Fetal development by week of pregnancy description. Pregnancy week by week - what happens in the mother's belly? Medical recommendations and advice on the lifestyle of the expectant mother at this stage

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Every mother is very interested in knowing how her baby grows and develops, especially in the first months of pregnancy, when she still doesn’t feel anything.– doesn’t feel his movements, the rhythm of his day – sleep and rest, does not feel his mood.

Pregnancy will last approximately nine solar calendar months, but in obstetric practice this calculation is not accurate and therefore is not used; we count pregnancy by weeks. Remember that each of us is individual, and how long it will take to carry your baby will be decided by your body. On average, pregnancy is considered full-term at 270-290 days, or 37-42 weeks.

There are several in various ways, but the simplest and most convenient is calculating the expected date of birth (EDD).

To calculate, you need to count back 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual period and add 7 days. For example, on May 1st you had the first day of your last menstruation, which means your expected due date is February 8th ( May 1 – 3 months = February 1 +7 days = February 8).

In this article we will take a detailed look at fetal development month by month, from conception to birth.

First month (0 to 4 weeks)

As I already said, during the first 6 days the embryo just moves towards the uterus through the fallopian tubes.

Its cells are actively dividing along the “road”; by the 7th day it already consists of 107 cells. Approximately on the 6-7th day, the embryo reaches the uterus and remains in the uterine cavity in an unattached state for 72 hours, then begins to actively “grow” into its mucous membrane; this process lasts about 40 hours.

The cells of the fetus seem to grow into the lining of the uterus, put down “roots” in which they form blood vessels, through which all the necessary substances will now flow from the mother’s body. This process is called implantation.

The embryo is constantly growing, oxygen consumption increases, protein production and carbohydrate metabolism are enhanced, so in 5-7 days the embryo exhausts all its reserves, the uterine mucosa is actively preparing to receive the long-awaited baby, making a kind of “reserve” nutrients in mucosal cells.

A new house is ready for the baby, where he will grow and develop. 12-14 days after fertilization, the embryo is completely immersed in the decidually changed stroma of the endometrium (inner layer) of the uterus.

On day 11-12 implantation site(embryo attachment) can be seen naked eye, it looks like a red spot 1 mm in size. From days 14 to 21, the stage of development of all organs and tissues begins in the embryo.

During the 2nd week The development of mainly extra-embryonic parts of the embryo occurs as a life support system for the unborn child. The cells of the germinal node are split into three layers and each takes the shape of a disk 0.25 mm in diameter.

In the 3rd week lays the foundation for the formation of organs and tissues:

• The foundation is being laidchords, or future spine.
• The foundation of skeletal muscles, cartilage, bones, internal organs, blood vessels, heart, blood, lymph, gonads and membranes is laid.
• The foundation is laid for the formation of the epithelium for the lining of the digestive and respiratory systems, the epithelium of the liver and pancreas. (Epithelium is the tissue that forms the outer integument of the body (the top layer of skin) and lines the internal cavities (mucous membranes) of various organs.)
• The embryo seems to be isolated, separated from the external parts, it has a front end, where the head will subsequently be located, and a rear end, where the pelvis and legs will grow.
• In the third week the primary yolk sac is formed. This is an extra-embryonic organ that ensures the exchange of metabolites between the mother and the embryo at those stages of its development when the placenta has not yet formed. The yolk sac is fully formed by the 32nd day of the embryo’s life, and by the end of the 6th week of pregnancy it undergoes reverse development and disappears.

So, in the 3rd week, the rudiments of all the main systems and organs of the human body appear.

arise rudiments of the digestive system(intestinal tube and pancreas), respiratory system (rudiments of the trachea and two bronchi) and excretory system(the preference is formed), it begins formation of the nervous system(a wide plate is formed, from which the brain will subsequently form).

The circulatory system is formed: the first blood vessels appear, the heart tube is formed - the future human heart.

Embryo on day 28 after fertilization

By week 4 the embryo still has a cylindrical shape with a large head. Now he is undergoing magical transformations, the entire path of human evolution! Some days he even resembles a fish - he has gills and a tail.

This week about Another important event occurs - the heart of the fetus begins to beat, until it looks like a large swelling, like a ball on the front side of the body. The contraction of the heart can be observed from the 22nd day from the moment of fertilization.

All organs and systems of the future person continue to form: the rudiments of the liver, lungs, and duodenum appear, the brain grows and actively develops, the eyes, mouth and ears begin to form, the rudiments of muscles are formed, and even the rudiments of arms and legs appear, so far in the form of small kidneys on the sides of the body.

So, by the end of the first month, the embryo has already formed prototypes of all body systems and their main organs. The length of the embryo body is 5-8 mm, and the weight is 2-3 grams.

Compare the human embryo on the left and the dolphin on the right in these pictures.

Second month (from 5th to 8th week)

In the second month, a huge number of changes occur, every day of the embryo is filled with a lot of events, all human organs and systems develop, the tail and gills hide, and by the end of the 2nd month the embryo looks like a future little man, it has a face, eyes, eyelids, nose , arms and legs, finger buds. At the end of the second month of development, the length of the embryo is 2.5-3 cm, weight - 4-5 g.

But human and dolphin embryos are already in the 2nd month of development

Let's take a closer look at all the changes this month:

• Internal organs:
  • lung rudiments are formed, a kidney is formed, the intestines are actively growing
  • the liver begins to work, which takes on the function of hematopoiesis
  • the heart begins to work actively
  • The nervous system is actively developing
  • the ventricles of the heart are formed
• Skeleton and muscles:
  • the face and limbs are formed
  • the eyes come closer, the nose appears
  • ear rudiments appear, teeth grains appear
  • lips loom
  • Limbs begin to develop: first the arms (in the 5th week), and then the legs. During the second month, the arms and legs grow so actively that different sections of the legs and arms have time to form: the shoulder, forearm, hand, and even the beginnings of the fingers and toes.
  • muscles begin to contract
• Nervous system:
  • The nervous system and brain are actively developing; in the second month, all layers of the cerebral cortex are formed
  • in the 7th week, brain impulses can be recorded for the first time

Third month (from 9 to 12 weeks)

The third month of pregnancy is very important for the development of the child, he grows at a very fast pace, his face is constantly changing, his features become more and more distinct.

By the end of the third month the baby starts to move, you won’t feel him yet, since he is still very tiny, his movements are very gentle and delicate, but he already knows how to frown and squint, tries to suck his finger and clench his fist.

His heart is actively working, making 130-150 beats per minute.

The intestines begin to work, because your baby is already learning to swallow amniotic fluid.

By the end of the third month The length of the fruit is 7-9 cm, weight - 15-25 g, that is, it increases almost 5 times in 1 month! Starting from the third month, it is no longer called an embryo and is called a fetus! He is already a little man!

10 weeks

Let's look at the main changes of the third month:

• the liver develops continuing to perform the function of the main hematopoietic organ. The fetal blood is not yet similar to the blood of an adult; at the 6th week, red blood cells appear in the blood(erythrocytes),at 12-16 weeks - white blood cells(leukocytes).The hemoglobin content is still very low and it will increase only at the time of birth.
• the skeleton continues to form, rudiments of nails appear on the fingers, fingerprints appear on the hands.
• muscles begin to work, allowing the baby to move: he can already move his arms, legs, turn his head, open his mouth. At the twelfth week he makes his first attempts to suck and swallow.
• the intestines lengthen and twist into loops, the digestion process begins.
• at the end of the third month of pregnancy The external genitalia begin to form.
• The placenta is almost completely formed. Before 12 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is most vulnerable to exposure. harmful factors– smoking, alcohol, stress, infections, since the placenta is not yet formed and cannot protect the baby.

This is what a baby looks like at 12 weeks

The role of the placenta, amniotic sac and umbilical cord

Placenta(children's place) is the most important organ, thanks to it our embryo eats, breathes, it removes all waste products, takes on the functions of the lungs, digestive organs, kidneys, and skin.

After the 16th week (the first 16 weeks the placenta is just forming along with the growth of the child, at this time the mother’s glands produce all the hormones for two), the placenta also becomes a gland that produces all the hormones the baby needs.

Moreover, she protects the baby from many harmful substances, pathogenic microbes, toxins, from the effects of certain medications that the mother takes, but the placenta cannot cope with alcohol and nicotine. If a mother smokes or drinks, then nicotine and alcohol immediately and directly reach the child.

