Month 9

Your Ninth Month

Toward the end of the ninth month, your baby's lungs have completed development and are ready for there first breath after delivery. At term average baby weight and length is 7 and a half pounds and 20 inches, respectively.

Your Body: You May Be Experiencing:

• less fetal activity
• increased vaginal discharge containing mucus
• increased backaches
• pelvic discomfort
• less shortness of breath after baby drops
• increased urination
• difficulty sleeping
• leg cramps
• frequent uterine contractions
• fatigue or extra energy
• impatience and restlessness
• irritability and over sensitivity
• dreaming about baby
• anxiety about baby 's health
• protruding navel
• itchy abdomen
• bleeding gums
• varicose veins
• hemorrhoids
• leakage from breasts
• heartburn, indigestion, flatulence
• clumsiness
• increased constipation
• increased anticipation of delivery
• nasal and ear congestion
• swelling in ankles, feet, hands, face
• headaches and dizziness

Your Baby: Weeks 39 - Birth

By the time the birth time comes around, the baby will weigh about 6.5-7.5 pounds. and be about 44 cm (17.3 in.) long. Though more in proportion with the rest of the body, the head is still one of the largest parts of the baby. The fingernails have now grown past the fingertips.

Medical Care - Prenatal Visit 10 +

After the 36th week of pregnancy, you will need to see your physician on a weekly basis, so that you and your baby will be kept in close check. During each one of these visits, your physician may check the following:

During each one of these visits your physician may check the following:

• weight and blood pressure
• urine, for protein and/or sugar
• fetal heartbeat
• fetal position, size, presentation, and descent
• internal examination of the cervix for effacement and dilation
• frequency and duration of uterine contractions
• fundal height
• edema of hands and feet
• varicose veins in the legs
• any other symptoms you have questions about

Month 8

Your Eight Month

By the end of the eight month, your baby is about a foot and a half long and weighs around 4-5 pounds. Most systems are functioning at this point and your baby is capable of seeing and hearing things. The only part of your baby remaining relatively undeveloped is the lungs.

Your Body: You May Be Experiencing:

• strong fetal movement
• heavy vaginal discharge
• increased constipation
• increased anticipation of delivery
• anxiety about baby 's health
• increasing shortness of breath
• nasal and ear congestion
• swelling in ankles, feet, hands, face
• backaches headaches and dizziness
• protruding navel
• itchy abdomen
• bleeding gums
• varicose veins
• hemorrhoids
• leakage from breasts
• difficulty sleeping
• heartburn, indigestion, flatulence
• clumsiness
• leg cramps

Your Baby: Weeks 34 - 38

The baby will grow to about 42 cm (16.5 in.) by the end of this month and will weigh about 6.5 pounds. Body fat comprises around 7-8% of the baby 's total weight. The lingo hairs are almost gone and the toenails are now fully grown. The baby can swallow, hear, and even recognize voices. The baby will probably settle in the uterus head-down as the birth time nears.

Medical Care - Prenatal Visit 8 & 9

After the 32nd week of gestation, you will need to see your physician about every two weeks.

During the eight and ninth prenatal visits your physician may check the following:

• weight and blood pressure
• urine, for protein and/or sugar
• fetal heartbeat
• size and position of your baby
• fundal height
• edema of hands and feet
• varicose veins in the legs
• any other symptoms you have questions about

Month 7

Your Seventh Month

By the end of the seventh month, your baby will begin to gain fat tissue. The baby weighs approximately 2-3 pounds and is capable of responding to light, sound, and pain. You may feel your baby kick or hiccup.

Your Body: You May Be Experiencing:

• strong and active fetal movement
• heavy vaginal discharge
• lower abdominal cramping
• shortness of breath
• difficulty sleeping
• slight uterine contractions
• clumsiness
• possible breast leakage
• increased apprehension about labor
• dreaming about your new baby
• continued forgetfulness
• constipation heartburn, indigestion, bloating
• occasional headaches and dizziness

Your Baby: Weeks 29 - 33

The fetus grows to around 37 cm (14.5 inches) long and probably weighs just over 4.5 pounds. During this time the lungs have begun to mature. Surfactant, a substance necessary for lungs to work properly, begins to be produced. Its skin is beginning to look more smooth and pink as its body is filling out. The fingernails are completely grown in.

Medical Care - Prenatal Visit 7

During the seventh prenatal visit your physician may check the following:

• weight and blood pressure
• urine, for protein and/or sugar
• fetal heartbeat
• uterus size and fetal position by external palpation
• fundal height
• edema of hands and feet
• varicose veins in the legs
• any other symptoms you have questions about

Month 6

Your Sixth Month

By the end of the sixth month, the fetus has grown to approximately 12 inches and weighs about 1 pound and a half. The skin is very thin and the eyes can now open.

