Download - Pregnancy Week By Week Guide
The average length of full term pregnancy in women is counted as 40 weeks (280 days). But the period an
unborn baby spends in its mother’s womb is 38 weeks. This difference is because conception generally
occurs after two weeks from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period (LMP).
That is, when you are actually thinking of that lovely baby growing inside you for the first time, you are
already two weeks pregnant.
Pregnancy or the gestation period in women is divided into three trimesters:
First trimester – From conception week 12
Second Trimester – Week 12 to week 24
Third trimester – Week 24 to week 40
Forward, find out what is happening with you and the baby in these stages, week by week.
Symptoms in 1 Week Pregnant Women
A full term pregnancy that lasts for 40 weeks is divided into
13-week trimesters that typically start from day one of your last
menstrual period. That is, when the physician says that you are
10 weeks pregnant, then the period of conception is
approximately 8 weeks ago. Most women are
unaware of the fact that the first week is mostly confined to
ovulation and fertilization.
1 week pregnant
You don’t notice much of the changes
as there is no releasing of the egg in
week one. In the first week, the
menstrual cycle stops and the uterine
lining starts building and thickening
to receive the egg that is ready for
The first day of your pregnancy is the first day of your last
menstrual cycle. As ovulation generally occurs two weeks after
that, most women conceive during this time. Just keep in mind
that when you are actually thinking of that lovely baby growing
Many women experience very few or no symptoms at all during
the first week of pregnancy as most of this time is consumed by
ovulation and fertilization. But mild cramping and increased
amounts of clear discharge are considered the most common
symptoms experienced by women. Increased
fatigue, tenderness in the breasts and some sort of metallic taste
1 week pregnant
fertilization. And the actual development of the fetus starts from
week 3 onwards.
inside your mind for the first time, you are already two weeks
pregnant.
in the mouth are also the signs of carrying.
Start living healthy, adopt healthy lifestyle habits and start taking
prenatal vitamins and other essential vitamin supplements to give
a good start to thenew life.
The due date for the baby’s arrival can be estimated based on
the woman’s LMP during her first prenatal visit to the healthcare
provider. However, charting could be a little difficult as not all
women have the same cycles. But an ultra sound can give you the
exact arrival day as well as an exact picture of the little one.
Week 2 of Your Pregnancy and the Changes in You
But as your pregnancy begins when your egg was fertilized
about 14-18 days ago, you are actually 2 weeks pregnant. This
is because ovulation occurs around 14-18 of a woman’s cycle.
The first day of the menstrual period is the first cycle day. The
cycle may last about 5-7 days. Then, after a week, the ovaries
prepare to release the egg. But the ovulation occurs between
day 14 and day 18 of that cycle if the sperm is waiting for the
egg at the top of the fallopian tube. As the sperm can survive
up to 5 days, the fertilization could start as soon as the egg is
released.
Women’s cycle varies greatly from the average. To know the
approximate length of your cycle is necessary to know the time
frame of your pregnancy. For example, a woman of a normal
cycle of 4 weeks is actually when the doctor
informs her that she is 4 weeks pregnant. But with a woman
whose cycle is typically 5 weeks, then you would say that she is
4 weeks pregnant.
2 weeks pregnant
Counting the pregnancy weeks also depends on how long you
waited after the missing period. However, what is most important
is to enjoy your pregnancy and have a good diet that will help the
development of the baby.
A woman’s uterine lining starts to thicken when she is
. It is also the time when the uterus begins preparing a
tissue to house the embryo. Measuring how long you have been
pregnant depends on how you keep track of the menstruation
cycle. The usual count of the pregnancy from the first day of
your last menstrual cycle makes you about 4-5 weeks pregnant
by the time your next period is missed.
2 weeks
pregnant
Week 3 of Pregnancy – The Beginning of Fertilization
When you are , the sperm comes into contact
with the egg inside the fallopian tube and the fertilization occurs.
But you are not even aware that you have conceived as you
didn’t miss a period. Week 3 is the actual beginning of
pregnancy and also the time when the gender of the baby is
determined.
3 weeks pregnant
During this week, the amniotic fluid starts collecting around
the cells that comprise the embryo. It helps in cushioning your
baby during the entire nine months of pregnancy.
Week 3 of pregnancy is the time when doctors usually prescribe
folic acid tablets as it helps in preventing the baby from defects.
During this t ime your baby is growing remarkably fast but is
st i l l too small to detect with the naked eye. But i t wi l l change
rapidly in the weeks that come. I t starts developing i ts head,
spinal chord and the gastrointest inal tract.
You wil l even notice that your waist l ine is expanding but you
shouldn’t fear the weight gain that is inevitable at this t ime.
In fact, i t is very natural and healthy to gain weight during
pregnancy as much of i t is due to the growing placenta,
amniot ic f luid, and the f luid col lect ing in the t issue and the
baby. The weight gain is also because of the accumulat ion of
the maternal fat that helps in support ing the breastfeeding.
The third week of pregnancy is the t ime when a lot of changes
are about to occur in your body. Appreciate these changes
and remember that they help in support ing you and the baby
throughout your pregnancy
Some women experience slight
spotting and bleeding because
of the fertilized egg moving into
the uterus. They may even
experience nausea but there is
nothing to worry about.
Your Baby’s Growth and Development in Week 4 of Pregnancy
When you are your baby is about ½ to 1 mm
long. Quite an accomplishment for the little one! It will now start
imbedding itself deeper into the uterus lining as the amniotic
cavity and the placenta is beginning to form.
4 weeks pregnant,
The week 4 which marks 1 month of pregnancy is actually very
crucial for the woman and her baby as this is the time when the
fetus is prone to different kinds of abnormalities.
I t is thus very important that the mother takes utmost care of
herself by start ing to take a healthy and well-balanced diet.
The placenta helps in transporting the oxygen and nutrients to
the baby from vascular networks and blood from your body.
is the time when your baby starts
developing its organs as different layers of cells develop in
your body.
Week 4 of pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms are greater in the fourth week. Morning
sickness, dizziness, and tender or sore breasts are some of
the common symptoms during the fourth week. Other
symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and mood swings may
also occur during this t ime.Week 4 of pregnancy is the t ime when, along with placenta,
the umbil ical cord develops which helps in supplying oxygen
and other nourishments to the fetus. That warns you to be
extra careful about your nutr i t ion during pregnancy.
This is the t ime when she
needs a lot of rest and
should give up smoking and
d r i n k i n g . I t i s e v e n
r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t y o u
schedule an appointment
with your obstetr ician.
Prenatal care is very important during the ini t ial weeks of
pregnancy that are crucial for your baby’s development.
Complications to Avoid in Week 5 of Pregnancy
Rapid changes occur in both the mother and her baby when she
is . The embryo now starts forming its limbs
and ears. The eyes begin to appear and the head starts forming
mouth and nostrils. Your baby’s tiny heart has formed and has
begun to beat and pump blood. This week, the baby will also
have the first of the many growth spurts.
