Pregnancy week by week: like babyê develops

2023 Author: Benjamin Dyson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 01:37

The weeks of pregnancy are mainly marked by the baby's development, which is most sensitive in the first 12 weeks, as this is the phase in which rapid multiplication of cells and formation of the main organs occurs. However, during the entire pregnancy there are also several changes in the woman's body, which can result in various symptoms and discomforts such as morning sickness, tiredness or breast tenderness, for example.

At around 12 weeks, the formation of the placenta and umbilical cord takes place, which will take the nutrients and oxygen necessary for the maturation of all the baby's organs, which will continue to develop until the end of the day. pregnancy, which usually lasts an average of 9 months, or 40 weeks, but can extend to 42 weeks.

1 month - up to 4 weeks gestation

The first month of pregnancy corresponds to the first 4 weeks and the beginning of the first trimester of pregnancy, when the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus, initiating the division of the embryo's cells and stimulating the woman's body to produce the hormone beta-HCG to create conditions for the baby to develop inside the uterus.

This hormonal increase can cause the first symptoms of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, tiredness or breast tenderness, which can often be confused with PMS symptoms. Know how to differentiate the symptoms of pregnancy and PMS.

At this stage of pregnancy, the placenta is not yet formed, but the baby is surrounded by the gestational sac that protects it from infections or blows and is responsible for forming the placenta and the amniotic sac, being present until approximately the 12th week of pregnancy.

At the end of the first month, the baby's size is about 2 millimeters and the neural tube that will give rise to the baby's nervous system and brain is already formed. See more about fetal development in the 4th week of pregnancy and the changes in a woman's body.

2 months - 5 to 8 weeks gestation

At the beginning of the 2nd month, the baby's heart is formed and begins to beat and pump blood at an accelerated rate. By the end of this month, other organs such as the lungs, liver, intestines and kidneys will also begin to form, as will neurons and the small buds that will give rise to arms and legs.

Although the fetus is still very small, measuring about 13 millimeters at the end of the 2nd month, it is at this stage that most women discover they are pregnant. Learn how to take a home pregnancy test.

In this month of pregnancy, it is common for women to present symptoms of malaise and nausea in the morning, which usually last until the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy, caused by rapid hormonal changes. Some tips to improve these symptoms can be to avoid strong smells and intense foods, not fasting for too long and rest, as tiredness tends to increase nausea. Check out some home remedies for motion sickness in pregnancy.

At the end of the 2nd month, it is possible to know the sex of the baby through the fetal sexing exam, performed through the analysis of a sample of maternal blood. Find out how the fetal sexing test is performed.

3 months - 9 to 13 weeks gestation

The 3rd month of pregnancy corresponds to weeks 9 to 13 of pregnancy, and also to the end of the first trimester. This month of pregnancy is marked by the formation of bones and cartilage, the ear canals, nostrils and elbows, making it possible for the baby to flex its arms. In addition, the baby's organs are already formed and begin to function, but continue to develop and mature until the end of the pregnancy. In addition, the ovaries or testes are also fully formed.

At the end of the 3rd month, the baby measures about 7.4 centimeters and the placenta is already fully formed. The woman's belly begins to appear, morning sickness is usually not so frequent and the breasts become increasingly voluminous, which increases the risk of getting stretch marks. Learn more about how to avoid stretch marks in pregnancy.

4 months - 14 to 17 weeks gestation

The 4th month corresponds to the beginning of the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, and in this month the baby begins to swallow amniotic fluid and develops sucking and swallowing reflexes for future breastfeeding. In addition, the lungs are developing and the baby is already able to make breathing movements, breathing in the amniotic fluid.

Baby's skin is thin and covered by lanugo, a thin layer of hair that helps regulate body temperature, and despite the eyelids being closed, the baby can now move his eyes from side to side. the other and notice the difference between light and dark.

At the end of the 4th month, the baby measures about 13.5 centimeters measured from head to toe and weighs about 179 grams. The woman's belly is already noticed and the waist acquires a more rounded aspect. Check out the main changes in a woman's body at the end of the 4th month of pregnancy.

