby is about 1 inch in length.
  • The heart begins to function.
  • The brain and limbs begin to develop.

What your Prenatal Tests Will Include

  • Blood pressure and weight gain is monitored.
  • The blood is tested for HIV and anemia.
  • A urine test is done to check for infections.
  • If needed, genetic testing may be advised.   

Healthy Pregnancy Diet for 2nd Month

  • Nausea is very common during second month so use Lemon Ginger Tea or Honey Lemon Tea.
  • Eat calcium and iron supplements as per doctor’s advice.

 

3. Third Month of Pregnancy

The first trimester ends and the baby is developed fully. The body is still adjusting to the hormonal changes at this stage.

How the Mom’s Body Changes

  • The uterus grows to accommodate the fetus, which leads to the widening of your belly.
  • Pregnancy symptoms like nausea become more pronounced.
  • Food aversion may subside and food cravings will begin at this stage.
  • Mood swings may also subside as the body is getting used to the hormones.

Changes in the Baby

  • The size of the baby is between 2 and 4 inches in length.
  • All the organs and limbs are developed.
  • The limbs begin to move.
  • Even the fingernails begin to develop.

What your Prenatal Tests Will Include

  • The heartbeat of the baby is recorded for the first time.
  • CVS or chronic villus sampling is conducted to check for genetic disorders like Down syndrome and sickle cell anemia.

 

 

FETAL DEVELOPMENT CHART

Stage wise development of fetus (0-9 months)

4. Fourth Month of Pregnancy

This is when the body becomes accustomed to the hormonal changes. The common pregnancy symptoms reduce.

How the Mom’s Body Changes

  • This is when a sensation called “quickening” is experienced. The mother will be able to feel the baby move for the first time.
  • The energy levels increase.
  • The hormones are more stable.
  • Moodiness diminishes at this stage.
  • Libido or sex drive increases.
  • Your baby bump will become bigger and you may not fit into most of your old clothes.

Changes in the Baby

  • The baby is 5 to 6 inches in length.
  • The weight of the baby is close to 100 grams.
  • The lungs are still developing.
  • The heart and the face are formed completely.
  • The baby will open his or her eyes.
  • Suckling movements of the mouth begin at this stage.

What your Prenatal Tests Will Include

  • Regular tests such as the heartbeat and the size of the baby are conducted.
  • The mother’s weight and blood pressure is monitored.
  • The urine is tested for protein and sugar.
  • An ultrasound is performed at this stage to determine fetal age.
  • The Alpha-Feto Protein Test is conducted in the 16th week to check for any neural defects.
  • An Amniocentesis may be recommended to check for genetic defects.

 

5. Fifth Month of Pregnancy

This is when the baby is developing rapidly. The mother feels normal in terms of energy levels and general health during this stage. Of course, the fetus gets heavier which may lead to physical stress.

How the Mom’s Body Changes

  • The mother will gain between 2 to 7 kgs by this stage.
  • The uterus is larger in size.
  • Appetite increases.
  • Some mothers may experience fatigue because of the weight of the baby.
  • The heart begins to pump more blood.
  • Constipation is common during this stage. Make sure you check with your doctor if you experience this issue.
  • Some women become more forgetful during this stage.

Changes in the Baby

  • The baby is between 6 to 9 inches in length.
  • The weight of the baby doubles and is between 200 and 300g
  • This is when the teeth buds and fingerprints develop.
  • In case of girls, the ovaries develop at this stage, making it possible to determine the gender.

What your Prenatal Tests Will Include

  • General monitoring including weight and heartbeat.
  • Mother’s blood pressure, weight and urine is tested.
  • A second ultrasound is usually recommended.

 

6. Sixth Month of Pregnancy

You can now actually feel the baby moving and growing inside you. It is the most wonderful phase as you begin to prepare for the last trimester.

How the Mom’s Body Changes

  • The uterus is resting just above the belly button.
  • As the skin around the belly stretches, it can become itchy.
  • Some mid-pregnancy symptoms like leg cramps, heartburn, constipation and bleeding gums may be experienced.
  • You will gain about ½ kg each week at this stage. This can lead to varicose veins or even hemorrhoids. Make sure you consult your doctor in either case.
  • Take enough rest as you will begin to experience more fatigue.

Changes in the Baby

  • The baby weights about 500g and is close to 10 inches in length.
  • The eyes open and close.
  • The vocal cords begin to function.
  • Other features like the eyebrows are developed.

Read Also: Recipes for Chia Seeds

What your Prenatal Tests Will Include

  • General monitoring of the mother and baby.
  • You may be tested for gestational diabetes.

 

7. Seventh Month of Pregnancy

The mother needs ample rest at this stage as she approaches the final trimester.  

How the Mom’s Body Changes

  • Cramping of the hands and feet.
  • Joints begin to feel looser.
  • Some women may experience Braxton Hicks contractions.

Changes in the Baby

  • The sensory organs begin to function.
  • The brain and nervous system develop faster.
  • The baby is close to 12 inches in length and is about 1-3kilos in weight.

What your Prenatal Tests Will Include

  • General monitoring of the baby and mother.
  • Rh Negative women will require a Rhogam Shot.
  • The number of check-ups increase.

 

8. Eighth Month

This is when the development of the baby is extremely fast. Fatigue and irritation may surface at this time.

Changes in the Mom’s Body

  • Mothers will experience discomfort as the baby pushes against her organs.
  • The baby drops lower leading to pelvic pressure
  • Issues like heartburn and indigestion are more pronounced.

Changes in the Baby

  • The brain waves of the fetus are similar to a newborn.
  • The brain and lungs continue to develop.
  • The baby will turn head down by the end of the month usually.
  • The baby is about 12 inches long and about 2.5kg in weight.

What your Prenatal Tests Will Include

  • General monitoring of the mother and baby.
  • An ultrasound may be recommended to check the position of the baby.

9. Ninth Month of Pregnancy

This is the last leg of your pregnancy. Emotions run high during this phase as you eagerly await the baby’s arrival.

Changes in the Mom’s Body

The baby descends into the pelvis allowing the mother to breathe more easily.

Sleep is disturbed because of the size of the baby and the anxiety of giving birth.

Nesting instincts become strong as you prepare for the baby’s arrival.

Changes in the Baby

  • The lungs become more mature.
  • The layer of hair protecting the baby will begin to shed.
  • The brain grows the most at this stage.
  • The baby is close to 21 inches in length and weighs between 3-4kgs

What your Prenatal Tests Will Include

  • Monitoring of baby and the mother.
  • Cervical test is conducted to check for any dilation.
  • Vaginal and rectal swabs are taken to check for any infection.
  • Weekly visits for tests become mandatory.

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