5 weeks pregnant
Symptoms such as morning sickness, nausea, dizziness and
soreness in the breasts are all continued even in the fifth week
and some women may also experience mood swings. The
need to urinate more frequently is also one of the symptoms
and this is caused due to the growing size of the uterus.
This is the time when early pregnancy complications such as
ectopic pregnancy occur. It happens mostly when the fertilized
egg implants outside the uterus instead of imbedding itself into
the uterus. Measuring the levels of HCG is the best way to
diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. Other complications such as a
blighted ovum or a molar pregnancy lead to miscarriage.
I t i s impor tan t to adapt a hea l thy l i fes ty le to avo id a l l these
po ten t ia l compl ica t ions . However, i f you exper ience any
abnormal symptoms even a f te r sw i tch ing to a hea l thy d ie t
and a good nu t r i t ious food, make sure tha t you contac t your
obs te t r i c ian or your hea l thcare prov ider immedia te ly.
The baby also begins forming its
skeleton by the end of the fifth week
of pregnancy. On the whole, the
baby will have a distinct shape by the
end of this week.
Fact of being 5 weeks pregnant
Instead of consuming coffee, better make a habit of drinking
steamed milk. Taking a soothing drink will help you avoid nausea
and continue with your morning rituals. Also drinking milk is
beneficial for your baby as your baby will get enough calcium for
proper growth of its bones, nails and teeth, especially now that you
are 5 weeks pregnant.
Pregnancy Week 6 – Changes in You and the Baby
The main thing that your healthcare provider wants to discuss
with you when you are is your diet. Your baby
has begun to develop all its vital organs in its fifth week and it is
now time to provide all the nourishment it needs to grow up
healthy.
6 weeks pregnant
In this week, your baby’s brain starts to develop and divides
itself into its 3 regions. Other physical features also develop
and are completely surrounded by the amniotic sac. The heart
starts beating at the rate of 100-150 beats per minute and you
can even feel it.
Experts say that your baby starts making its first movement
during week 6 but they are so light that a mother is unable to
feel the movements. As all the organs are developing rapidly,
this is the time – as is the entire time of your pregnancy – that
you take utmost care of your diet.
Fol ic acid intake should be cont inued unt i l the f i rst t r imester
of your pregnancy as i t helps in the development of al l the
organs of your baby.
You will have some weight gain in the sixth week of your
pregnancy and the uterus will start growing.
The sixth week is also the time when most miscarriages occur.
So, if you do notice any abnormal spotting or bleeding, your
healthcare provider should be contacted immediately.
Breakfast cereals, k idney beans, broccol i , and whole wheat
breads and pastas are al l r ich in fol ic acid and are especial ly
important for pregnant woman. However, a 400 mcg tablet is
seen as a subst i tute by many carrying women.
Increased Symptoms in Week 7 of Pregnancy
As you are now, your baby is visible through an
ultrasound scan as it has quadrupled its size since conception.
Of course, sometimes embryos can be seen from as early as
six weeks. The baby’s nerves start functioning in the seventh
week and it is even able to open its mouth.
7 weeks pregnant
Another important factor in week 7 is that your baby develops
its muscle systems and is producing its own blood. This is
because the baby’s liver is working to produce red blood cells.
Symptoms l ike mood swings, d izz iness, nausea, morning
s ickness, and f requent ur inat ion may st i l l cont inue and the
tenderness in the breasts pers ists. Const ipat ion is a lso a
problem in many women dur ing th is t ime and hence they are
advised to dr ink a lot of water.
Vomit ing becomes severe and there might a lso be chances
of weight loss which is due to the hormonal changes in the
body. Whi le you can’ t avoid these changes occurr ing ins ide
your body, you can re l ieve them to some extent by doing
some s imple th ings.
As the baby starts developing major organs, it is essential that
you manage the cravings that occur during this time and avoid
substances that might prove harmful for you or the baby.
Wh i le the pa in can be subs ided a l i t t l e by tak ing Ty leno l ,
med i ta t ion and yoga a re cons idered bene f i c ia l du r ing the
en t i re p regnancy.
Eating food rich in nutrients
and green leafy vegetable
is good to make up for the
lost nutrients in your body.
It is also good for the
development of the baby as
the food you consume
during the entire pregnancy
will have a lot of effect on
the development of your
baby.
Baby’s Development of Organs in Week 8 of Pregnancy
Your baby is starting to look a little bit more human as you are
now Its upper lip, ears, eyelids and nose are
forming rapidly. It will also start developing its toes and fingers
this week. The baby stretches and causes some sort of
discomfort for you.
8 weeks pregnant.
Though you are and your uterus is continuo-
-usly growing to accommodate the little one, it is likely that
you are not showing much on the outside. It is hard to believe
but your baby is now the size of a grape fruit even though it has
developed all the vital organs that we all have.
8 weeks pregnant
The chances of showing out are more if you are carrying twins
or triplets as your babies will take more room in the uterus.
You might have even noticed that your breasts are slightly
enlarged. Breast growth continues throughout the pregnancy
as the breasts prepare to make breast milk for the baby.
Back pain is also a common discomfort during this time as the
growing uterus is putting pressure on your lower back.
Although pregnancy presents various challenges, it’s a
wonderful journey for you and the little one. And it is very
important to let your doctor know how you are doing to help
you make your pregnancy more relaxing.
The brain development is rapid
th i s week mak ing the head
appear slightly big. The nerve
cells are beginning to connect
with one another. The heart is
now divided into 4 chambers and
is pumping blood throughout the
body. The umbilical is completely
formed connecting you both through the placenta. Facts about being 8 weeks pregnant
Good prenatal care is very much essential for the health
and safe delivery of your baby. So, make sure that the
prenatal appointments are your top priority
Pregnancy Week 9 – Can You Hear the Heartbeat?
You are reaching at the end of the f irst tr imester when you are
. And of course there are notable changes
inside both of you. Breast soreness and tenderness increase
along with the increase in the breast size. Chances are that
they wil l grow even more as the breast t issue wil l grow during
pregnancy probably to let the milk come in later.
9 weeks pregnant
Your baby too is having a lot of physical changes and is growing
rapidly. Its fingers are well formed now, and the toes are taking
shape. It now even has its own unique fingerprints, and the
ankle and wrist joints are developing.
The most remarkable change that your baby undergoes during
your ninth week of pregnancy is the growth of sexual organs.
Your baby now resembles a human more closely. At this stage
your l i t t le one’s head is half the size of i ts body.
Your blood volume also increases and adds up to 4-5 ponds
of weight. Changes in the maternal fat and the amniot ic f lu id
volume wi l l further increase your weight dur ing pregnancy
which is qui te normal.
You need to take utmost care dur ing th is t ime and consume
enough prote in foods. In addi t ion to tak ing nut r i t ious d ie t ,
avo id smoking and dr ink ing complete ly as they increase the
r isk o f miscarr iage when you are n ine weeks pregnant .
You may also hear your baby’s heartbeat in week 9 of pregnancy
with the help of a Doppler. And its not a big issue if you really
cant hear the heartbeat as it is just 1 inch in length and weighs
mere 2 grams!