The placenta looks like a soft thick cake; closer to childbirth, its diameter reaches 15-18 cm, thickness - 2-3 cm, weight - 500-600 g.

Using the placenta, the doctor can tell the whole story of the baby’s intrauterine life. It's like a kind of passport.

Amniotic sac- This is essentially a “bag” in which the fetus is located, surrounded by amniotic fluid.

Child's aquatic habitat! It is very important that the child moves actively! Amniotic fluid is also a very important component of the baby’s successful development.

Umbilical cord connects the baby's body to the placenta.

Through her blood vessels- two arteries and one vein - blood flows from the fetus to the placenta and back, passing through the placenta, the blood is freed from carbon dioxide and saturated with oxygen, which again flows to the child, this is the new, third circle of blood circulation in your body.

By appearance the umbilical cord resembles a cord or rope, it grows with the child, constantly increasing in size, and by birth the length of the umbilical cord reaches 50-60 cm, and the diameter is approximately 1.5 cm.

The first three months are a very important time for both you and your baby..

It goes through a lot of transformations, in a matter of days it changes completely, the foundation of all its organs and systems is laid. After three months, he begins to feel you clearly, even reacting to your mood, sounds, touches - with movement.

Your body also undergoes quite strong changes, and they concern not only physiology, but also the psyche.

The most important thing during a change in mood, change in well-being, morning sickness, remember that now your baby is developing very actively - he is growing, and unknown transformations are happening in your body, and all the inconveniences are happening for a reason, but for a great purpose - the birth of the Baby!

Imagine him so small, fragile and so in need of your love, and all difficulties will be easy to overcome. Only positive emotions, the awareness that you are involved in the great mystery of the birth of a new life, will make you truly happy at this crucial moment, and your pregnancy a joyful event.

Second trimester

In the second trimester, nausea, ailments, strange reactions to smells and food are behind us, and the golden time of pregnancy is ahead - the second trimester.

By the 16th week of the second trimester the placenta is fully formed, but starting from the 12th week, it takes over the function of hormone production. Until this time, this function was performed by the corpus luteum of pregnancy, which caused all the “trouble” and torment.

Women rightfully call the second trimester the most pleasant time of the entire pregnancy - the woman is already getting used to her new position, the riot of hormones and major changes in the body are behind her, the belly is still small and does not bother at all.

It is in the second trimester you can feel incomparable happiness - the feeling of impending Motherhood!

Many women describe these sensations as deep satisfaction with everything that is happening, a feeling of predestination and the highest meaning of their existence. All the problems at home, at work, in the world seem completely insignificant. A woman knows why she came into this world and feels that she is fulfilling her most important task.

The expectant mother is at the peak of her femininity and creativity– at this time there is a real chance to create something infinitely beautiful and talented. You may feel an urge to start writing poetry, paintings, singing, playing different instruments– don’t stop yourself – just forward!

The baby also went through one of the most difficult stages- the period of formation of the most important organs and systems, in other words, from a pea in the first three months he turned into a little man.

What awaits him ahead: rapid growth- over the next three months he will grow from 7 centimeters to 30, his weight will increase 20 times - from 15 grams to 300.

In the second trimester he will start moving actively and you will finally begin to feel his movements, he will begin to dream and he will even have his own daily routine. He will begin to hear you and respond to lights and sounds. You can start reading fairy tales to him, singing songs to him, talking to him.

Now let’s look at the conquests of each month in detail:

4th month: 13-16 weeks

In the fourth month the baby grows very quickly- growing by 3-8 centimeters in length (by the end of the fourth month - 12-17 cm) and increases in weight almost tenfold from 25 grams in the third month to 200 grams.

The most important achievement of this month is movement!

The fetus begins to reflexively move, it makes not only simple movements - moves its head, arms, legs, but also complex ones - it finds its mouth with its fist, begins to suck its finger, finds the umbilical cord with its hands. Women who are giving birth not for the first time can feel its movements; they are very weak and barely perceptible, but they can be caught.

The entire digestive system begins to work.

The child develops his first taste sensations, he reacts to those substances that are dissolved in the amniotic fluid - to sweets - with active swallowing, to bitter and sour - with the most minimal. It is this swallowing that gives exercise to the entire digestive system. The excretory system is actively working, urine is excreted through the placenta into the mother’s blood.

The child switches from the mother’s hormones to his own and the placenta’s hormones.

And from this month she can even share hormones with her mother. Hormones play an incredibly important role, it is due to them that a child grows and develops; the more and better the fetus is supplied with hormones, the better and faster it grows.

This month a child's blood contains all the cells of an adult and it is already possible to determine his blood type and its Rh factor.

By 16 weeks, the external genitalia are formed, and you can find out the gender of your unborn baby, of course, if he turns as expected during the ultrasound.

Digestive system

• The liver becomes the digestive organ
• The stomach, intestines, and gallbladder begin to work
• Taste sensations appear
• Original stool is formed - “meconium”

The excretory system begins to work

• The kidneys begin to produce urine

The placenta is finally formed

Hormonal system (endocrine)

• The adrenal glands and thymus begin to work

Blood

• Bone marrow takes over the role of hematopoiesis from the liver

Brain

• Brain cells actively divide, grooves and convolutions appear

Heart

• The heart beats very actively, now you can hear it even with a simple stethoscope

Leather

• The baby's skin remains very transparent and thin, because there is no fatty tissue under it yet, all the vessels are visible through it and therefore it appears red.

5th month: 17-20 weeks

The most important achievement of this month is active movement, now even mothers and pregnant women for the first time will not confuse the baby’s movements with some kind of “gas” inside, now these are active tremors 4-8 times per hour.

Amazing all components of the fetus’s own endocrine (hormonal) system develop quickly and fully, providing him with stable and rapid growth and development of all organs and parts of the body. During this month it almost doubles in size - the length of the fetus by the end of the fifth month is 25-27 cm (in the 4th month only 12-17), weight is 300 grams.

During the fifth month the baby getting more and more beautiful, subcutaneous tissue develops and the skin becomes less red, vellus hair appears on the body and almost the entire body is covered with a cheese-like lubricant - it helps protect the baby from the effects of harmful organisms and mechanical damage.

The baby's eyes are still closed, but he is already perfectly oriented in the uterus, if you have twins or twins, they can already find each other and hold hands.

Facial expressions appear on the face - now he can frown, smile, be sad!

5th month changes

Leather

• Subcutaneous tissue develops, skin still appears red and wrinkled
• The body is covered with cheese-like grease and vellus hair.

Lungs begin to form

Endocrine system

• Almost all systems are formed: pituitary gland, pineal gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, thyroid and parathyroid glands

The formation of all parts of the heart is completed

The formation of molars and milk teeth occurs

Facial expressions appear on the face

6th month: 21-24 weeks

During the sixth month, the baby becomes very beautiful - adipose tissue has already formed under the skin and the skin does not look red, the arms and legs become more rounded.

The face has already been formed - the eyes, the nose stands out, the ears are enlarged and finally formed, eyebrows and eyelashes appear.

This month's baby moves very actively, he has his own daily routine– he sleeps and is awake at certain times. You can observe him and remember the hours of rest and activity, most likely they will continue after birth, this will give you the advantage of at least some time planning in the first months.

He clearly reacts to sharp sounds and bright light– he may quiet down and seem to hide, or, on the contrary, he may begin to move violently – move his arms, legs, head. Keep this in mind and try not to expose your child to either.

The best sound for him now is his mother’s happy, affectionate voice.

The baby begins to train his breathing– he takes 50-60 breaths per minute, then calms down for half an hour or an hour. Then he starts again. During this “breathing”, amniotic fluid enters the lungs, but it does not cause harm and is quickly absorbed into the lungs.

During the sixth month, the baby is fully formed, but he is not yet ready to be born, since the placenta does not yet have the necessary antibodies that can protect the baby in the first days after birth.

6th month changes

Leather

• Subcutaneous fat appears
• The whole body is covered with vellus hair and grease

Face

• Well-formed eyes, eyelashes and eyebrows appearing
• The nose and ears take their final shape
• The main tissue of the molars (dentin) is finally formed.

Brain

• The brain is growing very actively, the weight of the brain by the end of the 5th month is 20-25 grams, and by the end of the 6th - 100 grams

Lungs

• The child takes constant training breaths - 50-60 per minute
• Ends formation of the digestive and hematopoietic systems

Movement

• The baby is moving very vigorously, still freely "swimming" in the amniotic fluid

A sleep-wake pattern appears; sleep takes an average of 16-20 hours.