5 months - 18 to 22 weeks gestation

The 5th month of pregnancy, corresponds to weeks 18 to 22 of pregnancy, and the baby already has well-formed ears, being able to hear the mother's heartbeat. In addition, the fallopian tubes are already positioned in the correct place, if it is a girl, and it is possible to confirm the baby's sex by morphological ultrasound.

At this stage of pregnancy, the vernix caseosa is still formed, a kind of white covering over the skin, which serves as protection and hydration of the skin, in addition to preventing infections and regulating the baby's body temperature.

At the end of the 5th month of pregnancy, the baby measures about 27.4 centimeters, weighs about 476 grams and its movements can already be felt by the woman. The pregnant woman may have a darker line that goes from the navel to the genital region, called the linea nigra, which is normal and occurs due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, in addition to Braxton-Hicks contractions that are mild and considered normal. Understand better what Braxton-Hicks contractions are.

6 months - 23 to 27 weeks gestation

The 6th month of pregnancy corresponds to weeks 23 to 27 and marks the end of the second trimester of pregnancy. In this month, the baby begins to open his eyes, has a sleep routine and has a more developed palate. Hearing is more and more refined and the baby can now perceive external stimuli, responding to touch or being startled by loud noises.

At the end of that month, the baby measures about 34.7 centimeters, measured from head to toe, and weighs about 1.03 kg. The woman will be able to more easily notice the baby's movements and therefore caressing the belly and talking to him can calm him down. Check out some ways to stimulate the baby while still in the belly.

7 months - 28 to 31 weeks gestation

The 7th month of pregnancy, corresponds to weeks 28 to 31, and marks the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy. At this stage, the baby's head is already bigger and the brain is developing and expanding, so the baby's nutritional needs are increasing. The baby moves more vividly, recognizes the mother's voice and reacts to sounds and light.

At the end of the 7th month, the baby measures about 40.3 centimeters and weighs about 1.7 kg and the woman may experience back pain, pelvic pain due to or constipation. See how to relieve constipation in pregnancy.

At this stage, it is important to start buying the necessary items for the baby, such as clothes and the crib, and prepare the suitcase to take to the maternity hospital. Find out more about what to bring to the maternity hospital.

8 months - 32 to 35 weeks gestation

The 8th month of pregnancy corresponds to weeks 32 to 35 of pregnancy, and at this stage the baby's lungs are already more developed, although they continue to mature until the end of pregnancy. However, they already produce pulmonary surfactant, a substance that will help the exchange of oxygen during breathing after birth.

At the end of the 8th month of pregnancy, the baby measures about 45.5 centimeters and weighs about 2.5 kg. At this stage, the head starts to move from side to side, the digestive system is already properly formed, the bones become stronger and stronger, but at this moment there is less space to move.

For women, this phase can be uncomfortable as the legs become more swollen and varicose veins can appear or worsen, so walking for 20 minutes in the morning and resting more during the day can help. Learn how to relieve discomfort in late pregnancy.

9 months - 36 to 42 weeks gestation

The 9th month of pregnancy corresponds to weeks 36 to 40 weeks, but can extend up to 42 weeks. At this stage of pregnancy, the baby continues to grow and gain weight, the skin is thinner and smoother and the lanugo begins to disappear.

Up to the 37th week, most babies are already in the birth position, that is, turned upside down. However, some babies may take a little longer to turn, which should be evaluated by the obstetrician towards the end of the pregnancy. Check out some exercises that can help your baby turn upside down.

At the end of the 40th week of pregnancy, the baby measures about 51.2 centimeters and weighs about 3.5 kg and the birth is considered a full-term delivery. However, it is possible for the baby to be born up to 41 weeks and 6 days, being called late term, or up to 42 weeks, being considered post-term.

If labor does not start spontaneously until 41 weeks and 3 days, it is possible that the obstetrician opts for induction of labor, which consists of administering oxytocin into the mother's bloodstream, in the hospital, to stimulate contractions uterus, or perform a cesarean section. Understand how labor induction is performed.