The most important, happiest period in a woman’s life, lasting 40 weeks or 9 months, is pregnancy. Throughout this entire period, the woman and her unborn baby will have to go through a difficult path before meeting each other. This time is usually divided into three periods, which gynecologists call trimesters, each of them has its own characteristics.
First trimester: 1-12 weeks
An important and difficult period during which the formation of all systems and organs of the fetus occurs, as well as the formation of the placenta, which will supply it with all nutrients and oxygen from the mother. At this stage of pregnancy, the female body faces difficulties (toxicosis, weakness, fatigue) and gets used to its new state. The first trimester is a dangerous period; it is during this time that 70% of all miscarriages occur.
Fetal development
In the first days of development (embryogenesis), the embryo is usually called a morula. It is similar in shape and size to a raspberry. On the tenth day, it reaches the uterine cavity and makes attempts to penetrate the mucous membrane, but it manages to achieve what it started only on the 24th day. At this point, there are more than 200 cells. After implantation of the embryo into the uterine mucosa, the process of life support for the embryo begins.
In the second month of intrauterine life, the embryo develops a heart. The fruit grows and develops rapidly and weighs about 4 grams.
At 5 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus's heart is already beating. At 8 weeks he makes his first attempts to move his limbs. By the end of the trimester, the baby will already have formed a cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, spine, and face. Its weight is approximately 20 grams and its height is 10 cm.
Condition and feelings of a woman
In the early stages of pregnancy, the expectant mother may experience:
- cessation of menstruation;
- engorgement of the mammary glands;
- toxicosis (nausea, vomiting);
- decreased (increased) appetite;
- fast fatiguability;
- constipation;
- tearfulness, mood swings;
- increased urination.
The female body begins to get used to the new regime, the endocrine system is rebuilt, the lungs, heart and kidneys are preparing to work for wear, and the blood volume gradually increases.
In the early stages of pregnancy, nausea and vomiting occur in most expectant mothers. For some, the feeling of lightheadedness lasts throughout the day. The psycho-emotional state of a woman is subject to sudden changes in mood, spontaneous touchiness or irritability. The expectant mother feels constant drowsiness, absent-mindedness, forgetfulness and infrequent dizziness.
During this period, it is extremely important to start taking a complex of vitamins (Elevit, Vitrum, Femibion), as well as folic acid and iodomarin preparations. But they should be taken only after consulting a doctor.
A woman’s body begins to produce the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is one of the main indicators of successful fertilization. It is now possible to determine pregnancy. To do this, you can donate blood to determine the level of hCG ( at 1-2 weeks it is 25-156 mU/ml, at 3-4 weeks - 1110-31500 mU/ml) or buy a special quick test at a pharmacy.
In the first trimester, a woman has a lot of responsibility. After all, the normal development of the fetus and, subsequently, the birth of a healthy child depend on her lifestyle, diet and nutrition during pregnancy. A woman needs to visit a gynecologist to register for pregnancy and childbirth.
Often in the first trimester a woman faces complications:
- threat of spontaneous abortion;
- low location of the placenta;
- non-developing pregnancy;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- hydatidiform mole.
Second trimester: 13-27 weeks
At this stage, changes continue to occur in the female body. The abdomen increases in size, which becomes noticeable to others. A woman feels cramped in her usual clothes, so she should think about purchasing comfortable things that will not hamper her movements. Most expectant mothers experience relief from toxicosis, increased fatigue, well-being, and vigor and activity.
By the end of the second trimester, the uterus noticeably increases in size. A pregnant woman feels heaviness in the stomach, a constant feeling of heartburn, and cramps in the legs.
During this period, the fetus is actively growing and developing, its organs and systems are fully formed. The placenta will also be fully formed, protecting the fetus from harmful external influences and ensuring the supply of oxygen.
The most common complications in the second trimester can be:
- premature birth or late spontaneous abortion;
- isthmic-ecclesiastical insufficiency;
- placental insufficiency;
- intrauterine infection of the fetus;
- gestosis (edema);
- iron deficiency anemia in a pregnant woman;
- haemorrhoids;
- gestational pyelonephritis.
