Pregnancy occurs only in the middle of the menstrual cycle - there are only a few days when, during ovulation, an egg ready for fertilization can lead to conception. This happens only 12-14 days after the start of menstruation - each woman has her own personal schedule and indicators may differ. But it is customary to calculate pregnancy from the beginning of menstruation - that is, even before fertilization occurs.

The first week is not yet pregnancy as such, the body is only preparing for conception. Menstruation occurs with all the syndromes already familiar to a woman - pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, mood swings, headaches. If you are planning a pregnancy and take a responsible approach to conception, then during this menstruation it is better not to use painkillers, which have become almost familiar companions for women during menstruation. Ideally, you also need to prepare your body in advance - even before conception, give up bad habits, lead a healthy lifestyle, monitor your daily routine and nutrition. It’s also good to get examined by a doctor, and you should take special care of your dental problems - for the next nine months you will be severely lacking calcium.

By the end of the first week, the child still exists only “in the project”, but half of it - in the form of an egg preparing for fertilization - already exists in your body.

2 weeks pregnant

During the second week, a woman’s body prepares for ovulation; from all healthy eggs, a single leader is released. This egg is slightly larger in size than all the others, and is located in a kind of “bubble” filled with nutrient fluid. Protruding above the surface of the ovary, it will be the first to break away from the walls and enter the fallopian tube, where it will meet the sperm. At the site where the egg was attached, a corpus luteum is formed, a kind of hormonal stabilizer. It is this that will later become the culprit of toxicosis and all those invariably accompanying pregnancy phenomena that women so dislike - nausea, dizziness, and so on.

If you are serious about pregnancy, then in the second week special attention should be paid to maintaining a normal level of vaginal acidity - elevated levels are known to negatively affect conception. To avoid inadvertently changing the acidity, avoid douching, washing with soap and using shower gels - all of them can change the indicator not for the better. During intercourse in the second week, fertilization can already occur.

3 weeks pregnant

In the third week, plans become reality - this is when conception occurs. The migrating egg is released into the fallopian tube. If the egg begins to divide, twins or even triplets will be conceived - such a pregnancy requires a more thorough medical examination and is more difficult for the mother to tolerate, but the joy from it is double, or even triple. True, this happens rarely.

From the moment of ovulation, the egg has a limited time - 24 hours to meet the sperm, which will participate in conception. Having merged, they form a zygote - the countdown of the existence of the unborn child begins. For the first few days, the cell still travels through the uterus, but after that it becomes attached to its wall. At this time, the embryo lives off the protein in it and its own energy reserves.

The mother at this time feels the same as during the second phase of menstruation. A large amount of the hormone progesterone appears in the body, which is vital for the life of the embryo - for example, it provides it with the necessary amount of moisture. Increased production of progesterone causes the mother to experience pain in the lower abdomen and nipples. Particularly sensitive women can already recognize the first symptoms of pregnancy. This can also be determined by changes in basal temperature.

4 weeks pregnant

The woman becomes more irritable, feels unwell, and gets tired quickly. The body slowly begins to produce a new hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin, which is detected by a pregnancy test. All sensations are individual, but most women begin to feel the onset of pregnancy in the fourth week, because the body begins to completely adapt to the new state.

The fourth week is the usual time for the onset of menstruation, and this process, which has been well-established for years, can interfere with the course of pregnancy. At this time, some women experience spotting brownish or brown discharge and painful sensations typical of menstruation. If this happens, but you are already confident in your pregnancy and full menstruation does not occur, then you should consult a doctor. Most likely, there is only a slight hormonal imbalance, but these symptoms also indicate an ectopic pregnancy and other complications, and only a doctor can determine the degree of risk.

If everything is fine, the cells of the embryo begin active division - a second layer is born, which will shelter the future embryo from all negative factors inside the body.

5th week of pregnancy

During this period, many women feel all the signs of early toxicosis - they constantly feel sleepy, their mood fluctuates, they hurt and feel dizzy. It becomes difficult to concentrate. At the same time, the expectant mother’s eating habits also change - her appetite decreases, she is drawn to try atypical foods, and her taste sensations change. You want that very notorious “salty” thing at this time.

If early toxicosis really interferes with your life, do not rush to take pills thoughtlessly or rush from one extreme to another. You should not deny yourself what you think are original products - your body now knows better what is good for the child than you do. If the symptoms are very strong, you should consult a doctor - the first twelve weeks are very important for the formation of the unborn child and any deviations from the norm require medical advice.

In the fifth week, the embryo, which previously existed more as a cluster of cells, turns into an embryo. A neural tube is created, which will become the basis of the spine and nervous system of the future person; its formation is extremely important for the health of the child. The fetus's heart begins to contract for the first time - perhaps its beating is not yet audible even to the mother, but it exists! During this period, the rudiments of the main organs are laid - the bronchi, trachea, respiratory tract, the liver and pancreas are formed.

6th week of pregnancy

After the important changes that occurred in the fifth week, the time of stabilization comes - the new organs of the embryo are fixed and begin to grow, their further development occurs. Mom feels tired at this time, and all the signs of toxicosis only get worse. Soon the baby will begin to give signals of his presence, but for now the woman should rest as much as possible.

The restructuring of the mother's body takes its course - smells, and not just the taste of foods, begin to be perceived strangely; stabbing in the chest. There’s no point in talking about irritability and mood swings - it seems to you that they have become your companions forever. To avoid breakdowns and not harm your health, in the sixth week it is better to rest as much as possible, ideally take sick leave or time off to get a good night's sleep and gain strength.

Liquids will help cope with pain, nausea and other signs of toxicosis - now you should drink as much water and juices as possible. But you also need to take into account that the water should be still, and the juices should be diluted and have a neutral taste, since citrus fruits and a number of others can serve as an allergen and cause problems for both the mother and the unborn baby. Do not be alarmed by a slight decrease in weight - this is normal for the sixth week, and very soon your weight will increase significantly.

7 weeks pregnant

The seventh week of pregnancy is the most dangerous period. The same corpus luteum, which until now provided the necessary hormonal levels and provoked toxicosis, stops working to produce hormones. This function is completely transferred to the placenta. It is the moment of transition that is dangerous for the fetus - a miscarriage is possible in the seventh week. Women with a weak thyroid gland should also pay close attention to their health. If the child’s parents have different Rh blood types, it’s time to take measures to prevent Rh conflict.

At the seventh week, the baby is already clearly visible during an ultrasound. You can record the heartbeat of the fetus, see how it begins to straighten and no longer resembles the letter C. Now the size of the unborn child is no more than a centimeter, but already at this time the brain and digestive system are being formed, and the formation of the respiratory tract is finishing.

At the same time, the mother's toxicosis worsens; in addition to headaches, nausea and vomiting, there is constant discomfort in the stomach. Possible bloating and indigestion. All tastes and smells are still felt in an altered state. If you don’t want to feel sick all day long, it’s better to eliminate all strong odors from your surroundings. Do not use scented creams, perfumes or deodorants. In the seventh week, skin irritations often begin, which, if not eliminated in time, develop into eczema.

8 weeks pregnant

The eighth week is the last stage of the most difficult period of bearing a child. After the end of the second month of pregnancy, things will go smoothly, you only have to wait one or two weeks.

At the eighth week of pregnancy, the expectant mother begins to experience the strangest taste whims - to the point that she wants to taste strawberry soap or add salt to her tea. Feel free to indulge yourself in such desires, the main thing is not to overdo it. A sudden feeling of hunger or, conversely, loss of appetite is also possible - so always have something to snack on. Now it is better to eat in small portions, but very often - up to 7 times a day.

In the eighth week, the uterus enlarges and the breasts continue to grow. Due to changes in the abdominal cavity, cramps are felt, similar to menstrual sensations that have already been forgotten.

This week it is worth taking all the tests that are still missing, visiting a geneticist, and getting weighed. It's time to start taking birth preparation courses or take up yoga for pregnant women. The most useful way to overcome the strong weakness that overcomes the body is now to walk in the fresh air.

The child’s movements and tremors are not yet felt, but by the eighth week the embryo has almost completed the formation of its main organs and systems - it becomes a full-fledged fetus, it can already be considered a human being. The fetus develops taste buds and a sense of smell. At the eighth week, the sex of the baby is determined.

9th week of pregnancy

At this time, the mother still has signs of toxicosis. In addition to the usual nausea, painful sensations in the chest and fatigue, unpleasant external changes appear. You can notice how drier the hair has become, how the skin has changed - it also becomes much smoother and drier. Veins appear as a blue mesh - on the legs, arms, chest. Breast changes already urgently require a change of bra - during the entire pregnancy, breasts can grow by 2-3 sizes! A woman should not overwork herself; it is strictly forbidden to lift heavy objects, or even stand or sit still for a long time. If your work or just your physical condition is such that you have to sit or lie down for more than half an hour, you need to at least put your feet on a hill - for example, some kind of pillow or ottoman. Now is the time to ask your doctor to prescribe some vitamins.

The belly becomes slightly rounded, pregnancy may become noticeable to strangers. Increased sensitivity of the skin at this stage also causes a lot of discomfort - even the most familiar clothes can cause irritation, so take care of underwear made from natural fabrics.

The kicks and movements of the baby in the ninth week can only be seen during an ultrasound, but they are already there! He is completing the formation of his brain, he can even try to explain his needs in his own way.

10th week of pregnancy

At the tenth week, the expectant mother has another trip to the antenatal clinic, where she is registered already from the sixth week of pregnancy. Constant mood swings still persist, but toxicosis only appears in the morning. The walls of the uterus continue to stretch, the volume of the abdomen increases - all this is normal and natural for this period. Over the course of a week, a woman gains a couple of kilograms - such a weight jump is also normal.

In the tenth week, many women experience significant problems with sleep - insomnia begins to torment them, they “fall out” from their daily routine, sleep becomes light and superficial. I often want to go to the toilet. These phenomena will subside in a couple of weeks, but for now the expectant mother needs to learn to relax - peace and quiet, a large number of walks in the fresh air will help this in the best possible way.

If in the tenth week there is a slight white discharge, then there is no need to be afraid of it - but if it turns brown or red, it should cause concern and is a reason to consult a doctor.

The fruit continues to grow - its size is already more than 4 cm, and it is developing more and more. The baby is inside the amniotic sac and begins to look more and more like a small child - you can see this during an ultrasound.

11th week of pregnancy

Now it is very important for mom to maintain a stable sugar level, so special attention should be paid to her diet. The best thing is to reduce the amount of food consumed, eat often, but little by little, and also give up an abundance of sweets. A woman should pay attention to how she moves - she should not make sharp turns, movements, leaps and jumps, all this is fraught with complications. You should walk smoothly and slowly.

In the eleventh week, metabolism accelerates, calories are burned four times faster, and therefore appetite increases. One of the effects of accelerated metabolism is a constant feeling of heat. Don’t rush to take off your outerwear or open the windows - unbutton, sit quietly, take a walk down the street. Rapid growth of hair and nails is also possible - also the downside of accelerated metabolism. Soon these phenomena will stop.

Tearfulness and irritability still persist - as well as anxiety for the baby and other negative feelings. Try to calm down and distract yourself from these thoughts.

At the eleventh week, the baby is already quite large - you can find out its gender on an ultrasound and see how it moves. The fetus swallows the nutrient fluid surrounding it and can even taste it. His iris appears, his own metabolism improves, and his excretory system begins to work.

12th week of pregnancy

At the twelfth week of pregnancy, the need for new clothes becomes obvious - the belly has already grown so much that old trousers and skirts cannot be buttoned. It is very important now to monitor your diet and prevent constipation. It's time to learn to maintain your posture and keep your back straight in all situations in life - the correct position of the baby and the health of the mother depend on this.

At the twelfth week, a significant improvement in the woman’s health occurs - symptoms of toxicosis are almost no longer observed, the risk of miscarriage decreases, so that the mood noticeably improves.

If you have not visited the dentist before, now is the time to pay a visit to this doctor. If an ultrasound has not been done before, then in the twelfth week it is necessary to undergo this procedure - now serious deviations in the development of the child may be discovered, including Down syndrome. The difference with later detection is that in the twelfth week negative consequences can still be prevented or minimized.

Since each woman's body reacts to pregnancy individually, there is no need to worry about barely gaining weight. However, you also don’t need to worry about adding 2-3 kilograms.

13th week of pregnancy

The thirteenth week is probably the calmest time in a mother’s life during the entire period of pregnancy. The signs of toxicosis finally disappeared, the hormonal changes that caused so much trouble ended; nerves calmed down. The only thing that worries the woman now is her rapidly expanding belly and the onset of problems with the stomach and digestive system. The latter can be explained quite simply - the growing uterus leaves less and less space otherwise, and the abdominal cavity becomes very crowded. The permeability of the compressed intestines is significantly reduced - hence the constant constipation and gases, which cause stomach pain.

