Pregnancy is the name given to the entire period of time from the fertilization of the egg by the sperm until the moment of delivery. In this process, the baby’s development occurs.
Pregnancy is a natural process of proliferation of the species. It happens to all animals and plants. In humans, the natural duration is up to 40 weeks, which is equivalent to 9 months on the calendar.
Leaving science aside, pregnancy is a beautiful moment, much awaited by parents and that brings a lot of joy.
Having a child is not just getting pregnant and after 9 months giving birth. This involves many hormonal, psychological and financial changes in the couple’s life.
Changes in the development of the fetus occur every week of pregnancy. Understand each one of them:
Contents
First Trimester: how are the stages of pregnancy?
The first trimester is the time when there is a greater risk of developing the fetus in women who are expecting their first child, due to the possibility of loss (spontaneous abortion).
The baby becomes stronger each week, making this possibility lessen.
1st week: how does pregnancy occur?
Menstrual cycle and conception
In a normal menstruation process, which lasts an average of 28 days, the mature egg is released in the middle of this process (around the 14th day). This egg travels from the ovary to the fallopian tubes, towards the uterus, and there it waits to be fertilized. If not fertilized, the cycle begins again.
The first week can be counted by the first day of menstruation. Doctors use that day to predict the likely date of delivery (DPP).
If you are planning to become pregnant or are afraid that you are pregnant, make sure you are taking folic acid (vitamin B9) and prenatal vitamins (B12, C, D and E), as these nutrients are essential at the beginning, so that your little one have great growth.
Talk to your doctor so that he can indicate the appropriate supplementation for admission to the maternity hospital.
It is in this week that the preparation of the woman’s body begins for the second week, where fertilization will occur.
- Process: Ovulation;
- Days of pregnancy: 7 days.
2nd Week: how is the pregnancy process?
It is in the second week that the woman’s body prepares for fertilization, releasing hormones that allow ovulation and the conditions necessary to generate the baby.
The changes that occur are:
- The uterine lining thickens to accommodate the new fetus;
- Ovarian follicles mature until one becomes dominant;
- Hormones are released in order for the dominant follicle to release the egg for fertilization;
- Cervical mucus becomes softer, more fluid and watery, like egg white, to make life easier for sperm;
- The release of the hormone estrogen responsible for stimulating the lining of the uterus to house the fertilized egg begins.
How does the egg fertilize?
In each ejaculation, the man releases from 300 to 400 sperm inside the vagina.
The sperm has only one mission: to fertilize the egg. But only a few survive in this process.
Upon reaching the fallopian tubes, they are pushed towards the egg, but only one sperm – the strongest – can reach the target and fertilize the egg.
When this occurs, the mission changes and becomes more peaceful. The fertilized egg, also known as Zygote, continues to descend towards its final goal: the uterus.
What happens when there are fraternal or dizygotic twins?
It is called pregnancy of fraternal twins when two different eggs are fertilized by two different sperm at the same time.
Fraternal twins are the most common to happen, being those genetically alike and who may or may not share the same placenta.
Pregnancy with dizygotic twins is more rare. It is the result of an egg that has been fertilized and, when the cell division process begins, the cells divide giving rise to another embryo, which will be the same as the other, giving rise to identical twins.
- Process: Fertilization;
- Days of pregnancy: 14 days.
3rd Week: what happens in the organism?
That week, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. Vaginal discharge can occur (intense or not, depending on the woman). This blood loss does not harm the pregnancy.
It is in this week that the cells begin to reproduce deliberately, multiplying and dividing.
The formation of the placenta also begins, which is responsible for producing the hormone hCG (the pregnancy hormone); the umbilical cord, which will serve as a connection between the mother and the baby until the end of the pregnancy; the amniotic bag; the vitelline pouch; and the protective membrane inside the uterus.
Some symptoms that will accompany the first weeks of pregnancy and that may persist throughout the first trimester are:
- Morning sickness;
- Physical tiredness and drowsiness;
- Sensitivity and pain in the breasts;
- Emotional variations;
- Cramps;
- Constipation.
At this stage of pregnancy, the size of the embryo is still compared to a chia seed.
- Process: From single cell to embryo;
- Days of pregnancy: 21 days.
4th week: are there any symptoms?
With the production of hormones, pregnancy can now be detected by pharmacy tests, blood or urine. Nausea and more acute senses can be felt by the woman this week.
In the fetus, the embryonic layers begin to differentiate to give rise to different parts of the body. It is in this week that the differentiation of bone, skin, organs, eyes and mouth begins.
The neural tube begins to be developed, connecting the spine to the brain. If you have a problem with the formation of the tube, there may be a complication called spina bifida, in which the spinal cord does not close completely.
By taking at least 400mG of folic acid every day, it is possible to avoid complications in the formation of the spinal cord.
The heart and the beginning of the circulatory system begin to be developed, along with the digestive system.
In addition, the baby’s sex is already determined, although it is not yet detectable.
From the multiplication of cells, your little body creates the necessary conditions to survive.
Prenatal preparation is extremely important in early pregnancy for the baby to grow up healthy.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Rice grain;
- Process: Cell differentiation;
- Approximate weight: 1g;
- Size: 0.2 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 28 days.
5th week: how is the baby’s formation?
In the fifth week, the embryo develops very quickly. The main structures, such as skeleton, muscles, heart, kidneys, liver, central nervous system, are being formed.
During this period it is already possible to hear the heartbeat on ultrasound. The small heart can reach 80 beats per minute.
It is worth mentioning that the baby’s head is the part of the body that grows the most, developing the brain and the nervous system.
Symptoms such as cramps, feeling sick and mood swings are common in this process. Try to relax with warm water baths, as very hot water can cause malformations in the central nervous system.
