Perhaps you are excited, joyful, you are overwhelmed with delight, your emotions are off the charts and you want to shout about this fantastic news to the whole world. Or perhaps you are confused, and this pregnancy came as a complete surprise to you. Perhaps you are a sophisticated mother of three or four children, or maybe you are just preparing to learn this sacrament. In any case, we are ready to provide you with invaluable support, spend these unforgettable forty weeks with you, discover for you new facets of your condition that you didn’t even know about, or become guides and give you the experience through which you will understand that pregnancy This is the best state in a woman’s life, and this time can be spent interestingly, fun and with health benefits - for you and your baby!
Pregnancy lasts approximately 9 months, or 40 weeks, or 280 days. But it is correct to calculate your gestational age - by week! Obstetricians-gynecologists begin counting the pregnancy period from the first day of the last menstruation, since determining the exact date of conception is difficult in most cases. This is called the obstetric stage of pregnancy. The embryonic period is 14 days shorter, since conception occurs at the time of ovulation. To avoid confusion, doctors start counting only by the obstetric stage of pregnancy, i.e. from the first day of your last menstruation. Enter the date of the start of your last menstruation at the top of the page, and our calendar will calculate your obstetric gestational age, your estimated date of birth (DOD), tell you how many days have already passed and how many remain.
📅 Every week our pregnancy calendar will automatically change and show up-to-date information for your term. We also advise you to keep your pregnancy diary on our website, where you can monitor your weight - weight gain graphs will help you with this. You can also record important events for you - visits to obstetricians, the date of the first movement, ultrasound data, or add photos of your tummy at different times!
It's always nice to have colleagues in any business! Likewise, during pregnancy it’s worth starting to communicate with expectant mothers, and it’s especially interesting if they have the same pregnancy period as you. You can discuss any events, prepare together for childbirth, choose maternity hospitals, buy things for babies and arrange rooms for children. Believe me, you will learn a lot of new things and such a relationship may even develop into a warm friendship. The geography of communication between pregnant women is quite extensive; you will probably be interested to know how expectant mothers live in other cities and even countries! To do this, join ours!
Intrauterine development of a child by week
What will our pregnancy calendar give you? All pregnant women, even those for whom this is not the first experience, are interested in knowing what is happening in the baby inside you. You will know when a baby is called an embryo, and when a fetus, when his arms and legs appear, when his heart begins to beat and he hears your voice for the first time, and also when you finally find out if he is a boy or a girl! The calendar describes all stages of a child’s development week by week. For example, you can track your child's height and weight each week.
Find out what your child looks like every week of his development.
Each week you will be presented with unique photographs taken in utero by Swedish photographer Lennart Nilsson.
This talented photographer took his first unique photographs back in 1965. He spent ten years filming the evolution of the embryo from conception to birth.
He invented various devices and achieved his goal in one of the Stockholm clinics by adapting a microcamera and a microilluminator to the end of a cystoscope tube. I took thousands of unique shots right in the bowels of the uterus and now you can follow how your baby is developing week after week!
Changes in a woman's body by week
What new things can you learn about yourself? It’s no secret that a woman’s body will change every week. In the calendar, for each week of pregnancy, you will learn about what is happening inside you, how all your organs adapt to the needs of the growing uterus, how the brain manages and controls your pregnancy.Belly growth by week
Probably all women are interested in comparing their belly with the bellies of other mothers at the same stage of pregnancy. Every new week you will see wonderful photos of expectant mothers, which we have selected especially for you!
Here you can get a sufficient amount of information on almost all issues that interest you. From that - “Why do I run to the toilet so often?” to “Which side is better to sleep on during pregnancy?” and “Can pregnant women wear heels?” You will understand how to eat right, what daily routine to follow, what to wear, how to cope with toxicosis, when to pack your bag for the maternity hospital, what to buy for a newborn and much, much more! 
Pregnancy is a time when you shouldn’t interrupt your exercise, you just need to redirect it in the right direction, or if you’ve never thought about it before, it’s time to start leading a healthy lifestyle. You can start doing yoga for pregnant women and special gymnastics using the video lessons presented in the calendar.
Medical reference
The calendar provides you with the medical information you need so you can correctly understand the signals your body is sending you. You will find out what awaits you at your doctor's appointment, understand why these checks are necessary and what questions to ask the doctor or midwife. You will be able to schedule visits to various specialists, even if your ailment previously seemed minor to you. Remember, now you are responsible not only for yourself, but also for another small life, and you simply need to take better care of yourself in order to prevent possible complications. Every new week you will find a new description of your baby’s ultrasound norms, as well as an exciting video of this study.
Pregnancy brings the expectant mother not only the joy of anticipation, but also understandable anxiety. Especially if this is the first pregnancy. A young woman wants to know how the child is developing, what changes will happen over the long nine months, and when the baby will be born.
It is actually not easy to accurately determine the date of birth, as well as the duration of pregnancy. Few people can name the exact date of conception, especially since there is no particular need for this. In gynecology, the first day of the last menstruation is taken as the “reference point”.
Our online calculator will help you determine the gestational age based on your period without the participation of a doctor:
Enter the date in the calculator line
You will know the result instantly. The calculation of the gestational age by week on the website in the vast majority of cases coincides with the data of a medical examination and diagnostic studies, including ultrasound data.
Why you need to know how many weeks of pregnancy you are currently:
for timely contact with a gynecologist and subsequent registration at the antenatal clinic;
for proper management of pregnancy and understanding how a child develops at a certain stage;
to calculate the date of maternity leave;
to determine and/or clarify the expected date of birth.
The online pregnancy calculator by week will redirect you to a page detailing the stage of baby development you are currently going through. You will receive recommendations on how to eat during your term, what foods you should limit, and what you should avoid altogether.
For each week, advice from medical practitioners on vitamin and nutritional supplements is provided. You will learn exactly which vitamins and microelements, and in what dosage, are currently needed for the development of the child and your health. Naturally, before you start taking vitamin complexes, you need to consult your doctor.
To calculate pregnancy using the last menstrual period using an online calculator, it is not necessary to remember the beginning of menstruation down to the day; an error of 1-2 days is quite acceptable. In any case, the obstetric week will be determined correctly.
A pregnancy calculator based on the date of your last period will help you determine your due date and begin preparing for the birth of your baby, planning and adjusting your life to the future family member.
Enter the first day of the last menstrual period:
Select week of pregnancy:
Fetal development:
Conception and first days of pregnancy
Fetal development:
During conception, the embryo attaches to the inner wall of the uterus and begins to develop there, gradually increasing in size. Since it is quite difficult to determine the time of conception, in obstetrics and gynecology it is customary to calculate the age of the embryo and fetus from the first day of the last menstrual period. The gestational age calculated in this way is usually called the “gestational period”.
During the first 10 days of the menstrual cycle, something called “ovulation” occurs. At this time, the egg descends from the ovaries through the fallopian tube, where it meets the sperm (the male cell contained in the sperm) and fertilization or, as it is called, conception occurs.