If there are risk factors, the doctor prescribes prevention and treatment. The main thing is to identify problems in a timely manner.
Fetal development
The fetus grows quickly and gains weight. At the beginning of the second trimester, its weight is about 140 grams, and its height reaches 15 cm. Its size still allows it to actively swim in the amniotic fluid, move its arms and legs.
In the middle of the second trimester, a woman may feel her baby's faint kicks for the first time. The bond between the fetus and the mother becomes stronger. He is already able to sense the physical and mental state of his mother. The pace, rhythm and strength of fetal movement depend on these sensations. Therefore, a woman should worry less and think only about good things.
In the second trimester, the fetus's urinary system begins to function. He makes the first respiratory movements, and the lung tissue begins to produce a substance called sufractant, which is responsible for the production and absorption of oxygen. The digestive tract also begins to work. It swallows amniotic fluid, from which nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, and the rest goes to the large intestine and remains there, forming meconium (original feces). During the day, the baby is able to swallow up to 500 ml of amniotic fluid. Such exercises contribute to the development of his digestive system.
A vernix lubrication forms on the skin of the fetus, protecting it from constant exposure to amniotic fluid. And fat accumulates under the skin, allowing it to retain heat. Fine hairs appear on the scalp and eyebrows and lanugo (vellus hairs) appear throughout the body.
At this stage, during an ultrasound, it is already possible to determine the sex of the child.
By the end of the second trimester of pregnancy, all organs and systems of the fetus are already fully formed. For the remaining period they will continue to actively grow and develop. The baby already weighs 700-900 grams and has grown to 35 cm. Weight and height depend on genetics and the course of pregnancy.
Third trimester: 28-40 weeks
This is the final stage of pregnancy. During this period, the female body begins to more actively prepare for the upcoming birth of a child. A pregnant woman has an increased risk of developing complications (hemorrhoids, varicose veins, heartburn). The fetus becomes large and can no longer move freely in the womb, which is why the nature of its movements changes. Now the expectant mother feels only tremors with her arms and legs.
Fetal development
At this stage, the fetus undergoes improvement of all systems and organs. Convolutions in the brain enlarge. His sense organs begin to function - he sees, hears sounds, tastes. Enough fat has already accumulated under the skin, the folds are straightened out, the body becomes proportional, and nails have grown on the fingers.
The fetus has already developed breathing, sucking, and swallowing reflexes. His entire body is still covered with lubricant, which will begin to decrease towards the end of the third trimester. The amount of vellus hair (lanugo) decreases, and by the end of the period it will disappear altogether. The cartilages of the ears and nose become elastic.
In the eighth month, boys experience descent of the testicles into the scrotum. In girls, the labia majora cover the labia minora.
At 37-40 weeks, the maturation processes of the fetus are completed, and it is completely ready for life outside the mother’s body. By this time, it takes its final position in the uterus and prepares for childbirth.
By the end of the third trimester, the weight of the fetus is on average 3500 grams, height - 55 cm.
Condition and sensations of the pregnant woman
During this period, the female body experiences increased stress due to the large size of the fetus. The uterus begins to put pressure on neighboring organs - it becomes difficult for the woman to take a deep breath, she is bothered by frequent urination, and venous outflow from the legs becomes difficult, which leads to swelling and heaviness. Because of the large belly, it becomes difficult for the expectant mother to move, and her back and pelvic bones begin to ache.
The load on a pregnant woman's kidneys increases, because the fetus gains weight every day. From 31-33 weeks, training contractions (Braxton-Hicks contractions) become common. This is how the body prepares for the upcoming birth.
In the eighth month, a woman’s body releases relaxin, a hormone that makes the pelvic ring more extensible.
In the third trimester, a working expectant mother goes on maternity leave. Now she has a lot of time to buy a dowry for the baby, arrange a place and pack a bag for the maternity hospital.