Food is also extremely important in these weeks, as everything that is eaten goes to the baby. Cases of nutritional supplementation need to be monitored by the doctor.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Orange seed;
- Process: Formation of embryonic structures;
- Approximate weight: 1 g;
- Size: 0.3 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 35 days.
6th week: what happens inside the belly?
In the sixth week, pieces of tissue begin to develop and so does the spinal cord. The development of the chin, jaw and cheekbones begins. In place of the eyes, there is still only a black spot, but the embryo already has the brain.
His appearance begins to look more like a baby, with apparent arms and legs.
In pregnant women, on the other hand, the breasts may be sensitive due to the great blood circulation and the increase in the production of breast cells.
It is extremely important to eat folic acid and B vitamins, both for food and nutritional supplementation.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Pomegranate seed;
- Process: Developing cardiac cells;
- Approximate weight: 1 g;
- Size: 0.6 to 0.8cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 42 days.
7th Week: how is the development of the embryo?
The embryo begins to form with frightening speed. All agencies are under development, but are not yet functioning.
The production of nerve connections between the retina and the brain begins. The face begins to take shape, with a distinction between eyes, mouth, nose and cheekbones.
The kidneys are the first to function and prepare to release urine. The small arms and legs are growing and, at the tips, your fingers.
The placenta is in full development and growth, meeting the nutritional needs of the embryo.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Blackberry;
- Process: All organs in development;
- Approximate weight: 1 g;
- Size: 0.11 to 0.13 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 49 days.
8th week: baby’s body development
That week the connection between the neurons and the limbs begins, so the first movements may appear. They are small and involuntary, but they exist.
The movements cannot be felt by the mother, due to the distance between the fetus and the uterus.
The nose, ears and eyes begin to appear. The kidney excretes urine for the first time. The small heart can reach 150 beats per minute.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Raspberry;
- Process: The first movements;
- Approximate weight: 2.5g;
- Size: 0.13 to 1.7 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 56 days.
9th week: fetal formation
The embryo begins to be called a fetus.
This week has a spike in growth in the fetus’ arms and legs, developing the fingers and elbow and knee joints.
The development of the liver, gallbladder, spleen and adrenal gland begins.
This week, the development of the mammary glands in the mother begins to intensify, the breasts may become larger, more sensitive and painful to the touch.
Experts believe that swimming is the best exercise to be performed during pregnancy, as it does not compromise the joints.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Cherry;
- Process: Begins to look like a baby;
- Approximate weight: 2.5g;
- Size: 2.5cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 56 days.
10th week: how is this stage of pregnancy?
The baby’s body systems are integrating and forming completely.
Some of the organs begin to function: the stomach produces digestive juice; the kidneys produce more urine; if it is a boy, your testicles are developing.
Inside the gum, the first baby teeth are forming.
The brain is still in formation, but it already has 250,000 neurons developed. The features of the face begin to differentiate and the fingers to separate.
Many health professionals contraindicate caffeine, as coffee is a diuretic, that is, it increases the production of urine, which causes loss of fluid.
If you feel the need to drink caffeine every day, whether in coffee or soft drinks, be sure to drink enough water to make up for the loss of fluid.
- Comparison: Strawberry;
- Process: Integrated and formed systems;
- Approximate weight: 3 g;
- Size: 2 to 3 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 70 days.
11th week: what happens in the baby’s little body?
The baby’s heart is beating faster and faster. Don’t be alarmed by the speed, the little heart beats twice as fast as the mother’s, between 120 to 160 beats per minute.
The head of the fetus, at this stage, is almost half the size of the body, which indicates that the growth is being carried out successfully.
The placenta sits in the uterus and begins to play its main role, supplying everything the baby needs: exchange between the blood circulation of the mother and the fetus, hormonal exchange for development, among others.
If the baby is a girl, her ovaries are being formed.
It is also in this week that the growth of the skin begins, a thin layer covers the whole body of the baby, helping in the regulation of the body temperature.
At your fingertips, nails are already pointing.
The mother’s desires start to become intense and apparent.
During this period, it is necessary to do a test to detect the protein called Rh factor. If the mother is Rh negative, but the father Rh positive, it is possible that the child is Rh positive.
This condition can have serious consequences for the child, as the pregnant woman’s body can produce antibodies to the Rh factor.
The problem can be solved with an injection of Rhogam, which is taken between the 28th and the 29th week. This injection can also be done after birth, to avoid complications in future pregnancies.
In addition it is important to keep vitamin C supplementation up to date, as it will help the growth of new cells and develop bones and teeth.
Foods like orange, papaya, strawberry and broccoli, added to the diet, are enough to keep mom and baby healthy.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Cherry tomatoes;
- Process: Yawns and moves;
- Approximate weight: 9 g;
- Size: 5 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 77 days.
12th Week: what is changing?
Nails formed! Little fingers are forming and, at the tips, tiny nails. Many babies are born with them very long, needing to be trimmed right after delivery, to avoid accidents.
This week, the critical period for the child’s development is almost over, all the main parts of the fetus are formed, although much is yet to come.
The sexual organs are already developed, although there is no way to see on ultrasound. As the internal organs are already formed, now the big growth begins: the baby will grow and put on weight.
With the complete formation of the skin, the eyelids are covering the eyes, and will not open until the second trimester of pregnancy.
In pregnant women, the symptoms are becoming more and more apparent, such as great appetite.
Hormones are surfacing and the skin can become more oily, so many mothers develop acne during this period of pregnancy.
Symptoms such as vaginal discharge may be normal, but if there is pain or itching when urinating, it may be a sign of urinary tract infection . Consult your doctor.
Maintaining a protein-rich diet is very important throughout pregnancy, especially during this period.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Lemon;
- Process: Baby fully formed;
- Approximate weight: 14 g;
- Size: 6.3 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 84 days.
