As babies grow and develop, so do mothers and their bodies. Here is a pregnancy calendar for every month keep expectant mothers on track.
First Month of Pregnancy
By the end of the first month of pregnancy, many changes have occurred, starting with ovulation and conception in the second week of pregnancy. Believe it or not, the embryo is only .4cm but has a tiny heart that is beating by the end of the first month of pregnancy.
It is during the mother's first month of pregnancy that she may recognize that her period is late. Physical signs of pregnancy in addition to a missed period (such as feeling bloated or having breast tenderness) may help to alert her that she is newly pregnant.
Second Month of Pregnancy
The second month of pregnancy includes the most sensitive time for baby's exposure to harmful substances. The baby's heart is developing into all four chambers, as well as the beginnings of the baby's skeletal and hormonal systems.
Things begin to get more challenging for mother during the second month of pregnancy as morning sickness often begins. If she takes a home pregnancy test by her sixth week of pregnancy, it will positive.
Third Month of Pregnancy
Very early breathing and sucking movements can be seen on ultrasound as early as the third month of pregnancy. The baby's brain configuration is complete by the end of the first trimester.
Mom's uterus is about the size of a grapefruit in her third month of pregnancy. Thankfully, most mothers begin to feel some relief from morning sickness.
Fourth Month of Pregnancy
The baby looks more human in appearance, even though she is only about four inches in length at the end of the fourth month of pregnancy. The baby's intestines are forming and her body and scalp hair are growing.
Moms should increase food intake by 300 calories a day starting in the fourth month to meet the growing demands of her baby. Gaining healthy weight during pregnancy is important for both mother and her baby.
Fifth Month of Pregnancy
At the start of the fifth month, baby is about six inches long and his facial features become more pronounced. As baby nears the end of month five, he has grown two more inches and weighs about a pound.
During this second trimester, moms have more energy. They may be more interested in intimacy due to the increase in blood flow. Moms may have stronger nails and thicker hair in their second trimester.
Sixth Month of Pregnancy
At the beginning of the mother's sixth month of pregnancy, the baby's vernix begins to cover her skin. Since her hearing is developed, she responds to sound. She already weighs about two pounds at the end of the sixth month of pregnancy.
Is mom starting to notice any stretch marks? Mothers may also notice early Braxton-Hicks contractions at the end of the sixth month.
Seventh Month of Pregnancy
Entering the last trimester, the baby eyes are developing and so is his sense of taste. To protect the baby from losing body heat, layers of fat grow during the seventh month of pregnancy.
Mothers may struggle with heartburn or constipation. Continuing good eating habits and regular exercise can help reduce pregnancy discomforts and prepare moms for labor.
Eighth Month of Pregnancy
During the mother's eighth month of pregnancy, her baby gains nearly two pounds. Her gastrointestinal system is almost completely developed and she even has REM sleep when she dreams.
It is common for mothers to have back pain in the last months of pregnancy. She may want to begin doing perineal massage to reduce her chance of tearing during birth.
Ninth Month of Pregnancy
Baby's sleep-wake cycle is well established by the start of mother's ninth month of pregnancy. He may weigh close to seven or eight pounds by the end of his mother's ninth month.
If baby drops into mother's pelvis, she may notice more frequent urination in this last month. Her breasts begin to produce colostrum to feed her baby. Has labor started?
Watching how baby grows and changes during each month of pregnancy can be fun. For a more in-depth pregnancy calendar, be sure to check out the pregnancy week-by-week series.
References:
Lane, B., Kirsch, I., Knack Pregnancy Guide, Globe Pequot Press, 2009
Lowdermilk, Perry, Bobak, Maternity and Women's Health Care, Mosby, Inc. 2000.
Brenda Lane - Brenda Lane is a published author, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified birth doula and approved birth doula trainer.
Join the Conversation