There is a reaction to bright light and sharp sound

At the end of the second trimester, the expectant mother enters the home stretch. Only childbirth and happy years of motherhood lie ahead. There will no longer be such major changes; every next month the child will prepare more and more for birth: gain weight (at 9 months the child weighs more than 3 kilograms), his own heat regulation system will be formed, which will not allow him to freeze when born. When born, the lungs will finally develop to allow the baby to easily transition to a new type of breathing.

Third trimester

The third trimester is the time when a woman stops being afraid and begins to wait for childbirth.

The child is growing rapidly, every day he weighs more and more. By 8-9 months, the uterus greatly increases in size and puts pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing difficult; puts pressure on the stomach, causing heartburn; in a lying position, it can compress large veins through which blood flows from bottom to top, from the legs to the heart.

The woman clearly feels her baby, as he takes up all the space in the uterus and becomes cramped. Therefore, pushes with arms or legs become very sensitive.

The breast begins to prepare for lactation (feeding baby) there may be a small discharge of colostrum.

Now all the child’s changes are aimed at preparing for childbirth and life outside the womb. All organs and systems grow and form: the lungs are formed so that the child can take his first breath; subcutaneous fatty tissue grows so that the baby can retain heat well when born; The organs of the endocrine system are constantly developing in order to release at the right time all the necessary hormones that allow the child to actively participate in the birth process, adrenaline and norepinephrine.

Let's see what and how it develops every month.

7th month: 24-28 weeks

By the end of this month, the child is so formed that he is already viable even if born early, but he will need professional medical care.

The most important thing that will allow him to adapt to a new environment and survive is the growth and formation of lungs and special substance - surfactant, which month after month covers the entire surface of the alveoli. This substance prevents the lungs from collapsing when inhaling. In the 7th month there is still very little of it, which is why a child born at this time will need help with breathing.

Also during this time very little so-called gray fat, which ensures heat retention. Therefore, babies born at this time are very sensitive to low temperatures; cooling for more than 5 minutes can cause very serious illnesses in the baby, which is taken into account when caring for premature babies.

Baby's eyes open this month, the pupillary membrane collapses, and while awake he “floats” in the amniotic fluid with his eyes open. The nervous system and brain are developing very actively, which makes it possible to distinguish and even remember what you saw, heard, felt or tasted: the taste of amniotic fluid, light, external and internal sounds.

Subcutaneous fat tissue develops, the skin begins to gradually smooth out, arms and legs become rounded. The nails do not yet reach the tips of the fingers, the cartilages of the nose and ears are soft.

The baby can actively move in the uterus, since it does not yet occupy all of its space, by the end of the month it will reach 35 cm in length and 1 kg-1.2 kg in weight.

7th month changes

Lungs:

• Alveoli and alveolar ducts are actively forming
• Surfactant is produced

Endocrine system:

• All organs of the endocrine system are actively developing, now they are even able to produce growth hormone

Brain:

• The brain and nervous system actively develop, allowing the child to differentiate different information coming from the senses
• Bone marrow gradually becomes the main hematopoietic organ

8th month: 29-32 weeks

Every day the child is more and more prepared for the upcoming life outside the mother’s body and childbirth. It already weighs about 1.5-1.6 kilograms and reaches a length of 40 centimeters. Now it occupies almost all the space in the uterus, so its movements are very rational. He no longer “swims”, but makes more precise movements with his arms and legs.

During the 8th month the baby is in the position it will be in during childbirth.

In 96% of cases it is cephalic presentation– that is, the child is positioned strictly head down, there is also breech presentation– when he takes a position with his butt or legs towards the exit from the small pelvis, and also transverse presentation– when it lies across the longitudinal axis of the uterus.

The best for natural childbirth, of course, is cephalic presentation, but in the 8th month the baby’s presentation can still change on its own or with the help of special exercises. However, if he is already settled (cephalic presentation), you can wear a bandage to secure this position.

Your doctor, using special palpation techniques - Leopold's techniques, can very easily determine the position of the fetus.

At the 8th month The alveoli of the lungs continue to form, the amount of surfactant increases.

The heart and circulatory system are almost completely formed: there is still a hole between the right and left atrium ( batalov duct ), therefore mixed blood flows in the veins and arteries of the child. This hole will close after birth.

8th month changes

• Head grows, reaching a size equal to 60% of an adult's head
• Alveoli and surfactant are formed
• Liver lobules form, blood supply to all liver cells improves
• The pancreas begins its work supplying the blood with insulin
• Great the excretory system works, every day the child secretes half a liter of urine into the amniotic fluid.
• The ability to focus the eyes appears in all directions

9th month: 33-36 weeks

The 9th month is usually time of birth of the child, birth after 36 weeks is considered physiological and natural, the child is completely ready for birth.

Lungs are fully formed, the entire space of the alveoli is covered with surfactant.

Significantly grown the layer of subcutaneous fatty tissue is already capable of regulating heat transfer newborn and will not let him freeze. The skin is straightened and has a pleasant pink color, vellus hair disappears from the body, remaining only on the head, where it becomes thicker and longer, nails grow so much that they begin to protrude beyond the tips of the fingers.

The liver and pancreas continue to develop, but their development will continue for several years after birth.

The child's activity is now minimal, since he is very cramped in the uterus, because his weight doubles during this month - from 1.5 kg to 3.0.

All the child’s systems function normally, but the process of improving and improving them is still underway.

10th month: 37-40 weeks

Don't worry if the baby is not born in the 9th month, he still has time. Birth at 37-42 weeks is completely natural and normal. You must trust your child and your wise body in this; they themselves will choose the best time.

So, at the 10th month, all the baby’s systems are ready for birth. The digestive tract works: intestinal villi move the original feces down to the large intestine, the stomach works, the pancreas produces pepsin, which is necessary for digestion.

However, the baby's digestive system in the womb is completely sterile., all the necessary bacteria that help digest and assimilate food will appear only during lactation from the mother’s breast milk.

The reproductive system completes development– in girls, the labia majora cover the labia minora; in boys, the testicles in most cases descend into the scrotum.

The adrenal glands become so enlarged that they become larger than the kidneys. since they account for the production of stress hormones during childbirth - adrenaline and norepinephrine.

The skull bones and sutures remain soft and pliable. 2 fontanelles - parietal and occipital - help the skull take a convenient shape in order to pass through the mother’s birth canal without injury.

We will tell you in detail what will await you from the beginning of the birth of a new life until the very birth.

Pregnancy is a special time that changes the expectant mother’s worldview, her values ​​and priorities. Almost every woman faces certain difficulties while carrying a baby. To avoid them, it is important to have complete information about all the processes occurring in the female body at each stage of pregnancy.

Early pregnancy: first month

Most women do not even realize that they are pregnant, while very serious changes are beginning in their body. Pregnancy becomes known only at the end of the first month, and sometimes at the beginning of the second.

Doctors consider the beginning of pregnancy from the beginning of the last menstruation, although fertilization usually occurs after ovulation. Therefore, the concept of “obstetric period” is several weeks longer than the actual gestation time.

Changes in a woman's body

The first and second weeks of the month are the time when a woman is not yet actually pregnant, but her reproductive system is actively preparing for conception. In the first week, menstruation occurs as usual. If you are just planning to become a mother, then you should stop taking analgesics for menstrual pain: the chances of successful conception will be higher. In the second week, one of the eggs begins to mature.

By the beginning of the third week, at the moment, the strongest egg leaves a special bladder filled with liquid into the fallopian tube. Here the female reproductive cell will remain for several days, waiting for fertilization.

The so-called yellow body will begin to form. It will be responsible for hormonal background, optimal for the development of pregnancy.

All that is needed now is fusion with the sperm. Two cells, connecting with each other, form a zygote - the future embryo. The zygote is miniature in size and moves freely throughout the uterus, only after a few days attaching to its wall.

To maintain the vital functions of the zygote, the mother’s body produces large amounts of progesterone. Because of it, a woman will feel heaviness in the lower abdomen and pain in the nipple area, as with PMS. The urge to urinate will become frequent, drowsiness and sensitivity to odors may occur.

Baby development at 1 month

In that early period all the genetic information that shapes your baby’s appearance, character traits and predisposition to diseases is laid down.