13th week: baby training
The kid’s organs are in full swing. The kidneys are producing a significant amount of urine and excreting it in the amniotic fluid. Your body is large enough to couple the intestine, previously installed in the umbilical cord.
The body needs to keep up with the growth of the head, which has grown a lot due to the development of the brain. Of the baby’s nearly 10 cm, half is occupied only by the head.
The senses are beginning to take place in the baby’s body. Suction movements (used in breastfeeding) are trained, the organs of smell are developing, despite being ready for use only in the 6th month of pregnancy.
Although small, the baby can already hear the noises produced by the mother’s body and, deep down, her voice. The eyelids, iris and retina are appearing, the fetus begins to have tenderness on the lips, face, palms and feet.
The most apparent symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea, fatigue and vomiting, decrease, and the joyful moments of pregnancy begin. Some women say that they feel a surge of energy in this period.
The woman’s waist starts to thicken, so thin-waisted pants can be annoying.
The 13th week marks the beginning of the 4th month of pregnancy. The end of the first semester has arrived!
In this phase:
- Comparison: Plum;
- Process: Hearing the heart through ultrasound;
- Approximate weight: 28.5 g;
- Size: 6.6 to 10 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 91 days.
Second trimester: what are the stages of pregnancy?
In the second trimester, the risk of miscarriage decreases considerably. Some women say that the second semester is a whirlwind of unique emotions and feelings that comes with pregnancy.
The sex of the baby can be identified and with that the preparations for the baby’s arrival begin.
14th week: baby’s movements
The first week of the second trimester is marked by hair growth on the eyebrows and hair. The body starts to stretch and move.
The mouth begins to train opening and closing movements, the muscles and organs of speech are ready to work. The eyes are positioning themselves at the final destination and the face is taking shape, with the ears and jaws positioned.
At your fingertips it is already possible to identify your fingerprints, which will accompany you throughout your life.
The fetus’ body is completely coated with a thin layer of hair, called lanugo, which protects it in amniotic fluid and helps regulate body temperature. This layer of hair may disappear during pregnancy or shortly after delivery.
A thin dark line may appear on the woman’s belly, which separates the abdomen into two parts. This phenomenon occurs due to the accumulation of melanin during this period. The nipples can start to get darker too, due to the formation of hormones and melanin.
Dark spots (melasma) can appear on the face, armpits and legs. They can get worse with the pregnancy stage and disappear soon after breastfeeding. To avoid these stains, apply sunscreen daily.
Stretch marks can start to appear and be a nuisance to the woman. To avoid them, it is important to stay hydrated. Some oils can help in this process, such as almond oil, grape or sunflower seeds, and moisturizing creams.
The 14th week is the limit to perform the nuchal translucency exam to identify Down’s Syndrome. Consult your doctor and keep the exam up to date.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Peach;
- Process: Placenta working completely;
- Approximate weight: 56 g;
- Size: 8cm to 10cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 98 days.
15th week: what are the mother’s symptoms?
With the retention of nutrients that the mother’s body is passing to the fetus, the bones are hardening with the help of calcium. With that, the joints are moving and exercising. The baby begins to bring the fingers to the mouth.
As the skin is very small and thin, it is possible to see small veins that carry blood to the whole body of the little one. The hair is defined in this period, although some newborns are born without hair, it is being formed in the 15th week, being able to change color and texture.
With the development of speech and feeding organs, the fetus begins to experience hiccups that are imperceptible by the mother.
It is already possible to identify the sex of the baby through ultrasound!
The taste buds begin to form. Although it seems unlikely, the baby can identify whether the outside environment is light or dark. This is the same impression as when we have our eyes closed and we know when it is day or night.
In the future mother, some changes are happening. Due to the large circulation of blood and fluids, the feet and ankles may become swollen – this aspect is normal during this period and may disappear with time.
With the growth of the belly, it becomes more and more difficult to find a position. Placing a pillow between your legs and lying on your side can help relieve pressure and ensure a peaceful sleep.
As the uterus is gaining space in the body, bladder and bowel compression is normal.
Proper nutrition can help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids. Some foods that can help in this process are: kiwi, plums, figs and fresh vegetables.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Orange;
- Process: Hear the sounds of the mother’s body;
- Approximate weight: 57 g;
- Size: 10cm to 11.4cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 105 days.
16th Week: development at full throttle
The baby is moving more and more, lifting his head and exercising his neck and spinal joints.
With all this energy, the movements of the arms and legs become more intense, the fetus opens and closes the hands, in addition to making faces, moving the nerves of the face. But these movements are still not noticeable by the mother due to the cushioning caused by the amniotic fluid.
After developing the perception of light, the baby can already feel the caresses made by the mother in the belly.
The inner ear is already fully formed, hearing internal sounds from the mother’s body. The eyelids are still closed, but inside them, the eyes are already moving.
Getting a good night’s sleep during these weeks can be challenging for the mother. Sleeping on your stomach can be uncomfortable for both the mother and the fetus, while sleeping with your stomach up increases the pressure on the vena cava.
A position that seems more pleasant is sleeping on the left side of the body, thereby increasing blood circulation and decreasing the chances of developing swelling and varicose veins.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Pear;
- Process: Able to coordinate movements;
- Approximate weight: 85 g;
- Size: 11.4 to 12.1 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 112 days.
17th week: accelerated baby formation
New structures are being formed and those already developed are taking shape and weight.
The baby begins to gain weight and accumulate fat, which helps in the production of heat after birth. The placenta supplies the nutrients the baby needs and continues to produce the pregnancy hormones.
The child trains the suction movements by swallowing and expelling the amniotic fluid.
