States of pregnancy
Pregnancy is like a journey that takes place in different states. It is a journey that last for 40 weeks or nine moths after conception. Each month, there are unique changes that take defining baby's growth and development. From conception, the baby develops in size through elongation and also in development of important organs. The baby grows from an embryo at conception to a fetus by the beginning of ninth month. In order to understand pregnancy well, it is divided into three stages; first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester.
First trimester
In medical profession, the first trimester starts from fertilization takes place and embryo is implanted in the uterus. After fertilization has taken place, hormonal activities prepare the endometrial wall of the uterus to receive the embryo and once it is implanted in the wall, the journey begins. However, the fertilized eggs may also implant itself in the fallopian tube leading to ectopic pregnancy (Stovall 11). It is estimated that by the time a woman is four weeks pregnant, the embryo is implanted in the uterus, which means that first two weeks or pregnancy are defined by fertilization process that results to an embryo. After it has been implanted in the uterus, the embryo is divided into two parts where one part grows to placenta that feeds the embryo while the other grows to become the baby.
During the sixth week in the first trimester, the baby heart starts to be formed and begin to pump blood. This means that blood is circulated into other parts of the body. The umbilical cord also starts to be formed as well as the head, eyes intestine, and the liver. This implies that the first six weeks are important since it the time the important organs like the heart, head, intestine and liver are being formed. This week is also important as it is the time when the neural tube closes (Bupa). Growth is very rapid during this week and neural tube leads to formation of the baby
Week 10 bring to an end the embryonic development stage (Victor 59). This ushers in the fetus stage as the baby now enters into the second trimester of pregnancy. At this week, the genetalia begins to form and hence the sex can be distinguished. Facial features also being to form and the limbs become apparent. By the end of this week, the vital organs are formed and begin to function.
Second trimester
The second trimester begins after three months of pregnancy. By 14 week, the risk of miscarriage is greatly reduced but the pregnancy is not yet out of danger. The red blood cells are also formed and the baby arms reach almost the length they are likely to be at birth. The baby neck becomes more defined. Red blood cells start to be formed at the spleen. The baby measures about 31/2 inches and weighs about 45 grams (Mayo Clinic). Week 15 leads to accelerated skeletal development and the scalp hair pattern also starts to form. The 16th week sees facial development where the eyes face forward and starts to move slowly, the ears are also at advanced stage of development and there is also development of more facial muscles (Bupa). The baby grows by 1 inch to reach 41/2 inches and weights 110 grams. In the 17th week there is accelerated accumulation of fat which is stored under the skin. The reproductive organs start to develop and the baby hair also starts to grow. The fetus forms the eye lids, finger and toe nails. The baby can now be felt at this time. By the end of week 18, the finger and toe pads are already formed. Bones in the inner year are also developed and the fetus may start to respond to extern loud sounds. At this time, the baby is five inches long. In the 19th week, the baby uterus forms. Hearing continue to increase and can pick up voices. For girls the uterus and vagina starts forming in this week.
After 21 weeks. The baby can swallow. The baby gains more weight and become active. Important development occurs by week 22 when the senses are being developed (Victor 59). The fetus may start experimenting and plays a lot. The sweat glands start to form at this stage and brain development gathers it pace. This ushers the way for the third trimester which is the last journey in pregnancy.
Third trimester
Third trimester begins at week 28. The baby is opens the eyelid partially and all the eyelashes have been formed. The baby also gains weight and pregnancy becomes heavy. This smoothens most of the wrinkles on the baby's skin. By this time, the baby is about 10 inches long and weighs about a kilogram (Bupa). This stage reduces the risk of pregnancy as healthy babies have 90 percent chances of survival without any impairment. By the 29th week, baby bones are fully developed but they are still soft and pliable. It is in this week that the baby begins to store iron, calcium, and phosphorous reserve in anticipation for the first three months outside the mother's womb.
The fetus continues with sexual development during the 31st wee. If the baby is a boy, the testicles start moving through the groin and if the baby is a girl, the clitoris starts to grow prominently (Victor 59). The baby to nails also becomes visible and although the lungs are not well formed, the baby can start breathing. The baby beings to absorbing vital minerals like iron and calcium. The baby gains strength and start kicks and jabs forcefully. By 32nd week, the baby is 11 inches long and may weigh 1,700 grams. By 33rd week into the pregnancy, the baby can detect light (Mayo Clinic). The pupils can constrict, dilate, and as well detect light that enters into the eye.
Thirty four weeks into the pregnancy the baby fingernails elongates and reaches the fingertips. The baby is now 1 foot long and 2,100 grams. By 35th week, the baby protective coating thickens and the body becomes round. The pasty coasting which protects the baby skin becomes thicker (Rimawi 7). During the 36th week, the baby gains weight rapidly gaining about half a pound. The baby becomes stronger and one can feel the baby punching. The baby movements are detected as the child kicks and jabs.
By the 37th week, the baby can be considered to have grown to full term. The baby organs start to function properly. The baby descends and attains a head-down position. By 38th week, the baby develops a firm grasp. The toenails reach the tip of toes. The nervous system start working better and this development continues throughout childhood and adolescence. The baby may be close to 131/2 inches and weights 2.9 kg (Mayo Clinic).
By 39th week into the pregnancy, the baby chest becomes more prominent. For boys, testes descend into the scrotum while for girls labia majora is also well developed. The baby also gains enough fat under the skin in order to maintain the body temperature. The placenta continues to supply the baby with essential nutrients and antibodies which will build up the immunity for the first six months after the birth of the child.
By 40th week, the baby is due for delivery. The baby is 14 inches long and weighs around 3.4 kg (Mayo Clinic). However, this may vary due to different conditions in the course of development in the womb.
Questions and Answers
When a female carries an offspring in the form of a fetus or an embryo inside her womb which is also called the uterus, she is known to be pregnant. She may be carrying more than a single child when multiple gestations take place as in the situation of twins or triplets. Human pregnancies are the most complex of all mammalian pregnancies and there is an entire field of studies dedicated to the study of pregnancy and this study is known as obstetrics.
Are you an expecting mother or father and want to know more about more about conception to the lateral changes of pregnancy cycle? Quench your thirst here and relax.
Pregnancy stages are sometimes considered to be the journey of a baby. Therefore it is very much essential for every pregnant woman to note the various stages of pregnancy.
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