To reduce the risk of hemorrhoids and make your life easier, you should consume natural laxatives and foods rich in fiber. Don't neglect dairy products and beets. It is not recommended to use painkillers for constipation - like any unnecessary chemicals, they are now harmful to the body.

By the thirteenth week, the baby’s baby teeth are formed, he slowly begins to accumulate fat and muscle mass, and increases in size. Villi appear in the intestines - the baby can already digest food.

14th week of pregnancy

At the fourteenth week, after all the long troubles of toxicosis and changes in the body, the joy of motherhood finally begins to be felt. A pregnant woman experiences a surge of strength and energy and a healthy appetite. Now it’s quite possible to eat something tasty - it will only do you good. However, it is better not to overindulge in fatty and fried foods, just like food on the street or in unsanitary conditions.

As the abdomen enlarges, the facial features become a little blurrier, and the enlarged breasts catch the eye - it is almost impossible to hide pregnancy. Growth hormone active during this period not only affects the development of the baby, but also adds kilograms to his mother. The body becomes more difficult to carry on your feet, signs of varicose veins appear - now is the time to worry about its prevention.

Due to the fact that the child's metabolic processes accelerate, the amniotic fluid is often filled with his urine. All this is excreted through the mother’s bladder - hence the frequent need to go to the toilet. The baby’s movements become smooth, he begins to control himself, since his brain is already sufficiently developed for this. But there is still enough space in the stomach, so even the most active movements of the child do not cause discomfort to the mother.

15th week of pregnancy

A brown line appears from the navel to the lower abdomen - do not be afraid of its manifestation, because it will go away on its own as soon as the hormones subside. During an ultrasound at the fifteenth week, you can more accurately determine the date of birth - perhaps not yet exactly to the day, but at least you can already check the week. The mother's food should be high in calories and balanced, but she should eat wisely: jumps in body weight during this period are harmful.

Irritability and nervousness are replaced by impressionability and absent-mindedness. Many women note a significant decrease in their intellectual abilities. There is no need to worry about this - the shape will quickly recover after childbirth if you put effort into it.

The uterus rises somewhat, the abdomen has increased, and therefore such strong pressure on the internal organs as before is not observed. There are no more problems with the stomach and constipation, but the heart may be a little naughty at this time. If there are clear signs of hypotension, you must immediately inform your doctor about this - he will develop a line of treatment without the use of drugs.

At this time, the baby is already clenching his fists, his body is becoming flexible and nimble, and his heart is working better.

16th week of pregnancy

At this time, the presence or absence of serious diseases in the child is determined, so the mother must pass all the tests prescribed by the doctor. You only need to sleep on your side - the time for sleeping on your stomach or back is over, you need to unlearn these habits. Raw fish, poorly fried meat and other similar foods are unacceptable.

From the sixteenth week you should take care of your wardrobe - too tight clothes can negatively affect the health of the mother. High heels are also unacceptable - they contribute to a shift in the center of gravity and return the threat of miscarriage, so for your own peace of mind and the well-being of the child, it is also better to avoid them.

Painful sensations in the lower abdomen cannot be ignored - at this stage they mean failures in development. Baths, saunas and even solariums, as well as all places where you can overheat or, conversely, become hypothermic, are now prohibited from visiting. The ideal place for a pregnant woman now is a sanatorium or at least a quiet stay at home.

At the sixteenth week, for the first time without an ultrasound, you can learn about the baby’s movements - the first tremors begin to be felt.

You should still walk a lot, move and watch your diet.

17th week of pregnancy

The uterus is increasingly enlarged and is now growing upward - it can be felt only five centimeters below the navel. The load on the mother's heart has almost doubled - therefore, rapid heartbeat and bleeding gums with rapid blood circulation are almost the norm.

At the seventeenth week, the baby has already grown to 16-17 centimeters, and his tiny body is already very similar to a small person. He continues to accumulate subcutaneous fat, and the immune system is completing its formation, which in the future will protect him from all diseases. Now, if a woman gets sick, the child will most likely be protected by his own immune system, so mild colds and other diseases at this stage are not as scary as before. Although this, of course, does not mean that the mother can put her health at risk. The child’s eyes already react to light and darkness, he distinguishes their signs even through his stomach - if you bring a light bulb close to him, the child will turn towards the light.

Although the uterus no longer squeezes the internal organs as much, the digestive system has not yet fully restored all its functions - so the observed bloating, heartburn and flatulence can still bother a woman.

18th week of pregnancy

It's just that sleeping on your side is no longer so comfortable - you have to build support structures from pillows and blankets, because otherwise your stomach makes it very difficult to fall asleep. It should be remembered that at least half an hour a day you need to lie down and rest. Although previously such a vacation was just a dream, now it becomes uncomfortable to be in a horizontal state - you want to sit and even sleep reclining.

In the eighteenth week, weight gain continues as usual - the increase can be from half a kilogram per week. Swelling begins to appear on the arms and legs, and in obese women they can even appear on the face. Such unpleasant external manifestations arise due to the fact that the body now feels a lack of sodium and cannot remove water normally. To normalize your condition, it is better to minimize salt intake.

At the eighteenth week, the child already has well-defined facial features, the musculoskeletal system is strengthened, and bones begin to form. The baby is already able to hear and perceives external sounds well - and what’s more, he even reacts to them! At this time, it is useful to start communicating with the child and continue to cry out to Allah for relief and good offspring.

19th week of pregnancy

The nineteenth week is the next leap in the development of the uterus, it again becomes crowded in the abdominal cavity, the stomach continues to grow. Very often at this time, a woman’s main problem is pain in the back and lower back, it is difficult for her to sit - however, lying or standing for a long time is no easier. To reduce pain, you need to learn how to sit in a chair correctly. Firstly, you should choose only chairs with a comfortable back, and do not sit on stools. Secondly, you need to remember that you cannot cross your legs and unlearn slouching - then the pain will become much less.

The woman’s body is slowly preparing for childbirth, the joints and muscles of the hips and sacrum begin to relax - this will make it easier for the baby to be born, and will not be pinned down by the mother’s body. Unfortunately, for the mother herself, these changes are quite painful and unpleasant. In addition to back pain, they may also be accompanied by increased heart rate, headache and dizziness.

At the nineteenth week, the baby can already distinguish between the voices of dad, mom and strangers, and sometimes he even reacts to them. All this becomes possible thanks to the development of the nervous system and the growth of the cerebral cortex. The digestive system continues to develop.

20 week of pregnancy

At the twentieth week, the baby is already tossing and turning and can even hit his mother’s stomach with his legs. If such blows are very frequent and painful and the woman experiences severe discomfort, she should consult a doctor - this is a sign that the child is missing something or is not developing correctly. Mom should, as before, pay attention to walks in the fresh air and try not to overwork.

The twentieth week is in most cases the middle of pregnancy. The uterus has already grown so much that it compresses not only the digestive organs, but also the diaphragm, so breathing becomes more difficult, shortness of breath often occurs, it seems that there is not enough air.

Mucus actively begins to be released from the vagina - at this stage the discharge can even be quite strong, this should not cause concern. In order not to squeeze already compressed organs, it is best to abandon oversized nylon tights and make sure that the clothes are loose enough.

As the uterus rises, the navel protrudes more and more, and the baby pushes very often. Sometimes even false contractions appear - they are also called training contractions. If the pain is not too severe, there is no need to worry about it; such contractions do not pose a threat to the baby.

21 weeks pregnant

The main problem of the twenty-first week is heartburn. To alleviate your condition, split up portions of food, eat them little by little, but often. Fried and spicy foods should leave your diet for a long time - they will only aggravate the problem, and besides, they can cause illness in the baby.

Physical activity in the twenty-first week should be significantly reduced - and this applies not only to sports, but also to household chores. The only thing you shouldn't stop is walking. But even during them you should not be overtired.

The baby continues to put on fat, which means his mother is also gaining weight. An increase in appetite, as well as strange desires to eat this or that product, are not surprising at this stage.

At the twenty-first week, it is already noticeable that the child is used to actively moving, he has learned to change his position frequently, sometimes it even depends on the time of day. The mother should pay special attention to the pain that occurs during urination - it should not be severe. If such symptoms appear several times, you should immediately consult a doctor - this is a sign of premature birth or an inflammatory process.

22 weeks pregnant

The woman’s arms, face and neck are already noticeably plumper, her breasts are swollen, and her stomach is also quite large. The norm for the twenty-second week is to feel well - if there is severe discomfort in anything other than digestion, you should consult a doctor.

Hormones are again rearranged to meet the new needs of the body. Oddly enough, a woman's libido increases - however, it is no longer advisable to have sex in this trimester, as it can harm the child. By this week, the expectant mother's skin and hair condition improves - they become thicker and healthier.

Particular attention should be paid to sleep - you need to sleep at least eight hours a day, or even more. To prevent the development of anemia, you should eat foods containing iron - so you can safely lean on, for example, apples. But smoky rooms and stressful situations should still be avoided.

The baby's eyebrows and eyelashes are already developing, and his weight is about 400-500 grams. The bones are strengthened and the nervous system begins to form - the child is almost fully formed. Even children born at this time for any reason have a chance to survive - if they have gained half a kilogram of weight and are more than 25 cm in size.

23 weeks pregnant

As the belly continues to grow, dryness, stretched skin, and a slight rash often begin to occur at this time. Zhivo may itch a little - all this is because the skin on it is stretched quite strongly. Enlarged breasts sometimes begin to smear - colostrum is released, sometimes very intensely. This is the body's preparation for breastfeeding.

During the twenty-third week, mothers often experience pain and difficulty walking. This is normal, because now the sacral joints are softened, but the body weight, on the contrary, has increased, so it can be difficult to bear such weight.

Enlargement of the fetus, accumulation of amniotic fluid, as well as constantly appearing edema lead to weight gain - therefore, its increase can even exceed 500 grams per week. If you feel numbness in your fingers, arms or legs, this is most likely the consequences of edema - they block the nerve endings in the limbs.

By the twenty-third week, the baby can already do almost everything that he will demonstrate immediately after birth - he has a developed swallowing reflex, he can drink, suck, eat and move.

24 weeks pregnant

The movements become more and more clumsy, the head is pounding, and it’s as if a couple of weights were hung at the feet - this is how women in the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy most often describe their sensations. At this stage, it is very important for a woman to know the signs of premature birth. Of course, if the pregnancy is going well, they will not begin, but if they do appear, then timely contact with a doctor will save the baby’s life.

Premature birth is manifested in frequent contractions of the uterus - more than five times in a row, severe pain when urinating, scarlet blood discharge from the vagina, as well as acute cramping pain in the abdomen. However, even one of these symptoms should force the mother to seek help from an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Now it is important to drink a lot of fluids and take care of your appearance - the belly is expanding greatly, and therefore it needs to be lubricated so that stretch marks do not form on the skin. Now the main thing is to carefully monitor your diet and not eat too much - what the body itself does not require. Such overeating is a direct road to gaining excess weight, which after childbirth will be very difficult to lose.

At the twenty-fourth week, the baby produces its own growth hormone - it can now grow independently of the mother’s body.

25 week of pregnancy

The uterus has already grown to the size of a soccer ball - hence the displacement of organs, pressure on the diaphragm and stomach. The abdomen begins to grow not only forward, as it was before, but also develops to the sides. At the twenty-fifth week, I still feel good, except that constipation and other intestinal problems are possible.

By the twenty-fifth week, the center of gravity changes - the stomach is perceived as something bulky and inactive. This also leads to the appearance of new back pain - such a restructuring is unlikely to please the musculoskeletal system.

New signs of varicose veins may appear on your legs - to avoid this disease in the future, you need to see a doctor now.

The skin on the baby’s body is now turning from red, folded, to light pink and smooth. This is a consequence of already sufficient accumulation of fat, including subcutaneous fat. The child weighs as much as 700 grams, and his length is already more than 22-25 centimeters. If you put your ear to the mother's belly, you can clearly hear the baby's heart beating.

26 weeks pregnant

Now the baby is kicking so actively that not only the mother, but also everyone who puts their hand to the tummy can feel his body movements. The symptoms associated with this trimester - headache, digestive problems and varicose veins - still accompany the daily life of the expectant mother.

At the twenty-sixth week, you once again need to review your diet and vitamin intake in the body. The diet should be designed in such a way that there is no overeating. But at the same time, it must contain the entire spectrum of vitamins and nutrients. Now a woman’s body is particularly lacking in calcium - this leads not only to deterioration of the condition of bones, hair, teeth, nails, but also manifests itself as frequent muscle spasms and hypertension. To ensure that there are no hormonal imbalances and that the placenta functions as it should, you need to especially carefully monitor the intake of vitamins.