Your Body: You May Be Experiencing:

• more fetal movement
• more vaginal discharge
• lower abdominal cramping
• itchy abdomen
• continued breast enlargement
• ear and nose congestion
• bleeding gums
• swelling in ankles, feet, hands, face
• a decrease in mood swings
• anxiety about the future
• constipation fatigue
• occasional headaches
• occasional dizziness
• heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, bloating
• varicose veins and/or hemorrhoids

Your Baby: Weeks 24 - 28

The fetus will grow to about 33 cm (13 in.) long and will probably weigh a little under 3 pounds at the end of 28 weeks. Fat has formed under the skin and will comprise about 3.5% of the fetus body weight. The fetus can suck his thumb and get hiccups by the end of this time period. The eyes start to open around the 25th week and may be able to respond to small amounts of light by the 28th week. The fetus may also react to the sounds of the outside environment (i.e. loud music).

Medical Care - Prenatal Visit 6

During the sixth prenatal visit the physician may check the following:

• weight and blood pressure
• urine, for protein and/or sugar
• fetal heartbeat
• uterus size and fetal position by external palpation
• fundal height
• edema of hands and feet varicose
• veins in the legs
• any other symptoms you have questions about

Month 5

Your Fivth Month

By the end of the fifth month, you should begin to feel your baby moving around inside your tummy. The fetus has grown to almost 10 inches. The protective vernix caseosa has formed and covers the fetus. Hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows are beginning to grow.

Your Body: You May Be Experiencing:

• fetal movement
• an increase in vaginal discharge
• lower abdominal pain
• occasional nosebleeds
• heavy appetite l
• ower extremity cramping
• increase in heart rate
• orgasms are easier or more difficult
• backaches
• abdomen skin changes color
• reality of pregnancy
• fewer mood swings
• mild swelling in ankles, feet, face, hands
• varicose veins and hemorrhoids
• occasional headaches
• occasional dizziness
• bleeding gums constipation

Your Baby: Weeks 19 - 23

Compared to the rapid growth in the 4th month, growth slows down during the 5th month. The fetus grow from 17 cm to 23 cm (6.7-9 in.) and weight increases from about 0.5 lb. to 1 lb. during this time. The baby grows a fine hair, called lanugo hair, all over its body. The skin is covered by greasy substance calledvernix caseosa which protects the fetus 's skin. Eyebrows and head hair begin to appear. Larger fetal movements can now not only be felt by the mother, but others may be able to feel these movements by touching her abdomen.

Medical Care - Prenatal Visit 5

During the fifth prenatal visit your physician my check the following:

• weight and blood pressure
• urine, for protein and/or sugar
• fetal heartbeat
• uterus size by external palpation
• fundal height edema of hands and feet
• varicose veins in the legs
• any other symptoms you have questions about

Month 4

Your Fourth Month

By the end of the fourth month, the placenta is complete and is nourishing the fetus. The fetus has grown to about 4 inches and is starting to suck and swallow. At this point the fingers and toes are well defined.

Your Body: You May Be Experiencing:

• continued breast enlargement
• ear and nose congestion
• bleeding gums
• swelling in ankles, feet, hands, face
• varicose veins and/or hemorrhoids
• whitish vaginal discharge
• a decrease in urination
• an end in nausea
• constipation
• fatigue
• occasional headaches
• occasional dizziness
• heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, bloating
• irritability, mood swings, irrationality
• frustration with clothing fit feeling
• scatterbrain and forgetful

Your Baby: Weeks 14 - 18

This is a period of very rapid growth and the fetus lengthens quickly from about 10 cm to almost 17 cm (4-6.5 in.) and will weigh just under a half pound by the end of the fourth month. Many of the major organs, such as the kidneys, are beginning to work. The fingernails and toenails have begun to grow. The head is much more in proportion with the rest of the body.

Slight movements of the fetus may be felt by mothers. These movements "fluttering" may seem like butterflies or bubbles moving across the stomach. With some practices, the mother may be able to find out the sex of the baby after the 16th week.

Medical Care - Prenatal Visit 4

During the fourth prenatal visit your physician my check the following:

• weight and blood pressure
• urine, for protein and/or sugar
• fetal heartbeat
• uterus size by external palpation
• fundal height
• edema of hands and feet
• varicose veins in the legs
• any other symptoms you have questions about

Month 3

Your Third Month

By the end of your third month of pregnancy, the fetus is between two and three inches long and weighs about a half ounce. Development is occurring rapidly, both circulatory and urinary systems are working. Although the reproductive organs are intact, it is still difficult to determine the gender of your baby.

