Normal Progression of Pregnancy

PregnancyEducation
Written By Caitlin Maudlin

Key Milestones in Pregnancy:

  • 1st Trimester

    • 4/5 wks: Officially becomes an embryo. The baby’s heart starts beating.

    • 10 wks: Embryo becomes a fetus, organs are forming.

    • 12wks: Heartbeat can be heard at prenatal appointments.

  • 2nd Trimester

    • 16 wks: Quickening.

    • 20 wks: Halfway! Gender can be revealed during an ultrasound.

    • 24 wks: Senses are developing. The baby’s brain, lungs, and hair are growing quickly. 

  • 3rd Trimester

    • 28-32 wks: Baby begins dreaming. Hair, eyelashes, and fingernails are growing.

    • 37 wks: Early term, can survive birth but should keep cooking. 

    • 40 wks: Full-term if birthed now.

    • 42 wks: Post dates if birthed now. 

Fundal growth:

  • The measurement corresponds to weeks gestation, until about 38-40 weeks when the baby drops.

 Effects of Pregnancy on the Following Body Systems:

  • Integumentary

    • Pigment changes

    • Stretch marks

    • Linea nigra

  •  Musculo-skeletal 

    • Relaxin 

    • Increased Mobility 

  • The Senses  

    • Visual changes due to eye pressure

    • Sense of smell strengthens 

  • Endocrine  

    • Hormonal changes, increase in pregnancy hormones

  • Circulatory/cardiovascular:

    • Increase in blood volume

    • Decrease in blood pressure

    • Blood Vessels strengthen to accommodate 

    • Blood/ oxygen/nutrients pass to the fetus through placental circulation. 

  • Immune  

    • Undergoes changes in order to “accept” the fetus

  • Respiratory

    • Increased oxygen intake

  •  Digestive 

    • Increased nutrition requirements 

    • Progesterone slows down digestion but increases appetite 

  • Urinary 

    • As the uterus grows, so will increased pressure on the bladder. 

Client Resources:

Khan Academy. Pregnancy physiology 1. Retrieved from: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/health-and-medicine/human-anatomy-and-physiology/pregnancy/v/pregnancy-physiology-i

Khan Academy. Maternal changes in pregnancy. Retrieved from: Maternal changes in pregnancy (video)

Oneida, M. (2017). Pregnancy milestones by trimester. Revere Health. Retrieved from: Pregnancy Milestones by Trimester

Healthline. (2017). How your body changes during pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/bodily-changes-during

Caitlin Maudlin http://www.enlightenedbeginnings.com
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