The news confirming a pregnancy always gives us butterflies in the stomach (and much more than that)! From the first baby steps (pun intended) until the arrival of the D-Day, the journey of pregnancy keeps springing up one surprise after another. And a pregnant woman keeps track of the remaining months, weeks, and days until the big moment. Therefore, it makes sense that a 9-month delay would be uncomfortable.
A baby grows and develops an amazing amount in just nine months. Here’s a short summary of how your baby’s development occurs during pregnancy.
Fertilization
You’ve made it! Rather, the sperm has made it to the ovary – also the reason why you’ve probably missed your current month’s period.
Month 1 Development (At 4 Weeks)
This is when your home pregnancy test shows positive. An embryo represents your unborn child at this time. The minor bleeding that occasionally occurs as the embryo fuses to the uterus is known as implantation hemorrhage.From here on, the baby’s face and neck structures start forming. Vital organs such as the heart, liver, lungs, stomach, and blood vessels start developing.
Month 2 Development (At 8 Weeks)
At two months pregnant, your baby’s face continues its development. Buds that will eventually be limbs begin to develop. The digestive system, sensory organs, and the brain start to take shape.The cartilage in the embryo begins to be replaced by bone. Your baby will be about an inch long by the end of the second month! An ultrasound can show the heartbeat of your unborn child after roughly six weeks.
Month 3 Development (At 12 Weeks)
Your baby is now 2 inches long and slowly starts moving. The doctor may be able to detect the baby’s heartbeat through special instruments. The hands, feet, fingers, and toes, along with the rest of the limbs, mature. The formation of the toenails and fingernails starts. The growth of the teeth and external ears also starts. Additionally, the baby begins to develop sex organs.
After the 3rd month of development, the chance of miscarriage drops considerably.
Month 4 Development (At 16 Weeks)
You baby now measures around 4.3 inches approximately. The heart and blood vessels are fully developed. The fingers and toes have fingerprints. The baby’s eyes also start to blink.
Month 5 Development (At 20 Weeks)
Your baby is now around 6 inches long and can weigh up to 10 ounces. You might feel the baby move this month. The baby’s head and body continue to grow hair. When an ultrasound is performed, the beating heart and the infant’s movements can be seen. Additionally, the gender is now clear.
If your baby is born prematurely after the 23rd week, he or she will be kept in the NICU for a better chance of survival.
Month 6 Development (At 24 Weeks)
The inner ear of the baby is fully developed and he/she now starts responding to sounds. The mother can also feel the hiccups that the baby has. This is a result of growing lungs. Your infant ought to be close to 1.4 pounds at this point.
Month 7 Development (At 28 Weeks)
Your baby is now around 2.6 pounds and keeps changing his/her position frequently. If a baby was to deliver prematurely now, there are high chances of survival. So, do speak to your doctor in this regard.
Month 8 Development (At 34 Weeks)
The baby’s movements continue to increase from here on. This may be the time your doctor might ask you to keep a check on fetal movements. Currently weighing around 4 pounds, the baby will start to gain weight quickly until delivery. Any remaining wrinkles in the baby’s skin disappear, and a fat layer develops on top of it.
Month 9 Development (At 36 Weeks)
The lungs become mature during this time in preparation for birth. Reflexes become more coordinated, allowing the baby to respond to sounds, blink, grasp, and turn his or her head. The baby may move less in the final weeks of pregnancy and may position itself for delivery with its head close to the birth canal. Your infant is now between 18 and 20 inches long and at least 7 pounds weight!
The Countdown To Birth
Pregnancy is such an exciting time for mom and baby. Getting plenty of rest, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding stress is especially important for you and baby. Keep in mind that a happy mother leads to a happy child.
Now that you have an idea of how your little angel is ‘shaping up’ inside you, we wish you all the luck in your journey towards motherhood!