Conception occurs when a sperm fuses with an egg and thus forms a fertilized egg, or as it is called a zygote. In this case, the genetic material (chromosomes) of the maternal cell (egg) and the paternal cell (sperm) merge: the genetic material of the fetus is formed, which is equally represented by the chromosomes of the mother and father. Subsequently, the zygote divides into two cells, then into four, eight, sixteen, etc.
Fetal development:
Second and third weeks of pregnancy
Fetal development:
To become fertilized, an egg travels far enough down the fallopian tube to meet a sperm and become fertilized. The sperm released during sexual intercourse contains about 20 million sperm. In order for fertilization to occur, the egg must be surrounded by 10 thousand sperm. However, only one of them meets the egg and, merging with it, causes fertilization. When fertilization occurs, the outer shell of the egg (membrane) becomes impermeable to other sperm.
A sperm implanted inside an egg causes serious changes, which are primarily aimed at the fusion of genetic material, resulting in the formation of a complete set of 46 chromosomes, represented by both maternal and paternal chromosomes. The genetic material obtained in this way provides the basic personal characteristics of the future individual, such as the color of eyes, skin, hair, psychological characteristics, etc.
The process of fusion of an egg with a sperm ends with the formation of an egg - a zygote, which is prone to subsequent division to form a multicellular organism.
All this happens already in the uterine cavity.
Fourth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
The zygote divides into two cells within the first 30 hours after fertilization, then into four cells within 40 hours and 12 to 16 hours within 3 days. As the zygote divides, it moves down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. This occurs due to contractions of the muscles of the fallopian tube.
About 72 hours after fertilization, the future fetus, now called a blastocyst, enters the uterus. This is where the future organs of the fetus begin to form. In this case, special hormones cause changes in the surface of the uterus, making it softer and more permeable.
This allows the blastocyst to penetrate the wall of the uterus and attach to the blood vessels that supply nutrition to the unborn fetus. In order to facilitate this process, a special formation called the chorion is formed in the uterus, the purpose of which is to provide the future fetus with the necessary nutrients over the next 9 months until birth.
Fifth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
Having firmly attached to the wall of the uterus, the blastocyst begins to increase in size and gradually turns into an embryo. Over the next few days, the blastocyst doubles in size daily and gradually separates into the embryo and placenta - what is called the “afterbirth” during childbirth.
In the development of the embryo, there is a division into three layers, each of which will subsequently give rise to different organs. The inner layer will give rise to the development of organs such as lungs, bladder, stomach, etc. The middle layer will then turn into the heart, genitals, bones, muscles. Finally, the outer layer will give rise to the skin, the nervous system.
The embryo acquires a rounded size, slightly expanded at the end, which will subsequently turn into the head of the fetus. In this case, you can see a small groove, which will subsequently divide the brain into the right and left hemispheres.
Sixth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
The embryo at this stage is about the size of a pea and consists of approximately a million cells that continue to divide, forming into complex organs and tissues. As the placenta matures, the embryo continues to depend on the supply of nutrients through the chorion.
Small islands appear inside the chorion, which will subsequently give rise to blood cells and blood vessels. At the same time, the heart begins to form, which at first has only two chambers.
Already on the 21st day after fertilization, such a heart begins to beat. Thus, the first organ begins to function. At the same time, the nervous system, eyes, ears and a number of other organs are formed.
Seventh week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At this stage, the embryo resembles a tadpole, somewhat curled into a comma shape and with a small tail, which represents the end of the developing neural tube.
The development of the brain and heart significantly advances the development of other organs. At this stage, these organs occupy almost half of the embryo’s body.
By the 28th day after fertilization, the heart of the embryo begins to acquire developed outlines and contains four chambers, like in adults. The rudiments of future upper and lower limbs also appear.
Eighth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
The development of the heart and blood vessels is somewhat ahead of the development of the fetus, since they stimulate the development of all other organs. At the 6th week, you can already distinguish the heart, which begins to beat. Up to this point, the human embryo is not much different from the embryos of mice, birds or dogs.
However, after this, serious differences begin to appear. Having tiny dimensions (about 10 - 14 mm) and weighing no more than a regular paper clip, the embryo begins to acquire human characteristics. The jaws, eyelids and nose begin to form. The ears develop inward and outward. The eyes begin to acquire color, and the optic nerve and retina are formed, which will provide vision in the future.
The embryo at this stage gradually straightens; in this case, the torso, neck and bone tissue appear. The tail part begins to decrease, fingers and toes, hands and feet appear.
Ninth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
Measuring 17–22 cm (the size of a grape), the embryo begins to acquire human characteristics. Fingers, toes, knees and elbows can be distinguished. As the legs increase in size, the tail part gradually disappears. The embryo gains the ability to move its limbs, despite the fact that they are tiny. The embryo gains the ability to move its limbs, despite the fact that they are tiny.
Serious changes also occur inside: almost all internal organs (albeit not fully developed) can be found in the embryo, as well as muscles. At the same time, nerve fibers passing through the entire body become visible.
At the same time, sexual characteristics develop, blood begins to circulate through the blood vessels, supplying nutrients and oxygen, and removing unnecessary substances - metabolic products. The lungs do not function until birth, but the embryo and fetus are entirely dependent on the mother for its supply of nutrients and oxygen through the umbilical cord.
Tenth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
This is a very important week for the embryo because at the end of this week the embryo will develop into a fetus. Although the size and weight remain quite small (28 - 20 mm and 9 grams), this period is characterized by intensive growth and development of the embryo.
Outwardly, it no longer resembles a sea creature: the tail part disappears, and the fingers and toes take on normal shapes. The eyes move from the side of the head to the middle. At the same time, they begin to be partially covered with skin (future eyelids), which protects the delicate cornea. The upper lips begin to form, and the outer ears take on their normal shape.
At the same time, internal organs develop. The heart and blood vessels take on normal shapes, the diaphragm is formed, the lungs are divided into lobes, and the intestines are formed, which extends from the umbilical cord into the internal cavity.
Eleventh week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At week 11, the fetus measures from 3.4 to 5 cm (the size of a plum). It has all the major organs and systems, such as cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory.
Organs must not only develop and increase in size; It is important to coordinate their activities so that immediately after birth the newborn can independently breathe, feed and move blood through the blood vessels. In the next 7 months, very big changes will occur: the weight will increase 1000 times, and in only 3 weeks (from 9 to 12 weeks of age) the size of the fetus will double.
The most striking changes are associated with external appearance: the fetus becomes more and more human-like. The size of the head remains large compared to other parts of the body; at the same time the neck appears. The skin thickens and becomes less transparent; Tiny hair follicles appear, as do fingernails and toenails.
Twelfth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At week 12, a number of organs are developed to such an extent that they can perform certain functions. The thyroid gland begins to work, which regulates metabolism. Two important digestive glands also begin to function - the pancreas, which secretes digestive enzymes, and the liver, which secretes bile into the digestive tract.
