Pregnancy Timeline

Carrying a fetus growing inside of you is both an amazing journey and a miracle of nature. Your body is going through a series of physiological changes to prepare for the birthing process, including abdominal enlargement, widening of the pelvic area and changes in your breasts as they prepare for lactation. You may also feel other symptoms including bleeding of the gums, nausea, fatigue, constipation, dizziness, swelling and mood swings. Below are some other pregnancy milestones you can use to track you and your baby’s development throughout the pregnancy.

At three months

• You gain weight, but morning sickness generally dissipates
• The uterus, now about the size of a grapefruit, begins to rise out of the pelvis and can be felt. The pregnancy will begin to "show" during this time, depending on the women's height, weight and previous pregnancies.
• Baby has a fully formed internal organs and body including fingers, toes and ears
• Using ultrasound techniques, the heartbeat of the baby can be detected through the abdominal wall (as early as 8 weeks)
• Though the eyelids remained closed, the baby’s eyes move
• Baby’s body is covered with fine hair

At six months

• You continue to gain weight at a rate of about 12 oz per week
• Your uterus moves 2 inches above the pelvis
• You may experience indigestion
• Somewhere between 16 to 20 weeks, you may feel “quickening”, or active movements of the baby
• The baby’s hearing is such that he can recognize different noises and even recognize your voice
• Baby’s lungs and other organs are fully formed, her face is clearly that of a newborn and the baby may even suck his thumb
• Baby’s muscles developing quickly

At 9 months (full term)

• You may feel a lightening as the baby’s head drops into the pelvis
• Increasingly difficult to sleep comfortably
• Your swollen breast secrete clean colored discharge called colostrums
• Baby weighs from 6-8 lbs and measures 14-15 inches
• Baby’s head is engaged , lying just on top of the cervix
• Eyes are opened now
• If baby is a male, his testes have descended
• Placenta is 8-10 inches across with 2 pints or so of amniotic fluid
• Baby is usually positioned with her head downward

Labor is Here

After 9 long months of weight gain, nausea, cramps and other maladies, you’re probably excited that the pregnancy is coming to a close. Plus you’re probably excited you’re finally going to meet your new family member! The onset of labor is usually indicated by one of the following:

Bloody Show: This is a bloodstained mucus discharge that appears when the cervix begins to stretch. The bloody show can precede the onset of labor by up to several weeks, so your doctor will normally send you home unless there are also other signs of labor.

Water Bag Breaks: When the membranes surrounding the baby have been pressed to the point where they can no longer withstand the pressure, the water bag pops. The breakage may occur quickly as a gush of water, or may behave more like a slow leak. Either way, your doctor will want to know as soon as possible if you think your water bag has broken.

Contractions Begin: Contractions usually increase in intensity over 15 to 20 seconds before easing up. Once you begin to feel several contractions in a row, you should time the interval between them. Many women experience what are referred to as Braxton-Hicks, or rehearsal contractions, before the onset of true labor. Your doctor will give you precise instructions about when to call if you begin having contractions.

Once labor is underway, it is divided into three stages:

Stage 1- This is the longest stage of labor, when the cervix begins to dilate and continues until the cervix is fully dilated (approximately 10 centimeters). It begins with mild contractions and ends with stronger contractions.

Stage 2. Stage Two begins once the cervix has fully dilated. It is the stage where the expulsion or birth of the baby occurs. At this stage, the woman must follow her contractions by pushing the baby out. Stage 2 ends with delivery of the baby.

Stage 3. This is the final stage of labor and it involves the expulsion of the placenta or afterbirth. Stage 3 normally lasts less than 15 minutes, and is generally not painful.

Taking Care of Yourself and Your Baby During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special time of your life and has special health concerns. Remember that you need to take care of yourself for the benefit of both you and your baby. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you progress on your journey.

Weight and Diet- Your body requires a lot of energy during pregnancy and your baby depends on what you eat and drink for adequate nourishment. Most pregnant women require about 300 extra calories per day during pregnancy. Your diet needs to include lots of healthy foods including fruits, vegetable, low fat cheeses, yogurt and high quality protein such as lean meats, nuts, fish, beans, milk yogurt, cheeses and other dairy products. Increasing your intake of milk is recommended since it is a good source of calcium.

As you progress through your pregnancy, you will find that eating heavy meals can be uncomfortable, so eat smaller meals and snack often throughout the day. Finally, remember to drink plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated.

Prenatal Vitamins and Supplements- It’s also a good idea to take prenatal vitamin supplements which include iron and folic acid, which can reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Look for specific prenatal vitamin supplements which contain the vitamins and minerals most needed during pregnancy.

Medications- Since many drugs can cross the placenta and the full range of substances to which the embryo and fetus may be vulnerable is not known, it is best to only take medications if there is no alternative. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs should be treated this way. You should always talk with your doctor regarding any medications you are taking during pregnancy.

Vices- If you smoke, you should stop immediately, as smoking is associated with problems such as low birth weight. Most experts agree that alcohol is best avoided during pregnancy.

Exercise- Experts have different opinions on their recommendations for exercise during pregnancy but most agree that moderate exercise is safe and beneficial to your health and welfare. So while you shouldn’t engage in high impact sports or those that involve a risk of falling (horseback riding, skiing, roller blading), you should engage in healthful exercise during your pregnancy. Activities such as walking, light aerobics, stretching and swimming can increase your energy levels and keep your heart and lungs in tip-top shape. Of course, before undertaking any exercise routine, you should check with your doctor and of course don’t over do it. It is important for a pregnant women to "listen to her body" and rest when she begins to feel fatigue or pain. Remember also that your body weight and center of gravity change during pregnancy so be careful while you’re having fun.

Coping with Fatigue- With a baby growing inside you will inevitably be tired. So get your rest and take a nap during the day to recoup your energy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner or a close friend- they will be happy to help you! You may also find you have extra energy late in your pregnancy. During this “nesting” stage you may get the urge to paint, put the final touches on the baby’s room and do other last minute tasks. So listen to your instincts but don’t over do it!

Preparing for Labor- The best time to get ready for labor is before you go into labor. So pack an overnight bag with clothes, toiletries and anything else you’ll need at the hospital.

Read More Parent Resources