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Of course, no two pregnancies are exactly alike
and each child grows in his or her own way. While we present heights, weights, baby growth
and changes in the mother, it is common for the experience of each pregnancy to be
different from what is shown. It is important for the mother to be in close contact with
her physician throughout the nine months for her health and the health of her child.
MONTH 1
Baby:
During the first eight weeks, the developing baby
is called an embryo. At this point the baby looks like a tadpole. The lungs and heart begin to form during this time
and the heart begins to beat around day 25. Height is usually around one-half inch; weight is
less than one ounce.
Mother:
Changes begin to happen to the mother fairly
quickly. She misses her "period", she craves certain food and urination becomes
frequent. "Morning Sickness" may begin at this time. The mother should quit smoking, drinking alcohol and
taking drugs immediately since the early weeks are very formative to the child. Also, if
the mother is taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication, she should tell her
doctor.
MONTH 2
Baby:
All major organs and systems are being formed but
are not developed. Ears, wrists, ankles, fingers and toes are beginning to grow. Height is around one inch long; weight is less than
one ounce.
Mother:
Her breasts will become sore and tender. She will often feel tired and sick. It is important for the mother to get plenty of rest,
drink six to eight glasses of water, juice or milk a day, eat healthy foods and exercise.
During the second month, the mother should visit her doctor for a checkup.
MONTH 3
Baby:
The baby is now called a fetus. The heartbeat
can be heard sometime around week 10-12. Body organs continue to mature. Height is around four inches long; weight is a
little over one ounce.
Mother:
The "morning sickness" and constant feeling of "being tired" continues. Headaches are common and clothes begin to
"feel tight". A gain of three to four pounds is normal. Walking (or other form of exercise), as well as a
diet full of vitamins and minerals, is very important.
MONTH 4
Baby:
The fetus begins to move and kick. He/she can
also begin to hear voices. The umbilical cord grows to provide more nourishment to the
fetus so it is more important than ever that the mother stay away from harmful substances
and live a healthy life. Height is around six to seven inches long; weight is
around five ounces.
Mother:
By the end of the fourth month, it is possible for the mother to feel the baby. Morning sickness goes away and appetite
increases. The mother will "begin to show" since a weight gain of one pound per
week is common. A medical checkup is recommended and iron
supplements are usually prescribed.
MONTH 5
Baby:
The fetus activity increases. He/she can
turn from side-to-side. A regular waking and sleeping cycle is developed. Rapid growth
usually takes place during the 5th month. Height is commonly 8-12 inches; weight one-half to
one pound.
Mother:
The mother's heart beats faster and she can
feel the baby frequently. It is important for her to get plenty of sleep and rest. Leg
cramps are common and the doctor often recommends calcium supplements. A baby's growth and weight are likely to be
affected if the mother has continued to smoke, take drugs or drink alcohol.
MONTH 6
Baby:
The skin is covered with a fine, soft hair.
Eyes begin to open and fingerprints can be seen. Height is commonly 11-14 inches;
weight is 1-1 ½ pounds.
Mother:
The mother will feel strong kicks now. It is
common for her to experience pain in her back and down the side of her belly. She may
become constipated and have heartburn. A healthy diet and exercise is encouraged and a
visit to the physician is recommended.
MONTH 7
Baby:
The fetus will begin to suck its thumb and
cry. He/she will respond to light and sound. If born now, the fetus has a good chance of
survival. Height is around 15 inches long; weight approximately three pounds.
Mother:
Her ankles and feet will begin to swell and
stretch marks will begin to appear. Due to weight gain, the mother can lose her balance so
she should be extra careful when walking. False labor contractions often happen but she should
only call the physician if there are more than five contractions in one hour. Another checkup
is recommended and now is a good time to begin childbirth education classes.
MONTH 8
Baby:
The brain grows rapidly during this time. The
fetus is so large it cannot move easily; however, he or she can have strong kicks. Height is
approximately 18 inches; weight around five pounds.
Mother:
Strong contractions are normal. Breasts begin to
produce milk and some leakage is possible. The mother may feel a shortness of breath
because the baby crowds the lungs. Sleeping is often difficult. The mother should see
the doctor every two weeks at this point and should call her physician if she has:
1. Bleeding from the vagina
2. Cramps, stomach pains or a dull backache
3. Blurry vision
4. A feeling that the baby is pushing down
5. A noticeable decrease in the baby's movements
6. More than five contractions in one hour
MONTH 9
Baby:
At 38-40 weeks the baby is "full term". The lungs can now
function on their own. The baby will go into a heads-down position and rest
on the mother's abdomen. Height now is usually around 19-21 inches; weight is
normally six to nine pounds.
Mother:
Breathing becomes easier when the baby drops.
Urination will increase and the swelling of ankles and feet will increase. Weight gain
should stop. The mother should rest as much as possible and see
her physician once a week after week 30 until the baby is born. The mother is likely to be
in labor if her contractions are:
1. Regular or evenly spaced apart
2. Happen more than five times in one hour
3. Last for more than 30-70 seconds
4. Get worse as she moves around
When any of these happen, her physician should be
called.
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