Now it is important to help the baby’s nervous system develop and develop learning abilities - you need to often listen to the Holy Quran, read out loud, talk to the child - he already perceives the intonations of the voices of others.

A child at the twenty-sixth week not only understands those around him, but also understands himself and the proportions of his body.

27 weeks pregnant

The beginning of the twenty-seventh week marks the onset of the third trimester of pregnancy: the tummy is still growing rapidly, and with it more mass appears on the mother’s sides, legs and arms. The level of cholesterol in the blood increases, so in order not to increase it artificially, it is better to avoid fried foods and other foods containing it. Thanks to the natural increase in cholesterol, the placenta produces hormones necessary for the further development of the fetus, including progesterone. It helps the uterus relax slightly, prevents spasms, and is also responsible for the development of the breast - milk begins to appear in it.

If your feet are still swollen, you should wear loose tights, socks with loose elastic, and remember to elevate your feet whenever possible.

During this period, you can no longer lie on your back. The uterus is already so large that its pressure can disrupt the functioning of the main veins of the body - you are only allowed to lie on your side.

In the twenty-seventh week, you should pay special attention to your mood, try to avoid tense situations, and not get nervous or upset. All this is necessary not only for the benefit of the mother, but also of the child - after all, he is now able to completely copy the mother’s state, which means that he will also worry, get upset and behave restlessly.

28 weeks pregnant

The twenty-eighth week is a new milestone in the diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy. From now on, you will need to attend an antenatal clinic at least every two weeks. You will also need to take all tests, the direction for which will be prescribed by the doctor.

Women with incorrect posture at this time, due to the heaviness of the abdomen, develop a deflection of the spine, which negatively affects their well-being. Therefore, it is important to always keep your back straight and monitor your posture.

The diet of a pregnant woman at this time is still rich in calories - more than 3000 kilocalories are required daily.

At the twenty-eighth week, most women begin to perceive themselves in a new way, discovering that they are completely different from their former selves, neither externally nor internally. Because of this, prenatal panic may develop, and nervous tension, as we know, is never a concomitant of health. Therefore, you should pay special attention to your psychological state, communicate more with loved ones - these do not have to be relatives, it is better if they are friends.

Now the child moves at least four times an hour and in its mass and volume resembles a small watermelon.

29 weeks pregnant

At the twenty-ninth week of pregnancy, the woman feels tired again. Now walking and doing regular housework is becoming much more difficult, and even more worries loom ahead - cleaning, tests, visiting doctors, planning childbirth. The uterus puts especially strong pressure on the bladder and stomach, and my back hurts a lot. Your heart rate may increase and it may still be difficult to breathe.

If this was not your earlier achievement, then now is the time to learn how to quickly and effectively relax. Very soon, most of the day and night will be devoted to spending time with the child, which means there will be very little time left for sleep and rest. Relaxing not only your muscles, but also your consciousness is something that a mother needs to learn to do now.

It is better to remove flour and sweet foods from your diet at the twenty-ninth week. You should eat so as not to gain weight.

Now the baby is becoming less active and mobile. You shouldn’t be afraid of this, because now he simply has little room for maneuver - he has grown so much that he takes up his entire stomach. In addition, the body weight that he has gained no longer allows him to be so active - his muscles have not yet been trained.

30 weeks pregnant

At the thirtieth week, the time comes to think about leaving work in favor of doing something much more important - caring for the child, family and, of course, yourself. Now the uterus has grown so much that it puts very strong pressure on the diaphragm, the woman is suffocating, and interruptions in the functioning of the heart are possible. Any load is not easy now, and therefore you need to rest as much as possible.

Fainting and pressure drops are quite possible at this stage. If they happen frequently, it is better to consult a doctor. One of their most common causes is improper sleep, when the expectant mother lies on her back, and the main vena cava is compressed by the uterus - the blood supply is disrupted.

It's time to learn how to get out of bed in a new way. The abdominal muscles are now very weak, and you can also forget about the abdominal muscles for quite a long time. In order not to harm the baby and yourself, you need to get up carefully and gradually - first by rolling onto your side, and then helping yourself with your hands.

The baby moves much less often, because he takes the position that he will maintain until birth - he is head down.

31 weeks pregnant

At this time, the pregnant woman gains weight much more slowly - only 300, or even less, grams per week. There is still swelling. If it causes severe discomfort, it makes sense to consult a doctor - it is quite possible that the kidneys have stopped coping with the heavy load or have somehow suffered due to the expansion of the uterus.

In order to at least slightly reduce back pain, it is best to start wearing a bandage that will help the abdominal and back muscles bear an atypical load.

At the thirty-first week, all the organs and systems of the child are already formed; he is quite similar to an ordinary baby who is born during childbirth. However, the child is actually not ready for this process yet - after all, he still has several weeks to gain strength. The baby weighs about one and a half kilograms and continues to gain weight.

At this time, you should listen especially carefully to your body, as a number of factors can trigger premature birth. If there is a clear pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, strong mucous or watery discharge appears, you should immediately call an ambulance.

32 weeks pregnant

The thirty-second week is the time for the next scheduled ultrasound scan. It will be possible to find out about the condition of the child and clarify the date of birth. If this has not been done before, the time has come to think about which maternity hospital you would like to give birth in. It makes sense to get to know the doctors, look at the conditions, and also find out what exactly is needed before, during and after childbirth. The thirty-second week of pregnancy is the best time to start packing your bag for the maternity hospital, because both the mother and the unborn baby will need a lot of necessary things.

It is best if during this time a woman has the opportunity to rest and eat normally, as well as regularly be in the fresh air. Now you should give up rings, earrings, and other oppressive jewelry, and also remove all tight clothing.

By this time, the child continues to actively prepare for birth. He is gaining more weight and now his weight reaches two kilograms, and his size grows to 42-43 centimeters. However, there is no need to be afraid of deviations from the norm at this stage, because any development is very individual and depends on the sex of the child and heredity.

33 weeks pregnant

Urination becomes so frequent that you have to get up even at night - the expectant mother can get up to five times during the night to go to the toilet. Spasms of the limbs, swelling, constipation continue.

If your family is preparing for a partner birth, and dad will also be present when the baby is born, the time is right for your husband to also take all the necessary tests - without them he will not be allowed into the maternity ward. Continue to prepare things for the maternity hospital, consult with your obstetricians.

Fluid intake at this stage should be reduced - it is better to drink less so that the kidneys cope better with their work and the swelling stops. You can’t sit in one place - every fifteen to twenty minutes you need to get up to do a kind of warm-up.

In the thirty-third week, you need to reduce emotional stress, read only useful books, avoid quarrels and stress. This will help you relax and prevent prenatal panic.

The baby hardly pushes anymore, and his body weighs about 2-2.1 kilograms.

34 weeks pregnant

In the thirty-fourth week, the body of a pregnant woman begins to actively prepare for childbirth - this is expressed in everything, but the most noticeable and very painful sensation is false contractions, which at this time begin to visit the pregnant woman. There is no need to worry about such false labor syndromes - this is a normal process that should be endured. But if your water breaks, you need to urgently call an ambulance or go to the hospital yourself - this means the start of labor. It will be impossible not to notice such an obvious sign - since there is a lot of amniotic fluid.

At this time, you should completely give up sweets - fortunately, such a forced diet will last only a few weeks. Instead of cakes and pastries, it is useful to eat dried fruits and nuts, and also consume fruits rich in vitamins in moderation.

To prevent your back from hurting so much, you can make it a rule to do the following exercise every half hour. Standing up straight and placing your hands on your sides, you should rotate your pelvis first in one direction and then in the other direction.

If you are planning a partner birth, in the thirty-fourth week you should attend psychological training that will prepare the couple for this process.

35 weeks pregnant

In the last stages of pregnancy, the expectant mother often suffers from insomnia. To avoid it, you should drink as little liquid as possible at night. In extreme cases, doctors prescribe valerian tablets - staying calm is very important now.

If your chest is simply constricting and free breathing seems impossible, you can perform the following exercise. Standing on all fours, inhale and exhale deeply several times - this will normalize your breathing for a while.

The child now needs a lot of calcium - his body is completing its formation. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have plenty of foods containing calcium in your diet. They are milk, cottage cheese, cheese, fish, nuts and a number of other products.

At the thirty-fifth week you should no longer work, and when leaving home, you should always check that you have money, documents and a mobile phone - childbirth can begin at any time, even in a public place, and you need to be ready to go to the hospital.

36 weeks pregnant

By the thirty-sixth week of pregnancy, the woman's weight is measured again. Compared to the initial indicators, the increase should be from 7 to 17 kilograms - it all depends on the build, weight of the child, as well as whether the expectant mother is carrying one or two children. An increase of 10 to 12 kilograms is considered the norm, although in women with a fragile physique it may be less. If the gain exceeds 13 kilograms, be prepared for the fact that after childbirth it will be very difficult to restore your previous shape.

At the thirty-sixth week, sex is strictly taboo - it will inevitably harm the child. You should also not overexert yourself, lift heavy objects, or even stand up or turn around suddenly.

Quite often during this period, women experience shortness of breath and anemia develops - this is normal, because the child takes the bulk of useful substances from your body. Having accumulated enough subcutaneous fat, the child looks very cute - his skin is pink and has several folds at the arms and legs. He weighs 2.5 kilograms and his height is 46-47 cm.

37 weeks pregnant

By this time, both the baby's father and mother should have at least the necessary minimum knowledge about the birth process and be ready to care for the baby after his birth. You need to know how to wash, rock, swaddle a baby, how and when to feed him. By the thirty-seventh week, the maternity hospital bag should be completely packed - after all, labor can begin at any moment, and you may have to go to the hospital even late at night.

By this time, the breasts are already sufficiently developed for feeding, and the strong pressure that was before is no longer exerted on the diaphragm and airways. True, with the advent of the ability to breathe normally, the pregnant woman begins to suffer from other problems - the uterus puts more pressure on the bladder, causing the urge to go to the toilet to become more and more frequent.

The first milk begins to be released from the nipples - the body is completely ready to supply the newborn baby with everything necessary.

If vaginal discharge appears at this stage, the woman should immediately take a horizontal position and call an ambulance - this may be a violation of the location of the placenta and will complicate childbirth.

38 weeks pregnant

The thirty-eighth week of pregnancy is considered by doctors to be sufficient time for labor to begin. Pregnancy is considered full-term, the baby is completely ready to be born. However, this does not prevent it from continuing to grow - the stomach can increase in size and, because of this, sink down, which interferes with the normal life of the mother and causes severe discomfort, and sometimes even pain.

The body still suffers from edema, the baby’s kicks are reduced. The cessation of tremors may mean the imminent onset of labor, so you should especially listen to your body and the behavior of the baby. The entire thirty-eighth week, as well as the subsequent weeks or days, passes under the sign of anticipation. The parents can’t wait to see the baby, they are worried about his health. Expectation is normal, but there is no need to express unnecessary concern, because sometimes pregnancy is misdiagnosed or lasts longer than expected - more than 40-43 weeks. This does not mean that the child’s development is in any way impaired.

Mom still suffers from fatigue - she is clumsy, cannot make sudden and fast movements - all this negatively affects the quality of life. Sometimes painful sensations are felt in the pelvic area and in the back - the bones are preparing to release a new person into the world.

39 weeks pregnant

At the thirty-ninth week of pregnancy, the fundus of the uterus lowers - the baby’s head penetrates the birth canal, already preparing to come out at any moment. The pressure on the internal organs increases, which becomes more and more difficult to bear. Weight loss may be detected as the mother's appetite is already decreasing at this time. But the pain in the calf muscles, back and lower back still does not go away.

At the thirty-ninth week, most of the day is spent waiting, and any symptoms, even mild ones, can be mistaken for childbirth. On the one hand, of course, a woman wants to give birth as quickly as possible - the pressure on the internal organs causes severe discomfort. On the other hand, she is overcome by concern for the life and health of the baby.

At this time, you need to know everything about contractions and the approach of labor, consult a doctor about the process of expulsion of the placenta and how to behave during rapid labor - this is also possible, but now the mother, like the whole family, needs to be prepared for anything.

The baby now weighs about three to three and a half kilograms and continues to grow. His height is 51-52 centimeters. Once born, he will be able to scream, grab, suck, swallow and distinguish between objects and faces located at a distance of 30 centimeters from him.

40 weeks pregnant

As a rule, at the fortieth week childbirth occurs - the woman’s water breaks, contractions begin and after a few hours the baby is born. The mother is no longer gaining weight, because the child’s body is already fully formed and can be born at any moment to continue its growth and development independently.

You should not be afraid of dark mucous discharge at this stage - they mean that the plug of the uterine mucosa has already moved away, and labor will begin soon.

At this time, you should avoid panic, not be afraid of childbirth, learn to breathe deeply and concentrate on positive thoughts. Sometimes women experiencing health problems are placed in the maternity hospital for safekeeping at this time in order to better prepare for childbirth.