The sex of the baby is also determined. There are two types of sperm: one carries the XX chromosome, the other carries the XY chromosome. The sex of the child will depend on which of them can get to the egg. If fusion occurs with the XX sperm, a female embryo will begin to develop; If XY sperm enters the fallopian tube, the couple will have a boy. By the end of the 4th week of pregnancy, the embryo has already completed its attachment to the uterine cavity and enters the embryonic stage.

The level of the hormone will increase, and now pregnancy can be determined using a simple pharmacy test.

Three areas are formed in his body, which will later become full-fledged organs and systems. Also this week, the formation of the chorion (future placenta) and amnion (fetal membranes) is completed. And your baby is still very small - the size of the embryo is only 0.5 millimeters.

1. It is necessary to undergo an ultrasound scan as soon as there is a suspicion that conception has occurred. This will help to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy in a timely manner.
2. At this time, taking vitamins A and E is useful. Also, all pregnant women are prescribed folic acid for the proper development of the fetus.
3. A complete abstinence from tobacco, alcohol and junk food is required. The expectant mother needs to go for walks as much as possible. fresh air and receive pleasant emotions.

Second month of pregnancy: changes in a woman’s body

At this time, the fact of pregnancy is already clearly established. There is a delay in menstruation, there should be no discharge. Any discharge with bloody impurities indicates the danger of embryo rejection, and in this case a visit to the doctor is required.The first signs appear early toxicosis. It is especially expressed in morning nausea and vomiting.

Problems arise in the gastrointestinal tract: heartburn, belching, constipation. These phenomena will stop only by the end of 3 months.

A serious test will be changes in psychological terms. Your family should be sensitive to mood swings. But a pregnant woman should also try to control herself, because nervous tension is not good for you or the baby.

The development of the corpus luteum reaches its peak, and by the end of this month the uterus will grow to the size of a large orange and can be easily palpated during examination.

Due to sprains, a woman may experience a pulling sensation in her sides and lower back.

Together with progesterone, lactogen, a hormone responsible for the development of the placenta, begins to influence the body. Their action reduces protein synthesis while increasing the production of glucose and fatty acids. This is necessary to compensate for energy expenditure on fetal development.

Baby development at 2 months

During this month, all organs and systems of the baby take their place. By the 5th week, his heart will make its first beats and blood vessels will appear. The organs of the respiratory and excretory systems will be formed. The brain is already beginning to respond to primitive reflexes.

The embryo still has a small tail, making it look like a small tadpole. The rudiments of facial features will appear on the fetal head: nose, eye sockets, ears.

In boys, the penis and testicles are identified. Now your future baby has moved from the embryonic stage to the fetal stage. Its physical dimensions are about 2.5 cm.

Seventh and eighth months of pregnancy

There is less and less time left until the moment of birth. Expectant mothers are going on maternity leave and are in search of a good obstetrician and maternity hospital. It is also worth deciding whether you want your husband to be present during the birth.

Feelings of a woman at 7 and 8 months

The production of the hormone relaxin increases, preparing your muscle ligaments for childbirth. Because of this, back pain appears, and it becomes more difficult for muscles and joints to stay in good shape. Your gait may become a little awkward, varicose veins become worse, and urinary incontinence may occur.

Also, the action of hormones increases the growth of body hair. After childbirth, they should disappear, so there is no need to deal with excess hair now.

By the end of the 8th month of pregnancy, the belly increases to almost its maximum size. Now the height of the uterine fundus will be up to 40 cm. Training (false) contractions begin, causing no pain at all. They prepare the uterus for real labor.

In many pregnant women, the nesting reflex is activated. You will increasingly want to devote time to making your home comfortable; willy-nilly, you give preference to viewing and reading materials for pregnant women.

Baby development at 7 and 8 months

Your baby has become very big, he is getting more and more cramped in the uterus. The fetus occupies a position that will remain until birth. If the presentation is unfavorable, you can perform special exercises to help “turn over” the baby.

All basic reflexes have already been formed. Bones are strengthened and the calcium content in them increases significantly. The lungs are completely ready to take the first breath.

TO last week At 8 months of pregnancy, the fetus will weigh twice as much as at the end of the second trimester - 2.5 kg.

1. The most dangerous thing that can happen now is the development of gestosis. If you have a headache, swelling has increased and your blood pressure has risen sharply, it makes sense to go to the hospital immediately.
2. Once every two weeks you will visit the doctor and get tested. A full examination is required: measurement of the uterine fundus, fetal heartbeat.
3. Swimming will help reduce the feeling of heaviness. They have a relaxing effect on the muscles and also calm the nervous system.

Ninth month of pregnancy: woman's feelings

You've reached the finish line! Although there is anxiety before childbirth, this month is the easiest for many mothers. It will literally become easier for you - your stomach will drop, which means the pressure on all internal organs will decrease.

Now your weight difference with the “pre-pregnancy” state is from 8 to 16 kg. The belly will no longer increase; on the contrary, visually it may become smaller. This happens due to depletion of amniotic fluid. You will experience for yourself what the harbingers of childbirth are. They will appear several weeks before labor (sometimes the warning signs appear several days before contractions). Among them are increased false contractions and the release of mucus plugs.

The problem of constipation disappears, but with pressure on the bladder, a constant urge to urinate begins to arise.

Fetal movements are noticeable less and less.

Your psychological attitude also changes. You will be characterized by slowness and absent-mindedness. Changes in mood are a consequence of anxiety before childbirth. Give free rein to your emotions, have fun or cry. Communicate more with your loved ones in the last weeks before the maternity hospital, because it is so important for you to feel their care.

Baby development at 9 months

The baby takes its final position, in which it will pass through the birth canal. His skin has a light tint, the fluff disappears, and the cheese-like lubricant remains in the folds of the body. The bones of the baby are quite hard; there is a fontanelle between the sutures of the skull. It will heal soon after birth. Thanks to the fontanelle, it will be easier for the baby to be born - the bones of the skull will be in a free position.

The child is completely ready for life outside the mother's womb. The lungs are ready to expand upon birth, the heart adapts to work in a new rhythm.

In the intestines of a newborn there is original feces (meconium), consisting of remnants of substances from the amniotic fluid.

1 In the last week of pregnancy, the mother needs to be very careful. It will be difficult for you to move, so you should walk with support if possible. Walk on stairs holding the railing tightly.

2 Labor can begin at any time. You should always have your personal doctor's number handy.

Do not leave the house for a long time, or even better, take a walk only in the company of close people. Always carry with you a package of documents necessary for the maternity hospital.

3 Start packing your bags for the maternity hospital in advance at the beginning of the month. This way you will be sure that you have not forgotten anything important in a hurry.

So, the difficult time of pregnancy has come to an end. Now comes a new period, full of completely different worries and joys. Keep a positive attitude and you will definitely become the best mom!

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The birth and intrauterine development of a new person is a complex but coordinated process. The formation of the fetus over the weeks shows that an unborn baby is passing inside the woman.

For an embryo, every day is a new stage of development. A photo of the fetus by week of pregnancy proves that every day the fetus becomes more and more like a person and goes through a difficult path to achieve this.

First - fourth weeks of fetal life

After the fusion of the egg with the sperm, implantation of the new organism into the uterine cavity occurs seven days later. The formation of the fetus from the moment of conception begins with the connection of the embryonic villi with blood vessels. This serves as the beginning of the formation of the umbilical cord and membranes.

From the second week, the fetus begins to lay the foundation of the neural tube - this is a structure that is the main link in the central nervous system. The embryo is completely attached to the walls of the uterus for further development and nutrition.

The formation of the fetal heart occurs in the third week and already on the 21st day it begins to beat. The cardiovascular system of the embryo is the first to form and serves as the basis for the full development of new organs.

The fourth week is marked by the start of blood circulation in the fetus. Organs such as the liver, intestines, lungs, and spine begin to form.

Embryo growth in the second obstetric month

During the fifth week, the following are formed:

• eyes, inner ear;
• nervous system;
• the circulatory system develops;
• pancreas;
• digestive system;
• nasal cavity;
• upper lip;
• limb buds

During this same period, the formation of sex in the fetus occurs. Although it will be possible to determine whether a boy or a girl will be born much later.

During the sixth week, the development of the cerebral cortex continues, and facial muscles begin to appear. The base of the fingers and nails is formed. The heart is divided into two chambers, next in line are the ventricles and the atrium. The liver and pancreas are almost formed. pregnancy changes slightly at first; active growth of the embryo begins in the fourth month.