With the inner ear formed, he begins to hear the external sounds of the mother’s body.
In that week the production of vernix, a liquid similar to a white ointment that protects the fetus from amniotic fluid, begins and helps in the time of delivery.
Due to the lack of oxygen inside the uterus, the lungs, at this moment fully formed, are not functioning.
Calcium is extremely important in this phase for the formation of baby teeth, inside the baby’s gums, and for the strengthening of bones.
At this stage, the baby already moves frantically and, in some positions, it is possible to feel.
Sickness is no longer a nuisance at this stage of pregnancy. However, some pain may be noticeable, as the uterus is expanding and taking the place of other organs to accommodate the baby.
With the increase in progesterone , heat waves can occur throughout the body.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Tomato;
- Process: Hears the outside sounds of the mother’s body;
- Approximate weight: 142 g;
- Size: 15.2 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 119 days.
18th Week: prepared organs
The baby begins to train the breathing movements.
Fingerprints, previously just an indication, begin to take shape and small folds at the fingertips are formed.
The child’s intestine starts to work with the liquid ingested in the breathing training. This liquid, which is excreted through the baby’s anus, passes through the stomach and intestine, joining with dead cells. It is called meconium, and the mother will be able to have contact with him in the first diaper change.
The baby’s movements may be noticeable to the touch. Many mothers claim to start feeling movements between the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy.
At this stage, the belly becomes much more apparent and clothes can be a problem. Therefore, try to use pieces that do not tighten the belly and that are comfortable.
The mother’s heart is working 40 to 50% more than usual, after all it is creating a life! This makes it possible to feel dizzy if you get up quickly.
Adjusting your blood sugar level and lying down for a while can help with dizziness.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Sweet potato;
- Process: Breathing movements;
- Approximate weight: 200 g;
- Size: 14cm to 18cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 126 days.
19th week: what happens in this phase?
If the baby is a girl, her reproductive system is already fully formed. Within the ovaries there are more than six million primitive eggs. After being born, that number can reach only one million.
If it is a boy, the testicles are formed and producing testosterone, and the outer member continues to grow.
Eyebrows, strands of hair and lashes are starting to show.
At this stage, the baby begins to have his own sleep schedule, regardless of outside activity.
With all the development, the fetus can already hear the external sounds, including the voice of the father and mother.
In the 19th week, the belly starts to become heavy, which leads to changes in some mother’s habits, such as sleep, walking, among others. The recommendation is to lie down at least once a day.
As the uterus grows, its round ligaments must stretch to continue to support the organ. This stretching can cause pain in the mother’s lower abdomen.
The sensation can be felt more intensely when changing positions or when getting up quickly. If you feel a lot of pain, see your doctor.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Mango;
- Process: More apparent sounds;
- Approximate weight: 200g to 225g;
- Size: 18 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 133 days.
20th Week: what happens here?
The 20th week marks the middle of gestation.
As células nervosas referentes aos sentidos estão se alojando nos seus lugares no cérebro. Com o desenvolvimento dos sistemas muscular e nervoso, os movimentos são coordenados, como juntar as mãos, agarrar, chupar o dedo, rolar, colocar a mão no rosto.
A pele do bebê começa a ficar rosada pela circulação do sangue pelas pequenas veias.
O mecônio continua a ser produzido pelo intestino.
A criança fica bem ativa e, quando não está dormindo, está se movimentando muito. A alegria de sentir seu pequeno se movimentando é grande!
Nos cuidados maternos, a grande recomendação é a hidratação, que deve ser feita sempre, com cerca de 2 litros de água por dia.
Nesse processo da gravidez, a mãe pode chegar a 4 a 6 quilos a mais, contando o peso do bebê e dos fluidos gerados na gravidez.
The belly, before very shy, starts to appear with vigor. With the compression of the organs due to their increased size, other symptoms may occur, such as shortness of breath. A little shortness of breath can be common at this stage of pregnancy, if it is in excess consult a doctor.
With the belly growing, the mother’s navel can pop out. If that happens, don’t worry: it will return to normal after pregnancy.
The heartburn can be perceived in this phase also, beverages or frozen foods can help with the relief of this symptom.
Starting this week, the date of delivery can be predicted and, if the delivery is cesarean, you can already set a date to perform the surgery.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Chili;
- Process: The top of the uterus is in the navel;
- Approximate weight: 210g to 225g;
- Size: 21.5 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 140 days.
21st Week: senses are already working at this stage
The 21st week marks the beginning of the 5th month.
The baby’s features begin to look very much like a child.
It is through this age that memory is emerging, so the baby can identify the voice of the mother and father, differentiate music, among others.
Talking to the fetus, calling him by name and petting the belly can be of great help in his development inside the uterus.
In the 21st week, the baby already has its own sleep cycle, which may or may not be related to the mother’s.
The tongue and taste buds are developed, as well as white blood cells, which help the child’s immune system.
In addition to feeling the baby moving in the belly, another symptom may be discharge. If the discharge does not come with a strong color or odor, the woman need not worry.
It is at this stage that swelling can begin to be part of the pregnant woman’s life, for that, physical exercises indicated for pregnancy can be recommended.
Excess sugar at this stage does not bring any benefit, so it is important to control sugar intake, so as not to harm the baby.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Banana;
- Process: Tongue and taste buds;
- Approximate Weight: 283g to 370g;
- Size: 23 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 147 days.
22nd week: constant movements
There is still a lot of space between the baby and the walls of the uterus, so the fetus constantly changes positions at this stage. Until the 36th week, this is not a concern, however, after that date it is important to be attentive and do the correct monitoring.
The thin skin that covers the child’s body is wrinkled and looks like it is “left over” over the next few weeks. With the increase in weight, the body becomes more round and “full”.