Just before birth, the baby often freezes, stops pushing and moving - this is normal and also should not cause unnecessary anxiety in the mother.

The child strongly rests on the pelvic bones, beginning to push them apart somewhat. Now his state can be compared to being in peace before a great accomplishment - birth.

41 weeks pregnant

If labor has not yet occurred, there is no need to worry or worry about the health of the baby, because an extension of the due date by two to three weeks does not seem surprising even to doctors. Firstly, it is not always possible to calculate the due date correctly, and secondly, not everyone gives birth on time. This process, like growth and development, is purely individual. Much depends on the duration of the cycle, which differs for all women, the date and time of conception, and the individual predispositions of the body.

Especially often, an extension of the term occurs if this is the woman’s first birth, and her body does not yet fully understand what is happening to it. The child can also develop in his own personal way.

To calm down and insure against possible troubles, you can undergo special tests and tests - but most likely, doctors will advise you to wait until the forty-third week to undergo them - if you do not have time to give birth earlier.

If at the forty-first week the baby is still in the uterus, then most likely he simply continues to gain weight, which was not enough for him to continue living independently.

42 weeks pregnant

In the forty-second week, only a tenth of all women in the world give birth, but there is no need to be afraid of becoming one of them - this is still not a deviation from the norm. Most likely, some error has crept into the calculation of the due date, which now keeps you up at night. However, this should not be done - after all, there will be no benefit from unnecessary nerves for either you or the child.

If you are afraid of not giving birth on time, try doing home exercises to induce labor - massage your nipples or simply do some work that requires physical activity. Contracting muscles during movement can speed up the process, and massaging the nipples will trigger the production of oxytocin, a hormone that will help you successfully complete the difficult journey of nine months.

Now you should be especially attentive to your health - discharge from the navel or vagina, an unpleasant odor - all this can be a sign of infection. If there are no such signs, then everything is going according to plan - it’s just that nature’s plan is a little longer than usual. The baby is still growing - in a week he can grow another one and a half centimeters. Additional weight gain is also possible - up to 500 grams, although this is not mandatory.

43 weeks pregnant

The forty-third week of pregnancy is quite a long time, and it justifiably causes concern among doctors. The question is not even that the child continues to grow and causes a lot of discomfort - we are talking about significant overripeness of the fetus. At the forty-third week, it is best to go to the maternity hospital for preservation - after all, labor can begin at any time. It also makes sense to think about artificially inducing labor - however, if the condition of the mother and baby does not cause concern, you can wait for a while.

The child at this stage is very large - his height is already more than 51-53 centimeters, and his weight can even exceed 4 kilograms. Since the baby develops according to a schedule, he does it anywhere - whether in the outside world or in the mother's stomach. But the mother is most likely already very uncomfortable carrying a grown child.

At the forty-third week, the baby’s cranial bones become denser and the intestines begin to contract. Meconium - original feces, which is waste from everything that the baby has eaten for the last few months, enters the amniotic fluid, which can cause toxicity to the mother's body and poses a threat to the child. However, if this does not happen and the woman feels normal, we can assume that the child is still gaining strength for childbirth.

44 weeks pregnant

The forty-fourth week is already considered quite a dangerous period for bearing a child - the fetus is considered post-term. Why is there a danger to the health of mother and baby? Firstly, the baby is no longer getting enough oxygen, his lungs are developed enough to start breathing - but the outside world is still filled with liquid. The placenta dries out, because its time is running out; according to all the rules of nature, it is no longer needed. Due to the death of the placenta, the child cannot receive the necessary nutrition - there is a need for basic substances that were not previously lacking.

If meconium - the original feces - did not enter the amniotic fluid earlier, then by the forty-fourth week it is definitely already there. The child begins to swallow it and is poisoned by his own secretions - the health and life of the baby are in danger. Only an ultrasound can tell you how serious the situation is - but even that does not provide 100% certainty.

At the same time, the mother feels tired and depressed at this time, because due to post-maturity it begins to seem that she can stay in this situation forever. Do not despair - you need to take your life into your own hands and agree to an artificial birth or caesarean section. This will save both lives and give your family long-awaited happiness.

45 weeks pregnant

In fact, no one can say how long a pregnancy can last, because by the forty-fifth week, labor is already induced artificially. But if they have not yet arrived and have not been induced, most likely a caesarean section will be necessary, and it should be done as soon as possible. Too many toxic fluids produced by the body of both mother and child already accumulate in the amniotic fluid. The fetus reaches too large a size and weighs up to five kilograms - such a baby will no longer pass through the pelvic bones, unless the woman has very wide hips.

Babies born in the forty-fifth week are often in very poor health. Post-term babies grow up with disabilities - both physical and intellectual. And therefore, it is impossible to allow the pregnancy to continue until such a period.

But you shouldn’t be afraid of being in the forty-fifth week either. It often happens that the initial period is calculated incorrectly. For example, they began to count pregnancy from the last menstruation - but in fact, a month after them, there was discharge, something was “smeared” - and in fact, this period was the starting point. The human body is an amazing thing, and it is capable of any non-standard action! But do not rush to let things take their course - we are sure that if you choose the right doctor, place of birth and monitor your condition, and after forty-five weeks of gestation you can give birth to a healthy baby.

In this article:

Every pregnancy is the same for a woman, but feels different. This is due to her state of health and emotional and psychological state, social conditions of stay and the characteristics of the development of the fetus. Each stage of pregnancy is characterized by certain changes in the development of the fetus in the womb. What changes are we talking about, how the child grows and develops throughout pregnancy - we will talk about this in this article.

Pregnancy is an interesting and difficult period in a woman’s life. At this time, the birth and development of a new life occurs in her, her body experiences a heavy load, which gradually increases with each month of pregnancy. A pregnant woman experiences physiological and psycho-emotional changes, and her tastes and preferences may also change. All this is closely related to the stages of intrauterine development of the fetus, which grows, develops and is actively preparing for its birth.

Fetal development: stages and features

In the womb, a child develops over 9 months, or 280 days. The process of fetal development does not occur chaotically, but according to an algorithm written by nature itself and provided for by the peculiarities of human anatomy. Development of all organs and systems of the fetus occurs in a strict order and within a certain period of time.

Medicine divides pregnancy into three important stages - trimesters, each of which is characterized by the growth and development of certain systems/organs in the body of the unborn child. All stages are also divided into weeks, since the condition of the fetus changes weekly. We will look at the features of each trimester.

From one cell, trillions of new cells are formed in 38 weeks. There are more than 200 types of them, and they are the biological building material necessary for the growth and development of a child in the womb, his birth and a full life on earth.

I trimester

In the first trimester, a woman exhibits the first signs of pregnancy, when the process of fertilization of the egg occurs, its movement and fixation in the uterine cavity. During this period, the formation of the vital systems of the unborn child occurs. This trimester is considered very important for the fetus and mother, so a woman needs to take care of herself and take care of the health of her unborn baby.

According to obstetric dates
During gestation, fetal development in the trimesters can occur differently in different women. This is due to many factors - hereditary, social, physiological, psychological and other circumstances that can affect the health of the mother, the course of pregnancy and the development of the fetus.

This is a period when a woman may suffer from early toxicosis, she may feel drowsiness, general malaise, dizziness, etc. What changes the fetus undergoes in the first trimester during its development can be seen in Table 1 below.

Table 1

A week	Fetal development
1	Development of the egg, ovulation, fertilization, birth of the blastocyst.
2	The movement of the blastocyst into the uterine cavity, where it will gain a foothold and continue its development.
3	The embryo takes on the shape characteristic of a human fetus. Nerve cells form the neural tube - the basis of the future spinal cord and brain of the embryo. The heart is formed, which until this moment resembled a clot of muscle cells. The size of the embryo's heart does not exceed the size of a poppy seed. One cell suddenly contracts, setting all the heart cells in motion through a chain reaction. The embryo's heart beats 20-25 times per minute and is necessary for the embryo, since without it the complete and correct distribution of oxygen and food is impossible. Blood cells are still primitive, but with each heartbeat they circulate through the thinnest (thinner than a hair) blood vessels, delivering the necessary building material and oxygen to each cell of the embryo.
4	The period when a woman can feel pregnant due to changes in her hormonal system. The embryo is no larger than a bean, but every day it grows by 1 mm. Two black dots appear in the area of ​​his head - these are future eyes. The embryo’s heart is still single-chambered and miniature, but it already beats 80 times per minute, accelerating the pace with each new day. “Kidneys” appear on the body of the embryo; in the future, arms and legs will form from them. From the neural tube of the embryo, areas of the spinal cord and brain - the future central nervous system - are formed. The tissue growing from four sides forms the face. Its upper part grows down, forming an area for the formation of the nose and chin. The cheeks are formed by tissue on both sides, forming the upper lip. Its connection is called the “philtrum”, and it is preserved - it can be seen on the face of an adult. Improper fusion of this tissue contributes to the formation of a defect known as a “cleft lip.” After birth, a baby with such a defect will need the help of a surgeon. The human embryo is not much different from the embryo of any other animal. Only 1.5% of genes indicate that this is a human embryo.
5	The first heartbeats of the embryo begin to be heard. Its size is only 3 mm, but it already shows signs of the formation of the lungs, heart and thyroid gland.
6	The formation of the spine, upper/lower limbs and two hemispheres of the brain occurs, and the intestines are formed. The embryo stretches, its length is 20 mm, and its body takes on the appearance of a human embryo. The eyes are formed from black dots; they are widely spaced and not yet equipped with eyelashes. Head size still dominates relative to body size. At the time of birth, the baby's head will make up almost ¼ of his body, since the remaining parts will not be able to keep up with the growth of the head.
7	The organs of vision develop, the organs of hearing are formed (on ultrasound, the appearance of auditory elevations, eye sockets, and nasal folds is observed). An ultrasound can already clearly determine the presence of interdigital spaces; the formation of future fingers of the lower/upper extremities is taking place. The length of the embryo is 6 mm.
8	There is active growth of the embryo, formation of facial features, the nose and ears are clearly visible, and the neck is visible. It can already be called a fruit, and in appearance it looks more and more like a person. This is an important stage in the life of the fetus. Previously, he received nutrients through the yolk sac, a floating ball connected to the umbilical cord. Unlike a chicken yolk, the human yolk sac contains no food reserves; in the first days of pregnancy, it produces blood cells necessary to nourish the embryo. At this stage, it is unable to provide the fetus with the necessary amount of food, so the placenta becomes the source of nutrition for the fetus. It is connected to the umbilical cord and attached to the wall of the uterus. The placenta is a complex system that supports the intrauterine life of the fetus, consisting of an extensive network of tiny blood vessels. They are attached to the wall of the uterus and with their help the fetus, through the umbilical cord, draws from the mother’s body all the useful substances it needs: water, oxygen, proteins, etc. The fetus also excretes its waste products through the placenta.
9	At the beginning of the week, the length of the fetus is from 15 to 20 mm, the weight is 3-4 g, and at the end of the week these parameters almost double. The placenta controls the pregnancy process by producing the necessary hormones in the mother's body. The placenta acts as a filter, preventing harmful substances from reaching the fetus, but it is also unable to cope with some types of them. For example, alcohol, smoking products and many medications easily pass through the placenta to the fetus. In most cases, the mother's body tells her which foods her unborn child needs and which are dangerous for him. The active development of the nervous system of the embryo is observed when the body of the previously immobilized fetus begins to twitch as a result of the occurrence of nerve impulses and reflex convulsions that are not yet controlled by the brain. Movement of the fetus is necessary to stimulate muscle growth and strengthen ligaments. The brain is not yet able to control the work of the heart, which beats automatically. Its maximum speed is 157 beats per minute.
10	The brain begins to control all vital systems of the fetal body, slowing down its heartbeat. He also now controls the movement of the upper/lower limbs. The development of the sucking reflex is noted.
11	In the period from 6 to 11 weeks, the embryo undergoes important metamorphoses, its body increases almost 5 times. At the same time, the formation of more than 200 types of different cells occurs: nerve, muscle, liver, kidneys, stomach and other cells that make up the human body. All parts of the body characteristic of a person are formed. Embryo growth – 7 cm. The fetal central nervous system continues to develop, forming its response to touch and breathing.
12	The size of the embryo is no larger than the mother's fist, but it is already more adapted to the environment in which it is located and less sensitive to various stimuli. The risk of his premature birth is reduced. The skeletal system is strengthened, and all systems and organs of the fetus further develop.

All characteristic features of the human body (muscles, ribs, organs, heart, etc.) appear in the fetus during 9 weeks of the first trimester of intrauterine development.

