Pregnancy Calendar Week 3

Week 3




What's Happening to My Body?

The third week is when the fun really begins! If you have a 28-day menstrual cycle, you'll ovulate this week, and with some luck, you'll conceive.


When calculating the date of your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife takes into account your entire menstrual cycle and begins counting the weeks of your pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from the moment of conception. That day is called the LMP (last menstrual period), and you might as well memorize it now because you'll be asked for your LMP by every health professional who glances your way from now until your baby shows up.


Of course, if your cycle is irregular and you've been having sex frequently, the first day of your last period won't be a good indicator of when you conceived. In this case, ultrasound is the best way to accurately date the pregnancy. Regardess, you'll still get asked your LMP by anyone and everyone you meet.


Now it's time for a refresher course in reproduction in case you were napping during biology class. Feel free to skip ahead if you still don't care about the details.


Out of the Gate
The process of fertilization begins when a ripe egg (ovum) is released from an ovary and is swept into the fallopian tube. For 24 hours, the egg is viable and fertilization may occur, but it usually happens within the first 12 hours. If it doesn't, the egg degenerates and passes out of the body during your next menstrual period.


The Big Meeting
When the egg arrives in the fallopian tube, there may already be sperm waiting for it if intercourse occurred before ovulation (sperm cells can survive up to 72 hours).There are 200 to 300 million sperm in the average ejaculation; fewer than 200 make it to the ovum.


Contact!
About 20 hours after a sperm penetrates the tough outer wall of the ovum, you and your mate's chromosomes come together. Dad determines the baby's sex. An X chromosome from him means it's a girl, a Y chromosome means it's a boy. Twelve hours later, the first cell division takes place. The fertilized egg continues to divide about every 12 hours, and it begins to move down your fallopian tube to your uterus.


Onward to the Uterus
About three days after conception, the fertilized ovum, now called a blastocyst, reaches the uterus, where the blastocyst wanders around for a few days before attaching itself to the uterine wall and alerting your body that it has settled in for the long haul. The lining of your uterus begins to thicken, your cervix is plugged up to stop any more enterprising sperm or bacteria, and the muscles of your uterus begin to soften.


Having a Blastocyst!
The blastocyst has found its home. The blastocyst is psyched. You, however, are not: You may feel tired, irritable and slightly nauseous. Your breasts may be swollen and tender; smells and tastes may seem stronger. Your body is setting up the baby works, and your hormones are going crazy. You might notice some or all of these signs and begin to wonder ... and so may your partner -- it's hard to ignore a cranky, sleepy person who wants to throw up. All that, and you haven't even missed a period yet!


If your partner gives you any grief at this point, feel free to throw a fit. After all, this is the miracle of life we're talking about.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 6

Week 6

What's Happening to My Body?

In this sixth week of pregnancy, your baby is 4 weeks old.

So how tall is a shrimp? That's right, the growing baby looks more like a tiny shellfish than a human right now, and it's impossible to measure a shrimp -- or your baby -- like you would an infant or adult (from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet) because it doesn't have any feet! Even after the baby develops legs and feet, they're usually pulled close to the body, so the little dumpling is measured from the crown of the "head" to the "rump." Right now, crown-to-rump length is about 2 to 4 millimeters.

This is a very big week for the baby. The beginnings of a backbone and head are quite distinct, and the heart is beating, although it's located on the outside of the body. The arm and leg buds are beginning to show, and the rudimentary eyes are located on the sides of the head, not in front.

Because the internal organs and limbs are in such an early stage of development, the embryo is very sensitive to any drugs, viruses or bacteria that might get past the placental barrier. Most defects begin four to eight weeks into development (six to 10 weeks of pregnancy); this time-span is known as the embryonic period. Substances that can seriously deform or harm the baby at this point are not always as dangerous in the later stages of pregnancy, although they can still cause damage.

You've been pregnant for a month now, but no one can tell by looking at your tummy. So don't use your pregnancy as an excuse to grow a Haagen-Dazs belly just yet. Your breasts might be larger, which may be an improvement, or it may simply be annoying. Remind your mate to appreciate your augmented chest gently because it's probably quite sensitive. You may have gained a pound or two, but if you've been extremely nauseated, you could have lost weight. (Speaking of vomit, here's a tip: Don't take your prenatal vitamin with citrus juice because the acidic combination can upset your already queasy stomach. Taking it at bedtime may also help).

Pregnancy Calendar Week 5

Week 5

What's Happening to My Body?

The countdown continues: Five weeks down, 35 to go. Your baby is now 3 weeks old, and even though the cells are multiplying, he sure doesn't look human yet. How could he, really? He's barely a millimeter long!

The cells are beginning to divide into three separate layers that will develop into different body parts. The inner layer (endoderm) will become the respiratory and digestive systems; the middle layer (mesoderm) forms bones, most muscles, cartilage, sex organs, kidneys and the circulatory system; and the outer layer (ectoderm) will develop into skin, hair and the nervous system.