All organs are functioning, except the lung, which will only function at the time of delivery. During pregnancy, it is the umbilical cord that carries oxygen to the fetus.
The features of the face, such as ears, eyes, mouth and nose, are already defined and very similar to the baby that will come into the world. These traces can be seen by ultrasound.
Due to the constant movement of the baby inside the belly, the bones and cartilage develop and become stronger and stronger.
In the future mother, muscle pain starts to become part of the routine, the baby gains more and more weight, which makes the mother feel it in her back.
If you are having difficulties getting up or sitting on chairs, sofa or bed, the tip is to use an armrest when performing these movements, a helping hand can fall well at that time.
In addition, the hormone relaxin is working on the mother’s pelvis and hip bones, widening her joints and preparing the body for childbirth.
If the pain was very severe and a hot bath does not resolve, consult your doctor to treat it properly.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Papaya;
- Process: The brain grows rapidly;
- Approximate weight: 454 g;
- Size: 23cm to 26cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 154 days.
23rd Week: phase of paying attention to the senses
With the development of the bones of the inner ear, the fetus can already distinguish the different sounds it hears, both the internal (from the womb, the mother’s body) and the external (speech from the mother or father, music, reading).
The eyes begin their first movements, uncoordinated and random, but they are there.
The baby’s skin is still very red, because of the large amount of vessels that travel through his thin skin.
Although contraindicated, if you have a problem during pregnancy, at 23 weeks the baby is already able to survive with the help of machines and medical support, if he comes into the world.
When you think you’re talking to yourself, don’t worry: your baby is listening to everything!
Talking to your baby has never been more important. When the mother talks to the child, she makes him recognize her voice and in the future can respond to stimuli related to this, such as calming himself in the belly or even kicking in response.
The belly grows and becomes more and more apparent. The black line appears more and more, and the skin may become darker in other parts of the body, such as the armpits, groin, back and in some women on the face.
It is very common to have dark spots on the face of a pregnant woman, due to the large number of hormones that circulate in her body.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Eggplant;
- Process: Distinguishes external sounds from internal sounds;
- Approximate weight: 450 g;
- Size: 23cm to 25,5cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 161 days.
24th week: what happens in this phase?
The 24th week marks the beginning of the 6th month.
The baby’s eyes are constantly forming, despite having no color, the iris is formed. All muscles are formed and bones are harder.
The taste buds are in formation and with this the baby already develops a desire and desire for sweet things.
As the space between the baby and the walls of the uterus is reduced, the baby’s movements may be visible to the naked eye. At this stage, the baby can feel caresses made on the belly.
Despite sleeping almost all the time, when you are awake, there is a lot of movement.
All this movement results in discomfort in the woman, such as the urge to go to the bathroom constantly, back and lower back pain and difficulty sleeping.
At this stage of pregnancy, what the mother feels can be transmitted to the baby. If the mother gets a fright or becomes very stressed, the baby can respond to that. Keeping calm and relaxed is recommended.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Ear of corn;
- Process: Gaining weight;
- Approximate weight: 590 g;
- Size: 25cm to 28cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 168 days.
25th Week: vision formation process
The child’s eyes are already fully formed and are sensitive to light and clarity. Only around the 31st week does the iris become colored, but the definitive color will only settle between 6 and 9 months of age.
At this stage of pregnancy, the baby can gain from 30g to 50g per day.
On ultrasound, it is possible to see the child touching his face, moving his arms and legs, putting his finger in his mouth and even kicking. The tip is to eat a piece of chocolate 30 minutes after the exam, since the candy can make your little one agitated and happier.
The internal movements of the baby’s body are occurring normally, he swallows amniotic fluid that travels throughout his digestive system and is expelled again through the bladder.
The gestational diabetes occurs in 2% to 5% of pregnant women. To check insulin levels, it is possible to perform a glucose test.
Talk to your doctor to perform the test. The most suitable phase to do this exam is between the 24th and the 28th week of pregnancy.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Leek;
- Process: Close your hands and grab your feet;
- Approximate weight: 680 g;
- Size: 30cm to 33cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 175 days.
26th week: what are the mother’s symptoms?
To train his newest lungs, the baby begins to prepare his respiratory system for the world, opening his nostrils to inhale and exhale the amniotic fluid.
As there is no more space between the uterus and the baby, your movements are much more noticeable. For this reason, the fetus can feel caresses that are made in the belly, by the mother, father, or anyone.
To be able to see these movements more clearly, the tip is to lie on your back.
One of the baby’s favorite games at this stage is to put the umbilical cord in the mouth to be “sucking”. Don’t worry about it, the cord is strong enough to withstand the child’s tugging.
With these movements, the child trains the sucking movements that will be necessary for breastfeeding.
The baby’s small eyelids start to open and, even though it is very little, there is movement.
In the mother, pains become more and more constant, due to the changes that are taking place to accommodate the baby’s weight. Another common symptom at this stage is swelling, which occurs due to fluid retention, this discomfort can be relieved by avoiding standing for a long time.
As the baby is growing with intensity, the mother’s diet has to be increasingly nutritious and varied, in order to meet all the nutritional needs of the fetus. Doctors recommend eating smaller meals every 3 hours.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Zucchini;
- Process: Reacts to external stimuli;
- Approximate weight: 800 g;
- Size: 33 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 182 days.
Third trimester: how are the mother’s symptoms?
And the third quarter begins, entering the 7th month! The last trimester of pregnancy comes with many changes in routine, baby showers and rooms being prepared to welcome the new member of the family. However, internally there are several changes as well, we will see them below:
27th Week: the baby continues to develop
In this phase, the baby continues to gain weight and form a layer of fat between the internal organs and the skin, which will help it regulate the temperature when it leaves the mother’s belly.