For the development and health of the unborn baby, the first trimester is the most difficult and dangerous. Any a malfunction in the mother’s body can affect the intrauterine development of the fetus. The 3rd and 4th weeks of pregnancy are considered the most critical - during this period the process of implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine cavity and the formation of the central nervous system of the future fetus occurs. A common cold, infection, exacerbation of a chronic disease, nervous breakdown, stress, excessive physical or psychological stress - all this can cause a woman’s hormonal system to malfunction and provoke a miscarriage.

From the last week of the first trimester, the fetus is able to distinguish some sounds. From now on, every week he will hear better, react more actively to the touch of hands on his stomach, to his mother’s voice. In the second trimester, gynecologists and psychologists recommend that pregnant women talk to their unborn child, listen to calm and pleasant music, and the sounds of nature. It is believed that the baby in the mother’s tummy hears everything and feels her mood, feels the attitude towards herself both from the mother and from those people who surround her.

II trimester

The second trimester covers the period from 13 to 27 weeks of pregnancy. In most pregnant women, toxicosis has passed by this time, the size of the tummy still allows you to move freely and wear ordinary clothes, which will soon have to be changed to dresses and sundresses for pregnant women. A woman’s well-being in the second trimester usually does not cause concern to the doctor if the pregnancy is not burdened by any developmental pathology. From 20 or 22 weeks of pregnancy, some women are advised to wear a maternity bandage to help support
growing belly, reduce pain in the back and hip joints.

By the beginning of the second trimester, the baby in the mother’s womb weighs on average no more than 30 g, and its height is about 10 cm. By the beginning of the third trimester (at 27 weeks), the fetus’s growth will be almost 35 cm, and it will weigh about 1.2 kg. The fetal skeleton is already quite well formed, so in the second trimester its brain and muscular system will actively develop. There is high mobility of the baby in the mother's womb, and between 18 and 22 weeks a woman can clearly feel the first movements and tremors of her unborn child. From Table 2 you can see what changes occur in the fetus’s body during the second trimester.

table 2

A week	Fetal development
13	The gender of the unborn child is still difficult to determine, but a competent ultrasound diagnostician will be able to recognize it. In boys and girls up to the 13th week, a bulge is formed instead of the genital organs - the angle of inclination at which this bulge is located helps the doctor to reveal the secret of the embryo’s gender. The gender can be more clearly recognized at the 15th week of pregnancy, but the formation of the genital organs in the embryo has already begun. The formation of baby teeth and the development of muscles that provide the sucking reflex are also noted. The baby is already able to move his lips. In boys, the genital organ is clearly visible on an ultrasound; their body begins to produce testosterone (male hormone), the formation of the prostate gland (for boys) or the formation of an egg (for girls) begins. The first hairs appear on the skin of the fetus (just above the eyes and above the lip). A unique pattern is “drawn” on the skin of the fingers of the unborn child.
14	The formation of sexual characteristics and intestines continues (with the presence of villi on its mucosa). Men's testicles are already capable of producing testosterone, and women's ovaries are already capable of producing eggs. The pancreas begins to produce the hormone insulin, and processes take place in the liver and spleen in which the blood cells of the unborn baby are formed.
15	The first layer of hair appears on the fetal body - fluff. The baby makes his first attempts to “breathe” on his own: the embryo breathes amniotic fluid. Now his gallbladder is starting to function. This week, a woman who has had previous pregnancies may feel fetal movements for the first time. The weight of the unborn baby is already 130-160 g, his height is 12-14 cm.
16	Ossification of the skull and strengthening of the fetal muscular system are observed. There is an increase in his motor activity (the woman may not yet feel the movements and shocks of the fetus). The sex of the unborn child is already easily determined by ultrasound. Changes occur in the proportion of the fetal body - the size of the head decreases, its lower/upper limbs lengthen, the fingers/toes separate from each other, and nail growth begins. The arms develop faster than the legs, perhaps because they act as important sensory organs and develop at the same time as other organs. The distance between the eyes has decreased, giving the baby's face a human appearance. The central nervous system is functioning, it has expanded and controls all parts of the fetal body, the movements of which have become more diverse. The muscles acquired the necessary flexibility, the baby’s movements in the womb became softer and smoother. The brain completely controls the baby’s body, whose heart no longer beats spontaneously and convulsively - its work is controlled by the brain. The heart makes no more than 140-150 beats per minute. The weight of the fetus is 180 g, and its height is 14-16 cm.
17	The formation of the placenta is completed. The baby in the womb begins not only to hear, but also to distinguish the noises/sounds that surround him. His nervous system improves, he becomes sensitive to touch, sounds, light. The fetus is too mobile, makes many complex movements and maneuvers, trying to find a comfortable position. The fetus's joints bend easily, opening up the space inside the mother's womb in a new way. By swimming and maneuvering, the baby learns to maintain balance and coordination. In the womb, the future person develops the ability to control the position and behavior of his own body in space. The fetus is in the process of forming subcutaneous fat, which participates in the body’s heat exchange processes.
18	This week marks the end of the formation of the child’s immune system. His digestive system is already formed and developed so much that it is ready to function. The baby makes swallowing movements, swallowing the amniotic fluid in which it swims. The kidneys and digestive organs are already working - some of the undigested particles will be deposited in the intestines, the remaining processed products will be excreted in the form of urine into the amniotic fluid. Some babies can already open their eyes at 18 weeks, while others will only be able to do this at 24 weeks. This is how the blink reflex develops. The baby gets to know himself and the environment and moves actively. He feels himself with his fingers, touches the walls of the uterus, pushes off with his legs, jumps and turns over. He needs these skills because they are a kind of training before birth and passage through the birth canal. The grasping reflex develops well, although its significance is unclear: it is hardly useful for the survival of a newborn.
19	The movements of the fetus are more conscious, since the connection between the muscular and nervous systems is almost completely formed. A woman may first feel fetal movement at the end of the 18th or early 19th week. The baby has grown to 18 cm, his body is covered with soft hairs that will disappear by the time he is born. Molars are formed. They will begin to grow in the child when his baby teeth are replaced with permanent ones. The fetus receives sugar and water from the mother's amniotic fluid; a small portion of hydrochloric acid and some digestive enzymes are already present in its stomach. Nutrients enter his body through “breathing” and through the placenta. He receives some of them by swallowing amniotic fluid.
20	This week, the fetal body reaches the proportions that are characteristic of babies, the ratio of its head to the rest of the body is evened out. Since its fat layer is not yet fully formed, the fetal body appears thin, but the baby is active and feels normal. He is halfway through his birth. His height is already 19 cm, body weight is 300 g.
21	The baby grows and gains weight, accumulates subcutaneous fat, and his mother often begins to feel hungry. A layer of special lubricant is formed on the child’s body, protecting his skin from the effects of amniotic fluid. This week his body weight reaches 350 g, and his height increases by 5-6 cm.
22	There is high motor activity of the fetus: the baby can change its position in the mother’s womb several times within one day. He eats, sleeps, moves - continues to explore himself and the space around him, gain weight and grow. The baby sucks his finger and can already turn his head to the side.
23	The weight of the fetus can reach 500 g. Its heart sounds are well audible with an obstetric stethoscope. Twitching of a baby's eyelids, which are visible on an ultrasound, indicates that his brain is functioning correctly. The baby may be more awake if the mother is on the move, and when she is nervous, she behaves restlessly. The baby's hair begins to darken because his body has already begun to produce a special pigment. If the baby is born prematurely, he already has a chance to live, as well as the risk of problems with brain functions.
24	The child is still active, but his growth slows down slightly at around 30 cm, and his body weight begins to increase and reaches 600-700 g. The baby opens his eyes for the first time and is able to distinguish daylight from the darkness of night. His eyebrows and eyelashes are already beginning to appear, and his face takes on the features of a newborn baby. His lungs are developing well and he is trying to “breathe.” A baby born at 24 weeks has every chance of survival. At this stage, a woman needs to rest more and receive only positive emotions, so as not to provoke premature birth. In case of premature birth, the baby has a chance to survive thanks to modern equipment and the experience of neonatologists.
25	All the baby’s organs and systems are already functioning and at the same time continue to develop further. His heartbeat can be heard without a stethoscope by placing his ear against a pregnant woman's belly. The child’s skeleton becomes stronger, and the baby’s kicks in the mother’s stomach are more noticeable to her.
26	The baby's lungs can barely cope with the task of supplying oxygen to his organs. With a lack of oxygen, the baby freezes, trying to move less, so the mother needs to walk more in the fresh air, not smoke, and ventilate the room more often. Almost half of children born before 26 weeks have brain defects and problems in development and learning. Starting from this week of pregnancy, the baby is actively developing all the senses: eyes, ears, taste buds on the tongue. The child learns to recognize the signals sent by the impulses of his central nervous system.
27	Hair begins to disappear from the child's skin. The proportions of his body correspond to the proportions of a newborn baby, but the total mass is still not enough. His endocrine system begins to function, producing growth hormone. The baby's respiratory muscles develop. Its height is 32-35 cm, body weight reaches 1000 g. If a mother has a premature birth, the baby has every chance to survive and grow up to be a healthy, full-fledged person.

The second trimester is a period in which the active development of all systems/organs of the fetus occurs, the baby himself also grows and gains weight. He begins to actively move in his mother’s stomach and make himself known. It has its own wake and sleep patterns. He hears almost all sounds happening around him, distinguishes between darkness and light.

To a woman staying in the second trimester of pregnancy, you need to walk outside more often, ventilate your room, and eat more vegetables and fruits. She should diligently maintain personal hygiene, not neglect morning exercises for pregnant women, try not to get nervous and not take negative events to heart.

During this period, a woman is recommended to enroll in a course for a young mother, where she will learn about the features of pregnancy in the last trimester, the correct behavior of a mother during childbirth and caring for a child in the first days after birth. She should also not forget to visit her gynecologist and inform him about all the changes that occur in her body.

III trimester

The last trimester for the expectant mother will not be the easiest, since her tummy has already grown quite enough. It becomes difficult for her to move, sit up, bend over, or roll over on her side in bed. It is impossible to sleep or rest on your back due to difficulty breathing and a feeling of constriction in the internal organs. Many women are afraid of the onset of labor and in the last trimester they begin to get nervous - these experiences can lead them to stress. At this time, advice and reassurance from those women who have already successfully completed childbirth is important for a pregnant woman.

As for the baby, he feels great. All his organs are already formed, he breathes on his own, hears perfectly, and is able to distinguish tastes. The baby actively kicks its legs, rolls over, and spins in all directions in the mother’s womb. Its head is already beginning to be covered with hairs, its body is covered with lubricant, which will make it easier for it to pass through the birth canal. The fetus is preparing for release, because it will soon be born. What changes occur with the baby in the third trimester of the mother’s pregnancy can be seen in Table 3.