Right now, your baby looks like a tube with a cleft at each end; the slight swelling at one end will develop into the brain. The central nervous system, heart, skeleton and muscles are in the earliest stages of development. The somites have appeared; these are tight groups of cells that appear as bumps along the middle of the embryo. They will become vertebrae, ribs and some muscles. Blood vessels appear in the yolk sac and embryo, and a primitive cardiovascular system emerges.

Is your head spinning yet? Could be the science lesson -- or it could be the earliest preggers symptoms creeping in. Then again, it's probably the science lesson.

By now, you've missed your period, which is always a shock to the body and mind, even if you haven't noticed any other signs of pregnancy. Maybe you haven't noticed them because you're asleep -- fatigue is common in early pregnancy. Your mood may shift erratically from cranky to cracked. To top it off, you have to pee all the time, and even a slight whiff of certain smells may turn your stomach. Who named that feeling morning sickness? Well, it isn't just about mornings anymore...

All of this, and the whole idea of becoming a parent, might be freaking you out a bit. If so, you're right on schedule.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 9

Week 9

What's Happening to My Body?

The countdown continues: Nine weeks down, 31 to go. Your baby is now 7 weeks old; her crown-to-rump length is about 20 millimeters, or close to one inch.

She's definitely looking less shrimp-like. Limbs are longer and the fingers have notches between them. Those feet have toe buds already. The head is not as hunched over as it used to be, and the neck is becoming more distinct. The external ears can be seen. Nerve connections have begun in the brain, but the embryo is far from being conscious.

Although you can't feel it, the baby is now moving, and this can be seen with an ultrasound machine. If you find yourself saying, "Wow, Baby looks just like Aunt May," make sure Aunt May isn't in the room at the time.

What the ultrasound won't yet reveal is the baby's sex, as the external genitalia for both sexes look quite similar at this point.

Your waist may be thickening, but you probably haven't gained much weight. If you've told anyone who happens to be a mother or father that you're pregnant, you've probably discovered that people love to tell pregnancy and childbirth stories. Even people who aren't parents themselves will have stories and advice for you.

That's the thing about pregnancy, children and parenting -- they're contagious topics that people want to talk and talk and talk about. It's kind of annoying, but in a really cute way. And no matter how much you try to avoid doing this yourself, chances are, you'll do the same thing later on.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 11

Week 11

What's Happening to My Body?

The countdown continues: 11 weeks down, 29 to go. Congratulations, at 9 weeks old (remember, your baby is two weeks behind your official pregnancy date), your baby is now officially a fetus! He measures in at a whopping 2 inches long (5 centimeters); if he was a fruit, he'd be a date.

His head growth has started to slow down, but the rest of his body is still growing very quickly. His bones, which now resemble cartilage, are starting to solidfy. His eyes are shut tight, and it's still hard to to tell whether or not he's a he or a she. He's definitely getting smarter (then it must be a she, right?), as nerve cells in the brain are now constantly sending each other coordinated electrical messages and building a network of connective axons. His little brain is forging the pathways of thought.

Your baby is definitely kicking around a bit, but you still can't feel it. If you think you feel something, it's probably just gas. Sorry.

Your uterus has expanded to fill most of your pelvis, and you can feel your womb by pressing on the middle of your lower belly, just above the pubic bone.

At this point, your practitioner should be able to hear the baby's heartbeat with a hand-held Doppler device, unless there is a lot of extra "you" in your lower belly. You may want to bring a tape recorder to record the baby's first sounds. If you have hip friends, you can have them loop it into an electronic mix, just for the hell of it.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 12

Week 12

What's Happening to My Body?

Still counting: 12 weeks down, 28 to go. Your baby is now 10 weeks old, measures about 2.5 inches (6 centimeters) and weighs about 0.4 ounces (11 grams). If she was a fruit, she'd be a small plum.

By the end of this week, her arms will be almost proportional to the rest of the body, but the legs are not as well developed. The Donald Duck effect of ealier weeks is pretty much gone: no more webbed toes, and toenails are coming in. The genitals are beginning to look male or female. Your practitioner will use a Doppler listening device to hear your baby's heartbeat.

Around this time, the baby starts to urinate in your amniotic fluid. She swallows this fluid for sustenance, but the much of her waste is transferred out of the placenta and into your bloodstream before this happens. Hey, Gandhi might have drunk his own pee, but there's no reason your baby has to.

Your morning sickness should finally be abating; but if you're still enjoying all the extra sympathy, feel free to milk it a little while longer. And if it hasn't tapered off yet, it probably will in the next few weeks.

Unless your morning sickness has been chronic, you've probably gained about 4 to 8 pounds. Most of the weight, however, comes in the final stages of pregnancy.