The seventh week is significant because the umbilical cord has completed its formation completely, and now nutrients are supplied to the fetus with its help. The embryo can already open its mouth, eyes and fingers have appeared.

This month the following changes occur in the fetus:

• a nasal fold appears;
• ears and nose begin to develop;
• the membrane between the fingers disappears

Fetal life from 9 to 12 weeks

Since the embryo receives nutrients from the woman’s blood, the development of the fetus over the weeks of pregnancy largely depends on what the expectant mother eats. Care should be taken to ensure sufficient protein intake in the body.

During the ninth week, the fetus develops joints in the fingers and hands. develops, which in the future will provide the basis for the appearance of adrenal glands.

10-11 weeks of embryo life are characterized by the following stages:

• a sucking reflex is developed;
• the fetus can already turn its head;
• buttocks are formed;
• it becomes possible to move your fingers;
• eyes continue to form

The twelfth week is characterized by the development of the genital organs, the fetus tries to make breathing movements. The nervous and digestive systems continue to develop.

What happens to the embryo in the fourth month of pregnancy?

The formation of the fetus week by week during the fourth month is as follows:

• eyes, ears, nose, mouth are already clearly visible on the face;
• blood group and Rh factor are determined in the circulatory system;
• urination into the amniotic fluid begins;
• fingers and toes appeared completely;
• nail plates have formed;
• insulin begins to be produced;
• in girls, the ovaries form, in boys, the prostate gland forms, but it is still difficult to determine the sex of the child by ultrasound

The child develops swallowing and sucking reflexes. He can already clench his fists and make movements with his hands. The baby sucks his thumb and can swim in this. This is his first habitat. It protects the child from damage, takes part in metabolism, and gives a certain freedom of movement.

By the end of the fourth month, the baby's eyes open and the retina continues to form.

17 - 20 weeks of fetal growth

During the seventeenth week, the baby begins to hear sounds. The heartbeat intensifies and the expectant mother can already hear it.

Fetal development over the weeks of pregnancy is an energy-intensive activity, so during the eighteenth week the baby sleeps almost all the time and takes an upright position. While he is awake, the woman begins to feel tremors.

At 19-20 weeks, the fetus sucks its finger, learns to smile, wince, and close its eyes. The adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and pancreas are formed.

During this period, the baby's head has a disproportionate size, this is due to the dominant formation of the brain. The child’s immunity is strengthened due to the synthesis of immunoglobulin and interferon.

Sixth month of pregnancy

The formation of the fetus in the weeks of the sixth month is marked by an increase in the time when the child is awake. He begins to show interest in his body. This involves touching the face, tilting the head.

The fetal brain continues to develop, neurons work at full capacity. The heart muscle increases in size, the blood vessels improve. During this period, the baby learns to breathe, the number of inhalations and exhalations increases. The lungs have not yet completed their development, but alveoli are already forming on them.

The sixth month is significant because at this time an emotional connection between the child and mother is established. All feelings experienced by a woman are transmitted to the baby. If a pregnant woman experiences fear, the fetus will also begin to behave anxiously. Therefore, it is recommended that the expectant mother avoid negative emotions.

At the twenty-fourth week, the baby’s eyes and hearing are fully formed. He can already respond to various sounds.

Fetal development from 25 to 28 weeks

Fetal development in weeks of pregnancy from 25 to 28 is characterized by the following changes:

• pulmonary tissue is formed, the lungs begin to produce surfactant - a substance that is aimed at reducing excessive tension in these organs;
• the child develops a metabolism;
• the hemispheres of the brain begin to function;
• the genitals continue to develop;
• the bones become stronger, the child can already smell;
• the baby's eyelids open;
• a fat layer is formed;
• the body is covered with hairs in the form of a fluff

At seven and a half months, the fetus can already be born, and the chance of survival is very high. But with premature birth, the mother’s body has not yet produced the required amount of antibodies for the baby, so the child’s resistance to diseases will be low.

The eighth month of a baby's life in the womb

The formation of the fetus in the weeks of the eighth month is determined by the development of almost all organs. The cardiovascular system improves blood circulation, the endocrine system produces almost all hormones. Self-regulation of sleep and wakefulness occurs in the child’s body.

Due to the fact that the baby’s body produces a hormone that promotes increased production of estrogen in the expectant mother, her mammary glands prepare for the formation and production of milk.

The fluff that has formed on the child’s body gradually disappears during this period, and instead a special lubricant is formed. The cheeks, arms, legs, hips, and shoulders of a small person become round due to the accumulation of the necessary fat layer.

It has been scientifically proven that a baby can already dream. Since it increases and occupies almost all the space in the uterus, its activity decreases.

Fetus at 33 - 36 weeks of pregnancy

The formation of the fetus during this period approaches the final stage before childbirth. His brain is actively functioning, his internal organs work almost like those of an adult, his nails are formed.

During the 34th week, the baby's hair grows; it is now that his body so needs calcium for the proper development and strengthening of bones. In addition, the child’s heart enlarges and vascular tone improves.

At week 36, the little person takes a position in which his head, arms, and legs are pressed against his body. By the end of this period, the child is fully matured to exist outside the womb.

Tenth obstetric month

Gynecologists and ordinary people have different opinions about how long a child is born. It is customary in society to talk about nine months, but doctors have their own calculations; the baby is born after ten obstetric months. One medical week is considered 7 days. Accordingly, in obstetric month only 28 days. This is how the “extra” month rolls up.

A photo of the fetus by week of pregnancy shows that the baby is ready for birth at the end of the term. His stomach contracts, thereby proving the possibility of eating food not through the umbilical cord. The baby can smell, hear sounds, and taste.

The brain is formed, the body produces the required amount of hormones, the metabolism is established in the cycle necessary for the fetus.

Approximately fourteen days before delivery, the baby drops. From this moment on, birth can occur at any moment.

How fetal weight changes by week of pregnancy

Monitoring fetal weight throughout pregnancy is very important. Any deviation from the norm may indicate disturbances in the child’s development.

Weight is influenced not only by the nutrients the baby receives, but also by genetic predisposition. If parents know how much they weighed at birth, then the size of the child can be guessed.

The table below shows it by week.

Fetal height and weight chart

A week	Weight, g	Height, cm

The formation of the fetus by weeks of pregnancy shows that in periods close to childbirth, weight gain slows down and the child’s growth remains virtually unchanged.

In order for the baby to receive a sufficient amount of nutrients and develop normally, the expectant mother should pay attention to proper healthy eating. Try to exclude flour products, since excess weight gain can lead to problems with the child’s health.

Understanding how the fetus develops in the womb will help you avoid unnecessary concerns and unnecessary fears.

Before you start counting the term of the expected pregnancy, you need to get acquainted with two concepts - real and obstetric term. The actual gestational age is counted from the moment of fertilization. Obstetric - from the first day of the last menstruation. The difference between them is on average about 2 weeks. The obstetric gestational age is indicated on the sick leave certificate. Therefore, fetal development begins at 3 weeks.

1st week

During this period, fertilization occurred. The fetus is very tiny and it is almost impossible to detect it on an ultrasound. Embryo implantation occurs. The body begins to undergo restructuring and the production of a hormone that is responsible for protecting the fetus during pregnancy. The formation of the placenta and umbilical cord also occurs.

There are no signs of pregnancy in the first week. However, some women already feel drowsiness, weakness, and heaviness in the lower abdomen. The same symptoms occur with premenstrual syndrome. A distinctive feature may be implantation bleeding - small pink or brown discharge.

2nd week

The differences from the first week are minor. In the second week, the fetus increases by 1/10 of its total size. The placenta continues to form and begins to function.

There is a nagging pain in the lower abdomen, and pink discharge may appear. It is important to note that heavy brown discharge may indicate a miscarriage. They are often confused with menstruation.

3rd week

The fetus looks like a small cellular condensation, which can already be detected on ultrasound. Its diameter varies from 0.1 to 0.2 mm, weight - 2-3 μg.

In some women, the urge to urinate becomes more frequent and toxicosis appears. The amount of discharge may sharply increase or decrease. It is important to pay attention to their color and smell. Any deviations from the norm may indicate the presence of an infection.

4th week

The size of the fruit is 5 mm, weight is 0.5 mcg. Externally, the fruit resembles a three-layer disk. Subsequently, each layer (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) will be responsible for the formation of certain organs. Extraembryonic organs develop - chorion, amnion, yolk sac.