Table 3

A week	Fetal development
28	The baby's weight is from 1000 to 1300 g, his body length is from 35 to 40 cm. The baby not only hears sounds, but also reacts to them, showing mom with pushes what he likes and doesn’t like.
29	The baby's kidneys begin to function, releasing up to 500 mg of urine per day. The adrenal glands produce androgen-like substances, and the baby’s circulatory system produces red blood cells. The baby is actively moving inside the uterus, where it becomes cramped. He gradually turns over, taking a position in which it will be easier for him to pass the birth canal. The fat layer allows the baby’s body to independently solve the problem of body thermoregulation. His skeleton has become stronger, but the bones of the skull have not yet fused completely - this feature will allow his head to squeeze through the birth canal at the time of birth.
30	The baby begins to rapidly gain weight, his height reaches 35-37 cm with a body weight of 1000 to 1400 g. His brain has reached the stage of development when the baby is already able to analyze and remember some information. At this stage, the baby’s teeth are covered with a layer of enamel. His body is cleansed of a special lubricant that protects his skin from the effects of amniotic fluid. The baby swallows this liquid, and his digestive system processes the contents of the stomach. The undigested particles will form the newborn's first stool, meconium. At the end of the 8th month, the baby’s body weight reaches 1500 g, his height ranges from 37 to 40 cm.
31	The baby continues to practice “breathing exercises”, preparing for his first breath outside the mother’s womb. His eyes are often open, he squints in response to bright light. All newborns have blue eyes; only a few weeks after birth their color will begin to change. The pancreas continues to develop, the liver grows, muscle mass and blood volume in the child’s body increase. The baby grows stronger, his skin becomes thicker, acquires elasticity and a characteristic bright pink hue, since there is already the necessary fat layer underneath. There is not enough subcutaneous fat yet, so a network of capillaries and vessels is visible under the skin. The height of the fetus reaches 40 cm with a body weight of about 1600 g.
32	Premature birth is no longer scary for the baby: he will be born with a body weight of 1500 to 2000 g and will be quite viable. True, his lungs are not yet well developed, and many of the reflexes he needs to survive are missing. The baby's face is cleared of wrinkles, smoothed out, and hairs grow on the head. He quickly gains body weight due to the production of immunoglobulins. During this period, some babies begin to gradually turn head down - this is the position the fetus should take before labor begins. The baby moves more, disturbing the mother and causing her some inconvenience. To calm him down, a pregnant woman needs to lie down. A protruding navel should not bother the mother: this is the result of pressure and a large load on the mother’s body. After childbirth, the navel will take its previous appearance. The child’s body weight at 32 weeks is 2000 g, height is from 40 to 42 cm.
33	At week 33, a woman is usually prescribed an ultrasound to determine how developed the fetus is, whether its development corresponds to the gestational age, and whether there are any pathologies in development. The baby’s brain is already formed, the number of neurons increases, expanding nerve connections. This week, the heart begins to gain weight, and the subcutaneous fat layer grows. The baby needs more nutrients, and he persistently demands them from his mother.
34	· The sucking reflex is developed - the child sucks his thumb, training to suck on the mother's breast. · His skeleton is getting stronger, and the body needs more and more calcium. The baby moves a lot: the uterus is already cramped for him, he tries to find a comfortable position, turns over and pushes. · The lungs are ready to receive oxygen, but are not yet 100% able to function independently and fully. · The baby weighs up to 2400 g, and his body weight is 40-45 cm.
35	· The baby’s skin acquires the required color and texture, is cleared of grease, and becomes less transparent due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. The fluff on the baby’s body is no longer noticeable and has almost disappeared. · The development of the adrenal glands continues, and growth of the nail plates is observed. · The baby's ears are already fully deployed and correctly positioned. · There is already some original feces in the intestines of the fetus - meconium, which will be the baby's first bowel movement after birth. · The baby weighs from 2000 to 2600 g, its body length can vary from 40 to 45 cm.
36	The baby's skin is smooth, small amounts of vellus hair may remain on his back and shoulders, but it will disappear in the first days after the baby is born. The presence of a sucking reflex indicates that the baby is ready to feed at the mother's breast. A baby's fully formed heart beats steadily, but there is still a small hole between the atria. When the baby takes his first breath outside the womb, it will close. Usually this week the baby is already positioned correctly - head down. He spins inside his mother’s belly, twists his legs and pushes, but by the time of birth he must take the correct position. The baby’s body is rounded, his nervous, immune and endocrine systems continue to improve. In general, the baby is almost ready for birth. Its weight at this stage of development ranges from 2500 to 3000 g, height – from 43 to 47 cm.
37	The child’s reproductive system is established, the ovaries (in girls) and testicles (in boys) function and produce the necessary hormones. The baby’s body is covered with vernix, the accumulation of subcutaneous fat continues: on average, its increase per day is about 30 g per day. His skeleton has become stronger, the cartilage has become harder and denser, and the ligaments are stronger. The baby continues training in independent breathing: after birth, he will have to inhale air for the first time, and not amniotic fluid.
38	At 38 weeks the baby is fully viable. A child born at this stage may have some difficulty breathing, but overall he is absolutely healthy. If he is born this week, he will need medical attention and medication to help him breathe properly. Its body weight is from 2700 to 3200 kg, its height can reach 45 cm.
39	· All the baby’s organs are developed, all systems function normally. If there are any minor deficiencies, even with premature birth they can be easily eliminated. This week, the child’s body completes the construction of its own body, and the brain completely controls this process and the functionality of each system. The baby's hair on the head can grow by this time from 1-3 to 7-9 cm. It weighs more than 3000 g and its body length is almost 50 cm.
40	· This last week of pregnancy for the baby proceeds without any special changes. He is ready for childbirth, for his first breath and meeting his mother. He tries to take the correct position (head down) and waits for labor to begin. · The baby’s bones at the time of birth are not yet ossified and soft: this feature will help him pass the birth canal more easily. A large amount of norepinephrine and adrenaline can be found in his blood. These substances will support his body during childbirth, if this process drags on and the baby experiences oxygen starvation. · There is a slight increase in the level of sugar in his blood and an increase in heart rate. All this indicates the proximity of childbirth. · The baby’s body length in the last week of pregnancy can range from 45 to 54 cm, body weight also varies between 3200-4100 g. · By the end of the week, the baby will turn his head down, press his knees to his body in readiness to leave the place where he has been warm, cozy, nourished and calm for all 9 months. · Intrauterine development of the fetus is now complete.

Pregnancy is a complex physiological process that occurs in a woman’s body, during which the development of a fetus from an egg occurs, ending with the birth of a new person.

Very often during a woman’s pregnancy, all the attention of her loved ones is focused on her. Everyone tries to help her with something, fulfill her desire, protect her from worries and illnesses. The main thing is for loved ones to understand that the health and well-being of the mother determines the health and life of the unborn baby.

Nature itself will cope with what is entrusted to it: the child will grow and develop in the mother’s womb. The task of a pregnant woman and her environment is not to harm the child even before he is born. And then, after 9 months, to the delight of all family members, a strong and healthy baby will be born.

The stages of a child's development in the mother's womb are called trimesters, each of which is marked by intense transformations in the fetal body and its structure. The duration of a trimester is from 90 days. During this time, the child manages to reach a new level of development. Let's look at the development of a child in the womb and their key features week by week.

Development of a child in the womb using the example of a mannequin

Child development in the first trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy begins from the moment of conception and lasts on average until the 15th week.

1 Week. The body is preparing for future motherhood. The body actively creates conditions for the most comfortable conception, and a little later - the development of the child in the womb. In the next two weeks, the body will need to form a prototype of the future child.

The structure of the genital organs and conception of a child

Tips: if possible, stop taking medications, except for those prescribed by your doctor, and gradually accustom yourself to a healthy lifestyle - with regular walks, moderate physical activity, and proper nutrition.

Smoking, alcohol and coffee must be stopped from this period. Additionally, to prevent the development of fetal defects, pregnant women are recommended to regularly drink folic acid.

First week after conception

Week 2. Changes in the woman’s reproductive organs become more obvious; a slight nagging pain may appear in the lower abdomen. The hormonal background begins to change under the influence of the developing corpus luteum. The egg is still preparing for fertilization.

Tips: The period from the end of the second week to the beginning of the third is ideal for subsequent conception.

Phases of the menstrual cycle favorable for conception

In order to increase the likelihood of pregnancy, it is best to take a short break from sexual activity a few days before ovulation - this will allow sperm to accumulate.

Week 3. During this period, conception itself occurs. The changes affecting the body of the expectant mother become even more obvious.

Tips: for the safety of the child, during these weeks it is best to minimize contact with aggressive chemicals and sources of electromagnetic influence. Avoid X-ray examination of the abdominal organs.

Week 4. During this period, implantation occurs. The woman also stops menstruating. The child’s body does not yet have a clear outline and rather resembles a disk of three layers of tissue, from which the skin, skeleton, internal organs, etc. will subsequently develop.

5 weeks - photo and ultrasound

Tips: During this period, it is extremely important to protect yourself from overheating. An increase in temperature can have an extremely negative impact on the health of the unborn child.

Week 5. The development of the embryo occurs intensively, due to which the child develops the outlines of the body, clearly visible limbs, and a prominent head. The foundations of the future nervous system are laid.

Tips: for better development of the child’s nervous system, the mother is recommended to take folic acid.

Folic acid reduces the risk of miscarriage

Also, during this period, pregnant women more than ever need healthy sleep and rest - due to ongoing hormonal changes, she may begin to experience symptoms such as increased fatigue and irritability.

Week 6. The child’s brain is improving; it begins to gradually coordinate the work of the heart and skeletal muscles. Blood cells begin to form in the liver. The child already has the rudiments of most internal organs. The placenta grows, providing the baby with the nutrients necessary for growth and development.

Tips: during this period, dizziness and toxicosis may intensify. To prevent unpleasant symptoms from bothering a woman so much, it is recommended to always have some saltine crackers and water or juice with her (this will relieve nausea).

Week 7. The child’s facial features become more distinguishable - his ears, jaws, and eyelids are already clearly visible, giving the child the opportunity to independently open and close his eyes. The child makes movements that are not yet perceptible to the mother, but quite noticeable. The child’s heart is already divided into 4 chambers, and the largest blood vessels are formed.

Week 7 - beginning of body formation

Tips: for the full development of the child, a woman is recommended to eat foods rich in B vitamins. You can cope with toxicosis by eating often and in small portions.

Week 8. The child’s internal organs function quite actively - his heart beats, his stomach and kidneys are actively working. The brain effectively organizes the activity of organ systems; the level of development of the nervous system already gives the child the opportunity to respond to external conditions with the help of facial expressions. The skeleton is improving - fingers and joints become clearly visible. The Rh factor of the child becomes clear.

Tips: you need to protect yourself from increased stress – both mental and physical. In order to better control the course of pregnancy, it is also advisable to find a doctor who will accompany the woman until the birth and give her valuable instructions.

Week 9. This week is characterized by intensive development of the brain, especially the cerebellum, which is responsible for the coordination of movements. The child’s eyes are already well formed, but are covered with a membrane that does not allow them to see what is happening around them. The limbs are strengthened. The fingers are already quite distinguishable, but are connected to each other by a membrane.

Week 9 - fingers appear

Tips: starting this week, you need to choose underwear that provides the body with proper support. It is best to reduce the load on the abdominal muscles. To avoid weakening of the veins, you can take medications containing vitamins C and P.

Week 10 During this period, the child’s reproductive system is most actively formed. The remaining vital organs are already quite well developed.

10 week - the body is fully formed

Tips: during this period, the mother needs foods rich in calcium - this will protect bones and teeth from destruction.

Week 11 At this time, the brain develops most actively and intensively: due to this, the child’s head is significantly larger than the body. The intestines and kidneys begin to work.

11th week - baby starts to move

Tips: At this time, it is advisable to start saving money for the upcoming maternity leave. This will avoid many problems in the future.

Special care needs to be taken of the skin - it may become drier and begin to require more intense hydration.

Foods rich in calcium contribute to the proper development of the baby's skeleton

Week 12. The child is already quite energetic - he actively interacts with the world around him and reacts to external stimuli - light, sound (for example, he can close his eyes with his palm, or cover his ears with his hands). A fairly good level of development of the cerebellum and vestibular apparatus allows him to navigate well in space. Movements become more varied: the child can already make simple movements with his fingers and turn his head.

Week 13 - the brain is actively developing

Tips: If possible, it is necessary to avoid food poisoning, as well as conditions that provoke a state of hypoxia (intense physical activity, hiking, etc.).

15 week - baby on ultrasound

Child development in the second trimester

When highlighting time intervals in development, we note that the stages of development of a small child in the womb of his mother are quite difficult to distinguish by weeks or months. However, from about 16 weeks, the second trimester of pregnancy begins, which has its own distinctive features.

16 weeks - photo

Week 16 The child develops sucking and swallowing reflexes. His eyelashes and eyebrows are already clearly visible, he is learning to smile. The placenta, connecting mother and child, is already functioning quite actively. Height is already 16-18 centimeters, weight is at least 150 g.

Tips: undergo an examination for possible malformations of the child (a blood test for alpha protein, hCG hormone and unconjugated estriol is recommended). To improve the general condition of the body, you can go swimming.

Week 20 - baby's first portrait

Week 20 The baby's heartbeat can already be clearly heard with a stethoscope. Nails form on the fingers. Thanks to the good development of the musculoskeletal system, the child can already actively move inside the uterus and the woman can already feel his movements inside her. The child's reactions to light or sound become more varied.

Swimming is very beneficial for pregnant women

Tips: It is very important to protect your back from unnecessary stress. Yoga, massage, and physical therapy can help get rid of unpleasant sensations.

21 weeks - mother already feels fetal movements

Week 24. The child’s lungs are actively developing, and the sweat and sebaceous glands begin to work. the skin has a slightly reddish tint; Amniotic fluid protects it from mechanical damage. The child’s behavior also takes on new features - he can get angry and express his dissatisfaction, he can cry. Periods of wakefulness alternate with periods of sleep, and during the latter the child begins to dream.

Supportive underwear will help you avoid stretch marks

Tips: Due to the weakening of collagen fibers in the skin on the abdomen and chest, stretch marks may form. In order to avoid this, you need to use a special intensive moisturizing cream.

Child development in the third trimester

The development of a child in the womb of his mother in the third trimester is different in that almost all vital organs are formed and in the future they will actively develop.

Week 28. All the child’s senses are already quite well developed. He begins to breathe on his own, the skin thickens. Weight is approaching one kilogram. He begins to distinguish people's voices and distinguishes his mother's voice among them.

28 week - the baby is fully formed

If we consider the development of a child in the womb by months, by this time the fetus reaches 7 months. If during this period the mother goes into labor, he can survive thanks to the efforts of doctors and his own resources that provide his life support.

Tips: During this period you need to visit the doctor more often than before. Some of the necessary tests include blood iron levels and glucose tolerance.