Week 10 of Pregnancy – Time for CVS
Your baby has completely developed into a fetus from the
embryo when you are You wi l l even f ind
rel ief f rom some of your pregnancy symptoms such as the
morning sickness. You are st i l l in your f i rst t r imester of your
pregnancy and are st i l l not safe from the chances of a
miscarr iage. I t is therefore very important to make your
movements slow and steady.
10 weeks pregnant.
I t a l s o s t a r t s s w a l l o w i n g t h e a m n i o t i c f l u i d a r o u n d i t w h i c h
p r o v i d e s t h e n o u r i s h m e n t i t n e e d s .
The end of is considered the best t ime
for having the chronic vi l lus sampling test which identif ies any
chromosome abnormalit ies and detects any other genetic
condit ions.
week 10 of pregnancy
In addit ion to taking a balanced diet and taking good care of
your health, you need to avoid exposure even to second-hand
smoke to give birth to a healthy and lovely baby.
Avoid dieting during pregnancy as
it might be harmful to the baby.
Eat sensibly and have nutrit ious
foods in suff icient quantit ies. Do
not forget that the quality of food
you eat during this period wil l have
a great effect on your baby’s
growth.
M o s t h o r m o n a l c h a n g e s o c c u r d u r i n g t h i s t i m e a n d t h e
b l o o d v o l u m e i n c r e a s e s t o a b o u t 4 0 - 5 0 % . H o r m o n a l
c h a n g e s o c c u r d u e t o r a p i d g r o w t h o f t h e p l a c e n t a w h i c h
i s a l s o r e s p o n s i b l e f o r h o r m o n e c h a n g e s i n y o u r b a b y ’s
b o d y t o o . Yo u w i l l s l o w l y s t a r t n o t i c i n g c h a n g e s i n y o u
b u t y o u r b o d y d o e s n ’ t s h o w o u t t o o m u c h .
Ex te rna l gen i ta l o rgans beg in to appear in your baby tha t
were un t i l now deve lop ing in te rna l l y. Your baby doub les
i t s g rowth in and a l l the essent ia l
o rgans beg in func t ion ing .
week 10 of pregnancy
Week 11 of Pregnancy and the Growing Hormone Production
Now that you are you have approached the
end of the first trimester of pregnancy. Your morning sickness
has reduced completely. If not, it will reduce by the end of week
11. This is because even the hormone production has reduced
due to your baby’s growing pituitary gland.
11 weeks pregnant,
Your stomach now begins to grow slowly and you might have
gained weight. There is nothing to worry even if you have not
yet gained any weight as you will in the second trimester. Most
of the women who have experienced more morning sickness
do not gain weight in the first trimester.
All the vital organs of the baby have been formed and are
functioning. The risks of defects decrease as the baby is now
less prone to outside influences. Your baby starts moving
frequently but you may not notice this. Your baby is now
2 inches long and weighs one third of an ounce.
Eat healthy and always be in good spirits as much as possible
throughout your pregnancy. Include more nutritious and vitamin
-rich food in your diet which helps both you and the baby.
By
you begin to notice that your
fingernails and hair are starting
to grow rapidly. And as the
uterus is growing and expan
-ding, it will be very difficult for
you to get more comfortable
during nights.
week 11 of your pregnancy,
Your baby is able to open and close its fists, and there are little
buds forming inside its mouth that will eventually develop into
teeth.
Changes in You and the Baby in Week 12 of Pregnancy
Major changes occur in both the baby and you when you are
You might be noticing some skin changes
during this week along with relief from nausea and morning
sickness. Your uterus is gradually growing along with the baby
and your tummy starts to show.
12 weeks pregnant.
You wil l also produce large amounts of progesterone by now
and might experience some heartburn.
Semi -cooked meat and s teaks inc rease the chances o f
toxop lasmos is – an in fec t ion tha t m igh t p rove dangerous
fo r your g row ing baby.
As you have reached the end of your first trimester and your
baby is growing rapidly, its time for you to take more calcium-rich
foods as they help your baby in growing healthy bones, teeth and
muscle.
In some women form a dark vertical line
along their abdomen which is quite natural. Avoid smoking and
even second hand smoke completely as research suggests that
you can reduce the chances of asthma development from 5-15%
if you stay away from smoking during pregnancy.
week 12 of pregnancy,
By now, your little one’s placenta starts
producing hormones and his nerve cells
start growing rapidly. It will also start to
practice breathing inside the amniotic fluid.
Tooth buds too begin to appear and there is
a need for you to boost your calcium intake.
Avoid excessive intake of vitamin A as this
might damage the liver and cause jaundice.
Pregnancy week 12 is the t ime to regain your appet i te that
was lost due to nausea and the morning sickness and al l the
other symptoms that bothered you. Eat healthy and nutr i -
- t ious food, and at the same t ime, make sure that you are
not eat ing any food that is not cooked thoroughly.
Week 13 of Pregnancy – The Beginning of the Second Trimester
You have entered the second trimester of your pregnancy as
you are now You’ll also feel relieved a lot
as the risk of miscarriage has now dropped dramatically.
Even if your baby is still tiny, your tummy tells the world that
you are expecting. If you see through your stomach through a
scan, you would see a completely formed baby with unique
finger prints even if it is now half the size of a banana.
13 weeks pregnant.
By this time, your baby will start producing insulin with its tiny
liver and this will help the baby regulate its blood-sugar levels
as it develops day by day. The baby’s eyes too will start to move
to the front of its face.
Apart from your growing belly, you will notice the formation of
bumps in your breasts. Yet, they do not pose any threats for
your health and are quite natural; they help the breasts in
making colostrums – the first milk that nourishes your little
one after his birth.
By now, you might have regained your appetite and are far
from all the dreadful symptoms that bothered in your initial
weeks. You will also look more radiant and energetic because
of the improved blood flow. Improve your eating and exercise
habits as this will help you both in the long run.
Abdominal aches in
are common as
t h e u t e r u s i s g r a d u a l l y
expanding. In addit ion to
tak ing necessary supple-
-ments, you should also take
n e c e s s a r y m i n e r a l s a n d
itamins that are essential for
the baby to grow healthy.
week 13
of pregnancy
Improve Your Energy Levels as You Enter Week 14 of Pregnancy
It can be very hard to find relief from the lower back pain when
you are and this pain is much more in
working mothers. But the good news is that you have gained
back all your energy level and are in your glory days. Simple
exercises are recommended now to fight with the backache.
14 weeks pregnantStill keep away from raw and uncooked meat and be aware of
your food intake to match the required calories. Generally during
this period, your caloric needs will rise by 300 calories a day.
This is actually because your baby must receive all the essential
nutrition needed to grow healthy.
Constipation is a common problem faced by many during this
period and this might be reduced with drinking lot of water. It
is also suggested that you include more fiber foods in your
diet to keep your bowels moving. You will be too hungry during
this time because of the growing need for more calories for
both you and the baby.
By now, your baby’s ears will start to move to their place at the
sides of the head and the eyes are now almost near the front
of your baby’s face. Even the baby’s chin starts forming as the
neck is slowly getting longer.
