Pregnancy Calendar Fetus Development Chart

A pregnancy calendar provides a chart of development of both the fetus as well as of the pregnant woman over the course of her gestational period. Throughout the nine months numerous changes take place in the body of a pregnant woman as she prepares to bring a new being into the world. Similarly over the forty weeks, the fertilized egg develops into a fully formed miniature human being.

One of the most exciting aspects of a pregnancy is to follow a pregnancy calendar which will enable an expectant-mom to keep track of the amazing changes taking place in her unborn baby. At the time of fertilization, the babys gender is already decided. Around week six, the embryo is undergoing important changes. The foundations of the digestive and respiratory system are being built while the nervous system and the brain are developing rapidly. The heart too begins to beat around this time.

The pregnancy calendar of the first trimester reveals crucial changes in the body of the pregnant woman as well. As the uterus prepares to nourish the implanted egg, the hCG hormone is released in large quantities. This results in several common symptoms of early pregnancy like nausea, fatigue, tenderness in breasts as well as aversion of certain smells. By the second trimester however most of the unpleasant signs subside and many women acquire the glow that is associated with mid-pregnancy. The increased blood circulation and oil secretion to the skin result in a smoother and plumper appearance.

In the second trimester, the pregnancy calendar marks several milestones for the unborn baby. By the sixteenth week, not only can the baby move quite well but even the facial muscles have developed. in the coming weeks, the bones begin to harden and even the sense of hearing develops. By week 24 the bays lungs are producing surfactant in preparation for smooth functioning once it comes out of the womb.

In the last three months of the pregnancy calendar the baby prepares to survive in the outside world. By week thirty the baby will continue to gain layers of fat which is necessary to keep warm and will even start to mimic breathing movements. Its sucking reflexes are well developed by week 36 though its bones in the head are still taking shape. In the last phase of pregnancy the baby might begin to feel cramped and thus its movements lessen.

After week 36 a woman enters the last month of her pregnancy calendar. as her body prepares to deliver the baby, she may begin to experience Braxton Hicks contractions. At 28 weeks she may be given Rh immune globulin if the doctor finds she is Rh negative while the baby is Rh positive. Some of the signs of impending labor are regular contraction, rupture of the amniotic sac or discharge of blood-stained mucus. However the process of delivery is best determined by the healthcare provider who will keep in mind the particular circumstances and potential complications. Pregnancy calendar