Your breasts are getting even bigger, Miss Pamela Anderson! And you may be showing a little now, especially if this isn't your first baby. Appreciate your new va-va-voom figure while it lasts because your belly will soon be the main attraction.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 8

Week 8


What's Happening to My Body?

The countdown continues: Eight weeks down, 32 to go. Your baby is now 6 weeks old and measures about 14 millimeters, or a little over half an inch.

By next week, the head will become more rounded and your baby will look a wee bit less like E.T. Eyelids are starting to form. The ears are developing internally and externally. The finger buds are visible and the toe buds will appear at the end of the week. The elbows have appeared, but the arms will not lengthen considerably. The spinal cord is evident, and the vertebrae and ribs are beginning to grow. Muscles and two layers of skin are forming.

Even though your tummy may not be showing yet, your uterus is about as big as a small grapefruit! You may feel some cramping, pain or tightening throughout your pregnancy as your uterus expands. This may be annoying, but it's hard to imagine something going from the size of your finger to a watermelon without a few cramps. Keep in mind that mild cramping is fine as long as the pain isn't severe and/or accompanied by bleeding.

Your breasts are probably still tender and heavy, and your nipples and areolas may be darker.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 15

Week 15

What's Happening to My Body?

The countdown continues: 15 weeks down, 25 to go. Your baby is now nearly 3 months old. He measures about 4 inches (10 centimeters) and weighs around 1.75 ounces (50 grams). If he were a fruit, he'd be a tangerine.

You can relax a bit because your baby is much less susceptible to severe birth defects than he was in the first trimester. His body is catching up to his head size quickly, his bones are solidying and his legs are much longer. His ears look more defined, and his eyes are moving from the sides of his head to the front of his face. Blood vessels can be seen through the thin skin and fine lanugo hairs start to cover his body. He may even be sucking his thumb!

You are officially showing, but it may not be terribly obvious unless you're wearing a bikini or a Star Trek outfit.

You may now be aware that vaginal and urinary tract infections are pretty common during pregnancy (oh joy, oh rapture!). Don't suffer in silence. Call your doctor or midwife so she can prescribe a safe cream or antibiotic.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 14

Week 14

What's Happening to My Body?


The countdown continues: 14 weeks down, 26 to go. Your baby's body parts are maturing and growing, and her reflex responses are developing. She measures about 3 to 3.5 inches (8 to 9 centimeters) and weighs almost an ounce (25 grams). If your baby was a fruit, she'd be a peach.


Are you ready for cool? Right now, if your baby happens to brush her lips with a hand, she will respond by sucking. She's already about twice as long as he was just seven weeks ago, but she's going to save most of her growing for the last eight to ten weeks of pregnancy. The rest of her body is beginning to catch up with her head, which grew tremendously during the embryonic period. Her neck is well defined, and her chin no longer rests on her chest.


If this is not your first pregnancy, maternity clothes might be necessary, because a broken-in belly usually shows a bit more during the second or third go-around. If you're frightened of the maternity muu-muu, you might be able to wear your usual pants or skirts with the help of a rubber band or some hair elastic to expand the button closure. Just make sure this little fashion trick is hidden under your shirt!

Pregnancy Calendar Week 13

Week 13



What's Happening to My Body?


The countown continues: 13 weeks down, 27 to go. Congratulations, you've officially entered the second trimester! Your baby is now about 2.6 to 3.1 inches long (6.5 to 7.8 centimeters) and weighs about half an ounce (14 to 20 grams). If he was a fruit, he'd be a nectarine.


His eyes are well developed now, but the lids won't open for another four months or so. The face is beginning to look more human. The intestines, which used to be partially housed in the umbilical cord, are now completely contained in the baby's body. His bone marrow, liver and spleen can produce blood cells, so the yolk sac is no longer needed and will soon be detached.


As for you, you've probably gained a few pounds, but your belly isn't too large. Your waist is beginning to disappear, and you may feel more comfortable in loose clothes, but the real weight gain is yet to come. Now might be a good time to put your belts in the back of the closet; you won't be needing them for a while. Basically, you look like you've been hitting the Haagen-Dazs a little too hard.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 10

Week 10



What's Happening to My Body?
The countdown continues: 10 weeks down, 30 to go. Your baby is now 8 weeks old and measures about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters). She weighs less than an ounce, or roughly 5 grams.

Even though, at this point, the head is very large for the body, your baby has some very human characteristics. The arms are longer and bent at the elbows. The ears are more distinct. By the end of the week, the tail will have disappeared. Longer fingers and toes have formed as well. In short, the body parts are all there, no more assembly required. Now they just need to grow and develop. Next week, your baby will move out of the embryonic stage and officially become a fetus.