I t is also the t ime to relax when you are ,
as i t is important to l ighten the muscles and joints in your body
for more comfort.
14 weeks pregnant
Adopt a heal thy l i fes ty le as any
th ing you eat or dr ink wi l l have a
lo t o f e ffect on your baby who is
growing increas ing ly propor t ional .
Pregnancy Week 15 and the Developments in You Both
You need more rest as you are now Getting
a lot of rest helps you in boosting your immune system and also
in promoting your health. The hormonal production has
increased along with increased blood flow for the past few
weeks and you are expecting sudden side effects such as
excessive salivation.
15 weeks pregnant. Your abdomen will start looking more bloated and you might
have gained 5-10 pounds by now. The uterus slowly starts rising
and moves past the hip bones. Relax a lot during this time as
it helps you from increased stress levels due to lack of
concentration.
The swelling of the mucus
membranes in the nose too
cause some inconvenience
such as stuffy nose in many
women.
Most of the essential organ systems
of your baby will grow a lot during this week
of pregnancy. Your baby is growing rapidly and its bones are
getting harder and stronger. By this time your baby is spending
most of its time in practicing how to breathe. The taste buds
will also start to form during this time.
Most of the women fall victim to infections of the urinary tract
during this period because of increased levels of progesterone.
Take all necessary measures to prevent the bacteria from
entering you and if you face such problems, consult your health
care provider, who will likely prescribe antibiotics to help you out.
Take good care of your health and eat well. Exercise whenever
possible to promote both your and your baby’s health and well
being.
Pregnancy Week 16 – How’s Your Baby Growing?
Increased blood volume and the altered levels of hormones make
your heart work harder when you are The
nasal congestion that started last week will continue even in this
week as it will throughout your pregnancy. This is probably
because of the softening of the tissues and due to the deficiency
of vitamin C. All this conditions will be resolved once the baby is
born.
16 weeks pregnant.For the first time in your pregnancy period, you might fell a little
fluttering in your belly. is the time when
most mothers report that their babies move inside. Some first-
time-mothers take a week or more to feel such movements
inside them. So, there is no need to panic as this is very natural.
Week 16 of pregnancy
Your baby is now strong enough to hold its head straight and
the ears and eyes are moving to their final positions. The baby
is now mainly focusing on its circulation system and its tiny
heart is pumping about 25 quarts of blood every day.
Thin f ine hair starts growing on the baby’s head and the l imbs
are beginning to lengthen. Your baby is now a l i t t le more than
4 inches and weighs around 3 ounces and has some facial
expressions too.
Continue taking a balanced diet and
the required nutritious foods and
vitamin supplements as
is the time when your
baby is more prone to neural tube
d e f e c t s a n d c h r o m o s o m a l
abnormalities. Consult your health
care provider to undergo tests
including the AFP test that indicates
if the baby is at the risk of developing
some central nervous system or
spinal chord problems.
week 16 of
pregnancy
17 Weeks Pregnant – Feel Your Baby’s Movements
When you are your uterus should be about
2 inches below your belly button. You will gain more weight
gradually. The uterus starts to change its shape and occupies
more space thus putting more pressure on your intestines and
pressing them to the sides.
17 weeks pregnant, In this there will be vaginal discharge
which is normal in pregnant women. This is due to the increased
estrogen production in the mother and a greater blood flow in the
genital region. It is normally fine if the discharge is clear or milky
and is odorless.
week 17 of pregnancy,
As your l i t t le one is growing rapid ly, the uterus wi l l soon
occupy your abdomen and pelv is but th is wi l l not cause any
d is t ress to you.
However if you doubt that the
vaginal discharge is amniotic
fluid you should consult your
h e a l t h c a r e p r o v i d e r
immediately. This might also
be sometimes due to pre-term
labor. Take necessary steps to
avoid stress and exercise
lightly and also maintain a
healthy diet.
Your baby can now hear even though the ears are not
completely functional. This is because the brain is developing
its parts that aid hearing and other senses. The baby is now
capable of moving all its body parts and is also able to swallow
and digest the amniotic fluid.
The baby also starts stor ing the fat f rom the amniot ic f lu id
that wi l l help in keeping i t warm after the bir th. Your baby
now weighs about 5 ounces and is a l i t t le over 5 inches long.
18 Weeks Pregnant – Time to Increase Your Appetite
You are and in the middle of your second
trimester of pregnancy. Most health care providers suggest that
you undergo ultrasound scanning in this week to detect abnor-
-malities, if any, in the baby. This will also help you in planning
ahead for any interventions that may be necessary for the baby
after its birth.
18 weeks pregnant To overcome this, lie on your left side while you are sleeping as
this will provide you more comfort and helps in preventing your
veins form compression. Buying a pregnancy pillow is also
suggestible as it supports your growing belly and the uterus.
By now, your baby’s genitals are clearly distinguishable. The
baby has also started producing Myelin – a substance essen-
-tial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. This will
be produced until the ninth month. Your little one now weighs a
little more than five ounces and may be between 5 and 6 inches
long.
You can now probably feel the uterus just near the navel. I t is
now the size of a small melon and you can even feel i t below
your tummy. You might have gained around 15 pounds by
now which is just normal. You may start gett ing a l i t t le bi t
uncomfortable because of the growing bel ly and f ind i t
di ff icult to get a good night sleep.
You will be feeling hungrier because of the growing need of good
nutrition. Make sure that your diet is nutritious and balanced as
our baby will take all it needs from your reserves.
Week 19 of Pregnancy – More Noticeable Changes
You are about halfway through your pregnancy when you are
and your baby is getting bigger every day.
If you already had your ultrasound, you might probably know
what you are having inside you.
19 weeks pregnant
This is the time to start doing some exercises if you haven’t
already. Regular exercises help you in increasing the flexibility
of your body which will further help you relieving the tension and
pain during the labor.
Whether it is a boy or a girl, your baby’s genitals are now in
place. Your baby’s nervous is busy this week and the brain too
is working hard as the special areas that help in your baby’s
senses are fast developing.
More noticeable changes occur in the baby in this week 19 of
pregnancy and there are more movements. The baby’s legs
are developed and the baby is now measured from head to
toe – which could be around 6.5 inches. The sensory
development is also very fast and some research suggests
that the baby may be able to hear your voice now.
The baby also develops a protective layer called vernix over
his body. This white sticky substance protects the baby’s skin
in the amniotic fluid.
A slight increase in discomfort is notice in this week due to
increased heartburn. This is because the uterus is still pushing
up against your tummy so that all the essential nutrients reach
the fetus more efficiently.
There is a substantial demand for
iron in the body when you are
pregnant. So, iron intake is very
essential for both you and the baby.
Eat iron-rich foods such as red me
at, nuts, legumes, and iron-fortified
breakfast cereals and bread.
Week 20 of Pregnancy – The Halfway Mark
Your pregnancy signifies the halfway mark when you are
Your baby is now practicing breathing and
swallowing in the amniotic fluid. It weighs a little over 10 ounces
and measures approximately 6.5 inches.
