Pregnancy is a miraculous experience. It is incredible how much happens within the 12 weeks of the first trimester. Many women find it useful to find out as much information as possible about their baby's development, and the kinds of changes that will occur within their pregnant body by using a pregnancy week by week guide.
Following a weekly pregnancy calendar can ease the curiosity of the mother-to-be. The following pregnancy week by week guide provides brief information on the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Weeks 1 and 2
Conception hasn't actually occurred yet during these first two weeks. The beginning of week 1 is when the first day of bleeding occurs during the menstrual cycle. If pregnancy occurs during this cycle, this first day of bleeding would be considered the beginning of the 40 weeks of pregnancy. Pre-natal vitamins should be taken during this time, including a folic acid supplement. It is important to make sure health is optimal to prepare the body for 9 months of pregnancy.
Week 3
Some time during the early part of this week is most likely when ovulation will occur. If pregnancy is desired, steps should be taken to ensure that sperm are ready and waiting for the ripe egg to be released. Hopefully, the egg will be fertilized by the sperm.
Week 4
Implantation should occur some time during this week. During implantation, the egg implants itself into the lining of the uterus. The woman will notice a missed period, which is one of the first signs of pregnancy.
The cells now begin to divide into two groups: the group that forms the placenta and the other group that develops into the baby. In a few short days, the initial cells are developing into life form.
Week 5
The first sign of pregnancy, as mentioned earlier, is a missed period. This week will probably mark the onset of other pregnancy symptoms as well. Tender breasts, exhaustion and nausea are all very common symptoms.
The baby grows rapidly during this pregnancy week. The brain and nervous system start to grow, and the features are developing. The heart is beating quite rapidly - about twice as fast as the mother's. The baby is about the size of a grain of rice, but not for long.
Week 6
By this week, pregnancy symptoms are probably more prominent. Aside from nausea and exhaustion, bloating may also be a factor.
Growth in the baby is astounding. The umbilical cord develops, the eyes begin to form, and the features begin to take shape. The baby is no longer just a mass of cells bundled together.
Week 7
Unfortunately, 'morning sickness' will most likely continue to be a nuisance. The term 'morning sickness' is misleading, as nausea can strike at any time of the day, or even last the entire 24 hours. Some unfortunate women experience nausea during their entire pregnancy.
The baby's senses are developing this week. The nose, eye lenses, mouth, ear indentations, intestines and pancreas are all developing. Some time soon, a 12-week ultrasound should be booked.
Week 8
The pregnant belly is slowly making it's appearance. By week 8, an expanding waistline will be noticed. Some women may notice slight weight gain by now, while some women actually lose weight due to nausea.
The due date of the baby will be a burning question. If the menstrual cycle is well documented, the due date is counted starting with the first day of the last period. 240 days is added from that point forward. Many online pregnancy due date calculators can help.
The baby is about 5/8 of an inch long. Bone formation is beginning this week. The fingers and toes start to grow, with the knee joints forming as well. Facial developments continue, and blood begins to flow through an immature circulatory system.
Week 9
Maternity clothes may be required this week as the waist continues to expand. Pregnancy symptoms persist, especially exhaustion.
The placenta is quite developed. The baby's reflex muscle movements are being practiced, as he or she may have a tendency to move away if touched by the uterus wall.
Week 10
The uterus is rising within the belly and increasing in size. The irritating early pregnancy symptoms should be subdiding by now, and by the start of the second trimester, hopefully these symptoms will be gone for good.
Changes in the baby this week include the formation of the toes, the opening of the eyes and the forming of the genitalia. The tail should now be completely gone.
Week 11
The uterus continues to grow, and may be roughly the size of a grapefruit by this week. Pre-natal testing will probably be discussed at doctor's appointments, especially if the mother is over the age of 35. These tests can detect any abnormalities in the baby. It is important to remember that these tests are not mandatory, and can be waived if chosen.
The head of the baby is growing quite large by now, and is about half of the body size. At some point the head will be in proportion to the rest of the body. The baby's bones start to harden, and the fingers begin to separate.
Week 12
The risk of miscarriage is drastically reduced at this point. This is generally why many women choose to wait to announce their pregnancy until the end of the first trimester. Risk of miscarriage after the 20th week are uncommon, but unfortunately still do happen.
The baby is probably about 2 inches long by now. The eyes and ears are moving closer to their final destinations. The kidneys are secreting urine, and the nerve cells are mutiplying at an incredible rate.
For more in-depth information about each week of pregnancy, visit: Complete Pregnancy Guide's Pregnancy Daily Calendar.
References:
1. Curtis, Glade B., MD, OB/GYN, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, 1997
2. Eisenberg et al, What to Expect When You're Expecting, 1991
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