Pregnancy/Fetal Development

• The First trimester is conception to week 12 or 1-3 months
• During the first trimester, the mother may experience morning sickness, frequent urination, cravings, tender breasts, fatigue, and dizziness
• At four weeks the embryo is 1/4 inch and there is a heartbeat
• at 6 weeks the embryo is 5/8 inch long and the development of vital organs has begun
• at 6 weeks the skeleton is well-formed, but the bones are soft
• at 8 weeks the embryo becomes a featus
• at 9 weeks the fetus floats in amniotic fluid, and is fed from the placenta through the umbilical cord
• 12 weeks the fetus is 2 3/4 inches and most of the organs are developed and working, and the nails start to develop
• Things to avoid in pregnancy: unprescribed medications, drugs/alcohol, x-ray/radiation, sauna/hot tubs, vaccinations, cats, cattle, sheep, pigs
• Cats, cattle, pigs and sheep carry toxoplasmosis
• The second trimester is weeks 13-27 or months 4-6
• During the second trimester, the mother's skin may become oily, dry, scaly, or develop stretch marks.
• During the second trimester, the mother may experience mood swings, and develop a linea nigra
• At 4 months the fetus is about 2 inches and the outlines of the face start to show
• at 4 months the muscles start to develop, the baby starts to move and weight about 3/4 of an oz
• at 5 months the baby is 6 inches and completely formed, the babies are noticeable and the skull starts to develop but will not be complete until after the baby is born
• at 6 months the fetus' eyes and ears are fully developed and the finger prints are formed
• During the third trimester, the mother starts to feel more discomfort: the stomach enlarges, heartburn, leg cramps, ligament pain, and shortness of breath
• Heartburn is due to the weight of the fetus pushing on the stomach
• during the third trimester, the baby develops fat the lungs are fully developed and the baby turns head down as it prepares for birth