Your Body: You May Be Experiencing:

• an increasing appetite
• additional veins may appear on lower extremities
• fatigue & sleepiness
• frequent urination
• nausea, with or without vomiting
• constipation
• heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, bloating
• food cravings
• breast changes: tenderness and fullness
• occasional headaches
• occasional dizziness
• clothes my begin to be uncomfortable
• irritability, mood swings, weepiness fear, joy, elation a calming feeling

Your Baby: Weeks 9 - 13

At the start of the ninth week, the baby is now technically called a fetus. The fetal period is mainly a time of growth and differentiation of tissues and organs. The fetus will begin growing at a rapid rate and grows from about 6 cm to 10 cm (2.2-4 in.) in the third month and will weigh about one tenth of a pound by the end of the 3rd month. At beginning of 9th week, the head is about half of the fetus, but growth of the head slows down relative to rest of body. The face becomes more human looking and the eyelids are now closed. Urine also begins to form at the start of the 3rd month.

The external genitalia of both male and female fetuses look similar until end of 9th week but sex is usually determined by ultrasound around the 16th week. Before this time, the baby 's heartbeat may be heard with ultrasound.

Fetuses have reflex and muscle activity at the end of the third month but they are too slight to be felt by the mother.

Medical Care - Prenatal Visit 3

During the third prenatal visit your physician my check the following:

• weight and blood pressure
• urine, for protein and/or sugar
• fetal heartbeat
• uterus size by external palpation
• fundal height
• edema of the hands and feet
• varicose veins in the legs

Month 2

Your Second Month

By the end of the second month of pregnancy, the embryo has grown to a little over one inch long and weighs about a third of an ounce. Your baby is now beginning to obtain human features, such as: toes, fingers, arms and legs. It is possible you may still be unaware of your pregnancy during the second month. You may start to experience mood swings similar to those during premenstrual syndrome. You may be irrational or very emotional. Be sure to make an appointment with your practitioner as soon as you suspect your pregnancy. To see a list of possible clues as to whether or not you're pregnant, check out signs of pregnancy.

Your Body: You May Be Experiencing:

• fatigue & sleepiness
• nausea, with or without vomiting
• constipation
• heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, bloating
• food cravings
• breast changes: tenderness and fullness
• frequent urination
• occasional headaches
• occasional dizziness
• clothes may begin to be uncomfortable
• irritability, mood swings, weepiness fear, joy, elation

Your Baby: The Second Four Weeks

Week 5- Embryonic Development
At this time, the embryo is roughly 5-8 mm long. Head growth is greater than growth in any other region due to the rapid development of the brain. Forelimbs and hind limbs look like tiny paddles; the fingers and toes have not formed yet.

Week 6
During the sixth week, the embryo grows to about 10-14 mm long. At this stage, the heart begins to beat. You are able to identify wrists and elbows. Finger rays also develop but toe rays appear a little later. The external ear also begins to form and you can more easily identify the eye as retinal pigment begins to appear. The head is large compared to rest of body.

Week 7
At this point, the embryo is about 17-22 mm long. The finger rays are separating. Other highlights of the seventh week are:

• eyelids and nipples formed
• upper lip begins to develop

Week 8
The embryo now has a more human-like appearance. The head is more rounded and the embryo is between 28-30 mm long. The eyes are usually still open. The fingers have lengthened and the toes are distinct.

Medical Care - Prenatal Visit 2

Since the first prenatal exam can be rather lengthy and involved, you might want to use the second prenatal exam to answer many of your questions and to get some of your pregnancy jitters out. It is also a good idea to bring a list of your questions to ask your physician. During the second prenatal visit your physician may check thefollow things:

During the second prenatal visit your physician may check the follow things:

• weight and blood pressure
• edema of hands and feet
• varicose veins in the legs
• urine, for protein and/or sugar
• any symptoms you might be experiencing

Month 1

Your First Month

By the end of your first month of pregnancy, your baby is smaller than a single grain of rice. Around the 22nd day after conception your baby developed a heart beat, and is now on its way to developing the neural tube, digestive tract, and sensory organs. The neural tube is what eventually becomes the Central Nervous System, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Most women probably do not know that they are pregnant during the first couple weeks. It is possible, however, that you will experience some of the signs of pregnancy. If you do suspect pregnancy this early, make an appointment with your practitioner to have a pregnancy test.