Problems that an expectant mother may face:
- gestosis (late toxicosis);
- placental insufficiency;
- dyspnea;
- insomnia;
- constipation;
- phlebeurysm;
- haemorrhoids.
Each trimester of pregnancy is wonderful in its own way, although they bring some difficulties for the expectant mother. But no matter what difficulties she faces, there will always be positive moments. After all, it is interesting to watch how the baby grows, the body changes, new sensations arise, and the first movements appear. And when a long-awaited baby is born, all the difficulties of pregnancy and childbirth are overshadowed by this background.
Views: 7829 .The gestation period for a child is 9 months, 40 weeks or 280 days, during which mother and baby have to go through a difficult and difficult path before meeting each other. This period is usually divided into trimesters of pregnancy by week, each of which has its own characteristic features and symptoms.
Trimesters of pregnancy: how to divide and count In obstetric practice, the entire period of gestation is divided into trimesters. Young women preparing to become mothers for the first time do not always understand the meaning of this term, asking questions - what are trimesters, and how many of them are there in pregnancy?
Don't worry, a trimester is a period of three months, constituting 1/3 of the entire period of bearing a child. There are two ways to divide pregnancy into trimesters by week. In the first, simplified method, the maximum period of gestation (42 weeks) is divided into three equal parts, each of which includes 14 weeks.
The second method is more rational, according to doctors. Here, the calculation is based on 40 obstetric weeks, divided as follows:
- I trimester - from 1st to 13th week
- II trimester - from 14th to 27th week
- III trimester - from the 28th week until the baby is born
Trimesters of pregnancy by week: table
Trimesters of pregnancy
In the table you can clearly see how trimesters are divided and how to count them. It shows that the entire pregnancy is divided into three important periods, each including three calendar months. These indicators are the same for every woman, and therefore do not provide for any individual calculations.
The first trimester is the initial stage during which conception and embryo formation occurs. Sometimes during this period the expectant mother does not even suspect that a new life is being born in her body. Most often, the first symptoms begin to appear by the 4th week: a woman notices a delay in the menstrual cycle, and her body reacts sharply to the appearance of a small “belly” with malaise and nausea.
The second trimester is considered the calmest and most prosperous period of the “interesting situation”. By this moment, the expectant mother’s body has fully adapted to the fact that she needs to work for two, although the woman’s figure begins to change significantly - a belly appears, shapes are rounded, and overall weight increases.
By this stage, the embryo turns from a “tadpole” into a real person: all the important organs and vital systems are formed in it, it already knows how to move its arms and legs, suck its thumb, bringing immense joy to the mother, who feels the baby’s movements in the stomach.
The third trimester is the most alarming and difficult period. It lasts from 7 months until delivery. At this stage, the woman’s body is actively preparing for childbirth, and the baby continues to actively grow and develop. For the development of a baby, the last three months of intrauterine life are important preparation for independent life, so a woman needs to make every effort to create favorable conditions for the baby to successfully pass through the final period of formation.
Despite the fact that each trimester brings with it certain difficulties for the expectant mother, they are all wonderful and beautiful in their own way. By going through each section of the path before meeting her child, a woman gains invaluable experience that cannot be bought with money.
Carrying a baby is a special time in the life of a woman who is waiting for a miracle. It is very important to navigate the periods of pregnancy in order to know how the baby develops week by week and month, what is the time frame for the formation of its internal organs. Each stage of a child’s growth takes place within a limited time period—the sequence of all processes is rarely disrupted.
What is pregnancy
In the reproductive organs of a woman preparing to become a mother, the future baby grows and develops. First the embryo is called an embryo, then a fetus. The baby receives nutrition through the umbilical cord - a tube with veins and arteries that connects it to the placenta, a vascular sac. From the mother, the fetus receives blood saturated with oxygen and nutrients, and back - with carbon dioxide and metabolic products.
