Normal Progression of Pregnancy

PregnancyEducation
Written By Caitlin Camfield

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 Camfield

I offer birth and postpartum doula services, placenta encapsulation & art, private herbal consulting, and more!

Midwifery Services- Coming Soon!

When I’m not working you can find me running around after my toddler, attempting to finish my latest craft project, or in those rare quiet moments, curled up with a good book.

http://www.enlightenedbeginnings.com
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