Your Body: You May Be Experiencing:

• an absence of menstruation
• fatigue and sleepiness
• frequent urination
• nausea, with or without vomiting
• constipation
• heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, bloating
• food cravings
• breast changes: tenderness and fullness
• emotional upsets comparable to PMS
• fear, joy, elation

Your Baby: The First Four Weeks

Week 1 - Development of the Zygote Day 1
Approximately 300-500 millions sperm are deposited in the female genital tract during sexual intercourse. However, only about 300-500 reach the site of fertilization. Fertilization occurs in the widest part of the fallopian tube, closest to the ovary. As soon as one sperm penetrates the egg, the surface of the egg changes to prevent multiple fertilization. The sperm and the egg begin to fuse together. Day 2. After the sperm and egg have fused, the sex is determined. The cell begins cleavage and eventually splits into two cells. The two-cell stage occurs about 30 hours after fertilization. Day 3. The 12- and 16-cell stages occur about 3 days after fertilization. This small clump of cells is referred to as the morula. Day 5. It is not until about the fifth day that the morula finally enters into the uterus. Fluid begins to enter until a single cavity is formed. When this cavity is formed, the embryo is called the blastocyst. Day 7. Implantation into the uterine wall begins around day 6. The uterine lining is in a secretory phase at this point. The wall becomes spongy as the glands and arteries become coiled.

Week 2 - Development of the Bilaminar Embryo Day 8.
The blastocyst is partially embedded in the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). The amniotic cavity forms. Day 10. The embryo is completely embedded in the endometrium. Day 14. The embryo cells begin to differentiate and is called the bilaminar embryo. The prochordal plate also develops. This is where the cranial region and mouth will develop. About this time, the chorionic villi begin to develop. This is the beginning of the primitive cardiovascular system.

Week 3
The end of week 3 is marked by the beginning of the development of the heart and central nervous system. The notochord and the primitive streak are formed during week 3. Through a process called neuralation, the notochord forms the neural plate which eventually develops into the central nervous system (the brain and spinal chord). When the primitive streak develops, it is possible to identify the right and left sides, top and bottom, and front and back sides of the embryo. The cardiovascular system also continues formation with the development of a primitive heart, blood cells and plasma, and blood vessels. Week 3 marks a time of rapid development of the embryo. During this week, the embryo, now called a gastrula, forms three germ layers during a process called gastrulation. The three germ layers are the ectoderm, the endoderm, and the mesoderm; all tissues and organs develop from these. Germ Layer Forms: Ectoderm skin and nervous system Mesoderm muscles, connective tissues, vessels, blood cells, bone marrow, the skeleton, reproductive organs, excretory organs Endoderm linings of the respiratory and digestive tracts, glandular cells

Week 4
The fourth week is a period of major structural changes. Highlights of the fourth week include: Continuing development of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems Appearance of the upper and lower limb buds Formation of the optic pits, the inner ear Primitive structures of the eyes are visible.

Medical Care - Prenatal Visit 1

Come prepared to answer lots of questions. Your physician will want to know the symptoms you have experienced thus far, and the date of the first day of your last period to determine your estimated date of delivery(EDD). A pregnancy test may be ordered to confirm your pregnancy. Some common prenatal tests may also be ordered for you at this time.

Questions The Physician May Ask You:

• Do you have a chronic illness?
• Have you ever had a major illness?
• What surgeries have you had, if any?
• Are you currently taking any medications?
• Were you possibly taking any medications when your baby was conceived?
• Do you have any known allergies?
• Are there any genetic disorders or chronic diseases in you or the baby's father's family?
• How old were you when you menstrual cycle began?
• How long do your periods last each month?
• Are your periods regular?
• How heavy is your menstrual flow?
• Have you had any past pregnancies, labors, or deliveries?
• Have you had any past abortions or miscarriages?
• Do you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages?
• What is your current occupation?

Complete Physical Examination

An assessment of your general health blood pressure reading height and weight will be taken inspection of body for varicose veins or any edema palpation of external genitalia internal examination of vagina and cervix examination of pelvic organs assessment of size and shape of your bony pelvis.

Your Pregnancy

Your Pregnancy

The decision to welcome a baby into your life is one filled with excitement and trepidation. From before conception, through the 40 weeks of growth and development, the delivery, and the post-partum period, you and baby will go through many changes. While there are cases of "textbook" pregnancies, each pregnancy is different and taking time to discuss concerns with your doctor or midwife will help keep you and your baby healthy.

First Trimester

* Month One
* Month Two
* Month Three

Second Trimester

* Month Four
* Month Five
* Month Six

Third Trimester

* Month Seven
* Month Eight
* Month Nine