The fruit is about 6 cm long (the size of a lemon) and weighs about 14 grams. Moreover, the liver takes up about 10 percent of the fetal weight. Together with the spleen, the liver produces blood cells.
As nerve fibers acquire the ability to interact with muscle tissue, the muscles begin to respond to nerve signals emanating from the brain and the fetus begins to move - kicking, squeezing knees, bending and unbending, clenching fists. The fetus can also change facial expressions - frown, curl its lips and frown. However, all this does not involve any goals, and there is no connection between stimulus and response.
At this stage, the doctor can assess the progress of the pregnancy using an ultrasound signal and have you listen to the fetal heartbeat, which is about 160 beats per minute.
Thirteenth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
This week the main news is related to the digestive system of the unborn child - the liver, stomach, pancreas and intestines are actively developing. The fetus floats in the amniotic fluid; at the same time, oxygen is supplied to it through the umbilical cord and metabolic products are removed.
At this stage, the lips and nose of the fetus are fully formed. At the same time, the jaws become denser and small bulges appear, which in the future will give rise to teeth.
The vocal cords located in the larynx are also formed. However, they will remain inactive until the baby is born and air enters the lungs and he can make sounds. The external genitalia become sufficiently distinguishable so that the gender can be determined: a boy or a girl.
Fourteenth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
This period marks the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. The fruit size is about 9 cm and weight is 43 grams. At the 14th week, intensive fetal development is observed. The first hair appears.
The placenta takes on developed forms and provides the fetus with necessary nutrients, while removing unnecessary metabolic products. In addition, the placenta produces hormones important for fetal growth, such as estrogen and progesterone.
The placenta also protects the fetus from the mother's immune system, which would otherwise recognize the fetus as a foreign creature and could destroy it.
Fifteenth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
This week marks the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by the fact that the fetus begins to exhibit some personality properties due to various facial expressions.
Scientific studies have shown that at 15 weeks the fetus can smile and even suck its thumb. The fetal brain acquires a characteristic structure and increases significantly in size.
The fetus becomes more and more human-like: the eyes continue to move to the middle of the face, and the ears to the sides of the head. The neck becomes straighter and stronger, so the fetus begins to turn its head. In general, the fetus moves more and more in the amniotic fluid, although the mother does not often feel such movements.
Sixteenth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At this stage, the fruit is 12 cm long and weighs about 11 grams, and bones are rapidly beginning to develop, although most of them remain unconnected. The bones lengthen and harden so that by the time of birth they are able to support the body of the newborn.
However, quite a few weeks will pass before the entire skeletal system and the mechanism of ligaments and cartilage develops so that the child can move and crawl in a coordinated manner, and then walk.
At week 16, fetal movements (such as kicking, bending) become more coordinated. However, it is still too early for the mother to feel all these movements.
The fetus begins to move its eyeballs, although they remain closed. Another important news is that the fetus acquires the ability to grasp objects, a property characteristic of humans and other primates.
Seventeenth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
Fatty tissue begins to accumulate under the skin. This allows you to keep warm and provide the baby with the necessary energy after birth. The size of the child is already quite significant and the mother can feel when the baby begins to kick or move his knees.
At this stage, the fruit acquires the ability to distinguish taste, for example, to distinguish salty from bitter and sweet. Speaking of food, the fetus at this age begins to secrete the so-called meconium - a dark green mass that accumulates in the intestines as food is digested.
Eighteenth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At this age, the fetus is 14 cm long and weighs about 200 grams. At the same time, the growth of the head slows down in comparison with other parts of the body. From this point on, most of the growth occurs in the torso and legs and, to a lesser extent, in the arms.
The umbilical cord also increases in length and thickness, allowing it to deliver sufficient nutrients to the rapidly growing fetus. Accordingly, the space inside the uterus becomes increasingly limited. Therefore, the fetus is no longer able to move freely as before and begins to “curl” more and more, acquiring a typical intrauterine position.
As auditory functions develop, the fetus becomes increasingly aware and aware of its environment. Nerves running from the brain to the inner ear allow the fetus to hear the mother's heartbeat, and even loud sounds outside.
The retina of the eye becomes sensitive to bright light. Fingerprints begin to form, which are unique to each individual. Even completely identical twins have different fingerprints.
Nineteenth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At week 19, the fetus is 15 cm long and weighs 255 grams. The muscles of the neck and back are sufficiently developed to support the head.
At the same time, the bones of the spine, chest and shoulder are strengthened. The fetal skin remains thin and wrinkled. It has a reddish color because the blood vessels are visible through them.
The female fetus develops the female reproductive organs – the fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina.
Twentieth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
The twentieth week marks the end of the first half of pregnancy. The fruit size exceeds 16 cm and weighs about 32 grams. At this stage, you can often feel fetal movements.
In addition, fetal movements can be seen during ultrasound examination. The skin of the fetus is covered with a waxy substance that protects the delicate and thin skin of the fetus from the amniotic fluid. In addition, this coating facilitates the passage of the fetus through the birth canal during childbirth.
At this stage, the placenta reaches its maximum thickness. As the fetus develops, a pregnant woman feels more and more pressure on her lungs, stomach, kidneys and bladder. At the same time, the abdomen increases significantly in size, and the woman often feels shortness of breath.
Twenty first week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
By the 21st week of pregnancy, the length of the fetus reaches 17 centimeters and weighs about 380 grams. He becomes more mobile; Moreover, these movements, breathing and heartbeat are cyclical, that is, the fetus has certain periods during the day when it sleeps or is awake.
Unfortunately, these cycles do not always coincide with the mother's cycles: the fetus may begin to actively move late in the evening, when its mother is about to go to bed.
At this time, some important events are noted, namely, the fetus acquires the ability to swallow, which allows it to consume glucose and water from the amniotic fluid. At the same time, essential nutrients continue to flow through the placenta. Although the liver and spleen remain the main suppliers of blood cells, gradually the fetal bone marrow takes over the functions of hematopoiesis.
Twenty second week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
By this time, the fetal limbs (arms and legs) become more proportional to the body - the fetus resembles a miniature child. By the 22nd week of pregnancy, the length of the fetus is 19 cm and its weight is 460 grams. By the middle of pregnancy, the baby’s weight is 7–8 times less than the weight of the newborn, that is, the baby still has significant growth and development ahead.
In a male fetus, the testicles begin to move from the abdominal cavity towards the scrotum. In a female fetus, the uterus and ovaries fill with immature eggs, and the formation of the vagina begins. The surface of the fetal skin is covered with a thin fluff, which allows it to retain a surface protective mucous lubricant.
By this time, it becomes possible to communicate with the fetus, which begins to respond to rhythm and melody. It is believed that after birth, the child reacts to the same songs and melodies that he heard in the prenatal period.
Twenty-third week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At week 23, the fetus gains significant weight (more than 70 grams). The next 5 weeks are a period of intense growth. At this time, the convolutions of the brain begin to form.