How does it arise
Pregnancy occurs after successful conception. This process is possible during the period of ovulation, when a woman’s egg (oocyte) matures in one of the ovaries and begins its journey to the uterus. Sperm in a man's seminal fluid, entering a woman's vagina during sexual intercourse, strive to reach the egg. Male cells “loose” the surface of the oocyte, and the sperm, the first to reach the inner membrane, merges - fertilization of the egg occurs.
There is an opinion that if two sperm penetrate the oocyte, a multiple pregnancy will occur, but such an embryo is doomed to death. A fertilized egg into which only one sperm has implanted turns into a zygote. The future embryo does not stop, but continues to move down the fallopian tube in order to attach to the wall of the uterus, after which pregnancy occurs.
How long does it last
If the countdown starts from the moment of conception, the intrauterine life of the fetus will be 38 weeks. However, the pregnancy period is usually counted starting from the first day of the last menstruation. Then the pregnancy lasts 40 weeks or 10 obstetric months. This practice of counting is a consequence of the fact that it is not always possible to accurately determine the day of conception.
Progression of pregnancy by week
Each stage of bearing a child has its own characteristic features that a woman should know about. Obstetricians divide pregnancy into trimesters of equal length. In addition, there is a practice of dividing pregnancy into periods determined by one or another stage of fetal maturation: these are the pre-implantation, implantation periods, organogenesis and the fetal stage.
Pre-implantation period
From the moment of conception and the actual onset of the first stage of pregnancy, 6-7 days pass. The zygote, in which cell fragmentation occurs, moves along the fallopian tube. At this point, the embryo is a ball consisting of 200 cells, which is called a blastocyst. Having reached the uterus, the blastocyst is fixed on one of its walls. This period is called pre-implantation.
Implantation period
The inner surface of the uterus is covered with a special tissue - the endometrium, which thickens during implantation. Blastocyst cells are attached to the endometrium by special processes. At this moment, the future placenta secretes a special hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin, which, entering the ovaries, prevents the onset of menstruation. The presence of this substance in the body helps determine pregnancy using a test.
Organogenesis and placentation
After successful implantation of the fertilized egg, the embryo enters a process of organ formation called organogenesis. The so-called axial complex is formed: neural tube, notochord, intestine. In parallel with the formation of organs, tissues are formed - nervous, epithelial, connective, and muscle. The latter serves as the basis for the heart, kidneys, genitals, and blood. Organogenesis is completed by the end of the fourth month.
In parallel with these processes, from the end of the second month, the formation of the placenta occurs. Until this moment, the chorion is determined in the embryo, which serves as the outer shell. With the development of the fertilized egg, villi appear in the chorion, which are gradually penetrated by vessels. Next, the chorion fuses with endometrial cells, and at 12-14 weeks the placenta forms in the uterine cavity.
Fetal period
From the 12th week until birth, the embryo is no longer considered an embryo, it is called a fetus. Obstetricians talk about the fetal or fetal period, in which, if there is a threat of miscarriage, they try to save the fetus. There are other critical periods of pregnancy, but the first danger is already behind us. By this time, the baby has already formed all the main organs and systems, he is growing rapidly, gaining weight and acquiring human characteristics.
Child development
The baby in the womb develops according to schedule. Each trimester, week, is characterized by new achievements of the baby:
| Trimester/weeks | Period name | Development |
| 1 (1-12) | Embryonic | The size of the fertilized egg increases from microscopic to 50-60 mm. The heart, brain and other organs are formed. At week 9, an ultrasound can already determine the sex of the baby. The first motor reflexes appear. |
| 2 (13-27) | Fetal (fetal) | From 16-20 weeks, the first fetal movements are possible. By the end of the trimester, the baby’s length can reach 35 cm, and its weight can be about a kilogram. |
| 3 (28-40) | The baby is actively gaining weight, and subcutaneous fatty tissue is forming. He moves less often because there is no longer enough space in the uterus for activity. Before birth, the baby's height approaches 50 cm and weight approaches 3-4 kg. |
Feelings during pregnancy by week
A pregnant woman should understand what is happening to her body and how the child develops week by week in order to better interpret her feelings. Carrying a child is not only a gradual growth of the abdomen, but also a lot of other manifestations. During conception, until the embryo is attached to the wall of the uterus, the woman does not have any sensations. The first sign of pregnancy is the moment of implantation of the fertilized egg, which sometimes causes bleeding.
