A typical pregnancy normally lasts from 37 to 42 weeks, counting from the first day of your last period. When you’re pregnant, your body will go through a number of important changes. Here’s an outline of what you can expect during the different stages in a pregnancy calendar.
● Start of first trimester
● For most, this is the month you discover you’re pregnant.
● Your baby is only 0.1 to 0.2 mm.
● You may be prescribed pre-natal vitamins and folic acid.
● Your baby is now a little under an inch long.
● Your baby’s heart is beating, the brain is developing, and has developed all limbs. The eyes have not fully developed.
● You may experience moodiness as hormone levels adjust.
● Nausea, vomiting, food sensitivity and fatigue may develop, or become more severe.
● Start budgeting, and explore your options for birth plans.
● Nausea may decrease as your body adjusts to hormone levels.
● By the end of the first trimester, your baby is fully developed.
● You will be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat.
● Your baby is between 2 and 4 inches long.
● You may experience your first food cravings as appetite returns.
● Start of second trimester in the pregnancy calendar.
● Experience first flutters of baby movement, often described as “butterflies” or “bubbles”.
● Nausea usually subsides and energy increases.
● You may develop heartburn as your uterus rises in the abdomen.
● Consider signing up for prenatal classes.
● Appetite often increases.
● Fatigue may return, as you’re carrying extra weight.
● You may experience bloating, and constipation.
● Some will experience forgetfulness, also known as “pregnancy brain”.
● Your baby is now about 6 to 9 inches long, and develop fingerprints.
● Your uterus is the size of a basketball resting above your belly button.
● Skin on the stomach may feel itchy as it stretches around your womb.
● Bleeding gums, constipation, heartburn and leg cramps, may intensify.
● Your baby is about 10 inches long.
● You’ll be aware when your baby stretches and hiccups at this stage of the pregnancy calendar.
● Plan your maternity leave with your employer.
● Your feet or hands may start cramping.
● You may experience more of your baby’s movements.
● Many experience Braxton Hicks contractions (non-productive contractions).
● Your baby is almost 12 inches long.
● Your child can now see, hear, and taste.
● You may experience discomfort as your baby pushes against your rib cage or organs.
● Pelvic pressure may increase as your baby drops into this area.
● Indigestion and heartburn may become more intense.
● Braxton Hicks contractions become more regular.
● Your baby may be a 12 inches or longer.
● By the end of the 8th month in the pregnancy calendar, most babies descend head-down into the pelvic area.
● You breathe a little easier as your baby settles into the pelvis, giving you more room in the abdominal area.
● Sleep will become more difficult due to your belly’s size.
● Your weight gain will be as high as it will go; up to 35 pounds on average.
● Your baby will be about 18 to 21 inches long.
● Your baby’s brain is growing rapidly at the last month of the pregnancy calendar.