Other areas of the brain are also formed that are responsible for emotions, feelings of hunger, sex drive, balance and other basic instincts and impulses. Around this time, the so-called rapid eye movement (REM) phenomenon occurs, which is characteristic of adults in a state of sleep when dreams occur.
Twenty-fourth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At this stage, the length of the fetus is 20 cm and the weight is 630 grams; The cardiovascular system is actively developing, in particular the blood vessels of the lungs. The skin remains transparent and superficial blood vessels are visible through it. The eyes also develop, and a number of hand reflexes appear.
At the 24th week, the lungs are actively preparing for independent breathing in the extrauterine state. In particular, the lungs begin to produce a substance called surfactant, which, during exhalation, prevents the walls of the alveoli - the microscopic lung cavities that allow breathing - from sticking together.
By the way, children born prematurely at this stage have a certain chance of survival, thanks to modern methods of intensive nursing of newborns, which includes, among other things, the use of surfactant.
Twenty-fifth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At this stage, the main parts of the fetal body are considered sufficiently formed. In particular, the hands, although small in size, already have a characteristic appearance.
However, hand movements remain insufficiently coordinated due to the fact that the connection between the nerves and the brain is not yet developed. At 25 weeks of pregnancy, the brain is actively developing, in particular its cortex, which is responsible for conscious functions, emotions, planning, cause and effect and the ability to solve problems.
Brain development is accompanied by the addition of a number of convolutions and folds, which contributes to the expansion of the total area of the cerebral cortex, ensuring interactions between nerve cells and nerve fibers.
The result is that the unborn child responds more adequately to external stimuli, in particular to various sounds. The fetus may begin to kick due to loud noises. Also, on an ultrasound examination, you can see how the fetus puts its miniature hands to its ears.
Twenty-sixth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
The size of the fetus at this stage is 23 cm in length and weight is 820 grams. The future baby can already hear external sounds, as well as have taste sensations and recognize different smells.
Scientific studies have shown that if a little sugar is introduced into the amniotic fluid, this will lead to the fact that the fetus will begin to swallow more of this fluid. Conversely, the introduction of substances with a bitter taste leads to the fact that the fetus swallows less amniotic fluid.
It should be noted that substances you eat, such as garlic, can “flavor” the amniotic fluid that contains the fetus. At the 26th week, the fetal eyelids, which were previously tightly closed, can now open and the unborn baby is able to examine the space around him.
Despite the young age, the fetal lungs become quite developed. Alveoli become pronounced - microscopic sacs that make up the lungs, and which after birth will be responsible for exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen.
The skin of the unborn baby has many folds and wrinkles, which allows fat to accumulate underneath. The brain is actively developing at this stage and begins to consume a significant amount of energy - about 50 percent of all the energy consumed by the fetus.
Twenty-seventh week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
The 27th week marks the end of the second semester of pregnancy, as well as the beginning of intensive growth and development. At this stage, the fetus is 3 times larger than it was when it was 12 weeks old.
The bones of the fetus are already quite strong, but they are still weakly connected to each other due to the fact that the tendons and ligaments remain undeveloped. At the same time, bones together with muscles allow the fetus to actively move inside the uterus.
Muscle coordination is sufficient for the fetus to be able to suck his thumb, but there is no need to worry about this as this reflex allows the muscles of the jaw and cheeks to develop, which is important for the future baby when he is born and begins to suckle. At this stage, the development of the lungs and immune system continues, which is designed to protect against bacteria and viruses.
Twenty-eighth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
As the third trimester of pregnancy begins, you can breathe a sigh of relief. The fact is that babies born at 28 weeks of pregnancy have an almost 90 percent chance of survival without any subsequent physical or neurological complications. At this stage, the length of the fetus is 25 cm and the weight is about 1000 grams.
The fetal eyes are already quite developed; they have a retina, which is a collection of nerve cells - the so-called optic rods and cones. The optic rods provide vision in low light, while the cones enable color discrimination. Thus, the unborn baby is already showing the ability to respond to light of varying intensities, despite the fact that he is still in the womb, where light does not penetrate.
It is interesting to note that most often the eyes of the fetus are either brown or blue. However, eye color (especially blue) tends to change after birth as eye pigmentation is fully formed with exposure to outside light.
Twenty-ninth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
Since at this stage there is an active accumulation of subcutaneous fatty tissue, wrinkles in the fetus begin to smooth out. Fat fiber is an important source of energy for the growing allod and will also help maintain the required body temperature after birth.
Before birth, the function of maintaining body temperature is performed by the placenta, due to which the temperature of the fetus is slightly higher than after birth. The bones of the fetus are fully developed, but they remain somewhat flexible and continue to harden.
The unborn baby is able to actively breathe, but does not yet do this until he is born. At the 29th week, the fetus can already cry, secreting tears. He also becomes a baby acrobat, performing somersaults inside his mother's womb.
Thirtieth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At this stage, the length of the fetus is 27 cm and the weight is 1300 grams, while vision and auditory functions are actively developing. In particular, the fetus begins to blink frequently, thanks to the ability to react to light and darkness, and can also distinguish between high and low sounds.
This allows the future baby to better perceive different voices and even enjoy the singing of the future mother. Fetal blood cells are produced primarily by the bone marrow.
Although they do not yet supply oxygen, the fetal lungs play an active role in its metabolism. The lungs are filled with a special fluid that is different from amniotic fluid. This fluid will allow the future baby to empty his lungs after birth in order to prepare for his first breath.
Thirty-first week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
The fetal breathing rate at the 31st week of pregnancy is 30-40% of the frequency that is necessary for proper breathing in a newborn. The bones continue to harden. In order for the bones of the fetus to develop sufficiently, the expectant mother needs to take calcium in sufficient quantities, which is a building substance for bones.
Calcium is found in significant quantities in dairy products, especially fermented milk. At this stage, intensive brain development also occurs. From this age until birth, the weight of the fetal brain will double.
At the 31st week of pregnancy (approximately 29 weeks after conception), active preparation for future generations occurs due to the fact that the fetus increasingly exhibits sexual characteristics. If it is a boy, then the testicles descend into the groin area in order to be located in the scrotum.
If it is a girl, then the clitoris is quite visible in the fetus. At the same time, the endocrine glands of the adrenal glands develop, which are capable of producing hormones such as steroids that promote the formation of the genital organs.
Thirty-second week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
Although it is still too early before birth, the fetus’s body is already actively preparing for birth. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are produced entirely by the bone marrow. The scalp begins to disappear, and at the same time the hair on the head begins to grow.
The length of the fruit is 28 cm and the weight is 1700 grams. As the fetus continues to grow, the internal space in the womb becomes increasingly limited.
For this reason, the fetus increasingly pulls its legs towards its stomach, acquiring what is usually called the intrauterine position. At this time, the toenails become clearly visible.