First trimester
The following sensations are typical for 1-3 months of pregnancy:
- Toxicosis of pregnant women. The body does not immediately accept the foreign body, which it considers an embryo, and begins to produce antibodies. Possible manifestations of intoxication - nausea, vomiting. There are other hypotheses that explain toxicosis, but experts do not have an exact answer as to why it occurs.
- Progesterone production increases, which sometimes affects well-being.
- The mammary glands swell and hurt.
- Dietary preferences change, sometimes previously favorite dishes cause rejection.
Second trimester
By the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy, in most women, the manifestations of toxicosis disappear. Obstetricians call this time the most comfortable. The discomfort passes, and the volume of the abdomen does not yet become an obstacle to normal movements - it does not interfere with bending over to put on shoes, and the child’s movements are still too light and painless.
In first-time mothers, the belly grows more slowly and by the end of the second trimester, a pregnant woman may for the first time think about changing her wardrobe. In the second and subsequent pregnancies, the belly grows faster, but this also depends on the individual characteristics of the body. Some pregnant women experience heartburn. This is due to the growing uterus, which puts pressure on the internal organs and prevents the pancreas from working fully.
Third trimester
Starting from the 6-7th month of pregnancy, the belly grows faster, this causes some discomfort. From time to time, a woman experiences training contractions, which begin with a nagging pain in the lower back. In addition, the pelvic bones, in preparation for delivery, begin to diverge - pain in the perineum may occur, which intensifies during movement.
During this period, the number of fetal movements should be monitored, noting each movement on the pregnancy calendar. It is believed that a child should remind himself at least 10 times a day. A smaller number of movements may indicate pathologies. It is also important to monitor the discharge - bloody discharge may indicate the release of a mucous “plug” from the cervix, which occurs shortly before childbirth.
Critical periods of pregnancy
A woman carrying a child should listen to her body throughout the entire period, monitor her well-being, and avoid stress and excessive stress. However, there are periods of pregnancy when the threat of miscarriage increases. Obstetricians note several critical points:
- The most dangerous weeks of pregnancy in the first trimester are from 2 to the beginning of 4. During this period, implantation of the embryo may be disrupted due to a weak endometrium, fibroids, a cesarean scar, physical activity and stress.
- Dangerous periods during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester - 8-12 weeks. At this time, the placenta is actively developing, hormonal imbalances are critical, which lead to the risk of miscarriage. These are ovarian dysfunctions that do not produce enough of the hormone progesterone.
- 18-22 are extremely dangerous weeks during pregnancy. Chlamydia, toxoplasmosis, and herpes under certain conditions can cause disruption of the functioning of the placenta, infection of the fetus and miscarriage. A low location of the placenta also poses a risk of late miscarriage.
- There are also critical weeks of pregnancy at the end of the term - from 28 to 32. Pathologies such as late gestosis, placental insufficiency or abruption are possible, which can cause premature birth.
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The most detailed pregnancy calendar
A happy time in the life of every woman - pregnancy - is divided into time stages: trimesters, months, weeks. Each of these units of time has its own characteristics - both in the body of the expectant mother and in the body of the future baby. We will talk about all this in as much detail and clarity as possible.
Living stories to help
In addition to medical (gynecological) information from experienced obstetricians, we will share with you the real stories of thousands of Babyblog mothers on the pages of our calendar. They are equipped with expressive photographs, ultrasound images, and descriptions of sensations during a particular obstetric week of pregnancy. We will also give you tips and recommendations for each stage on the path to a miracle.