20
weeks pregnant.
Other changes in the baby include the formation of teeth buds
which are hidden under the gums for now. The baby’s bones
are getting stronger and his skin is gathering more layers
Another major change in the baby is the development of sleep
patterns. Most of the babies fall into noticeable cycles of sleep
during this time. The immunities also begin to develop during
this week as your body transfers antibodies into your little one.
You might feel a little breathless at this stage as the uterus is
pushing upwards at your belly button. Be careful with your
posture so as not to stress your spine. This can lead to back
problems in the future. Using a pregnancy pillow is suggested
as this will help you from straining your spine and also in
alleviating the back pain.
You wil l be gaining about 1 pound a week from now and eating
a balanced diet wil l help you and the flourishing baby inside.
Your belly too wil l be growing regular form this point of t ime
and you can observe regular changes. Constipation and
heartburn seem to persist sti l l and you might also start feeling
a l i t t le clumsier from this week 20 of pregnancy.
Get good nutri t ion as it helps in giving you the required
strength and stamina to make it through pregnancy with
good health.
Pregnancy Week 21 – You Have a Miniature Baby!
When you are you will be gaining more
weight and fat along with your growing baby. You might face
some swelling problems due to increased weight and the
pressure put on the legs. These problems will subside naturally
and can be even tackled with the help of maternity support belts
and hoses. They help you in avoiding the discomfort in the
ankles throughout your pregnancy.
21 weeks pregnant,
The uterus continues its growth and is now pressing against
your rectum. Due to increased blood flow and increased levels
of pregnancy hormones, you may experience sensitive gums
which may even bleed in some women. Despite all these
changes, you will be comfortable and in full swing pregnancy
mode. However, regular exercises and stretching are
suggested to alleviate these discomforts.
The baby’s digestive system too develops as much that the tiny
intestines will contract and expand as your little one absorbs
small amounts of amniotic fluid. Your baby’s eye brows and
the eye lids are also completely grown now.
Inside, the baby’s organ systems continue to develop preparing
for the life outside. The umbilical cord starts thickening and
growing as more blood travels through it from you to the baby.
Your baby's growth will slow a little now as more concentration
is developing the organs and the central nervous system. Your
baby can now hear you if you speak and sing.
Maintain your physical well being
by doing regular but light exercises
that help in better circulation both
for you and to your baby.
Week 22 of Pregnancy – Time for Itchy Belly
Your uterus is continuously growing and is a little above your
navel when you are While the baby presents
high paced changes, this is the time when you will notice some
skin changes in you. The continuously pushing uterus leaves
some stretch marks on your belly which cause itchiness.
22 weeks pregnant.
There are a variety of lotions that help you in limiting these
stretch marks. Even though you cannot completely prevent
these stretch marks, you should consider using r ich
moisturizers to keep your skin subtle, smooth and glowing after
the delivery.
The baby will now be able to touch and grab and feel the senses.
The brain is still continuing its growth as it will until your little
one is 5 years old.
Foot and leg cramps, mild swelling on the ankles and feet, and
a slight increase in the heart rate are some common conditions
seen in this week of pregnancy. These are quite normal and only
indicate that your body is working a little harder.
Pregnancy week 22 also marks for significant changes in your
baby too. The hands have grown stronger and bigger and the
nerve ending have developed the sense of touch.
The growth of the taste buds helps the baby in detecting the
strong flavors in the amniotic fluid. Your baby now almost weighs
a pound and measure about 11 inches.
Concentrate more on your diet and
see to it that the food you eat is
balanced and nutritious. Poor diet
can have severe consequences on
the physical and mental health of
your baby.
Sleep Discomforts in Week 23 of Pregnancy
Your body undergoes various other changes along with the
growing stretch marks when you are And due
to the stretching stomach muscles, your navel will pop out a little
but will return to its natural position once you deliver the baby.
23 weeks pregnant.
You might have approximately gained 15 pounds by now and
might experience some muscle cramps in the legs. You will also
find it very difficult to sleep in a comfortable position because
of the belly that has now acquired the clear round shape.
The baby’s pancreas is developing inside the baby and the baby
has also started producing insulin. Now the baby can hear your
noise and your heart beat as well.
The baby’s tiny bones continue to ossify and the veins are now
clearly visible through the translucent skin. The baby is still
developing those fat deposits that will be padded under the
wrinkly skin after the delivery.
This discomfort in s leep may be dealt wi th using pregnancy
pi l lows that give you a better chance to sleep comfortably
throughout the night. The increase in the blood volume in
lower parts of the body forces you to make frequent t r ips to
the bathroom.
Changes i n you r b l ood chem is t r y may cause some wa te r
r e ten t i on wh i ch may resu l t i n swe l l i ng known as edema .
Howeve r, t h i s cou ld be avo ided by keep ing you r body
movemen ts f r equen t and avo id s i t t i ng f o r l onge r hou rs .
Continue taking the recommended
daily intake of essential nutrients
that are necessary for the strength
and stamina of your developing
baby.
Pregnancy Week 24 and the Physical Changes in the Baby
Your uterus is now on top of your belly button and is of the size
of a soccer ball. As a result, you will be having trouble bending
and sitting comfortably. You will be gaining more weight which
is just normal in all the mothers-to-be. You will also observe a
lot of changes in your and the bay when you are 24 weeks
pregnant.
By now, the baby weighs about 2 lbs and measures 14 inches
long. The skin is still wrinkled and will be normal once the fat is
deposited and the muscles are formed. The little ones fingernails
and the ears are now completely developed.
Take smal l f requent meals as your baby is in need of more
nutr ients now. I t is suggested that you have s ix smal l meals
a day instead of three so as to cope wi th your baby’s
developmental needs.
By the time you are you can feel the
movements of your baby completely. The need for frequent
urination, heartburn, anxiety and the growing discomfort lead
to loss of sleep. The amniotic fluid begins to increase in
volume and will continue until the delivery.
24 weeks pregnant,
The baby is gaining more bone
mass and the rapid eye movement
has already begun. And as the baby
is growing in size, the space inside
the uterus is filled up and becomes
more crowded.
Continue doing moderate exercises to fell better throughout the
pregnancy and to have more stamina during labor. And be sure
that your diet is adequate as pregnancy is more complicated in
undernourished women.
Pregnancy Week 25 and the Growing Back Pain
By the time you are the growing uterus
may put some pressure on your back. Most of the women
experience severe pain in their lower back region and the
legs because of this mounting pressure.
25 weeks pregnant
The baby’s breathing movements also increase as a result
of the well-developed lungs. By now, the baby weighs about
1.5 pounds and is probably 14 inches longer.
The baby’s spine starts to mature and the brain and nerve
endings are so developed that the baby can sense the touch.
You need to take enough care at this stage to deal with the
growing needs of the baby and to keep yourself fit.
Increase the calcium intake as this helps you in reducing the
cramps in the legs and also in relieving the back pain.
Moreover it is quite essential for the baby’s developing spine
and his bones.