Thirty-third week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At this stage, the fetus's facial features become more and more pronounced, eyelashes and eyebrows appear. He looks more and more like a newborn baby. The number of brain convolutions continues to increase, and at the same time its functions become more developed.
The brain centers responsible for vision, smell, hearing function, speech and walking are formed. Although complex functions such as memory and imagination remain undeveloped, the brain is able to control the rhythm of breathing, the contractile function of the digestive organs, and body temperature, which are extremely important after leaving the womb.
The fetal bones continue to harden. The exception is the bones of the skull, which remains insufficiently formed. The fetal skull consists of five unconnected flat bones - plates.
This structure of the skull ensures its flexibility during passage through the birth canal - it can slightly decrease in diameter and lengthen, and then return to a rounded shape after birth. A newborn baby has a soft area on the top of the head called the fontanelle. It usually “overgrows” within a year after birth.
Thirty-fourth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
Although the movements of the fetus are still barely noticeable, by the 34th week its size becomes quite impressive: the length is 30 cm and the weight is 2100 grams. There is less and less space for it in the womb. The unborn baby begins to secrete urine, which enters the amniotic fluid with sweat and other biological fluids.
Fortunately, fetal urine is sterile. In addition, the amniotic fluid is completely renewed every 3 hours. The nails become fully formed so that the future baby can even scratch himself.
At this stage, the fetus usually takes its final position ready for birth - head down. A pregnant woman may feel some pressure on the cervix. If delivery occurs at 34 weeks of pregnancy, the newborn has an excellent chance of survival, since at this stage of development the lungs and immune system are considered fully formed.
Thirty-fifth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
The main task of the future baby now is to gain as much weight as possible (lucky!). During these last weeks of intrauterine life, he will gain 400 - 500 grams weekly. There are two types of adipose tissue that accumulates in the fetus.
The first type is the so-called brown fat. It makes up only 5 percent of total fat, but contains a large number of so-called mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy. They ensure the maintenance of normal temperature in the newborn, protecting him from hypothermia. Brown fat usually accumulates on the back and shoulders of the unborn baby and newborn.
Another type of adipose tissue is the so-called white fat. Thanks to it, babies look plump, especially on the cheeks, arms and legs. As children age, they lose this fat.
The skin of the fetus becomes increasingly covered with a special lubricant. It acts as a moisturizer, protecting the delicate skin of the fetus. Lubricant also facilitates the passage of the fetus through the birth canal.
Thirty-sixth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
At this stage, the fetus is increasingly losing the fluff that covered its skin. His cheeks become even plumper due to the accumulation of fatty tissue, as well as the development of muscles, which will subsequently provide the sucking function, which is extremely important for the newborn, whose main nutrients come through breast milk.
It is known that the food products that the expectant mother consumes significantly influence the taste preferences of the future baby. Therefore, it is important to monitor your diet, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy.
Thirty-seventh week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
If the baby was born this week, then it is considered that he was born on time. Its weight is 2500 grams. At this stage, the unborn baby has a sufficient amount of fat accumulation, which provides warmth. Its internal organs can function independently. At this stage, he takes the final position ready for childbirth - usually head down.
The future baby hears well and can study and recognize voices. That is why, after birth, he can give preference to the voices that he recognizes. He can also recognize lullabies he heard while in utero. Amazingly, a newborn can even recognize texts that were read aloud while he was still in the womb and distinguish them from new information.
Thirty-eighth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
It is very difficult to predict the exact date of birth of a child. The period calculated by the obstetrician-gynecologist is only approximate. In 95 percent of cases, birth occurs 2 weeks earlier or 2 weeks later than expected.
The most striking thing about what happens after birth is that the newborn begins to breathe after 9 months of the prenatal period with virtually no air. In the fetus, blood does not flow to the lungs, despite the pumping of the heart and the presence of pulmonary blood vessels. Blood enters the lungs only after the first breath, accompanied by a drop in blood pressure in the lungs, allowing blood to move into the blood vessels of the lungs. At the same time, some blood vessels that provided blood circulation to the fetus in the prenatal period begin to close.
The center of the brain responsible for breathing begins to give signals that allow the muscles of the diaphragm to contract and the chest to expand. These processes are well coordinated, which will allow the unborn baby to breathe normally after birth.
Thirty-ninth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
If by this time the unborn baby does not move much, this is simply because there is not enough space for movement. The weight of the fetus at this stage averages about 3200 grams, but the weight usually varies significantly among many future babies. The hair fuzz practically disappears, but usually remains on the back and shoulders.
In boys, the testicles should descend completely into the scrotum, and in girls, the vagina forms. The placenta continues to supply the unborn baby with antibodies that protect him from bacteria and viruses for 6 months after birth.
By the end of pregnancy, the newborn's brain size is one quarter of its final size. It consists of about 100 billion neurons - the main nerve cells. This is almost the final set of nerve cells, the number of which will no longer increase. Neurons in the brain are connected via nerve fibers to 200 thousand nerve cells located in various parts of the body, creating the most extensive network in the body, ensuring the coordination of its basic functions.
Fetal development:
Fortieth week of pregnancy
Fetal development:
If the baby has not yet been born, this will happen very soon. Pregnancy, in terms of physical sensations and experiences, is perhaps the most amazing period in a woman’s life. The same can be said about the future baby. Imagine that for 9 months he was in warm conditions, immersed in liquid.
Suddenly it all goes away as the amniotic sac ruptures and the amniotic fluid leaks out. Uterine contractions begin, stimulated by oxytocin, a brain hormone. At the same time, the cervix dilates. Contractions of the uterus compress the fetal body, pushing it out of the womb.
After some time, the baby finds himself in a completely new environment. Moreover, all organs - stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys - should immediately start working. The blood flow must change its course, entering the lungs and supplying oxygen coming from the outside air. The nervous system begins to react to a huge flow of information coming from the outside, especially through vision. Air enters the lungs for the first time, and the newborn screams - a new life has begun. Congratulations to mom - you created a miracle!
How to eat during your pregnancy according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization
Increase in calories:
- +200 kcal at 7-9 months
Legumes, meat, fish, eggs, nuts:
- 2 servings per day.
Prohibited products:
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Raw or undercooked meat, poultry and fish
- Cold smoked meat: salami, prosciutto, chorizo and pepperoni
- Liver
- Pates
- Raw milk and dairy products made from raw, unpasteurized milk
- Soft cheese with a soft rind: brie and camembert, chevre
- Soft blue cheeses: Danish blue, Gorgonzola and Roquefort.
- Fish oil and other sources of vitamin A
- Prohibited fish: shark, swordfish and marlin
Restrictions:
- Tuna no more than 140 g of cooked or 170 g of raw fish per week
- Oily fish: no more than two servings per week. Fatty fish: salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna and herring.
- Caffeine: up to 200 mg per day.
