Mother & Baby
1st Month
• Embryo implants in uterus
• Embryonic cells start specialising in function
• Brain and spinal cord start to form
• Heart starts beating
• Embryo is size of grain of rice
by the end of the month
Mother
2nd Month
• Breasts enlarge and
become tender
• Pressure on bladder
causes increase in
frequency of urination
• Vaginal secretion
increases
3rd Month
• Morning sickness
may stop
• Increased appetite
• May have mood swings
4th Month
• Abdomen bulges
• First kick
5th Month
• May feel more energetic
• Needs frequent rest
• Uterus feels heavy
• May have leg cramps at night
6th Month
• Discomfort due to size of bulge
• Back pain can be eased by exercise
7th Month
• May experience false contractions
(Braxton Hicks)
• May develop stretch marks on
breasts and abdomen
8th Month
• Frequent urination
• Breathing may be laboured
• Tires easily
9th Month
• Ready for labour
• Increased urination
• Needs plenty of rest
• If contractions experienced –
refer to doctor or midwife
Baby
2nd Month
• Embryo almost 1 inch long
• Brain and spinal cord almost complete
• Limbs and all major organs start to form
3rd Month
• Embryo is now a fetus
• About 3 inches long
• May respond to sounds
• Heart beat audible by a doptone
4th Month
• May move and kick
• Lanugo and vernix develop
• Umbilical cord thickens
• Sex can be determined through
ultrasound imaging
5th Month
• Fetus almost 30cm long
• Maximum length and weight gain
by baby during this month
• Period of increased activity
• Respiration and urination begins
6th Month
• Skin wrinkled
• Movements more vigorous
• Responds to sound
• Baby considered viable
7th Month
• Weighs just over 1 kg
• Finger prints and all organs developed
• Movements decrease
8th Month
• Fully formed
• Moves into birth position – head down
• Lanugo reduces
9th Month
• Fully grown – ready to be born
• Lungs fully developed
• Body fat regulates temperature
• Immune system developed