A premature baby can be born weighing up to 1 kg

If both partners have positive Rh factors, another test will be required - for antibodies.

Week 32. Due to the fact that the mother’s body actively transfers immunoglobulins to the child, he begins to develop immunity, which in the future can protect him from many health problems. Thanks to the already well-formed layer of subcutaneous fat, the child’s body takes on new shapes. The amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby is renewed every three hours.

Gymnastics for pregnant women - preparation for childbirth

Tips: due to the fact that the child often rests his feet on the ribs, a woman may experience pain in the sternum. You can avoid this by trying to keep your back straight when walking and sitting.

Week 34 The child's lungs open up and he can breathe on his own. With a height of 40 centimeters, his weight remains about 1700 - 2000 grams, and he continues to gain weight and this dynamics can be clearly seen week by week. Because of this, he is already cramped in the uterus and he often takes the most comfortable position for childbirth - head down.

Tips: During this period, so-called Braxton-Hicks contractions become quite common, which are often confused with prenatal ones. In order to clearly distinguish them from each other, it is necessary to regularly consult a doctor.

The difference between false and true contractions

If your water breaks, call a doctor immediately!

38 week. The child’s liver intensively accumulates iron, which in the future will actively contribute to hematopoietic function. He is growing quickly, gaining at least 14 grams per day. The position of the child is determined finally. Development in the womb comes to its logical conclusion and the mother focuses on the birth of the child. He is ready for birth and there are only a few days left until delivery.

38 weeks - the baby is preparing for birth

Tips: you need to pay attention to the warning signs of labor – pain in the sciatic nerve and contractions.

Pregnancy is a unique physiological process that allows parent cells to unite and form a new organism. The development of the fetus over the weeks of pregnancy is an interesting event that many mothers like to remember. Every day and week of pregnancy entails tremendous changes in the fetus and unforgettable impressions on the mother. From this article, expectant mothers will learn a lot of useful and interesting information: when the baby begins to lead an active lifestyle, hear her voice. It is no less interesting to know about changes in the weight of the fetus when the long-awaited ultrasound takes place to determine the sex of the baby.

Intrauterine development of the fetus is divided into two stages:

1. The embryonic period lasts eight weeks after fertilization of the egg. At this time, there is an embryo inside the woman;
2. the fetal period is counted from the ninth week until the moment of birth. At this stage of development, a woman already carries a fetus under her heart.

There is a real due date, which is counted from the moment of fertilization, and an obstetric one, which takes into account the first day of the last menstruation. Their difference is 14 days.

An exciting journey through the weeks of pregnancy

First

An important event occurred - fertilization. The zygote begins its formation. With every day and even hour, the number of embryonic cells increases through fragmentation and on the third day it consists of 8 cells, and on the fourth of 20. They form a small lump that moves to the uterus to begin full development and growth.

Second

The fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. This process is called implantation, it is a critical moment for the development of the embryo. The mother's body is rebuilt, producing hormones to protect the embryo. There may be pink or brown discharge.

In the same week, the cells of the fertilized egg group:

• the inner layer is responsible for the formation of the lungs, liver, and digestive organs;
• the middle layer forms the bone and circulatory system;
• the outer layer develops the nervous system, skin and hair, etc.

Third

This week precedes the development of the spinal cord and brain, the spine is formed.

At 20-21 days, we can say with confidence that conception was successful. The embryo consists of many cells, and a tiny heart begins to beat - the fetus is ready for intrauterine changes. The appearance of dark discharge signals the threat of miscarriage.

Fourth

The embryo reaches the size of a poppy seed - 1.5 mm. During this period, the laying of the foundations for internal organs begins, the heartbeat increases, the neural tube enters a new phase for the development of the brain, and limbs are born. Extraembryonic organs are formed: the yolk sac, which provides nutrition to the embryo, and the chorion, the future placenta.

Fifth

At this stage, the embryo is no larger than a sesame seed. The placenta, which connects to it through the umbilical cord, is responsible for its nutrition.

• An ultrasound specialist can already determine how many children a woman will have.
• The heart begins to divide into two chambers, changes in the reproductive system and brain appear.
• On an ultrasound, you can see inaccurate facial features, slits for the mouth, and recesses for the eyes and nose.

Sixth

The heart, lungs and bronchial tree are improved. Facial features continue to emerge, and the phalanges of the fingers appear. The uterus enlarges and reaches the size of a plum.

Seventh

This is the time when future parents begin to add to the family album the first photograph of the child's intrauterine development. The heart is already four-chambered and there are 100-190 beats per minute - this is normal. The tail at the base of the spine disappears, the placenta fully supports nutrition and intrauterine processes. There is rapid development of the brain, the middle layer of the adrenal glands, and lymph nodes.

Eighth

The formation of vital organs and tissues is nearing completion. The size of the embryo is only 4 mm, but it already looks like a properly formed organism with protruding fingers, joints, ears, slits for the eyes and mouth. The nervous system is developed, the rudiments of the first teeth are formed.

The embryo begins to move, but this is imperceptible to the expectant mother.

Ninth

The embryo enters the fetal stage. He gained weight up to 2 grams and has a size of 22-30 mm. The cerebellum, the middle layer of the adrenal glands, lymph nodes, mammary glands, and genitals continue to develop over the weeks.

Enormous changes occur: the tiny creature moves its head, swims in the uterus, reacts to the mother’s movements and hears sounds, grabs the umbilical cord, and puts a finger in its mouth. The urinary system begins to work, the sense of smell develops, which will help the newborn find the breast.

Tenth

Weight – 5 g, size 30-40 mm. These days are full of events. The diaphragm is fully formed, the brain is actively developing, ossification of the skull and skeleton occurs, the membranes between the fingers disappear. The liver begins to secrete bile, the intestines contract.

Eleventh

The baby's weight is 8 grams, body length is 5 cm. The formation of blood vessels is nearing completion, the heart is working correctly, the placenta becomes denser and creates excellent protection for the emerging organism. The head is still large, but its transformations occur every day; the liver occupies 10% of the entire body.

Twelfth

The first trimester is at its final stage. The tiny creature has increased significantly and weighs about 9 cm. The rudiments of baby teeth are formed. The digestive system, bones and muscles continue their transformations. The little man is able to smile, sleeps little and has his own taste preferences. The immune system becomes stronger. The belly of the expectant mother is rounded.

Thirteenth

The baby's weight reaches 15-25 grams, height is 10 cm, the heart beats 150 times per minute, and 30 liters of blood are pumped. The cerebral cortex becomes more complex, and the sweat glands come to work. The fetus ingests nutrients and spits out liquid, exercising the lungs. The mouth gap opens periodically.

The bone tissue hardens, the skin becomes multi-layered, but it is still transparent, the eyelids are closed. The placenta independently supplies oxygen and removes waste.

Fourteenth

The intrauterine baby is becoming more and more active. Her weight is 35-45 grams, her height is 11 cm. The skeleton is being formed, the diaphragm is preparing for the first cry, the child has a Rh factor and blood type. The thyroid gland develops, the body prepares to digest proteins and begin to store fat. The intestines produce the first stool, which consists of bile.

The eyes take their assigned place, the facial features take the correct shape. The uterus becomes heavier, its weight is 250 grams.

Fifteenth

The size of the fruit resembles an orange, weighs 70 grams, and height is 13 cm. Most of the body is covered with hair fluff, which retains heat. When the child gains a sufficient amount of fatty tissue, heat exchange will be involved in the process, and then the excess hairs will fall off.

The nails are already formed and lines are being drawn at the fingertips. The child grimaces, the sucking reflex is well developed. The genitals continue to form.

Sixteenth

The baby's height is 14 cm. All components appeared in the blood. The neck is aligned, the liver takes on the function of digestion. The formation of permanent teeth is underway, replacing baby teeth. The skin is still transparent and the blood vessels are visible. The baby moves all parts of the body, which has a positive effect on brain development.

Seventeenth

The man’s height is already more than 15 cm, his weight exceeds the weight of the placenta. The neck has become stronger, and the head now turns 180 degrees. There is an active accumulation of fat on the body, the bronchi are almost fully developed. The child begins to move his eyes. He is already able to protect himself from infections that may come from his mother.

Emotional and mental development is underway, so a pregnant woman is strictly forbidden to experience stress, worry, or be nervous.

Eighteenth

The child's inner ear is formed, the retina of the eye gains sensitivity, the blink reflex appears, but the eyelids are still drooping, and the rudiments of molars are being formed. The baby is responding better to voices, so you don’t need to be shy about talking to your tummy.

Nineteenth

The fruit can be compared to a small zucchini. The length reaches 16-17 cm, and the weight is 300 g. The skin is protected by vernix lubrication from amniotic fluid. There is a leap in development, movements become obvious and correct. The head rotates and maintains its position for a long time. The baby reacts well to factors from the outside world and responds to them with strong blows.

Twentieth

The tiny creature has already reached 20 cm. It begins to show its dissatisfaction with the mother’s incorrect postures or loud sounds, and can distinguish the time of day.

Intervertebral discs appear, a layer of epidermis is formed, movements become more complicated, and the mother feels them perfectly.

Twenty-one

The child gains weight up to 360 grams, reaching a length of 26.5 cm. The digestive system is active, the fetus swallows amniotic fluid, and the spleen begins to function. Bones and muscles are strengthened. Taste receptors are fully formed on the tongue. Boys develop testicles, and girls develop a vagina.

Twenty-second

The baby is gaining more and more weight. Now her weight is 500 grams, and her height is 28 cm. The lungs are fully developed, the brain reaches a weight of 100 grams.

Premature birth at 22 weeks can occur successfully, because modern equipment is available to care for such babies.

Twenty-third

The baby’s weight increases, and the uterus also grows, creating discomfort for the mother. There is a wrinkled appearance of the skin, and fatty tissues grow. Arms and legs lengthen, nails and hair grow.

The boys' genitals move down to the right place. It’s impossible to believe, but such a small creature is capable of dreaming. The number of movements reaches 10 times a day.

Twenty-four

The height of the little man is 30 cm, he may already be hiccupping due to improper ingestion of amniotic fluid or hypoxia, you need to notify the gynecologist about this.

The child often changes position. He no longer has enough space in the placenta and begins to push and push more persistently.

Twenty-fifth

The future family member has a body length of 33 cm and weighs 700 grams. The skin gains density and color. The lungs are training, preparing for the first breath, the brain begins to work with the adrenal glands. Muscles appear.

Weakness and dizziness in the mother mean signs of anemia, you need to see a doctor.

Twenty-sixth

Weight reaches 750 grams, height 35-36 cm. The little creature acquires individual features. The jolts become painful for the mother, and close people can trace the baby’s movements.

The brain produces the necessary hormones, and hearing becomes more refined. The lungs are filled with a special substance that will help them not to stick together at the moment of the first breath and cry.

Twenty-seventh

The weight of the baby increases to one kilogram. The endocrine system begins to produce new functions, the amount of subcutaneous fat returns to normal. The substance that promotes the full expansion of the lungs has been completely developed.

Twenty-eighth

The baby already weighs more than one kilogram and is 38 cm tall. His skin becomes smooth because adipose tissue increases.

The pupillary membrane disappears, allowing the eyes to open. The baby becomes cramped, but this does not affect ontogenesis.

Twenty-ninth

The creature inside the mother weighs 1,300 kg and is 40 cm tall. It is already preparing for birth. The nasal passages are freed from mucus, the amount of vernix lubrication and fluff on the body are reduced. The child receives a sufficient amount of antibodies from the parent’s blood.

Thirtieth

This is the period when the future family member is growing rapidly, thermoregulation is developed, the liver accumulates iron, and the eyes open completely. The child assumes a position for a favorable birth.

Thirty-one

Each week is characterized by an increase in fetal weight of 300-400 grams. At the 31st week of pregnancy, the baby’s weight is 1.5 kg, length – 41 cm. The pancreas reproduces the production of insulin, the liver takes on the job of cleansing the blood of toxins, the brain makes up 1/4 of an adult’s organ.

In boys, the testicles “reach” the scrotum, in girls the clitoris appears.

Thirty-second

The baby is growing, but his skull is still soft, his internal organs are fully functioning. The body produces immunoglobulins, which reproduce the baby’s protection from bacteria and microbes in the first year of life.

Thirty-third

The baby lies down in the fetal position because there is less and less space in the womb. It takes a lot of calcium and iron from the mother’s body.

Thirty-four

The baby is preparing to meet his parents. His weight exceeds 2 kg, height is 47 cm. Active training of the gastrointestinal tract takes place. The woman begins to feel false signs of contractions.

Thirty-fifth

The fruit weighs about 3 kg, the body length reaches 48 cm. The shoulders are rounded, fat appears. The child is at the birth canal and takes the appropriate position.