On the threshold of the birth of a miracle
To hold a newborn carefully wrapped in a swaddle for the first time, to hear his first cry, to smell his smell, you have to climb a happy ladder of forty steps - forty weeks. Don’t stumble on any of them, don’t grumble about your fate, don’t complain about being sick. At the top step of this amazing staircase, you will spread your wings and embark on a magical flight of happy motherhood. A miracle is very close!
Listen to experienced moms
During pregnancy, it is very important not to worry too much, not to quarrel with loved ones, and not to allow phobias and stress. It is for this purpose that each week of pregnancy in our unique calendar is accompanied by useful tips and good recommendations from experienced mothers who have walked this path more than once. You will be calmer when at each time stage you can find out the experience of other mothers in this or that issue of their well-being and the healthy course of pregnancy.
How is pregnancy going?
In the first obstetric week of pregnancy, the female body begins to prepare for possible fertilization, which will occur later.
In the second week, the “leader” in this cycle is determined - the egg, which will give rise to a new life.
As a rule, at the end of the second - beginning of the third obstetric week of pregnancy, fertilization occurs - the fusion of a mature egg with the most nimble and persistent sperm from a huge number of applicants. Just as a loving man completely dissolves in the object of his passion, so the sperm dissolves inside the parent egg. The parents' genetic information is combined. Now new life exists!
In the fourth week, the baby is a lump of rapidly dividing cells. If you look at it under high magnification, the embryo resembles a raspberry.
In the fifth week of pregnancy, the formation of the most important systems begins. Now the heart, blood vessels and respiratory system are being formed - something that is vital for independent existence.
Next week, the unborn baby begins to develop a hint of arms and legs, and separate parts of the inner ear and larynx are formed.
At the seventh week, the fetus’s brain is actively developing, the gastrointestinal tract begins to form, and the lungs begin to form.
In the eighth week, the great sculptor - nature is engaged in delicate work. Now the ears, nose and upper lip are being formed, as well as the fingers.
In the ninth week of pregnancy, the back of the embryo will begin to straighten and the tail will begin to “dry out.” A baby's brain develops at a tremendous pace.
Next week, the formation of baby teeth begins. The embryo is now surrounded by amniotic fluid, protecting it inside from shocks and shaking.
At the eleventh week, the unborn baby already has sexual characteristics, and future parents, with the help of modern equipment, can now find out who is inside - a charming girl or a strapping boy. In addition, the eye color of the fetus is determined.
By the twelfth week of pregnancy, the unborn baby has practically formed all the body systems. In the remaining time they will grow and develop.
The thirteenth week ends the first trimester of pregnancy. The baby's place - the placenta - has fully formed. Now she will be responsible for delivering nutrients and oxygen from mother to baby.
At week 14, the baby is covered with delicate fluff - lanugo. It preserves the cheese-like lubricant, which, in turn, protects the baby from surrounding waters.
It has been proven that already at the 15th week of pregnancy, the baby’s tiny heart passes more than 20 liters of blood per day. The baby's skin is thin and red, it is still so different from a well-fed baby.
At the sixteenth week, the fetal head is no longer pressed to the chest, it gradually straightens. The facial muscles are developed, so the child can wink and frown.
At week 17, “brown fat” begins to be deposited, which is necessary for the body’s heat exchange. But there is still no subcutaneous fat.
At 18 weeks of pregnancy, the baby can already hear you, as the structures of the middle ear improve. It's time to talk to your child and sing nursery rhymes to him.
Over the next week, the limbs grow and become more proportional.
At the twentieth week, the belly-dweller is a miniature man - with delicate fluff on his head and tiny nails on his fingers and toes. He has a lot to do - the baby yawns, sucks his fist, tumbles.
At the twenty-first week, blood cells begin to be produced, which are responsible for protecting the body from infections. Thanks to the developed papillae on the tongue, the fetus senses the taste of the surrounding waters.
At week 22, the baby strokes his arms, legs, face, sucks his thumb and pushes off the walls of the uterus with his legs.