Avoid activities that worsen your pain and always support
your body with cushions and body pillows. Pregnancy pillows
help you a lot during this time in getting a better sleep and
providing comfort.
Consider some light exercises that your health care provider
recommends and always have a balanced and well-planned
diet to avoid unnecessary complications.
Along with some growing back
pain and leg cramps, week 25 is
the time when many women come
across pregnancy complications
s u c h a s p r e t e r m l a b o r a n d
premature pregnancy.
Meanwhile, the baby’s going
through the remaining major
improvements such as gaining weight and
development of the central nervous system. The nostrils begin
to open and the respiratory system gets stronger in this week.
Pregnancy Week 26 Marks the End of Second Trimester
Being means that you are now at the
end of the second trimester and almost gone through two-
thirds of your pregnancy. Instead of complaining over
problems like back ache and leg cramps, jus have a look at
all those positive bits such as the neatly grown belly,
renewed energy, and the healthy hair and skin. And all this
because of the growing little one!
26 weeks pregnant
However, these contractions are very common and are
painless.
Other discomforts such as leg cramps, back pain, headache
and pressure in the pelvis continue and there might also be a
condition known as restless leg syndrome where you’ll
experience restless and jittery legs. Do simple exercises that
slowly stretch the muscles and keep you physically active.
Movements also increase inside your belly as the bay is more
active betweens weeks 24 and 28. The brain activities inside
the bay have developed and help in sight and hearing. This is
the time when the baby will have the first moments of sight.
Air sacs called alveoli start to develop inside the baby’s lungs
and they will continue growing for the next 9 years. By now,
the baby is 14 inches long and weighs about one-and-a- half
pound.
Vitamin intake needs to be boosted and it is suggested to
take small and frequent meals rich in fiber. This will further
help in reducing the constipation.
You will feel more discomfort
because of the growing belly and
this will continue in the coming
weeks. Most women experience
some sudden tightening and
relaxing of the uterus which is by
now two-and-a-half inches above
the belly button.
Pregnancy Week 27 – Beginning of the Third Trimester
Various major changes occur in you and the baby when you
are Increased sleep deprivation and
weight cause shortness of breath and increase the levels
of fatigue in you. The growing uterus further compresses
the bladder resulting in frequent urination.
27 weeks pregnant.
This is the time when the milk glands start developing due to
which, you will experience breast tenderness.
The baby’s brain tissue and the neurons are developing
rapidly and his brain is working as that of a newborn. If the
baby is male, the testes will have completely descended by
this point of time.
As the network of nerves around the ears has now completely
developed, the baby is able to hear you and might also
recognize your voice. The retinas start forming and the baby
is able to see the light through your abdomen.
By now, the baby will have regular patterns of movements
and sleep and is also sensitive to outside touch. At this point,
the baby weighs a little over 2 pounds and is approximately
15 inches long.
Take at least 15 minutes of rest or a catnap to feel
energetic and recharged during the day. Continue taking
a well-balanced and nutritious diet and practice some light
exercises to strengthen your pelvis muscles and support
the bladder to overcome urinary incontinence.
Shortness of breath is
experienced because of the
increased size of the bay. At
week 27 of pregnancy, most of
the women experience what is
called as Braxton hicks contractions
– pre-labor contraction that help your
body prepare for labor. And the good news is
that they are not painful.
Pregnancy Week 28 and the Symptoms
The baby is growing and developing at an astonishing rate
when you are and the space is getting
a little tight. The eyes are completely formed along with the
eyebrows and the eye lashes, the muscle tone is gradually
improving, lungs are capable of breathing and the baby is
even able to open and close the eyes.
28 weeks pregnant
The first few weeks of the third trimester is the period of
varicose veins, hemorrhoids, aches and pains, and leg
cramps. All this is because the uterus is still growing in
size to accommodate the growing baby and because you
have even gained a weigh of around 24 pounds at this point.
Even the baby will make you tense by kicking more and stronger
during this week. However, the kicks will become significantly
less as the space in the womb becomesinadequate in the coming
weeks.
Pregnancy week 28 is the time to be aware of the potential risks
of pre-term labor. Drink enough water to keep the contractions
of the uterus smooth and consult your health care provider
immediately if you experience any menstrual type cramping or
severe back pain.
You’ll need to get a shot of RhoGAM, or Rh immunoglobulin, this
week if your blood showed that you are Rh negative. This will
prevent you from becoming sensitized to your baby's blood
should it mix with yours during the time of pregnancy.
Overall, the baby’s features are well developed and at this
time, the little one looks almost exactly what he or she is
going to look after the delivery.
Pregnancy Week 29 – Monitor the Baby’s Movements
Pay attention to your baby’s movements when you are
For any reason, if you observe that the
baby’s movements are less or abnormal, contact your
health care provider for proper guidance.
29
weeks pregnant.
The baby’s sucking abilities are improving and the baby can
even cough and cry. The lungs too start maturing and the
baby’s skin is now less wrinkled because of the packed
pounds.
More so than ever, this is the right time to eat right and enough
every day as your baby will start absorbing plenty of nutrients
from you to gain weight and prepare for the delivery. By this time,
the baby is around 16 inches long and weight about 2.5 pounds
By this time, the baby's brain is forming billions and billions
of neurons each day and can control the breathing and the
temperature of the body as it continues to mature.
By this week you might have gained an overall weight of
20-24 pounds and your uterus is now approximately four
inches above your navel. Sometimes, you will be plagued
by the heartburn because of the belly growing more and
more substantial each day.
Pregnancy constipation is also another problem faced by
may pregnant women in week 29. Consume lots of liquids
and eat a fiber-rich diet. Pregnancy week 29 is also the
time when you experience various other symptoms
including rapid weight gain.
Perform light exercises that help you to
strengthening your abdominal muscles
and take enough iron supplements as
iron deficiency is considered the most
common problem during pregnancy.
However, iron supplements cause
constipation.
30 Weeks Pregnant – Pay Attention to Your Weight
Pay close attention to your weight gain and the swell ing
you're experiencing when you are
Extreme swell ing may be the sign of Preeclampsia –
a condit ion that occurs in very small percentage of
pregnant women.
30 weeks pregnant.
The decrease in the amniotic fluid is because your little one
continuing the growth and is taking up most of the space in
the uterus. By now, your uterus might have reached about
4 inches above your belly button.
Inside, the baby’s toe nails are growing and the eyelids open and
close. The early lanugo is disappearing and the bone marrow is
now producing the red blood cells. Even the movements will be
very frequent and you may even recognize the body parts.
The amount of amniotic fluid starts decreasing inside your
belly and the production of progesterone in your body
increases.
Preeclampsia is a potential ly dangerous condit ion that
can include sudden weight gain, extreme swell ing and
severe headache. But, when properly treated, i t can be
managed.
Week 30 of pregnancy is a lso the t ime when you are
l ike ly to develop var icose veins. They appear as f ine
b lu ish or reddish l ines under your sk in and are caused
due to weakness in the smal l ve ins.