The baby’s diaphragm trains its movements, which can be felt by the mother and associated with a slight hiccup. The baby may have several sessions of hiccups during a day, which is completely normal.
In the mother, the feeling of “full stomach” can be common, because with the growing uterus, the stomach becomes compressed, and with that sensation appears.
The nipples become increasingly dark and sensitive, due to the large amount of hormones preparing the body for breastfeeding.
Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and cramps can be common at this stage. To relieve, there are several treatments, such as exercises, special socks, among others.
If the problem persists, the doctor may prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms. Consult your doctor to properly treat your problem.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Cauliflower;
- Process: Gaining weight;
- Approximate weight: 900 g;
- Size: 35cm to 38cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 189 days.
28th Week: what happens this week?
The baby has just gained its first full kilo, which means that the growth is just beginning.
Brain cells, already fully formed, begin to function and the fetus outlines facial and neurological reactions as these cells are activated.
With less and less room for big movements, the mother may be able to distinguish a kick from a punch, indicating the baby’s position in the belly.
If the baby is a boy, it is at this stage that the testicles begin to descend into the scrotum, but this can take time to happen or even happen after delivery.
If it is a girl, the vulva’s lips are still very small, and do not cover the clitoris. This will only happen later, as the pregnancy progresses.
The desires for specific foods become more intense and satisfying them can be a problem for some women, due to the great concern of weight gain.
If the cravings are always for foods with large amounts of sugar, a sweeter fruit can help satisfy and still not put on weight.
If the baby’s name is already chosen, call your baby by name, this will make it easier for him to recognize when he comes into the world.
As stated earlier (week 11), if the Rh test is positive for the child for Rh factor, the Rhogam injection should be taken this week. This procedure will prevent the production of antibodies to the child’s cells.
Soon after birth, the child’s Rh will be tested again. If the result is still positive, the mother will receive another injection of Rhogam to protect future pregnancies.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Large eggplant;
- Process: Likes to hear the mother’s voice;
- Approximate weight: 1kG to 1.4kG;
- Size: 38 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 196 days.
29th Week: what happens at this stage?
At this stage, the baby’s appearance is very similar to that of a newborn, but a little smaller.
Calcium intake by the mother remains very important for the formation of the fetus’ bones that get stronger and stronger.
The brain, fully formed and functioning, helps regulate temperature and control breathing and also reacts to pain in the same way that a newborn would react.
The baby’s skin is increasingly colored and the lanugo (hair covering the body) begins to disappear, leaving the hair, eyebrows and eyelashes well defined.
To avoid cramps, foods with high levels of calcium, potassium and magnesium are recommended. Stretches before bed can be of great help against this condition.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Pumpkin;
- Process: Knows how to differentiate between natural and artificial light;
- Approximate weight: 1.3 kg;
- Size: 40 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 203 days.
30th Week: training in the final stage
The baby is getting closer and closer to the world, there are only 10 weeks to go, and preparing properly has never been more important.
At this stage, the little one’s brain begins to appear like a brain, with its characteristic wrinkles.
The nails already reach the tips of the fingers and toes. The bones are getting harder and harder and the organs continue to mature.
In this phase, the baby is already able to respond to lights that are thrown under the belly, blinking his eyes or turning his face.
The growth itself slows down and the main objective is to gain weight until delivery. The skin is smooth and pink. Usually the baby decreases the frequency of kicks and hiccups.
The organs are beginning to form the immune system, and the lungs are slowly forming.
The mother’s belly starts to get bigger and bigger as the baby gains weight, with that the skin stretches and the woman starts to feel itchy. This symptom is normal, always try to avoid scratching, and instead massage with moisturizing creams.
With a very large and bulging belly, a new symptom begins to point out: the difficulty of breathing. With organs increasingly compressed, the lung suffers the most. This symptom usually goes away in a few weeks, when the baby starts to adjust itself in the womb and descend to fit the hip.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Cabbage;
- Process: Immune system;
- Approximate weight: 1.4 kg;
- Size: 43 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 210 days.
31st week: week of constant sleep
As the child gains weight, his skin begins to become less wrinkled, and the lanugo, by which it covers the entire body of the baby, begins to fall, leaving the skin smooth and soft.
His appearance is getting closer and closer to a newborn baby. The arms and legs are longer and the space inside the uterus is getting smaller. The iris (colored part of the eye) gains color, but not the definitive color.
Most of the time, the fetus is asleep because it feels safe inside the mother’s womb, listening to her heartbeat.
The bones are getting harder and harder and ready to support your weight. The bone marrow begins to produce white blood cells from the liver.
With the arrival of childbirth, the baby often changes the position inside the belly, turning upside down, with the knees bent.
In this phase, the connection between mother and child is growing, as it is possible to talk to the baby and get an answer, with kicks and jerks, which are its main form of communication.
It is very common in the mother to have fluid retention at this stage, which causes swelling in the legs and feet, and also an increase in the volume of blood that circulates.
At this stage, it is important to be aware of signs of premature birth. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms below:
- Back pain that comes and goes;
- Cramps similar to menstruation;
- Belly stiff in places;
- Sparse contractions;
- Loss of liquid;
- Out of normal vaginal discharge.
The breasts are more swollen and a liquid similar to darkened milk is leaking. However, don’t despair if it doesn’t.
This liquid is called colostrum, and it is the first food that the child will receive at birth, as it is rich in nutrients to supply the needs of the newborn.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Coco;
- Process: Defining eye color;
- Approximate weight: 1.5kG;
- Size: 45 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 217 days.
32nd week: what are the mother’s common symptoms?
The 32nd week marks the entrance to the 8th month, the penultimate month of pregnancy. Childbirth is getting closer and closer.
