| How
Pregnancy Progresses |
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1st
Month
The fertilized egg multiplies into many cells. Some cells develop
into the embryo and some cells develop into the placenta. About
8 days after fertilization the embryo will attach to the uterus
lining.
The
embryo is only 1/8 inch long by the end of this first month,
but has already begun to develop the early stages of a heart,
liver and digestive system. Tiny buds form which will later
develop into arms and legs.
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2nd
Month
All
of the major organs are forming. The embryo's heart is pumping
blood. The head is relatively large compared to the rest of
the body and brain development is well underway. The eyes
are distinctly visible. The hands and feet look like little
scalloped paddles at this early stage.
By
the end of the second month the embryo is a little over an
inch long.
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3rd
Month
The
embryo is now called a fetus. Kidneys are producing urine
which the fetus excretes into the amniotic fluid. The amniotic
fluid is cleansed via the umbilical cord then out through
the mother.
Bone
is replacing cartilage, and muscles are developing.
Fingers, toes and eyelids have formed. Testicles have formed
in boys and ovaries in girls.
By
the end of the third month the fetus is about 2 1/2 - 3 inches
long and weighs about 1/2 ounce.
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4th
Month
All
organs have developed. The fetus just needs time to grow and
mature. Beneath the gums, teeth are forming. Fine hair begins
to grow all over the body. Fingernails form. The baby sucks
and swallows.
The
baby actively kicks its legs and moves its arms, but not with
enough strength for the mother to be able to feel the movement.
By
the end of the fourth month the baby is 5-6 inches long and
weighs 3-4 ounces. The uterus is now about four inches in
diameter and the mothers tummy may show a slight bulge.
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5th
Month
The
baby has been busy growing and is now big enough for the mother
to feel her fetus moving about inside of her. A thumb may
find its way to the baby's mouth for sucking. Hair is growing
on the head.
The
baby can hear muffled sounds. A protective fatty substance
called vernix covers the baby's skin.
By
the end of the fifth month the baby is 8-10 inches long and
weighs 8-12 ounces. Still under one pound!
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6th
Month
Finger prints are visible. The eyelids will part for the first
time this month and the eyes will open. The lungs begin to
mature, getting ready for a healthy first breath.
Bones are hardening as calcium deposits. The baby's movements
become more vigorous. Until
now, no body fat has accumulated, that occurs mostly in the
third trimester.
The
baby has reached a length of nearly 11-12 inches and weighs
about 1 1/2 pounds.
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7th
Month
The brain
is enlarging. Body fat is accumulating. There is less room
for the baby to move around now. Taste buds are forming and
the baby's senses are becoming more acute. The baby hears
the voices of those nearby.
By the end
of the seventh month the baby could have a good chance of
survival if born prematurely, but would require intensive
medical care.
The length
has reached about 13-15 inches, and the baby now weighs close
to 2 1/2 to 3 pounds.
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8th
Month
The
lungs are maturing further. Continued rapid growth is occurring.
Kicks may be visible by watching the mothers abdomen move.
The baby occasionally gets the hiccups.
If
delivered prematurely, the baby has an excellent chance of
survival.
The
baby is about 16-18 inches long now and weighs 4-5 pounds.
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9th
Month
The baby
deposits body fat at a rate of nearly 1/2 ounce per day. The
lungs are mature. In these tight quarters the baby may seem
a little less active.
The normal
position for the baby to be in as it prepares for birth is
head down and facing the mothers back. The head engages in
mother's pelvis. Mother carries the baby lower, making it
easier for the mother to breath.
At birth
the average baby weighs 7-1/2 pounds, but weight can vary
between 6 to 9 pounds. Average length is 17 to 22 inches.
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