Week 30 of pregnancy is the hard time
shifting from one position to another
and you will be having more trouble
sleeping comfortably at nights as the
belly expands. Using a pregnancy pillow
may bring you some comfort.
Week 31 of Pregnancy – Less Movements Inside the Tummy
Being you wil l probably have some
trouble catching the breath. But be careful to prevent
excessive fat igue and dizziness. The movements inside
your tummy become less frequent has the baby has less
room to swim about in the amniot ic f luid.
31 weeks pregnant, By this week, your baby is about 17 inches long and weighs
about 4 pounds. During this and the weeks to come, the baby
will be accumulating layers under the skin that will help the
baby in keeping safe and warm after the delivery.
The baby’s immune system is gett ing stronger and the nerve
connections begin to function. By now, al l the important body
organs of the baby have almost completely developed except
for the lungs.
At this time, you might experience some pains and aches
along with numbness in your hands. All this conditions are
normal in most of the pregnant women because of the
continuous weight gain and changing hormone levels.
There is no need to panic as all these symptoms will
disappear after the delivery.
The uterus now measures about 4.5 inches above your
navel and the breasts start leaking colostrums or pre-
mi lk that forms in the breasts to nourish the baby after
i ts bir th. Use good breast pads to prevent the leaks from
being known to others.
Continue taking small and frequent meals to avoid heartburn
and take necessary precautions to stay away from the aching
back.
Iron intake is very important in the
third tr imester of pregnancy as there
is a large shift of iron in the baby.
What’s Happening at Pregnancy Week 32?
Now that you are almost you wil l
probably be feel ing contractions in the bel ly on a regular
basis. From now on, you should be very careful with
everything happening within you as indication of any
severe pain can be labor pain.
32 weeks pregnant, This increase in the blood volume is necessary to support
the baby’s growth.
As the baby is slowly dropping into pelvis in preparation for
birth, the blood tends to pool in the mother ’s lower l imbs
which results in low cranial blood pressure that may lead to
faint ing or dizziness. In order to avoid this, take a small walk
when you r ise from a prolonged sit t ing posit ion.
Pain in the lower back and the buttocks around week 32 can
also happen as a woman’s center of gravity continues to
shift. You should be very careful while moving to avoid
unnecessary slips or falls.
A lo t o f phys ica l changes
continue occurring in you and
the baby. Your estrogen levels
and the blood volume continue
increasing as a result of which
the leg cramps and the back
aches may continue.
When you are your blood volume will be
around 50% more than it was before pregnancy.
32 weeks pregnant,
There are even chances for the leakage of the amniotic f luid
during this period. It is very essential to call your doctor if you
experience any of these condit ions.
By this t ime, the baby’s lungs have completely matured and
all the senses are working properly. Continue eating well and
exercise moderately and stay as relaxed as possible by
all means.
Facts to Know When You Are 33 Weeks Pregnant
You are probably getting more and more excited about
your upcoming birth now that you are
The uterus now just fills up most of the abdominal region
and now measure about 5 inches above the belly button.
You may have gained around 28 pounds by this week.
33 weeks pregnant.
This week, the leg cramps become serious and you will still
experience the difficulties such as troubled sleep and back
ache. Gentle exercises might relieve you from these
conditions.
These conditions might be due to
p r e - e c l a m p s i a – a c o n d i t i o n
characterized by increase in blood
pressure, swell ing and loss of
protein in the urine. It is considered
.
Rapid growth of the brain has increased its size in proportion
to the rest of the body and fat continues to settle under the
baby’s skin, making it pink from red
The growing baby makes a pretty tight fit in the uterus. Due
to this, you may notice that the movements of the baby have
slow down a little.
This is the t ime you may want to consider pre-registering
at the hospital. I t wi l l help you in speeding the admission
process while you are in the throws of labor.
Abdomina l reg ion a long w i th
nausea, it is better that you contact
y o u r h e a l t h c a r e p r o v i d e r
immediately.
Even though the baby’s body is completely formed, he or she
is still going through rapid growth. However there are very few
changes remaining.You wil l be gaining a pound a week from now. If you notice
any sudden swell ing in face and severe pain in the
a serious complication during pregnancy
Pregnancy Week 34 – The Baby Moves into the Pelvis
Breathing becomes easier when you are
as your baby is now situated in your pelvis and is
not compressing your lungs. However, the problem of
frequent urination persists due to this position.
34 weeks
pregnant
You may also notice some numbness and tingling sensation
in the pelvic region as the baby is putting pressure on the
nerves. This condition is likely to persist until your delivery
and it is suggested that you try to be in relaxed positions
all the time.
During this t ime, you wil l not ice sudden contract ions in
the bel ly – a sign that your body is gett ing ready for the
del ivery. The shape of your bel ly changes as i t drops due
to the baby turning in a downward posit ion to get ready
for bir th.
Lungs are completely developed and functional and the liver
too is capable of processing certain amounts of waste. The
baby’s weight is now about 5 pounds and measures
approximately 17 inches long.
The navel pops out due to the expanding abdomen and
you may also observe some itchy red bumps on your belly.
The baby will now move into your
pelvis and the baby’s head is on the
pelvic bone. The baby has the
immunity to fight on its own, against
the infections, and antibodies are
transferred from your blood into
the baby.
Stop feel ing uncomfor table and anxious and t ry to be as
re laxed as possib le dur ing these weeks. Stress dur ing
pregnancy causes the re lease of catecholamines –
hormones re leased by the adrenal g lands in response to
s t ress. These hormones delay the labor and make the
del ivery d i f f icu l t .
Pregnancy Week 35 and the Signs of Labor
You baby is around 5 and-a-half pounds when you are
Due to the accumulation of fat under
the skin, the baby’s arms and legs plump up. By now, the
baby is big enough to occupy almost all the place in the
uterus and there is very little room to make any movements.
35 weeks pregnant.
During this last month of the pregnancy, most of the babies
gain around half pound a week. The baby now weights up
to 5.5 pounds and is about 20 inches long.
Some women may experience low levels of hemoglobin as
the baby has utilized the iron levels in your body. Now is
the time to elevate the hemoglobin levels back to normal
so that you stay healthy and fit even after the delivery.
Week 35 of pregnancy is the time when most of the women
experience extreme mood swings. Even though the mood
swings persisted all the time of the pregnancy, they are
particularly a bit dramatic now.
If you are experiencing discomfort,
swelling and fatigue, a careful body
massage can be extremely helpful
in relieving the pain and also helps
you become stress-free.
As you might be feeling more and
more anxious because of the nearing
delivery, it is suggested that you take
some time to relax. Taking proper rest
is also necessary as the last few weeks of pregnancy are very
stressful and exhausting.
Take frequent walks as it will help you in easing the labor pains
and also continue taking a well balanced diet that is rich in iron
and calcium.
Pregnancy Week 36 – More Energy, More Fatigue
You are in the last month of your pregnancy when you are
and it is very difficult for you getting a
comfortable position. By now, you have gained about 25-30
pounds and your energy levels keep fluctuating.
