Changes During Pregnancy

During conception…

Sperm and egg unite after sexual intercourse.

During conception…

Sperm that enter the uterus quickly swim into the Fallopian tubes.

During conception…

If an ovum is present, the sperm swarm the ovum and try to break through the surface.

During conception…

• Once the ovum has been fertilized, it attaches to the wall of the uterus.

• Menstruation stops until the pregnancy is over.

During conception…

The male determines the sex of the child.

Fetal DevelopmentMonth by Month

First Month• By the end of the two

weeks, the zygote is about the size of a pin head.

• The heart, which is no larger than a poppy seed, has begun beating.

• Egg has attached itself to the lining of the uterus.

Development of the baby…

• Egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.

• Called a zygote until it attaches to the lining of the uterus then becomes an embryo.

Changes in the mother…

• Missed period• Enlarged breasts• Frequent urination

First Month

Two Months

• The embryo is about 1/4 inch long and has distinct, slightly webbed fingers.

• Face, eyes, ears, and limb have developed.

• Veins are clearly visible. • Heart has divided into right

and left chambers.• Changes into an embryo at

the end of eight weeks.

Changes in the mother…

•Swelling of breasts•Increased urination due to

pressure on bladder•Nausea (“morning sickness”)

Two Months

Three Months

• By now the fetus is 1 inch long and is fully formed.

• He has begun swallowing and kicking.

• All organs and muscles have formed and are beginning to function.

Changes in the mother…

• Breasts become firmer and fuller, may ache

• Nausea, fatigue• Frequent urination may continue• Abdomen becomes slightly larger (the

uterus is the size of an orange)• Weight gain may total 2-4 lbs.

Four Months

• Baby is covered with a layer of thick, downy hair called lanugo.

• His heartbeat can be heard clearly. This is when you may feel your baby's first kick.

• Size about 3 inches long, weighs 1 ounce.

Changes in the mother…

• Appetite increases• Morning sickness

is usually gone• Abdomen

continues to grow slowly

4 months

Five Months

• A protective coating

called vernix caseosa begins to form on baby's skin. At this time the baby is about 6 ½-7 inches long and weigh almost 4-5 ounces.

5 months: Changes in the mother…

• Enlarged abdomen becomes apparent

• Increased size may begin to affect posture

• Slight fetal movements felt

Six Months

• Eyebrows and eyelids are visible.

• The baby's lungs are filled with amniotic fluid, and he/she has started breathing motions.

• If the mother talks or sings, the baby can hear.

• 8-10 inches, about 8-12 ounces.

Six Months: Changes in the mother…

• Fetal movements are sensed as strong kicks, thumps, and bumps

• Weight gain may total 10-12 pounds at the beginning of the month.

6 Months

Seven Months

• At the beginning of the seventh month, the baby weighs about 1 ½ pounds and is about 14-16 inches long

• His body is well-formed• Fingernails cover his

fingertips

Eight Months

• Fetus is gaining about half a pound per week, and layers of fat are piling on.

• He/she has probably turned head-down in preparation for birth.

• He weighs between 2 1/2 and 3 pounds.

Eight Months: Changes in the mother…

• Discomfort may result from increased size of abdominal area

• Backache, fatigue, leg cramps, shortness of breath

• Fetal kicks may disturb mother’s rest• Weight gain totals about 18-20 pounds

at start of the month

Nine Months

• Fetus is a hefty 5 to 6 pounds and measures between 17 and 18 inches. As he becomes more crowded, the mother may feel him move around less.

Ninth Month: Changes in the mother…

• “Lightening” felt as the fetus drops into the pelvis and decreases pressure on mother’s organs

• False labor pains may be experienced• A total weight gain of 25-35 lbs. is

typical• Other discomfort may continue

Revised 10/15/10 K. Brown