At the twenty-third week, the fetus begins to store subcutaneous fat.
At 24 weeks of pregnancy, the baby becomes larger and more plump. It occupies almost the entire uterus, and it becomes more and more difficult to tumble.
Next week, the bones become stronger and joints form.
At week 26, the baby can open her eyes.
The third trimester starts with the twenty-seventh week. A baby weighing approximately 1000 g has all the basic systems working, although their development is not yet complete.
At week 28, the brain grows, new cells and nerve connections are formed.
At the twenty-ninth week, the baby has already learned to more or less regulate its own body temperature.
At the thirtieth week, the baby's eyes are wide open, he reacts to the contrasting light penetrating through the mother's tummy.
Over the next week, the baby reacts to loud noises and pain. You may feel it move when the doctor feels your stomach.
At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the baby can hear perfectly well what is happening outside the tummy. He recognizes his mother's heartbeat, bowel movements and the sound of blood flowing through the umbilical cord. That is why the baby calms down after birth if his mother presses him to her breast, because he hears the familiar sounds of her heart.
At 33 weeks, the baby still has enough room to move, but every day the space of the temporary house - the uterus - becomes more and more cramped for him.
The next week, subcutaneous fat already makes up a tenth of the baby’s weight, which gives the fetal skin a smoothness and a pinkish tint.
From week 35, the baby will gain 200-220 grams weekly towards its current weight (approximately 2550 g).
The next week, the baby’s face became smooth and plump cheeks appeared.
At week 37, the baby is ready for birth and has taken its final position in the uterus.
At 38 weeks the baby lost his lanugo. There is less original lubricant.
At the thirty-ninth week of pregnancy, the walls of the uterus contract from time to time, “rehearsing” for childbirth.
At the fortieth week, fetal movements slowed in anticipation of birth. His intestines are filled with original feces (meconium). The birth of a baby should be expected at any moment.
At 41 weeks of pregnancy, all organs and systems of the unborn child are ready to begin working independently at any time.
At 42 weeks, the baby grew long nails on all his fingers and hair. His eyes are open and he becomes more active again.
In our calendar, we will look at each week of pregnancy in as much detail as possible. Welcome!
In this article:
From the moment of conception to birth, 9 months will pass. For convenience, they were divided into 3 periods of 3 months - trimesters. Ideally, if the mother manages to carry the baby for the entire term, up to 39-41 weeks. If labor starts earlier, be sure to call an ambulance. Today, even very premature babies can be saved and released in a hospital setting. This improves the life chances of every child.
Throughout pregnancy, a woman must lead a healthy lifestyle, follow nutritional conditions and not drink alcohol or drugs. Otherwise, the child may have developmental pathologies. The first trimester is considered the most important. During this period, the fetus grows rapidly, its organs and tissues are formed. He is still very small - only 10 centimeters. At the end of the second trimester, the baby begins to hear sounds - it’s time to talk to him, read to him. The mother's voice calms the baby, even if he is in her tummy.
9 months of pregnancy - three trimesters
Pregnancy lasts 9 months, or 3 trimesters. During this time, simply incredible changes occur in the baby: from a tiny cell to a fully formed child weighing 3500-4000 g. An average of 240 days pass from conception to birth, and every day there is a threat that the mother’s body will begin to reject the fetus. But also every day is 
constant development of the baby in the mother's belly.
Today, not 40 weeks may pass before the baby is born, but only 28: even at such a short period, doctors have learned to save babies. Of course, he will be born very premature, but alive and ready to fight for his life. Doctors give the mother a list of recommendations, following which she can avoid premature birth.. Even if today we know how to save and care for such babies, this does not mean that all premature births end successfully. It is better to follow all the rules of pregnancy and carry your baby to term.
First trimester
The first trimester of pregnancy is the most important. Embryonic development begins the moment two cells fuse. They immediately begin to divide, and the embryo quickly increases in size. Just a few days from conception, this is already a large accumulation of cells, which is constantly increasing. Often for the first 1-2 months a woman does not even know that she is pregnant. If the cycle was irregular, then a slight lag does not bother her. And this is the most dangerous thing for the fetus.