The bones are hardening, except the bones of the skull, which will only close after birth.
The nervous system is more and more developed, and already inside the womb begins its functionality. The baby reacts to pain, touch, sound, light and has a taste.
The amniotic fluid acquires a more marked flavor from the food ingested by the mother, which makes the child feel different flavors during the day.
Scholars believe that, during sleep, the child dreams and begins to accumulate memories, inside the womb.
At this stage, it is normal to experience contractions. Also called Braxton Hicks contractions, they can be bothersome. In these contractions, the belly becomes harder, but there are still no severe pains like those felt at the time of delivery.
Talk to your doctor about these false contractions, about their differences and characteristics. Labor contractions are long, frequent, intense and painful. Braxton Hicks, on the other hand, are contractions of training and often painless.
This phase of the baby gaining weight is extremely important for him to survive without the help of the mother, so it is important to eat properly to ensure that the baby has all the necessary nutrients to come into the world.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid very salty foods. Remember: your baby tastes the food you eat.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Large cabbage;
- Process: Five senses;
- Approximate weight: 1.7kG;
- Size: 46 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 224 days.
33rd week: what happens inside the belly?
The child is moving less in this phase, due to the space that has become smaller. The amniotic fluid begins to decrease.
By ultrasound, it is possible to see that the child’s head has grown considerably in recent times, this is due to the great growth spurt of the brain.
The baby continues to gain weight and body fat. Its final fat is 15% of the child’s total weight at birth. Due to weight gain, the skin becomes more pink and it is no longer possible to see the veins circulating through the body.
The child’s few movements inside the womb, such as opening and closing the hands and placing the hands and feet in the mouth, strengthen the bones and muscles.
During the whole pregnancy, the mother can gain 9 to 12 kilos in addition to the baby’s weight, which is normal, as there is an accumulation of fluids and it is necessary to eat 3 to 3 hours to sustain this other life that grows in the womb.
As a result, in the last few weeks, the weight has increased considerably and the mother can feel it in her back and legs, which find it difficult to support all the weight.
Avoid standing for a long time and exercising regularly, such as light walks, water aerobics or yoga are good options.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Pineapple;
- Process: Fetal movements;
- Approximate Weight: 1.9kG;
- Size: 48 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 231 days.
34th week: how is the baby moving?
The baby’s hiccups are normal and get more and more recurrent over time. These rhythmic skips can be bothersome, but necessary. Its presence indicates the complete formation of the nervous system and the diaphragm.
If you don’t feel your child’s hiccups don’t worry, depending on the child’s position in the womb it is impossible to notice. The child usually continues to sob a few weeks after delivery.
Normally, the child is born with clear eyes, but this changes with sunlight, remembering that the definitive color can only be defined after 9 months of age.
With the enlargement of the belly and the large extension of the uterus, hormones are on the skin in the mother, causing a symptom called itching, which are skin rashes, more common in the belly, breasts and hips.
To resolve this nuisance, moisturizing your skin regularly may be sufficient. Apply moisturizing cream frequently to keep water levels on the skin stable. If this symptom persists, consult your doctor so that he can recommend the most correct action for you.
Itching on the palms or soles of the feet can be a sign of cholestasis. Cholestasis is an excessive concentration of bile pigments in the skin, which causes itching, jaundice and darkening of the urine.
Other symptoms may be: abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting or fever . Consult your doctor so that he can treat cholestasis properly.
The eyelashes are fully grown at this stage and the hair is getting ever longer, some mothers are lucky to see the baby’s hair still in the womb, through ultrasound.
As the baby moves into the ‘lower uterus’, breathing begins to normalize and become easier.
Pains are common, this indicates that the bones and muscles of the hip are opening up. In addition to this discomfort, contractions may be present.
Doing household chores becomes more and more difficult, in addition to moving more skillfully. Ask someone to help you with tasks like getting down, getting up, getting on chairs or picking up something, and it is dangerous at this stage.
The tip is to rest whenever you give and elevate your feet to help blood circulation and reduce swelling.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Melon;
- Process: Immune system;
- Approximate weight: 2.2 kG;
- Size: 50 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 238 days.
35th week: changes every week
The baby prepares for the delivery time and is already positioned upside down.
All internal organs are formed and ready to come into the world. The only organ that is not yet functioning is the lung, which will function at the time of delivery.
The amount of amniotic fluid is decreasing, causing the baby’s mobility inside the uterus to decrease.
From the 35th week onwards, it is important to be aware of the signs of labor.
Contractions are a tight feeling, the uterus is hard for 30 seconds and then relaxes.
Colic-like abdominal pain are signs as well. If these symptoms become regular, every 10 minutes or every 5 minutes, it’s time to go to the maternity ward and have your child.
Maternity bags should be ready and close to the door! Each maternity hospital offers different items for the mother and child, see what the maternity hospital offers so that you are not taken more than is necessary.
The mother is still providing the antibodies that the fetus needs to survive, and the mother will continue to do so even after birth, through breastfeeding.
The anxiety can be a normal symptom at this stage, whether the baby actually be coming, or by hormones.
With the size of the belly increasing, driving becomes almost impossible. Brazilian legislation has no restrictions on driving in the final stages of pregnancy, however, if necessary, some measures can be taken to make this movement safe.
The use of the 3-point belt is essential. Try to leave a good space between the steering wheel and the belly, if there is no more space, it is time to stop driving for now.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Large melon;
- Process: More regular contractions;
- Approximate weight: 2.3kG to 2.5kG;
- Size: 50.9 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 245 days.
36th week: how is the mother?
This week marks the beginning of the 9th month of pregnancy. The last month comes with major changes in the life of the couple who are about to see their son for the first time.