- Herbal and green teas: up to 4 cups per day
- Do not use licorice root in medicines
- Folic acid (vitamin B 9). Eat foods rich in folates. These include spinach, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans and fortified grains. For women at particular risk of folate deficiency, you may need to take additional vitamin B 9 in the amount of 400 mcg (0.4 mg), but in any case you should consult your doctor first.
- Iron: Lean meat. Some green leafy vegetables, beans and peas also contain iron. To get this metal from plants, eat foods rich in vitamin C or folic acid at the same time (i.e. fruits, drinks, bell peppers, tomatoes, kefir). Tea and coffee reduce iron absorption, so drink them between meals rich in metal.
Alcohol:
- Forbidden
Update: October 2018
Any woman preparing to become a mother eagerly awaits the appearance of the two coveted lines on the test. After this moment, worries and worries arise. Is the baby developing normally, when should you go for the first ultrasound, and, finally, when is the birth expected? All these questions can be answered by knowing the exact duration of pregnancy.
What is the gestational age?
Very often, confusion in a pregnant woman’s head arises due to a misunderstanding of this term. Therefore, it is important to know when embryo development begins and when the countdown to birth begins.
After ovulation (release from the ovary), the egg lives for about a day. This is the time that is considered the most favorable for conception. With a menstrual cycle of 28 days, ovulation occurs on the 14th day. At the moment of fertilization, the sperm fuses with the egg, and after a week the developing embryo attaches to the inner lining of the uterus.
Since most women have variable menstrual cycle length, no one knows the exact date of ovulation and conception. Therefore, all obstetricians in the world consider the first day of the last menstruation to be the beginning of pregnancy. 9 months (280 days) after this day the birth should take place. This is the paradox: the pregnancy countdown has already begun, but conception has not yet occurred. Therefore, the lifespan of an embryo is less than the gestation period by an average of 2 weeks.
Methods for determining gestational age and due date
All doctors in the world determine the duration of pregnancy using one main parameter (ultrasound) and two auxiliary parameters (date of menstruation and examination of the pregnant woman).
Ultrasound
The main method is ultrasound examination. It is important to remember that the accuracy of this method is maximum in the first 10-12 weeks, and then it decreases. Therefore, ultrasound of the first trimester is widely used to determine the expected date of birth.
Modern devices can detect the fertilized egg in the uterus as early as 3-5 weeks of pregnancy. As the embryo grows to 3-4 mm, it becomes possible to measure its CTE (coccygeal-parietal size), which serves as the basis for determining the gestational age accurate to the day. Usually, in the conclusion, the doctor indicates which period he has in mind: obstetric (from the last menstruation) or embryonic (from the moment of conception).
After 22 weeks of pregnancy, it is impossible to accurately determine the age of the fetus. But measuring its main parameters (size of the head, length of the femur, abdominal circumference) allows us to assess the dynamics of growth. If it does not correspond to the period stated during ultrasound in the 1st trimester, then there is a possibility of fetal growth retardation syndrome. In addition, there are individual hereditary characteristics (short stature, large head), due to which in the third trimester the gestational age cannot be calculated by ultrasound.
Date of last menstruation - calculation calculator
Determining the gestational age by the day of the last menstruation is the most accessible way for a woman. If the expectant mother is the happy owner of a regular cycle of 28 days, then she can independently and quite accurately calculate the due date. There are special Naegele formulas for this.
PDR = PDPM - 3 months + 7 days
- EDA – estimated date of birth
- PDPM – first day of last menstruation
For example, if the PDPM was on June 15, then the PDP = June 15 - 3 months + 7 days = March 15 + 7 days = March 21. This is the basis for determining the date of birth in all special calculators for calculating the duration of pregnancy.
The gestational age is determined by adding the number of weeks that have passed since this day to the PDPM. Therefore, every woman can calculate the duration of pregnancy using a regular calendar.
When is it impossible to determine the period of menstruation?
- Irregular menstrual cycle. With a cycle longer than 35 days, ovulation does not occur on the 14th day. Therefore, Nägele’s formula will give an inaccurate result (see).
- Taking contraceptives. If you do not take oral contraceptives regularly, pregnancy may occur. Due to sudden ovulation, the formula for calculating the PDP is also not suitable (see).
- If there is a threat of early miscarriage. It happens that there is a threat of termination of pregnancy at the earliest possible stage. Very often it manifests itself as scanty bleeding on the days corresponding to the expected menstruation. That is, a woman can confuse bleeding at the 5th week of pregnancy with normal menstruation, and will not even realize her interesting situation. In such cases, the period is determined using ultrasound.
Examination of a pregnant woman
Registration of each pregnant woman at the antenatal clinic begins with an examination. Determining the size of the uterus and the height of its fundus (that is, the upper part) can provide approximate information about the gestational age. This method is not 100% accurate. After all, the individual location of the uterus, fibroids and a full bladder can make examination difficult. And multiple pregnancy is associated with a large increase in this organ.
HCG level
Already 8-10 days after conception, the B-subunit of hCG is detected in the blood of the expectant mother. This hormone appears during pregnancy and doubles every 2-3 days (see). It is possible to judge the gestational age by its level only indirectly.
- Firstly, hCG norms for each week of pregnancy have a wide range.
- Secondly, its level increases with multiple pregnancies and some fetal anomalies. Therefore, there is no point in relying on this hormone when calculating the gestational age by week, when more accurate methods are available (ultrasound, for example).
Date of first movement
It is believed that primiparous women feel fetal movements from the 20th week of pregnancy. Multiparous women can feel them as early as 16-18 weeks. In fact, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the mother and child, the thickness of the fat layer on the pregnant woman’s abdomen and her desire to feel the kicks. In addition, intestinal peristalsis is often mistaken for the first movements. Therefore, you should not rely on this indicator in calculating the gestational age.
How to determine the gestational age during IVF?
During in vitro fertilization, many women doubt how to correctly count the weeks of pregnancy. After all, an already developing embryo is implanted into the uterine cavity. But regardless of the method of fertilization (naturally, sperm insemination or IVF), the gestational age is determined from the first day of the last menstruation. The only exception can be considered IVF with a protocol for suppressing menstruation (superlong protocol). In this case, the period is counted from the day of embryo transfer with the addition of two weeks.
Why do doctors determine the exact duration of pregnancy?
- To assess the rate of fetal development
- To determine the due date
- To screen for chromosomal mutations (Down syndrome, etc.)
- To determine the viability of a child during premature birth
The main goal of determining the gestational age for the expectant mother is to tune in to the approaching birth of the baby and get acquainted with information about intrauterine development week by week.
Calculate
Pregnancy term calculator
For many women, the feeling of an upcoming or already begun pregnancy occurs before the test shows two lines - that is, even before the actual delay. Scientists cannot yet give an explanation for these true premonitions, but the concept of Early Pregnancy Factor has already been introduced into the scientific lexicon, which describes the chemical reactions of the mother’s body in response to the accomplished conception after just a few hours. Currently, there are already tests for identifying the Early Factor hormone in the female body, but due to their significantly high cost, these tests are not produced on an industrial scale.