A week after conception, it moves towards the uterus and attaches to its wall. Now the fetus is fed through the mother’s blood, receiving all the nutrients and vitamins from her. But he can also get the real one through blood.
If a woman drinks alcohol, smokes, takes drugs or simply takes strong medications, this often has a detrimental effect on the fetus.To prevent this from happening, you need to monitor your cycle and plan your pregnancy.
What's happening to the baby
In the first trimester, the most important thing is that all organs, bones and tissues are being formed. The baby already has a beating heart at 5 weeks. You will be able to hear it on an ultrasound. As well as the stomach, intestines, nervous system, blood, liver and kidneys. All organs are tiny, just like him.
Now at your 
It’s not the calmest time for a child: the mother’s toxicosis can negatively affect him. Sometimes, due to severe toxicosis, the development of the fetus follows the wrong path. To prevent this from happening, visit a doctor and watch your diet. For proper development, the baby needs vitamins, calcium, and folic acid.
By the end of the first trimester, the baby's height reaches 10 centimeters. Mom's belly is already clearly visible, she feels pregnant. There are still 5-6 months left before birth. The baby already has all the most important things, and now the daily development of the body and organs will continue until the end of pregnancy.
Second trimester
In the second trimester, the mother feels much better, because the toxicosis has almost passed. Your eating habits return to normal. And for the first time you will feel how your baby pushes in your stomach. At first these are light touches, small pushes. The more 
the size of the child, the stronger they are felt. Towards the end of this trimester, it may even interfere with your sleep.
Now is the time for nervous system and brain development. Nerve fibers grow from the brain to all organs. A period begins when the baby not only feels, but already sees and hears. At the end of 4 months you can start talking to him - he remembers his mother’s voice, hears the beat of her heart. Now the skin is forming and subcutaneous fat is gaining. In addition, you will now know the gender of the baby. He may not show himself to you right away, but by the end of the second trimester you will already know for sure whether you are having a boy or a girl.
Now you need 
calcium, and dairy products are a good source. Choose the ones you like: cottage cheese, milk, fermented baked milk, kefir, yogurt. Your baby's bones grow, harden and take a lot of calcium from the mother's body - a period women often suffer from tooth decay. Therefore, it is very important to provide yourself with calcium so that you both have enough.
In addition, the expectant mother needs to be prepared for sudden “training” contractions of the uterus. These are not contractions or childbirth – your uterus is just trying its hand, learning to work. They can last only 10 seconds, start suddenly and end without any consequences. This is a common occurrence, so don't be alarmed. Contractions should be painless and without bleeding. If you are in pain, call an ambulance immediately.
Third trimester
The third trimester begins, and this is global preparation for childbirth. The baby is fully formed: he already has arms and legs with fingers, all organs and tissues. The task of the next 3 months is the gradual development, “ripening” of organs. But 
the most important thing is that at the beginning of the third trimester the baby is already viable if born prematurely. Mom should be very careful, not to carry heavy things, not to be nervous. Now her tummy is already impressive in size.
The child is active in the evening and may kick a lot. Every day he swallows amniotic fluid and then pees. This is how the bladder is “trained”. The gastrointestinal tract also begins to work even before the baby is born.
How does mom feel?
When 1-1.5 months remain before birth, pregnancy ceases to be comfortable. With a big belly, you won’t find a particularly comfortable position. My back hurts, my legs swell. It is important to remember that you often go to the toilet, sweat, which means a lot of fluid is lost. Therefore, you need to drink at least 1 liter of water per day.
How does a baby prepare for childbirth?
When there are only 1-2 weeks left before birth, the baby descends closer to the exit of the uterus. His head begins to press on the neck. Here the mother can feel some relief in her situation. The child’s development does not stop even now: the lungs and brain are still forming. Already at 40 weeks you can give birth - the baby is completely ready.