The woman's appetite increases noticeably. The belly is slightly rounded, the waist changes shape. The gag reflex increases, and odor intolerance occurs. There is a sharp change in mood, irritability, and emotional instability. The mammary glands gain volume and nipple sensitivity increases.

5th week

The size of the fruit is 4-7 mm, weight - up to 1 gram. The dorsal chord with the neural tube is formed. They then form the center of the nervous system. The organs of the digestive system (liver, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands) begin to form. The thyroid gland and heart are formed. Forming blood vessels have already begun to join it.

Nausea worries a woman at any time of the day. The likelihood of miscarriage increases, especially with increased levels of male hormones. An unusual smell and color of discharge, and aching pain in the lower abdomen indicate problems.

6th week

The size of the fruit is 4-9 mm, weight is 0.9-1.3 grams. The fruit begins to move. The fetal nervous system is formed. The brain begins to develop, grooves and convolutions form, and the skull forms. The rudiments of arms and legs appear. The cartilage system develops.

A woman experiences tingling in her chest. There is bloating due to intestinal changes. The rest of the sensations are the same as in previous weeks. Toxicosis continues, and you should be wary if it suddenly stops. Such changes occur when pregnancy fades.

7th week

The size of the fruit is 13 mm, weight is 1.1-1.3 grams. Fingers, neck, ears, and face begin to form. The eyes are still placed far from each other. The heart is fully formed, 2 atria and 2 ventricles have emerged. Red blood cells appear and the Rh factor of the fetus is determined. The fetal intestine grows in length, the appendix and large intestine have formed. The pancreas begins to produce insulin. Bile ducts have formed in the liver. The kidneys and reproductive system develop.

The mother has headaches. Blood pressure may drop, leading to dizziness and fainting. The sensitivity of the nipples increases significantly. They get darker. The breasts are enlarged. Constipation, bloating and heartburn occur. Swelling of the limbs appears.

8th week

The fruit is 14-20 mm in size, weighing 1.5 grams. Many organs have already formed and even begun to function. The heart became four-chambered, vessels and valves formed. Facial features become clearer. Taste buds develop on the tongue.

Sweat and salivary glands are formed, the digestive and excretory systems begin to work. Ovaries are formed in girls and testicles in boys. The diaphragm and bronchial tree begin to form. Joints and muscles, phalanges of the fingers develop. The arms, legs and skull become ossified.

The uterus grows and pain appears in the bladder area. Due to irritation of the sciatic nerve, burning pain occurs in the pelvis and thighs. Eating habits change. The condition of the skin worsens. Varicose veins occur. It is worth considering that nausea during this period should not occur more than 2 times a day.

9th week

The size of the fruit is 22-30 mm, weight is 2 grams. The brain and nervous system are already formed. The cerebellum, pituitary gland, middle layer of the adrenal glands, lymph nodes, mammary glands, and genitals are formed. Cranial, intervertebral and spinal nerves appear. The excretory system is functioning.

The mother's belly becomes rounded, the breasts grow, and varicose veins appear on them. The urge to urinate doubles. Despite the tired state and loss of strength, insomnia appears.

Week 10

The size of the fruit is 3-4 cm, weight is 4-5 grams. The nervous system was formed and divided into central and peripheral. The brain produces neurons and controls all systems of the fetus. The immune and lymphatic systems are formed, and the diaphragm is formed.

Teeth appear. The muscular and skeletal system develops. The arms and legs are fully formed, and the fetus actively moves them. Marigolds began to form on my fingers. Taste and olfactory receptors have developed. The face is fully formed. The fetus opens and closes its mouth.

Toxicosis begins to disappear, but the pain and dizziness do not stop. Appetite increases noticeably. Some women experience constipation and heartburn. A pigmented stripe forms on the abdomen due to the synthesis of melanin.

Week 11

The size of the fruit is 5 cm, weight is 7-8 grams. The placenta is becoming stronger every day. The intestines are temporarily united with the umbilical cord. The brain and nervous system conductivity increases. The sense of smell, genitals, digestive tract, teeth, joints, vocal cords, taste, olfactory and tactile receptors are formed. Reflexes develop, especially sucking and grasping. The fetus begins to react to external stimuli.

The woman feels the baby's movement. Reduces sensitivity to odors, sensitivity and soreness of the breast. The general condition is normalizing.

Week 12

The size of the fruit is 6-9 cm, weight - 14 grams. Thanks to the development of the nervous system, a connection arises between the hemispheres and the spinal cord. All body systems are formed and began to function. The heart supplies them with blood. In addition to erythrocytes, leukocytes were formed in it. The liver began to produce bile, and now the fetus absorbs fats. The sucking reflex develops. Down appears on the head, chin, area above the lip, in place of eyebrows and eyelashes.

The sudden mood swings, nausea, drowsiness, and loss of strength are gone. The urge to go to the toilet becomes less frequent. Skin sensitivity increases and itching occurs.

Week 13

The size of the fruit is 7-10 cm, weight is 15-25 grams. The heart actively pumps blood. The formation of the reproductive system is completed. The baby teeth are completely enclosed. The body develops faster than the head. The skeletal system is being formed. Limbs lengthen. The fingers bend, a prototype of fingerprints appears on them.

The woman is no longer bothered by pregnancy symptoms. The abdomen rounds and begins to protrude. The waist is almost invisible. There is a feeling of tension in the legs, and the risk of varicose veins increases.

Week 14

The size of the fruit is 9-11 cm, weight - 30-40 grams. The chest, diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and muscles develop. The fetus swallows the amniotic fluid and tastes it by sucking its finger. The bridge of the nose and cheeks have formed. The fetus uses facial muscles.

Temporary pain in the groin and sides is normal, provided that they are not cramping in nature. Brittle hair and nails, peeling and dry skin appear. The skin stretches and thins, and stretch marks form. Bleeding gums appear.

Week 15

The size of the fruit is already more than 10 cm, weight - about 70 grams. Blood vessels develop. Blood flows to the organs through the arteries. The skeleton begins to stiffen. The child can bend his elbows and clench his fingers. The face changes. The eyes become closer and take a natural position. The skin is so thin that blood vessels can be seen through it.

Some women feel uplifted, others feel down. Rhinitis, nosebleeds, and night suffocation may occur. The belly increases noticeably compared to week 14.

Week 16

The size of the fruit is 11-13 cm, weight is about 100-120 grams. An ultrasound can determine the sex of the child. The girls have formed a set of eggs. The composition of the blood is fully formed. Nerve cells - neurons - are formed. Nerves intertwine organs. The convolutions and furrows of the brain increase in size. The body becomes proportional, the neck becomes stronger, the fetus holds and turns its head.

The woman is not bothered frequent urge to the toilet. But heartburn and constipation do not go away. Shortness of breath and a feeling of lack of air may occur.

Week 17

The size of the fruit is 13 cm, weight is 140 grams. An ultrasound shows all the organs of the fetus. Subcutaneous fat tissue is formed. The bronchi and alveoli developed. Sweat glands and joints have formed, almost completely muscular system and auditory organ. The muscles contract, so the fetal head straightens.

The woman feels movement. The volume of circulating blood increases, so urination becomes more frequent. Cramps may cramp the calf muscles.

Week 18

The size of the fruit is 14 cm, weight is 190-200 grams. The endocrine and nervous systems develop. Interferon and immunoglobulin are released. The thymus is formed and secretes lymphocytes. The vocal cords and hearing organ are formed. The size of the brain and head increases.

The fetus releases more metabolic products, and this, in turn, affects emotional state mother. Nervousness appears. The woman feels the pressure of the uterus on the abdominal wall and neighboring organs.

Week 19

The size of the fruit is 15.3 cm, weight is about 250 grams. The parts responsible for hearing, vision, taste, smell, and touch are formed in the brain. The connection between the brain and spinal cord and systems is established. The lungs are developing, the bronchial tree is almost formed. The spleen begins to function.

A woman experiences heartburn and bloating, and intestinal motility is impaired due to the displacement of organs by the growing uterus. Sweating increases due to increased activity of the thyroid gland. The belly is large, so it is more difficult to choose a comfortable sleeping position.

Week 20

The size of the fruit is 16 cm, weight is about 300 grams. The organs are formed, but are not ready to function outside the mother’s body. The fetus reacts to light stimuli. He turns and grabs the umbilical cord. Can yawn, frown, smile, hiccup.

