Source: bing.comTable of Contents
Week 1-2
Congratulations, mom-to-be! In the first and second weeks of pregnancy, your body is preparing for the big event. At this stage, you are not technically pregnant yet, but your body is getting ready for ovulation. During ovulation, an egg is released from your ovary, and if sperm is present, it may fertilize the egg, resulting in pregnancy. Although it’s too early to tell if you are pregnant, your body is already working hard to support your future baby.
Week 3-4
At this stage, you may not even know that you are pregnant yet. However, if fertilization has occurred, the fertilized egg (now called a zygote) will travel down the fallopian tube and into the uterus. Once it reaches the uterus, the zygote will implant into the uterine lining. This is the beginning of pregnancy!
Week 5-6
During weeks 5 and 6, your baby’s heart begins to beat for the first time! This amazing milestone happens just a few weeks after conception. Your baby is also starting to develop organs and systems such as the digestive system, nervous system, and circulatory system.
Week 7-8
At this stage, your baby is now officially called an embryo. It has grown to the size of a raspberry, and all major organs and systems are in place. Your baby’s arms and legs are also forming, and tiny fingers and toes are beginning to emerge.
Week 9-10
During weeks 9 and 10, your baby is about the size of a cherry! Your baby’s facial features are becoming more defined, and tiny tooth buds are forming under the gums. Your baby is also starting to move around, although you won’t be able to feel it just yet.
Week 11-12
At this stage, your baby is growing rapidly and is about the size of a lime. Your baby’s intestines are starting to move into its abdomen, and the vocal cords are forming. Your baby is also starting to develop reflexes and may suck its thumb or make a fist.
Week 13-14
During weeks 13 and 14, your baby is about the size of a lemon. Your baby’s skin is becoming more transparent, and you may be able to see blood vessels under its skin. Your baby’s hair is also starting to grow, and it may start to develop its own sleeping and waking cycles.
Week 15-16
At this stage, your baby is about the size of an avocado. Your baby’s ears are now in their final position, and your baby is starting to hear sounds from the outside world. Your baby is also starting to develop more fat under its skin, which will help regulate its body temperature after birth.
Week 17-18
During weeks 17 and 18, your baby is about the size of a bell pepper. Your baby is starting to develop its own unique fingerprints, and the nervous system is maturing. Your baby is also starting to have more control over its movements and may start to hiccup or yawn.
Week 19-20
At this stage, your baby is about the size of a mango. Your baby’s eyebrows and eyelashes are starting to grow, and your baby can now hear your voice and other sounds more clearly. Your baby is also starting to practice breathing movements.
Week 21-22
During weeks 21 and 22, your baby is about the size of a papaya. Your baby is starting to develop more muscle mass, and you may be able to feel your baby’s movements more frequently. Your baby is also starting to develop a sense of taste and may start to swallow small amounts of amniotic fluid.
Week 23-24
At this stage, your baby is about the size of an ear of corn. Your baby’s lungs are now able to produce a substance called surfactant, which helps the lungs inflate and deflate. Your baby is also starting to develop more regular sleep cycles.
Week 25-26
During weeks 25 and 26, your baby is about the size of a head of lettuce. Your baby’s eyes are now opening and closing, and your baby is starting to develop more complex brain function. Your baby is also starting to lay down more fat under its skin.
Week 27-28
At this stage, your baby is about the size of a bunch of grapes. Your baby’s hearing has now fully developed, and your baby is starting to recognize your voice and other familiar sounds. Your baby is also starting to blink and may start to have more vivid dreams.
Week 29-30
During weeks 29 and 30, your baby is about the size of a butternut squash. Your baby’s bones are now fully formed, but are still soft and pliable. Your baby is also starting to develop more complex facial expressions and may start to practice breathing more regularly.
Week 31-32
At this stage, your baby is about the size of a coconut. Your baby is starting to move into its final position in preparation for birth. Your baby is also starting to produce more antibodies and is getting ready to fight off infections after birth.
Week 33-34
During weeks 33 and 34, your baby is about the size of a pineapple. Your baby’s lungs are continuing to mature, and your baby is practicing breathing more frequently. Your baby is also starting to develop more layers of fat, which will help regulate its body temperature after birth.
Week 35-36
At this stage, your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon. Your baby is starting to shed the fine hair (called lanugo) that covered its body, and is laying down more fat under its skin. Your baby is also starting to practice opening and closing its eyes.
Week 37-38
During weeks 37 and 38, your baby is considered full term and is about the size of a watermelon. Your baby’s organs and systems are fully mature, and your baby is getting ready for birth. Your baby is also starting to produce more surfactant, which will help its lungs function properly after birth.
Week 39-40
Congratulations, mom-to-be, you’ve made it to the end! At this stage, your baby is ready to be born and is about the size of a small pumpkin. Your baby may have already engaged in your pelvis, getting into position for birth. Your baby is also starting to shed the outer layer of its skin, and is getting ready to take its first breath of air.
Pregnancy is an amazing journey, and watching your baby grow and develop week by week is truly awe-inspiring. Enjoy this special time, and get ready to meet your little one!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I tell if I’m pregnant during the first week?
A: No, it’s too early to tell if you are pregnant during the first week. However, your body is already preparing for ovulation, which may lead to pregnancy if sperm is present.
Q: When can I feel my baby move?
A: Most women start to feel their baby’s movements (called quickening) between weeks 16 and 25.
Q: Can my baby hear me while it’s still in the womb?
A: Yes, your baby’s hearing develops around week 20, and it can hear your voice and other familiar sounds.
Q: How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
A: The amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and other factors. Talk to your doctor or midwife to determine a healthy weight gain plan.
Q: What should I do if I have questions or concerns during my pregnancy?
A: Always talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any questions or concerns during your pregnancy. They are there to support you and your baby throughout this exciting journey.