A NINE MONTH PREGNANCY

The total period of pregnancy can be divided into three trimesters.Each trimesters consists of three months.In the first trimester, the developing baby is called EMBRYO and thereafter it is reffered to as FETUS.From the second trimester,the fetus acquires a human shape and its growth becomes rapid.It is during this trimester,that pregnancy becomes evident and the mother experiences the first movements.The organs of the baby mature during the third trimester and overall fetal growth continues till the baby is delivered.

How does the fetus grow during the nine months of pregnancy?

FIRST MONTH:

Heart, digestive system, nervous system, backbone and spinal cord have begun to form
Placenta (also called "afterbirth") has begun to develop
The fertilized egg is now 10,000 times bigger than it was at conception

By the end of the first month,the embryo is about 1/10 of an inch long.The heart,which is no longer than a poppy seed,has begun beating

SECOND MONTH:
The embryo is about 1 inch long and has distinct,slightly webbed fingers.Veins are clearly visible.The heart has divided into right and left chambers.The brain begins to develop,Heart is functioning.

Eyes, nose, mouth and ears are formingBone and muscle begin to grow
Penis begins to appear in boys
Embryo is moving, although the mother can not yet feel movement



THIRD MONTH:
By now the fetus is 2 1/2to 3 inches long and is fully formed.He has begun swallowing and kicking.All organs and muscles have formed and are beginning to function

Weighs about ½ to 1 ounce Nails begin to develop; earlobes are formed; teeth develop Foetus develops recognizable form
Arms, hands, legs and feet are fully formed and movement is possible
Eyes are almost fully developed
By this stage, a foetus has developed most of its organs and tissues

Foetal heart rate can be heard at 10 weeks with a special instrument called a Doppler 


FOURTH MONTH:
Your baby is covered with a layer of thick, downy hair called lanugo.His heartbeat can be heard clearly.This is when you may feel your baby''s first kick.# Weighs about 6 to 7 ounces Foetus is developing reflexes such as sucking and swallowing and may begin sucking his/her thumbSweat glands are forming on palms and soles
Fingers and toes are well defined
Skin is bright pink, transparent and covered with soft, downy hair
Sex can be determined
The baby could not survive outside the mother's body despite being recognizably human in appearance 


FIFTH MONTH:
A protective coating called vernix caseosa begins to form on the baby''s skin.By the end of this month, your baby will be 8 to 10 inches long and will weigh almost a pound.
Weighs about 1 pound
Hair begins to grow on his/her head
Soft woolly hair called lanugo will cover its body (and some may remain until a week after birth)
Mother begins to feel foetal movement
Internal organs are maturing
Eyebrows, eyelids and eyelashes appear 

SIXTH MONTH:
Eyebrows and eyelids are visible.Your baby''s lungs are filled with amniotic fluid,and he has started breathing motions.If you talk or sing, he can hear you.

Weighs about 1¾ to 2 poundsEyelids begin to part and eyes open occasionally for brief timesSkin is covered with protective coating called vernix
Foetus is able to hiccup
Taste buds appear 


SEVENTH MONTH:
By the end of the seventh month, your baby weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is about 15 inches long.His body is well-formed. Fingernails cover his fingertips.

Taste buds have developedFat layers are forming although skin is still wrinkled and red
Organs are maturing
If born now, the baby will be considered premature and will require special care 


EIGTH MONTH:

Your baby is gaining about half a pound per week,and layers of fat are piling on.He has probably turned head-down in preparation for birth.He weighs between 4 and 6 pounds. 

Foetus is 16½ to 18 inches long   There is rapid overall growth during this month
This month sees tremendous brain development
Most body organs are now developed apart from the lungs, and the kidneys are mature
Fingernails now extend beyond fingertips
Kicks are strong enough to be visible from outside
Skin is becoming smoother



NINTH MONTH:
Your baby is hefty 6 to 9 pounds and measures between 19 and 22 inches.As he grows you may feel him move around less.  Weighs about 7 to 7½ poundsThe lungs are mature
More fat is formed round the body
Baby is now fully developed and ready to survive outside the mother's body
Skin is pink and smooth
The baby settles down lower in the abdomen ready for birth and might seem less active

wish you a joyous and safe pregnancy!!!