The center of gravity shifts due to the growing belly, and the woman’s back begins to hurt. The bandage relieves stress and reduces discomfort. Swelling on the legs, ankles and fingers increases.

21st week

The size of the fruit is 27 cm, weight is about 360 grams. The digestive system is preparing to function outside the mother's body. The fetus sleeps up to 20 hours a day and constantly dreams.

A pregnant woman's belly becomes noticeably larger, and the load on her back and legs increases. The breasts become larger and the areolas become darker. Periodically, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a feeling of lack of air occur.

Week 22

The size of the fruit is 28 cm, weight is about 430 grams. Brain development is completed and neural connections are established. Tactile sensations develop. The child actively reacts to light and sounds, and the woman feels this.

The pain in the back, shoulders, and legs intensifies, which does not go away until the end of pregnancy. It is important to monitor blood pressure and hemoglobin levels to prevent the development of anemia.

Week 23

The size of the fruit is 29 cm, weight is about 500 grams. All systems and organs are functioning, from this moment in case premature birth the child will survive. The fetus has formed a certain mode of life. A woman can determine what time he is awake and when he is resting. Shoes become too small as the foot lengthens due to the development of flat feet.

Week 24

The size of the fruit is 30 cm, weight - up to 600 grams. The child is actively gaining weight, accumulating adipose tissue, and it becomes crowded in the uterus. Brown fat is deposited mainly on the tummy and in the area between the shoulder blades.

The tremors are felt not only by the mother, but also by the father if he puts his hand to his stomach. Digestion occurs due to compression of the liver and gall bladder by the uterus. During this period, the woman’s skin and hair condition improves.

Week 25

The size of the fruit is 34.5 cm, weight - 660 grams. All parts of the brain are formed, and its weight is 100 grams. The formation of the lungs has been completed. The face is formed. It is determined which hand will become the leading one - the right or left. The fetus is able to distinguish voices and sounds and respond to them. He may press his hands over his ears and push when he hears sharp sounds.

The growing belly puts pressure on the diaphragm. It is harder for a woman to breathe and shortness of breath appears. The amount of discharge (colostrum) from the nipples increases.

Week 26

The size of the fruit is 35.5 cm, weight - 760 grams. The baby's skin smooths out and changes color. The fetal adrenal glands begin to produce growth hormone. The baby periodically pushes against the mother's ribs, which causes pain. The fetus will change position if you lie on its side, stroke its belly, or talk a little. Fatigue and drowsiness increase, and some women experience fainting.

Week 27

The size of the fruit is more than 36 cm, weight reaches 900 grams. The endocrine system is actively developing. The baby is already opening his eyes. Tactile sensations increase, so the fetus feels everything around. A woman feels aching pain in her lower back and muscles. Nausea and weakness appear. The discharge from the genitals should not contain any impurities of blood or pus.

Week 28

The size of the fruit is 38-38.5 cm, weight is about 1 kg. The body prepares for oxygen exchange with the blood. The baby's chest moves rhythmically. The pupillary membrane disappears from the eyeballs, so the child reacts more acutely to light. The belly continues to grow and the pain in the back and legs increases. Nausea may occur due to compression of the digestive organs.

Week 29

The size of the fruit is 38.6 cm, weight is 1150 grams. The fetus's nostrils are freed from mucus plugs, so it smells. The child fixes his gaze on the details that interest him. The fetus accumulates white fat and its body becomes rounded. All organs and systems work as a single organism.

The volume of circulating blood increases, and the woman's pulse increases and her blood pressure decreases. The blood vessels dilate and protruding veins appear on the arms, feet and abdomen.

30th week

The size of the fruit is more than 40 cm, weight is 1.3-1.5 kg. Nerve cells function, nerve fibers are formed. The fetus consciously reacts to stimulation. The formation of the genital organs is nearing completion. The woman’s feelings are the same as in previous weeks. The stomach prevents you from performing many usual actions. Unable to lean forward.

31st week

The size of the fruit is 41 cm, weight is 1.5 kg. Pancreatic cells produce insulin. The liver performs a detoxification function, that is, it filters the blood and removes toxins. The fetal brain is 1/4 of an adult's organ. A corneal reflex appears, which involves closing the eyes when the cornea comes into contact with foreign objects.

A woman's metabolism increases, and therefore sweating increases. Feels dizzy when lying on your back.

Week 32

The size of the fruit is 43 cm, weight is 1.7-1.8 kg. At this stage, the fetus takes the optimal position for childbirth - upside down. The child's skin smoothes out and takes on a natural shade. The growth of the abdomen is accompanied by itching and the appearance of stretch marks. Insomnia is a concern; sleep becomes more restless due to the approaching birth.

Week 33

The size of the fruit is 44 cm, weight is about 2 kg. The immune system is functioning and antibodies are being produced. The body became proportional, rounded, and cheeks appeared on the face. Nails grow on the fingers. The child reacts to light and sounds, feels the mother’s emotions. Therefore, stressful situations should be avoided. A woman may experience itching in the chest and abdomen.

Week 34

The size of the fruit is 45 cm, the weight already slightly exceeds 2 kg. The thyroid gland and adrenal glands produce 10 times more hormones than in an adult. The nails have grown to the end of the nail plate. The hairs on the head have their own pigment. A woman can roughly determine the character of her unborn baby by his activity. The child should move almost every hour if he is awake.

Week 35

The size of the fruit is 46 cm, weight is 2.4 kg. Muscle and fat mass increases. The marigolds have become long, so the fruit can scratch itself. The immune system continues to improve, however, the production of antibodies is not enough to fully protect against infections.

By week 35, fatigue accumulates, especially due to constant lower back pain. The digestive organs have difficulty coping with their task due to increased pressure.

Week 36

The size of the fetus is 47 cm, weight exceeds 2.6 kg. A center has been formed in the brain that coordinates the work of the cardiovascular system, breathing and thermoregulation. Immediately after the baby is born, these systems are ready for use. The fetus continues to develop sucking reflex skills.

The woman feels increasing anxiety and panic. Therefore, nervousness and irritability increase, which prevents proper sleep.

Week 37

The size of the fruit is 48-49 cm, weight is about 2950 grams. In the brain, the control centers for breathing, cardiac activity, and movement are improved. The airways produce surfactant, which will help the baby's lungs open after birth. All muscle groups of the woman are tense. The mother's pain and tension increases towards evening.

38th week

The size of the fruit is 49-50 cm, weight is 3.1 kg. The child’s skeleton becomes stronger every day, only the cranial bones remain soft and are connected by cartilage. After birth, the bones will harden. Eye color is not fully formed due to insufficient pigment. The anxiety of the expectant mother in connection with the upcoming birth is intensifying. Panic worries both in sleep and while awake.

Week 39

The size of the fruit is 50-53 cm, weight - 3250 grams. Original feces (meconium) has formed in the intestines, which will be released after birth. The fetus moves less due to tightness in the womb. It is difficult for the mother to catch the movement.

Possible symptoms of a pregnant woman are a stiff abdomen, increased tone of the uterus, nagging pain in the lower back, and loose stool. In the near future, the mucous plug will be released. It is necessary to monitor these signs of impending labor.

40th week

The size of the fruit is more than 51 cm, weight is about 3.5 kg. The baby turns over and, as a rule, labor occurs this week. The child moves about 10 times a day. The mucus plug falls out and the amniotic fluid drains. Mild nausea and loose stools appear a day before birth. A woman's weight is maintained or reduced. The abdomen sinks, so the urge to go to the toilet becomes more frequent and incontinence occurs.

In some cases, birth occurs later than 40 weeks. This is often due to incorrect calculation of the deadline.

The gestation period is not calculated in months; for convenience, gynecologists adhere to the obstetric method of calculating the gestation period by week. The first week is the most mysterious of all the upcoming ones. Its calculation is made by the gynecologist purely theoretically, based on the calculation of the first days of the cycle and the estimated day of ovulation.

In medicine, the countdown is from the first to the last menstruation. This is due to the fact that it is quite difficult to determine the exact day of conception - each woman ovulates on different days of the cycle, depending on its duration and physiological characteristics future mother. For this reason, gynecologists always focus on the obstetric period, and not the embryonic period.

A normal pregnancy lasts 40 obstetric weeks, 280 days or 10 lunar months.