On average, birth occurs 10 obstetric months (280 days) after pregnancy, when the baby is ripe for birth. However, it should be noted that 280 days is the conditional number of days of bearing a child. All women's bodies are different, and all babies mature differently in their mother's tummy. Some will need 280 days, while others will be “already ready” in 240 days. Only 2% of newborns are born on a precisely calculated day. Most children are two weeks earlier, or several days later than the appointed time. The duration of pregnancy and childbirth is calculated based on the date of the start of the last menstruation.
If we take into account all the changes that occur with the baby almost every day during pregnancy, and especially the first trimester, then in general these processes in importance and complexity, in depth, can be compared with the birth of a new universe. Every day of the little baby inside you is not just a step, it is a huge leap, a breakthrough forward. The birth of a new life, despite the scale of achievements, does not require any external efforts... everything happens under the cover of secrecy. After all, the woman herself learns that conception has occurred only after some time. Thanks to modern technology, scientists have been able to study a little of the great mystery of birth - where EVERYTHING begins. Enter your data and flip through the pages of the calendar of human life development throughout pregnancy. Believe me, amazing discoveries await you!
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Express tour: pregnancy week by week
Pregnancy women lasts 280 days or 40 weeks, which is 9 months. This difficult path to meeting mother and baby is usually divided into trimesters, each a week which has its own characteristics and characteristics. Each trimester consists of three months.
First trimester: weeks 1-13
At the “start” after conception, an embryo is formed, but the signs are barely noticeable by the mother. Details:
- 1 Week— for pregnancy to occur, it is necessary to attach an egg traveling through the tubes to the wall of the uterus. The expectant mother feels the world more deeply and becomes more thoughtful. Many women at this stage feel symptoms like before menstruation - pulling in the lower back, aching in the stomach. To determine the length of pregnancy in weeks and calculate the date of delivery based on the last menstrual days, use our pregnancy calculator. Try not to take pills and eat right;
- 2 week- a follicle matures in the ovaries during ovulation, then it bursts, the egg comes out, the breasts become sensitive, irritability increases slightly, but libido also increases. No saunas or steam baths during this period! No heavy lifting! Only exercise, swimming, quitting smoking, orange juices and green vegetables rich in folic acid, which helps absorb iron! Taste habits change, you often want to go to the toilet, your blood pressure decreases;
- 3 week- the embryo lives in the mother’s body, the egg is fertilized by a sperm, divides, and after 2.5 weeks reaches the uterus, which by the end of this period becomes loose. Nothing prevents the egg from reliably attaching to the mucous membrane. The metabolism changes, the mammary glands become coarser. You need to replace sweets with nuts, eat foods rich in calcium, proteins, folic acid, iron;
- 4 week- the mother detects a delay in menstruation, nausea and malaise may appear. Hormones released during pregnancy can already be seen in the urine during laboratory analysis. The embryo develops internal organs, the mother needs vitamins;
- 5 week- the uterus thickens, the baby looks like a tadpole, but its eyes and nostrils are already formed, it already has a heart, and the base of the skeleton is formed. The baby receives nutrition and oxygen from the mother's blood. A woman’s ovaries actively release progesterone, and the mother’s immunity decreases. In 7 days, the embryo grows to half a centimeter;
- week 6— the amniotic sac is forming, protecting the embryo from any troubles, the nervous and circulatory systems are developing hourly. The processes of creation of the brain, liver, respiratory organs, and pancreas occur. The baby grows up to 1.3 cm;
- week 7- the size of the embryo's head reaches 0.8 cm. The visual system is formed, the neural tubes thicken, the upper part of the intestine secretes the esophagus, stomach and pharynx, the bladder and rectum are visible under the lower part, and in male embryos - the prostate. A woman's facial skin may become oily during this period, like a teenager. Hormonal changes can cause itching. In case of any troubles, it is better to consult a doctor for advice;
- 8 week- the nervous system receives maximum development, the medulla oblongata is ready for work, the spinal cord and brain are already fully formed, the eyes are still without eyelids, there is a nose, fingers and elbow joints appear on the arms. Mothers should protect themselves from infections;
- Week 9- the third month begins, the face takes on human features, eyelids form, a sucking reflex appears, the circulatory system circulates inside the tiny organism, the heart acquires three chambers, the bronchi branch. Mom's breasts increase so much that the next bra number is required. The uterus enlarges, the ligaments stretch, pulling sensations in the lower abdomen are normal for this period;
- 10 week— A 5-centimeter embryo is already considered a fetus; an ultrasound can determine its gender. His nervous system is divided into central and peripheral, the cerebral hemispheres become more independent. The enlarged uterus can be felt even with your hands, you constantly want to go to the toilet;
- 11 week- the baby’s body gradually straightens, reaching 5.9 cm, the legs begin to actively catch up with the arms, irises form near the eyes, and lymphocytes appear. The mother's kidneys experience a double load, removing waste products for two;
- 12 week- A 50-gram fetus has grown to more than 7 centimeters, the chest moves noticeably when breathing, the heart beats more than 150 beats per minute, milk teeth, vocal cords, and diaphragm are forming. The mother needs to get enough sleep, exercise, and remain calm;
- Week 13— the placenta has reached 16 mm, becoming reliable protection for the baby. From this point on, the body will even tolerate taking antibiotics if necessary. Bones and ribs need calcium. Without subcutaneous fatty tissue, the skin appears wrinkled. Mom may become constipated, her blood pressure may drop, and her kidneys may be bothered. It is important to eat right in order to gain no more than 11 kg during the entire pregnancy, and for a multiple pregnancy - no more than 17 kg;
Second trimester: 14-27 weeks
This is a gently flowing period of bearing a baby, during which the mother’s body is completely ready to work for two, despite the weight gain, rounding of shape, and the appearance of a belly. The embryo's internal organs and systems are fully formed, the child moves his limbs, sucks his finger, and the feeling of his movements gives the mother endless delight. More details:
- Week 14— the baby maintains the chemical composition of the amniotic fluid by secreting urine into it up to several times a day. The ovaries in girls and the prostate in boys are improving. Lack of vitamins affects the mother’s well-being. She has the feeling that there is not enough air. It is worth eating less potatoes and legumes. You may be allergic to strawberries, peaches, and oranges;
- Week 15- the baby’s heart distills about 23 liters of blood, convolutions form in the brain, bone marrow develops, the intestines form original feces, and the amount of amniotic fluid increases. You can talk to your baby! The height of the uterus reaches 14 cm. The woman begins to blossom;
- Week 16— the date the baby moves helps to more accurately determine the date of delivery; he actively moves every 10 minutes. He opens his eyes for the first time. Fetal movement may appear by the 20th week. Exercise and the right menu improve the mother’s condition;