Note: Most severe malformations occur before the fetus is 9 weeks old, so once the baby has made it past this stage, the chances of serious problems or miscarriage decrease. This doesn't mean all systems are entirely clear. You should certainly stay away alchohol and cigarette smoke and all those other bad things, but you're out of the deep water.

You probably haven't noticed any dramatic changes in your weight or shape, so you can still wear your normal clothes, unless your normal clothes include painted-on Sergio Valentes and Spandex Britney-wear.If morning sickness has been a morning-noon-and-night sickness, you might find yourself eating nothing but bread or nectarines for days at a time. If you can keep a particular food down, eat it. You and your baby will be OK, provided you add some other foods to your diet when you're feeling better.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 7

Week 7

What's Happening to My Body?

The countdown continues: Seven weeks down, 33 to go. Your baby is now 5 weeks old and will double in size this week, growing from about 4 millimeters in length to roughly 11 to 13 millimeters, or about half an inch. The baby can now be seen with an ultrasound machine, so you might get a peek soon!

The eyes are more distinct and the tail is getting smaller. The head is still much larger than the rest of the body and grows rapidly this week. The beating heart now has two chambers, and the bronchial tubes are developing in the lungs. The hands, which develop faster than the feet, look like tiny paddles. The legs are still just buds, and feet will appear toward the end of the week.

Your tummy still isn't showing, but you may have gained a few pounds if you haven't been too nauseated. Your morning sickness should start to calm down in the coming weeks, although a few unlucky souls suffer throughout pregnancy. You should start to feel more like yourself soon; unless you're not getting enough rest, you probably won't fall asleep over dinner like you did during the first few weeks.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 4

Week 4

What's Happening to My Body?

In this fourth week of pregnancy, your baby is two weeks old and is just a tiny speck, less than a millimeter long.

But significant changes are taking place. The 150-cell embryo, or blastocyst, is now imbedded in your uterine wall. The placenta (which mediates the exchange of food between mother and baby) will eventually develop from the outer layer of blastocyst cells, but your blood has already begun to nourish the developing cells. The yolk sac forms, which will produce the baby's blood cells until about the 11th week of development.

The chorionic villi, tiny finger-like projections on the placenta, begin to appear. By the end of Week 5, fetal blood will circulate through the villi and take nutrients and oxygen from your blood; carbon dioxide and other waste products will pass from the fetal blood to yours.

Are We Having Fun Yet?

You may notice that you've missed your period, but if your periods are irregular, this may not be a sure sign for you. Your tender breasts (yikes, even a bra rubs you the wrong way), queasy stomach, bitchy mood and constant trips to the bathroom to pee might be hints that something significant is happening.

The scale probably won't tell you, because you haven't begun to gain weight, but you might fall asleep standing on the scale -- or doing anything else, for that matter. Fatigue is common in early pregnancy. You may also feel a slight low cramping similar to menstrual cramps. This means that your uterus is enlarging. You may notice a metallic taste and increased saliva in your mouth. Your heightened sense of smell might make you feel qualified to join the drug-sniffing dogs at the airport.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 1 to 2

Week 1

You're not pregnant yet, but this is when we start counting, for two major reasons:

First, the doctor or midwife starts counting your pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from the date of conception. If you have a perfect 28-day cycle, you will ovulate (release an egg from your ovary) and possibly conceive during the third week of your cycle. So forget the home pregnancy test for now; you can put it, along with the ovulation detection kit, behind the box of tampons in your cabinet.

Second, and perhaps even more importantly, starting the countdown now is confusing and counterintuitive, so it's a perfect way of preparing you to "reason" with your child once she becomes a teenager. Get used to it!


Almost all women begin their periods about 14 days after they ovulate; once the egg is out of the starting gate, it's two weeks until "period time."


So why don't all women have 28-day cycles? Because not everyone ovulates at the midpoint of the cycle. One woman may ovulate 10 days after her period starts, another 16 days. Only about 10 to 15 percent of women have a textbook 28-day cycle (14 days before ovulation, 14 days after). Generally, cycles range from 18 to 40 days.


Week 2

What's Happening to My Body?


Well, even though it's technically the second week of your pregnancy, you're still not pregnant.


Even if you have a "perfect" 28-day cycle, egg and sperm haven't yet had a chance to meet because you haven't ovulated. That usually happens during Week 3, but if your cycle is shorter than 28 days, there's a chance you may ovulate this week.


Last week, you had your period and shed your uterine lining because you didn't get pregnant. This week, your uterine lining is building up again so that you'll have a place for the fertilized egg to implant itself when you conceive. If you don't conceive, you'll have your period again in two weeks. (Of course, for our purposes, we'll assume the "big meeting" will indeed take place.)


You're only fertile for about 24 hours because the ripe egg doesn't last any longer than that. Keep in mind, however, that sperm cells can survive up to 72 hours, so it's possible for you to conceive if you have intercourse late this week and ovulate early next week.