From a scientific point of view, in the first week of pregnancy, the follicle matures - a fluid-filled sac in which the egg is located. After emerging from the shell, it lives from 24 to 48 hours. The inner layer of the follicle walls produces estrogen hormones, which contribute to the restoration and growth of the mucous layer in the uterus, preparing its cavity for the upcoming pregnancy.

Are you wondering what rules you need to follow during each week of pregnancy?

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the detailed pregnancy calendar on our website, which describes in detail what happens with the formation of the fetus at each of the 42 weeks -.

Over time, the egg will be fertilized by a sperm. After the fusion of cells occurs, they begin to divide and the zygote from the fallopian tube enters the uterine cavity. This is a special cell - it stores the genetic material of the father and mother. The unborn child will acquire genetic characteristics from both parents.

Implantation takes place within 7 days. In the uterus, the zygote will attach to the wall and in the new house will begin to develop further, gradually turning into a little person.

The embryonic period is the most important. The woman does not yet suspect pregnancy, and the embryo goes through successive stages of development. At this time, one or more fetuses are determined to develop in the uterus and a chorion is formed, which participates in the formation of the placenta.

Symptoms and sensations in the early stages

1 week of pregnancy coincides with the beginning menstrual cycle. The muscles of the uterus contract, expelling the rejected endometrial layer, and the woman’s well-being improves.

At this stage, the woman knows nothing about her “interesting” situation. Accordingly, all symptoms and signs are still absent - the mammary glands do not swell, there is no toxicosis, fatigue and odor intolerance. During this period, the nature of vaginal discharge changes slightly, which is considered normal.

Pregnancy cannot be determined by donating blood to check the hCG level. The test will not show any changes - if the body is healthy and there are no hormonal imbalances, only one strip will appear on it.

There are a number of symptoms that women rarely experience at 1 week:

• mucous discharge with thin blood streaks, as evidence of embryo attachment;
• stretching and pressure in the pubic area;
• denial of smoking and alcohol is a protective reaction of the body on a subconscious level;
• emotional instability.

In the first week of pregnancy, fatigue increases. A woman gets tired faster and cannot cope with normal physical activity. It’s as if the body is switching on “delicate mode” and trying to maintain strength.

Not all expectant mothers exhibit such symptoms; they can only be noticed if you constantly listen to your own body.

It is impossible to confirm 1 week of pregnancy, despite all the achievements of modern medicine. All that remains is to wait until characteristic signs appear. No gynecologist will be able to determine the onset of pregnancy in the first week.

Video - pregnancy symptoms

Changes in the mother's body at 1 week of pregnancy

Immediately after conception female body begins a global restructuring, trying to provide itself and the emerging embryo with everything necessary.

1. The release of large amounts of estrogen can affect the mammary glands. They increase in size, the nipple halos become darker and swell. The chest becomes painful.
2. Changes occur in the central nervous system. The influence of the vagus nerve increases and the expectant mother becomes inattentive, absent-minded, taste perception changes, and salivation increases. Weakness and dizziness become a frequent companion.
3. The restructuring of the circulatory system begins: uterine blood flow increases, the volume of circulating blood increases. A woman’s body tries to adjust to its ability to supply a sufficient amount of oxygen to the fetus.
4. The basal temperature changes, and if this method of ovulation control is used during planning, the expectant mother will learn about the onset of pregnancy at a very early stage.

Nausea and vomiting appear much later. If you experience bouts of toxicosis in the mornings or evenings, you may already be a little longer than you think.

What happens to the fetus at 1 week of pregnancy

The fusion of the egg released from the follicle with the sperm symbolizes the birth of a new life. This is just one cell that has to go through a huge development path in the womb.

From the moment of fertilization, active cell division occurs in the zygote, which from the unorganized mass forms a hollow ball - a blastocyst.

Despite the fact that the size of the embryo is now only 0.2 mm, the sex of the unborn child has already been determined - it depends on the X or Y sex chromosome received from the father. The rest of the chromosome set contains data in accordance with which all systems and organs of the fetus will develop.

The outer layer of the blastocyst, penetrating into the walls of the uterus, begins to synthesize the pregnancy hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin. The level of hCG determines the onset of pregnancy. early stages, this is one of the most reliable indicators.

Diet

The menu of a woman planning to become a mother differs from the usual diet. Nutrition should be complete and balanced, rich in protein and moderate amounts of fat.

A third of the total diet should be fresh vegetables and fruits, raw or thermally processed. Be sure to eat fatty fish, which has great benefits for the brain.

Obstetrician-gynecologists and nutritionists give some nutritional recommendations to expectant mothers in the 1st week of pregnancy.

Vitamins and minerals, if they are lacking in foods, should be taken in separate complexes. This will reduce the risk of defects during fetal development caused by a deficiency of nutrients.

Special attention should be paid to vitamin B9, or folic acid. It is able to reduce the negative impact of external and hereditary factors on the embryo, have a beneficial effect on the formation of the nervous system and general state fetus

Other vitamin preparations will be prescribed by the doctor after examination, test results and registration.

During the first week of pregnancy, it is highly not recommended to adhere to strict diets and strict dietary restrictions. If a pregnant woman is overweight, she should seek the help of a qualified nutritionist. The specialist will create a balanced menu individually, taking into account all the nuances.

Very often during pregnancy, a woman begins to eat for two. There is no need to do this! Overeating will only lead to excess weight. Extra pounds will harm the unborn child, and constant weight gain will negatively affect the health of the pregnant woman in the final stages.

Medical recommendations and advice on the lifestyle of the expectant mother at this stage

When expecting pregnancy, a woman should think about her lifestyle and adjust it according to the recommendations. Taking good care of yourself even before conception significantly increases your chances of bearing and giving birth to a healthy child.

1. Prepare mentally for the upcoming changes. Over the next 9 months, unusual processes will occur in your body, most of which are unpleasant. Toxicosis, abdominal pain, changes in figure, drowsiness and frequent urge to urinate are natural processes. Treat them with patience, without irritation. After all, in 39 weeks everything will be over and you will have your long-awaited baby in your arms.
2. Try to rest more and just sleep. Take some time to nap, surround yourself with beautiful things.
3. Limit communication with unpleasant people, try to avoid conflicts and stressful situations at work and at home.
4. Avoid going to the sauna, bathhouse, and taking hot baths.
5. As soon as you find out that you are pregnant, go to the doctor immediately. A specialist will use an examination or ultrasound to confirm that there is a fertilized egg in the uterus and assess your general condition. If necessary, the gynecologist will prescribe maintenance medications and do everything necessary to maintain the pregnancy.
6. Take medications with caution, only as prescribed by your doctor. Treat the common cold folk remedies, resorting to pharmacological drugs as a last resort. Avoid contact with sick people, do not visit crowded places during epidemics, beware of hypothermia.
7. Stop drinking alcohol, smoking and strong psychotropic drugs.
8. Extreme sports are no longer for you - take care of yourself and your unborn child. A sudden surge of adrenaline will not do you any good.
9. It is prohibited to be exposed to x-rays or undergo fluorography..

Dangers in 1 week of pregnancy

In the first week of pregnancy, spontaneous abortions often occur - miscarriages, which the woman does not even suspect, mistaking them for another menstruation.

Another danger is ectopic pregnancy. It occurs when, for some reason, a fertilized cell attaches to the fallopian tube or exits into the abdominal cavity. This condition threatens the woman’s life and requires surgical intervention. The first ultrasound is prescribed specifically to exclude improper attachment.

Chromosomal abnormalities are another cause of early self-abortions. The embryo stops developing, and the mother’s body rejects it.

Due to hormonal imbalances, inflammation of the endometrium, scars and synechiae in the uterine cavity, blastocyst implantation is difficult, the embryo dies and is removed during the next menstruation.

Risk factors include taking strong medications or antibacterial drugs. This leads to termination of pregnancy or to serious consequences for the fetus during its subsequent development.

Ultrasound of fetal development

In the first week of pregnancy, an ultrasound examination reveals a thickened layer of the endometrium in the uterine cavity, which is preparing for the attachment of a fertilized egg.

An examination of the ovaries is also carried out in order to determine in which of them the dominant follicle has matured. It looks like a round dark cavity and differs in size from others.

The ripening follicle has an irregular shape; an egg-bearing tubercle appears on it, which is the basis for the future egg.

The corpus luteum looks like a dark spot with irregular contours. It develops in the place where the follicle burst and produces progesterone.

Video - 1 week of pregnancy description, sensations, discharge, fetal development, photo and ultrasound

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