Thirty-sixth

The head center coordinates the work of thermoregulation, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. After the birth of the child, they will immediately begin their work. A pregnant woman is worried about shortness of breath.

Thirty-seventh

The baby's weight is 2,950 kg, length is 48-49 cm. Breathing, movements, and heart activity are improved.

Thirty-eighth

The new person has not yet been born, but weighs more than 3 kg, and is already 50 cm tall. All organs are fully developed and function well.

Thirty-ninth

Weight – 3.5 kg, height – 51 cm. The stomach is filled with enzymes that will help the child process food. The little person perfectly senses sounds and light, the sucking reflex is developed.

Fortieth

The family is waiting for a new addition, and it will happen soon. The weight of “little happiness” is 3.5 – 4 kg, height – 51-54 cm.

The stomach drops significantly. The mucus plug and amniotic fluid recede, and contractions begin. After a certain time, the long-awaited baby will be born. Specialists are assessing his condition and monitoring his health for several days.

So the long expedition to study the weekly development of the fetus has come to an end. In order for your pregnancy to be easy and successful, you need to listen to your doctor’s recommendations and monitor your health. There is only joy and happiness ahead.

Film about the development of the fetus in the womb

A woman’s pregnancy is a unique natural process when, within 9 months, a full-fledged person appears in her stomach from several cells. Many expectant mothers are interested in how the fetus develops, because this miracle happens in their stomach and directly affects the entire body. Therefore, at present, monitoring the intrauterine development of a child week by week or day has become a very popular phenomenon.

Modern technologies make it possible to observe the development of the embryo week by week using photographs. The development of the embryo week by week can also be observed on video.

However, despite the huge number of descriptions of the development of the baby in each trimester of pregnancy, every expectant mother will be interested in how exactly the intrauterine development of the child occurs in her, although in general the development of the embryo occurs in the same way for everyone. More details in the video.

Fetal development by week

1st week

Fetal development in the first week of pregnancy occurs literally day by day. The first day of pregnancy is considered the day when the egg is fertilized by a sperm. The new, formed single-celled organism is called a zygote and contains 46 chromosomes.

On the fourth day, the embryo, gradually moving along the fallopian tube, reaches the uterus. On the fifth day, the embryo is already a small lump of 12 cells. Every day, the fragmentation of the cells of the embryo occurs more and more quickly, and by the seventh day the embryo already consists of several hundred cells.

2nd week

During the 2nd week of pregnancy, the outer cells of the embryo are implanted into the lining of the uterus. The fetus, previously freely floating in the uterine cavity, attaches to its wall. At this point, the woman’s body is already completely ready for pregnancy, although she herself may not yet feel it.

At this stage, the rudiments of the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems are formed. Therefore, this period of pregnancy is considered important. The first two weeks of pregnancy in obstetric practice are not considered to be an actual pregnancy.

This is because at 2 weeks of pregnancy the follicle is still maturing, preparing for the possible successful fertilization of the intended egg.

In the future, upon the onset of ovulation and subject to successful fertilization, actual pregnancy will occur. In the meantime, in the first 2 weeks of pregnancy, the question of whether a real pregnancy will occur and whether the woman will be able to conceive a baby this time is still being decided. Thus, the first two weeks of pregnancy are still considered the follicular phase, that is, the woman is not actually pregnant yet.

3rd week

The development of the fetus in the third week of pregnancy is called the embryonic period of development and it lasts until the 12th week. During this period, the formation of the axial organs of the embryo occurs.

4th week

At week 4, the rudiments of the skeleton, brain, endocrine glands, kidneys, muscles, ears, and skin are formed.

At this point, the woman notices the absence of menstruation. Hormonal changes occur in her body, preparing her for further pregnancy and childbirth. Mild signs of pregnancy appear, such as drowsiness, loss of appetite, etc. A pregnancy test will 100% confirm it.

5th week

The fifth week of pregnancy is characterized by the formation of the placenta, which is a source of oxygen and nutrients for the future baby. The child’s ears and eyes begin to form, and finger shoots appear.

The length of the embryo at the end of the fifth week of pregnancy is 6.5 mm. Also this week, the rudiments of the baby’s cardiovascular system begin to form, which will complete their development for several more weeks.

6th week

At the 6th week of pregnancy, the development of the baby’s brain continues, the lungs, nose, jaws, and fingers are formed. An ultrasound will already determine the baby's heartbeat. Now you can take the first photos of your unborn child. The length of the embryo at the 6th week of pregnancy is about 1 cm.

7th week

Fetal development in the 7th week of pregnancy is characterized by the formation of all vital organs, hair follicles, eyelids, and tongue. The body grows, elbows and fingers acquire more distinct outlines. The intestines, liver, lungs, and kidneys are almost completely formed.

This week, the rudiments of the eyes, belly and chest are determined, and fingers appear on the arms. The baby has already developed a sense organ - the vestibular apparatus.

The length of the embryo is up to 12 mm. The fetus's face is already visible; one can even distinguish its mouth, nose and ears. The head of the embryo is large and its length this week already correlates with the length of the body. At this stage of development, the fetal body is almost completely formed.

8th week

At 8 weeks of pregnancy, the embryo finally turns into a baby. Bones and muscles are almost formed, facial features become even more distinct - the child’s eyes, ears, arms and legs are clearly visible.

The baby moves a lot. By the end of the 8th week of pregnancy, the length of the fetus reaches 3 cm, and it weighs 5 grams. From this moment on, the development of the human embryo by days turns into the development of the fetus by weeks. All important parts of the baby's body are present, although they are not yet fully formed. The nervous system is becoming more and more improved.

Third month of pregnancy, 9-12 weeks

During this period, the vestibular apparatus appears and begins to function in the fetus. The more the mother moves during this period, the more beneficial it is for the baby. The baby's skin is transparent, the arms grow faster than the legs. The head and neck of the fetus are straightened, a face has already formed. Muscles and bones are visible under the skin, which does not have a fat layer. The baby has a cartilaginous skeleton, the fetus begins to actively move.

A rapid fetal heartbeat can be heard. At the 10th week, you can already distinguish the sex of the baby. At the 12th week, the baby's eyes become closer together, his mouth becomes smaller, vocal cords appear, and his nostrils spread wide.

The first hairs appear above the eyes and upper lip. Every day the baby grows by 1.8 mm and gains 1.4 grams in weight. By the end of the 12th week, the baby is 8-9 cm long and weighs about 30 grams. More details in the video.

Fourth month, 13-16 weeks

The development of the fetus at the 13th week of pregnancy enters a new stage. The baby already looks like a miniature copy of a person. All vital organs have already been formed, but are not yet fully functioning.

At the thirteenth week of pregnancy, the baby's first baby teeth form, hidden in the tissue of the jaws. The first hair appears on the head and body of the fetus.

At week 14, active growth of the baby’s brain occurs, as a result of which body growth slows down.

At the 15th week of fetal development, the hormone testosterone is produced in the body of the unborn baby. A little later, female hormones begin to be produced. During this period, the fetus's skin color changes.

At week 16, the baby’s body proportions change, the head becomes smaller in relation to the body. The kidneys, sweat and sebaceous glands begin to work. The liver is actively developing and is already able to accumulate bile and produce glycogen. The length of the four-month fetus is 16 cm, the hand size is 1.4 cm, and its weight is approximately 120 grams.

Fifth month, 17-20 weeks

From this moment, the development of the human embryo by week of pregnancy turns into the development of the child by week of pregnancy, since in the stomach of the expectant mother a full-fledged organism is already functioning, with all the internal and external organs formed.

The respiratory, digestive, nervous and circulatory systems are fully formed. At 17-20 weeks, a layer of subcutaneous fat forms on the baby’s entire body, with the exception of the face.

The face is very wrinkled, hairs grow on the head. Nails begin to grow on the baby’s fingers and a sucking reflex appears. The growth of the head slows down, and it already makes up a third of the body length. By the end of the fifth month, the baby's height is approximately 25 cm, and he weighs 300-400 grams.

By this time, mom has gained about 4 kg in weight.

Sixth month of pregnancy, 21-24 weeks

Fetal development at 21 weeks of pregnancy is characterized by active kidney function. They already secrete uric acid and urea into the amniotic fluid. At 22 weeks of pregnancy, aesthetic changes occur in the development of the child. The formation of the subcutaneous fat layer is completed, facial features become more defined.

At week 23, the baby’s neck lengthens, the ears become larger, and the line of the nose and eyebrows become clearer. The baby's body is covered with a thin layer of delicate hairs. The baby in the mother's belly is already waking up and falling asleep. The baby's length growth slows down, but weight gain increases. By the end of 24 weeks, the baby is about 30 cm long and weighs about 600-650 g. The length of the baby’s hand is 2 cm.

Seventh month, 25-28 weeks

In the seventh month of pregnancy, the baby's hair disappears on all parts of the body except the head. The development of the human embryo ends at the 28th week of pregnancy. From this moment on, the baby only gains strength and receives nutrients for further growth from the mother’s blood.

The baby's fully formed eyes open, he can already see, hear and suck his own finger. The baby freely changes its position in the uterus. The hair on the baby's head reaches a length of 50 mm. The baby gains weight on average 25 grams per day and by the end of the seventh month of pregnancy weighs about 1300 g and his height is 35 cm.

Eighth month, 29-32 weeks

Most likely, at the 29th week of pregnancy you will already notice that the fetal movements have changed their character: firstly, they have become more distinct, secondly, more noticeable, thirdly, now the baby will kick and push more and more, rather than roll over and much less tumble. And all because he has already grown enough for this - there is less and less room for activity.

In the eighth month of pregnancy, the baby's layer of subcutaneous fat thickens and the skin becomes lighter. The brain develops much faster than the body grows. The baby's entire body is covered with vernix, protecting it from amniotic fluid. The baby's eyelids have small eyelashes.

He distinguishes between light and darkness. The baby can already hear well and responds to screams, loud music and other sharp sounds with jerks. But his mother’s quiet, affectionate words can quickly calm him down.

At the 8th month of pregnancy, the baby gains approximately 190-200g in weight; the entire increase in the mother’s body weight is now due to the growth of the baby. At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is 43 cm tall and weighs about two kilograms.

Ninth month, 33-36 weeks

36th week of pregnancy... Just a little more, and a long-awaited and unforgettable sacrament for a woman will take place - a meeting with her already beloved baby. “Just a little”... How much is just a little? – closer to the birth, a mother may ask a question, completely confused in the calculations. What happens to the fetus?

In the ninth month of pregnancy, the baby's down, which previously covered his entire body, disappears. The layer of subcutaneous fat grows, the skin color evens out, acquiring a beautiful pinkish tint.

By the end of the 36th week of pregnancy, the baby takes a permanent position in the ovum, usually head down. The baby's lungs and liver are maturing, and the heartbeat is 120-140 beats per minute. The baby weighs on average 2800 grams, and his height is about 46 cm. And although the baby’s development and strengthening of his body are still ongoing, he can already be born without any particular danger to life.

37-40 week

At 37-40 weeks the baby is almost ready to be born. He reaches the size he will be at birth. The fingernails are longer than the fingertips. The weight of a full-term baby is 2700 - 3500 g, and its height is about 50 cm.

During this period, pregnant women usually feel some relief. Food is digested better, shortness of breath disappears. The baby’s nervous system is strengthened, and the development of the lungs allows him to breathe oxygen freely. Learn more about this period of pregnancy in the video.

Video and ultrasound

Of course, expectant mothers are interested not only in knowing how their baby is developing, but also in observing the process. Modern technologies allow pregnant women to watch the entire process on video. However, doctors do not recommend doing ultrasound examinations too often.

The problem is solved with the help of numerous ready-made videos. This is due to the fact that the development of the embryo occurs to a greater or lesser extent in the same way, which means that in the video, almost everyone has the same pictures.

Details about ultrasound and pregnancy on video.

The most dangerous weeks

The most dangerous of the entire pregnancy period are:

• 2-3 weeks, the period when the fertilized egg moves towards the uterus;
• 8-12 weeks, when the body’s hormonal imbalance occurs;
• 18-22 weeks, when the risk of infection increases;
• From the 28th week there is a risk of placental abruption or placental insufficiency.

These periods are characterized by an increased risk of losing a child. To avoid this, you need to register with the antenatal clinic on time, take all tests and undergo examination on time. If dangerous symptoms are detected, qualified doctors will take the necessary measures to preserve the pregnancy and the life of the child.

Observation of the development of the embryo is not carried out out of idle curiosity. Knowledge of the processes occurring in the body of a pregnant woman and her baby will allow the expectant mother to understand which of her actions will bring the greatest benefit to the baby, which will be useful for its development.

Observing how the baby develops, young mothers realize that the life of a little man begins from the first day of fertilization of the egg, and not from the moment the child is born, as was previously believed.