- Week 17- the weight of the fetus exceeds 100 g, and the height reaches 12 cm. He and the mother require calcium and healthy food, since the body type is being determined. A woman feels pressure in her stomach and liver. You have to eat many times a day in small portions so that your stomach has time to cope. Sometimes leg cramps appear due to a lack of B vitamins, magnesium, calcium;
- Week 18- the height of a small child is 13 cm, weight - 170 g, head diameter - almost 4 cm, fingers become proportional, foot length reaches 2.5 cm. Mothers rejoice, feeling his movements. At this time, there is a high probability of determining the baby’s gender using an ultrasound. The ideal weekly weight gain for a mother is 500 g. To reduce swelling, you need to consume less salt;
- Week 19- the child reacts to screams, the volume of the voice, turns his head towards the sound. Listen to pleasant music, do not quarrel with your family. A pattern is formed on children's palms. The kicks in the tummy become more distinct. Women do not always distinguish the movement of the fetus from the processes that occur in the intestines;
- Week 20- the endocrine system is formed, parts of the brain are improving, the baby can swallow, has good hearing, his weight is about 290 g, his height is about 24 cm. Mommy’s waist disappears from the rounding of the tummy, the first stretch marks appear, a comfortable bra is required;
- 21 weeks- if a baby is suddenly born after this period, his ability to survive increases significantly. Systems and organs are formed, the stomach and chest, the head grow, subcutaneous fat is formed, receptors on the tongue distinguish taste, the first leukocytes appear in his body. Requires a lot of protein and 4 times more carbohydrates;
- Week 22— the brain weighs 100 g, the height of the fetus is 28 cm, weight is about 430 g, the mass of the heart increases, ligaments and vertebrae are clearly visible. It is necessary to count the baby's movements, since swelling can compress the blood vessels that carry nutrition to the placenta;
- Week 23- alveoli are formed, the respiratory system develops. Mom needs to drink a lot of water, since plasma consists of it. The fuzz on the child’s head is noticeable during ultrasound examination; the muscles, spine, bones, and aorta are clearly visible;
- Week 24— the baby’s skin gradually smoothes out, thanks to the appearance of subcutaneous fatty tissue. The baby feels the mother's emotions. The doctor listens to how the heart beats, whether the chest and tummy have grown, what is the diameter of the head;
- Week 25— the child’s weight is 680 g, height is 34 cm. The bone marrow is connected to blood formation. In order for the alveoli to function, surfactant accumulates in the lungs. The fundus of the mother’s uterus has risen to 25 cm, her legs get tired more often, and lower back pain appears;
- Week 26— the baby has grown to 35 cm, gained more than 770 g, smells, reacts faster to voices. The diameter of the head is now 65.1 mm, the stomach is 67.4 mm, the chest is 65.8 mm. By this time, the woman puts things aside and spares herself more;
- Week 27- setting the speed of reactions and metabolic processes. The mother needs to gain strength for the upcoming third of gestation. The period is characterized by frequent shortness of breath due to a feeling of lack of air.
Third trimester: 28 weeks until delivery
The most difficult stage for a mother is from 7 months before giving birth. It is accompanied by the active growth of the baby, preparing the child for independent existence. Details:
- Week 28- the baby is exactly 7 months old, you can determine whether he will be right-handed or left-handed. To do this, the ultrasound shows which hand he most often reaches for his mouth. There is already enough surfactant in the lungs to prevent the alveoli from sticking together during the first breath;
- Week 29— the baby’s height has reached 38 cm, weight is more than 1 kg. Only his belly and folds are lubricated. He becomes cramped inside his mother, and the blood fully protects him from infections, but venous and arterial blood still mix. The daily portion of urine excreted is 500 g. The mother is entitled to maternity leave at this time;
- Week 30— the baby’s chest has grown to 77.4 mm, and the tummy has grown to 79.3 mm. The cerebral cortex is formed, the child begins to remember some sounds and sensations. Mom will have to visit the gynecologist weekly. Due to the increased pressure on the blood vessels during sleep, your arms go numb and your legs cramp. The ligaments become elastic, you can do light stretching exercises in the pelvic area;
- 31 weeks— the child’s weekly weight gain is about 200 g. The child needs subcutaneous fat that retains heat. The pigment accumulates in the hair and iris of the eyes. Sometimes the uterus rehearses childbirth, one-off contractions appear;
- Week 32- the baby weighs 1700 g, body length - over 40 cm. If the placenta “gets old”, nutrition will be disrupted, and developmental abnormalities will appear. By this period, the first hair appears. The mother produces vasopressin and oxytocin;
- Week 33- the child has to assume the fetal position because there is not enough space. The body reached 43 cm, the head - 8.2 cm, the tummy - 87.4 mm, the breast - 85 mm. The placenta copes with the function of protecting the baby from harmful factors and nourishes it through the blood;
- 34 week— the baby weighs 2.1 kg. The placenta produces hormones that cause lactation. Its thickness is 3.39 cm. It is important not to overdo it with calcium intake in order to avoid birth injuries. It is necessary to continue to count the movements of the fetus - 4-6 movements are considered the norm;
- — childbirth is possible this week, but much is determined by heredity. The head is 1/4 the length of the body, its diameter is 91 mm. The feet became more defined. The baby's genitals and reflexes are developed. The placenta dries out and supplies nutrition worse. The mother is focused on the upcoming meeting with the baby;
- Week 39- the baby weighs 3.3 kg, height - 51.5 cm. Thanks to the fontanelles made of cartilage tissue, the bones of the skull remain pliable so that the child can pass through the birth canal. The baby will be able to distinguish objects at a distance of 30 cm from the eyes. The placenta ages and the fetus experiences a lack of oxygen. Mom prepares things for the maternity hospital and documents;
- week 40- the child patiently waited for this hour, gained more than 3.5 kg, grew to 53 cm. The mother becomes worried if labor does not occur. Before giving birth, you often want to go to the toilet, your lower back ache, your cervix gradually opens, and colostrum is released from your nipples.
If labor does not occur at 40 weeks, it doesn’t matter. The norm is resolution within 42 weeks. All you have to do is trust nature. Only 10% of women in labor reach the 42nd week. Dopplerography and ultrasound are performed to assess the condition of the baby and mother. The main thing is to remain calm so as not to harm the health of mother and child.
"cervix" in Latin means "cervix") or the cervical canal. The cervix is 4 cm long and the width of the cervical canal is a maximum of 4 mm. The shape of the canal resembles a spindle, that is, its widest part is in the center of the cervix, and the canal narrows upward and downward. This form ensures the preservation of the mucous plug, which is normally present in the cervical canal.
Description
This calculator will allow you to calculate at what stage of pregnancy you are now, the date of future birth, the date of conception, and even the zodiac sign of the unborn baby and its zodiac animal according to the Eastern calendar. You will also be able to determine the age of the fetus, its weight and height, and how much time is left before birth. To do this, you need to enter the date of the first day of your last menstrual period and the length of your menstrual cycle. In addition, our calculator generates a very convenient and practical pregnancy table by week. Using it, you can figure out what week of pregnancy you are currently in, as well as track the height and weight of your unborn child.