Sleeping becomes more and more difficult, as finding a comfortable position for both mother and baby seems to be impossible. Doctors recommend lying on your side, with a pillow or cushion between your legs.
If the pregnancy is of twins, the 36th week is marked by the birth of the little ones. Bearing in mind that each pregnancy is different, there is the possibility that the twin pregnancy can reach the 39th week in peace.
In this phase, mothers change their way of walking, all to make themselves more comfortable in these final stages. Walking bent backwards, with your legs slightly bent and your feet out is normal, in addition to walking more slowly as well.
During this period, fetal movements must be counted. You should feel your baby move at least 10 times for 12 hours, more or less from 9 in the morning.
If you do not feel fetal movements at 12 o’clock in the day, consult your doctor to see if there is anything wrong.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Lettuce;
- Process: Ready for birth;
- Approximate weight: 2.5kG to 2.7kG;
- Size: 51.2 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 252 days.
37th Week: final stretch of pregnancy
Your baby may already be in the right position to be born, with his head embedded in his pelvis. If the child is sitting, the indication is for a cesarean delivery.
The baby acts more and more like a newborn: he sleeps, wakes up, moves his hands and opens and closes his eyes. The only thing that changes between the fetus in the womb and the baby that will come into the world is weight. The child needs these last 3 weeks in the womb to gain weight and mature the brain and lungs.
Regardless of the time of year, at birth, the baby will wear a cotton hat, so that there is not much heat loss over the head.
The shortness of breath almost disappears, but as the baby descends, it presses on other parts of the body, such as the pelvis and the bladder, which makes trips to the bathroom more frequent than ever. If there is a lot of shortness of breath at this stage, consult your doctor. It is worth remembering that pregnant women are more susceptible to viruses and flu.
The bag must be ready. Only 5% of babies are born on the scheduled date, from that week stay tuned!
A major concern in this phase is pre-eclampsia, which is an excessive increase in blood pressure during pregnancy, which can lead to seizures .
These seizures can leave sequelae in the mother and the child, so be aware of the symptoms, which are: swelling in the face and hands, high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Swiss chard;
- Process: Ready for birth;
- Approximate weight: 2.7 to 2.9 kg;
- Size: 51.4 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 259 days.
38th Week: what happens this week?
During this period, the vernix, which completely covered the fetus, begins to decrease. Part of this vernix accumulates in the intestine in the fetus, which forms meconium, a black liquid that comes out at the first diaper change.
The more time in the womb, the more weight the child gains if the placenta is still able to meet the baby’s needs. The placenta begins to decrease its activities as the delivery approaches, stopping almost entirely.
Preparing the car with the appropriate stroller to transport the child home is important at this stage, as the birth can be unexpected.
The mother’s breasts are larger and may already be full of milk, the skin stretches, becoming thin and sensitive, making it possible to see the veins. The nipples are darkened and may spread over the breast, these phenomena may disappear after the breastfeeding period.
Fetal movements may slow down, but not stop altogether. It is still possible to feel the baby move 10 times a day, but makes shorter movements due to lack of space.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Jaca;
- Process: Ready for birth;
- Approximate weight: 3.2 kg;
- Size: 51.6 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 266 days.
39th Week: maternal anxiety touched on
At birth, the baby has about 300 bones in the body. Over the course of growth, some of these bones will come together, and become only 206 in adulthood.
The lungs are fully developed, and ready to breathe. Your immune system is not yet fully formed. He will need the breastfeeding process to completely build up his immune system.
Many mothers go into labor in the 39th week, but the child can stay until the 42nd week of gestation in the womb, although doctors do not risk passing the time and harming the baby. In such cases, they usually have a cesarean delivery before that week.
Consult your doctor to choose the type of delivery you will want. Often what the mother chooses is not the most recommended for the child, so this choice should be discussed with the doctor. There are many issues that can influence the type of delivery.
A valid concern at this stage is anesthesia: many mothers say that anesthesia does not hurt more than a simple injection. Consult your doctor to see if it fits your case.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Small watermelon;
- Process: Ready for birth;
- Approximate weight: 3.3 kg;
- Size: 51.9cm to 52cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 273 days.
40th week: how is the baby?
If you reach the 40th week, your baby is accommodated and warm, you may not want to come into the world anytime soon, however, staying longer than necessary inside the womb can be harmful for the mother and baby. For this reason, many doctors induce labor at 40 or 41 weeks of pregnancy.
If you do not have recommendations contrary to the practice of sexual intercourse at this stage of pregnancy, the recommendation is to date a lot, as sexual relations release relaxation hormones and may even speed up or induce labor.
At this stage, the placenta may stop functioning completely. If this occurs, it is necessary to induce labor or perform a cesarean section, as the child will not receive the correct oxygenation.
The vision and the other senses are formed, however, at birth, the child may have difficulties in focusing the vision further than 40 cm. The ideal distance is 30cm, which goes from the mother’s face to the breasts. Usually, in the breastfeeding process, the child looks at the mother.
During that week, the last appointment with the doctor will take place. Often the doctor will do a touch exam to check for dilation.
Your son is about to come into the world. Prepare yourself emotionally and physically for what happened, as patience and attention will be needed.
In this phase:
- Comparison: Pumpkin;
- Process: Birth;
- Approximate weight: 3.4 kg;
- Size: 53 cm;
- Days of pregnancy: 280 days.
Enjoy your new baby a lot and take the opportunity to breathe in peace and rest from the birth next to your child.
Many people who have been through this event may want to give advice regarding the birth of their child, but each case is different. Select what will be a good tip and what can get in the way of this process.
The entire pregnancy process is unique and magical. Enjoy every second and enjoy this phase as much as you can. Having a child can be a gift, but you need to know how the process takes place and listen carefully to medical recommendations.
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