Pregnancy By Week

A woman's body during pregnancy and the sensitive condition of the baby inside the womb requires close monitoring of pregnancy by week.

Week 1 to 10

Week 1 - This period still covers the first day of your last menstrual period, despite the fact that your baby has not yet been conceived. Because pregnancy deals with both the health of mother and child, you need to prepare your body for motherhood should you have any plans on having a baby.

Week 2 - The sperm will fertilize your egg and your uterine lining will also to develop so your baby can get the right nourishment. Once you reach the middle of your menstrual cycle, ovulation will begin and the egg is released into the fallopian tube.

Week 3 - The start of your conception as the fertilized egg undergoes cell division while gradually moving down from the fallopian tube to the uterus. Implantation also takes place in this stage, until it develops into the placenta. As the developing embryo depends on the uterine lining for nutrients, you need to supplement it by getting adequate nutrients for your body.

Week 4 - Organs and body parts of the fetus develop. As for the mother's body, there is already the production of hCG or human chrionic gonadotropin. Then, a signal is sent to your ovary, which stops your monthly period.

Week 5 - Although the fertilized embryo is still largely composed of cells, it is beginning to take its shape. Also, the fetus is starting to develop its heart. As women start to develop nausea, it is best to stay away from certain foods.

Week 6 - The brain and nervous system take on rapid development. Other essential systems or body parts that start to develop include: digestive and respiratory system, formation of eyes and inner ear. Peak of pregnancy symptoms also start this week.

Week 7 - The umbilical cord is formed during this week, along with the lungs and digestive tract.

Week 8 - The baby develops its toes and fingers, while the arms start its movement. The baby's eyes are also more developed this stage. The mother develops several pregnancy symptoms, so a regular visit to the doctor is necessary.

Week 9 - The baby's head is almost fully developed. Other features that are becoming more prominent include the nose and the eyelids. Also, muscle development has begun so you might notice movement inside your womb.

Week 10 - As the fetus reaches this stage, all vital organs are fully developed and may start its function. Because this is also the end of the embryonic period, the fetus' appearance is distinctly human.

Week 11 to 20

From this period until it reaches the 20th week of pregnancy, the fetus will gradually develop in size. Since the fetus is growing, the placenta is also expanding to accommodate the growing fetus. While the baby is distinctly human in shape at this point, development of facial features are still ongoing. To cater for the continued development of the baby, mothers also need to get the adequate amount of nutrients for its development. Meanwhile, other internal organs such as the kidney are full functional at this stage.

Week 21 to 30

Although the baby has developed its intestines to allow fluids through the digestive system, most of the baby's nourishment are acquired through the placenta. The senses of the baby are beginning to form, such as that taste buds and sense of touch. The baby's own reproductive organs are now in its stage of development as well. In case the mother experiences complications or medical emergencies at this point in the pregnancy, the baby is able to survive as long as provided with expert medical attention.

Week 31 to 40

Upon entering week 31, the baby is now capable of urinating several cups a day. Just like in any other creations, the baby is also getting its final touches such as the formation of the eyebrows, eyelashes, and the growth of hair. And because the neurons inside your baby's brain are developed, it can now see, listen, and feel from its in-utero environment. Hence, mothers are often advised to increase their intake of calcium during this point not only for the baby, but for the mother as well.

Upon reaching week 40, all your pregnancy caring and waiting is over as the baby will soon arrive. If you have estimated your baby's due date, you will have a 5% chance of delivering it on the exact estimated date.

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Understanding Pregnancy by Week Recommended Resources:

UCSF - University of California

Clinical Trials.gov