36 weeks pregnant
Mood swings are very common in this last month of
pregnancy. You will experience rapid swings between
fatigue and energy and could find yourself getting anxious,
irritable and moody at times. Heartburn, constipation and
discomfort are some common experiences.
The colostrums and milk further help in boost ing your
baby’s immature immune system after he or she is born.
As you are coming to the end of your pregnancy, hormones
secreted from the placenta trigger the milk production for
feeding the baby. Because of this you may experience
swelling of the breasts are they are filled with milk.
The baby is gradually loosing the lanugo hair covering the body.
The skin gets pinker and is less wrinkly because of the
deposition of fat.
Continue having healthy balanced diets that give all the
nutrition that the baby needs and take regular tests that
evaluate the well being of both you and the baby.Meanwhile, the baby is also working hard on the final stages of
its lung development while the kidneys are fully developed now.
Vernix caseosa, the protective waxy
covering around the baby’s skin, starts
wearing off the skin and the baby is now
dropped into heads down position by now.
In this week, the baby also practices
breathing, swallowing and sucking.
The baby’s bones are now hardened
completely and the muscle tone is also
improved. The baby now weighs about 5 and a half pounds
and is approximately 17 inches in length
Signs of Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy Week 37
You may have gained a weight of about 35 pounds by the
time you are In most women, the uterus
stops growing and this is perfectly normal as the uterus
stays roughly the same size between pregnancy week 37
and the delivery.
37 weeks pregnant.
You will also notice more vaginal discharge this week as
your body is preparing for the labor. In some women who
are overdue or who are having conditions like gestational
diabetes, bleeding or pre eclampsia, the health care
provider decides to induce the labor using a pitochin drip
which stimulates the contractions.
The uterus has stopped growing now and will remain the same
until delivery. Due to this, the movements of the baby become
less during this week and if you give birth now, your baby is
considered as full term.
Most of the pregnant women find that the pitochin drips leads to
stronger contractions. However, the contractions are steady with
this medication and also minimize the complications.
The labor pains are quite normal during this time and it is
very essential that you have regular prenatal checkups as
you are now at a stage where you can get into labor at
any time.
The internal organs of the baby are
now completely developed and the
baby is now preparing for the l i fe
outside with regularly practicing
breathing, sucking ad swallowing.
By this time, the baby has even acquired
enough coordination to grasp thing with the
little fingers. The baby now weighs around 6.5 pounds and
measures about 21 inches long.
Take good care of your health and keep eating healthy as
you continue the pregnancy from this point.
Pregnancy Week 38 and the Signs of Labor
At you may start worrying a little about
the labor as your belly is sitting probably a little lower. You
may experience pelvic pressure because the baby is settling
into the pelvic region.
38 weeks pregnant
As the cervix begins to di late, you may lose your mucus
plug which seals the cervix and prevents the infect ion
dur ing pregnancy. This occurs in the last month of
pregnancy in most of the women and is not a predictor
of labor contrary to what many people say.
Your baby continues to put on some weight even in this week
and weighs about 6 ½ pounds and is around 19 to 20 inches
long.
Frequent urination is another problem you will experience at this
stage because of the pressure on the bladder and the thighs.
As the baby is hitting at your nerves while pressing, you
may experience unusual stings in your legs and inside the
vagina. In order to overcome this, lift your legs up while
you are sitting down in a comfortable position.
All the internal organs of the baby are
well developed now and the baby is
ready for the outside world.
By now, the baby’s intestines have accumulated a considerable
amount of meconium – a mass of cells and waste products from
the pancreas, liver and the gall bladder – that will be eliminated
shortly after the birth.
Increase your iron intake and continue taking your prenatal
vitamins as the baby experiences rapid growth during final
weeks. Increasing your water intake is also very important
at this stage as it will help in preventing dehydration during labor.
Pregnancy Week 39 – Multiple Mood Swings
You will probably experience multiple mood swings when you
are as you are quite ready for the delivery.39 weeks pregnant
You wi l l cont inue making the amniot ic f lu id even in th is
f ina l s tages but the rate of absorpt ion is a l i t t le low. So
the levels wi l l s tar t decreasing a b i t . There might even
be leak ing of the f lu id which should be repor ted
immediate ly to your heal th care prov ider.
Monitoring the baby’s heart rate is done during this time using
internal or external monitoring systems. The internal monitoring
systems give a more accurate reading while the external
monitoring systems detect the baby’s heart rate similar to a
Doppler ultrasound.
Sometimes, it is a little difficult to tell the difference between the
leaking of urine and the amniotic fluid. The best way to find out
is to go to bed after probably an hour after emptying the bladder.
Constipation and heartburn are the two common complaints
during this time. Drinking enough water and eating something
at short intervals will relieve you from both the problems.
The uterus starts contracting thus slowing down the flow of
oxygenated blood to the placenta. This is a natural process
and should cause no worry.
The movements of the baby are far less now as there is no
enough room inside your belly. The baby now weighs about
7 pounds and is around 20.5 inches long.
Nutrit ion becomes more important than ever during these
final weeks as you wil l need more strength and stamina to
make it through the delivery with good health.
By pregnancy week 39, there are many signs
that your baby is full term. There is no longer
any lanugo hair on the baby’s body and the
finger nails are now extended beyond the
finger tips.
40 Weeks Pregnant – Being Full Term
You are means that you are full term or in
the last official week of pregnancy – hopefully. Some women
give birth in week 41 or week 42 of pregnancy. Only 4 % of
women give birth on their due date.
40 weeks pregnant Generally these contractions occur in a frequency of 3-4 times
every ten minutes and might probably last a minute.
As you are very anxious during this time, discuss with your
health care provider as what to eat and drink in early labor as
when to call or come to the birthing center.
The weight gain will slow down considerably in the last week
of pregnancy and most women feel a bit clumsy and tired.
During this time of pregnancy, most of the women start
thinking about natural induction if they don’t experience labor.
This decision should be carefully discussed and considered
with your partner and the health care provider as research
indicates that induction may lead to fetal distress and to a
higher incidence of cesarean section.
At this time, you will probably experience real labor
contractions that are more intense and painful.
Other than this, you will experience phase II of labor which is
called active labor, where the cervix is dilated up to 10 cms
which leads to descending your baby into the pelvic region.
The contractions then push the baby to move through the birth
canal. The baby will be descended more slowly in first time
mothers.
In phase III, the placenta will expel within 20 to 30 minutes after
the delivery. This organ must come out completely to avoid and
bleeding or infections later. However, your health care provider
will examine the placenta after it is expelled to be sure that no
fragments are left.
The baby is now ready for the world as it enters the pelvic
region. Its head is downwards and the back is facing against the
abdomen. A full-term baby weighs around 7 to 8 pounds and is
about 22 inches.
40 Weeks Pregnant – Being Full Term
Preserving health after pregnancy is as important as during
pregnancy because the infections of uterus, urinary tract and
breasts are common after delivery.
In addition to best diet after pregnancy, increase your water
intake as much as possible as it helps to clean the body from
harmful substances. Healthcare after pregnancy is both
important for the mother and her growing baby.Powered by
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