Your pregnancy month by month
Here you can track your changes and those of your baby
First Month of PregnancyBreast engorgement is often the first sign of pregnancy.
Physical Changes
From the first month of pregnancy, most future mothers expect to see the first changes in the womb but the uterus has not yet increased in size, although they may feel somewhat swollen and with discomfort and punctures similar to those that occur in the premenstrual period.
The first noticeable physical change is an increase in the tightness, volume, and engorgement of the breasts due to increased levels of progesterone and estrogen. There is also an increase in the urge to urinate due to increased blood flow, passing through the kidneys a greater amount of fluid.
Slight bleeding lasts a couple of days in some women. In these cases, although it generally has no repercussions, it is advisable to notify the gynecologist.
Psychological Changes
In pregnancy, the physical changes are the most evident, but there is an important psychological part to take into account.
During the first month of pregnancy and even in the first months it is normal to experience stress and emotional insecurity, especially if it is the first pregnancy, where all the changes and sensations are completely new, because doubts and restlessness will appear in front of what unknown.
In addition, the hormonal changes that they produce in the body will produce emotional instability, causing greater irritability and frequent mood swings.
Physical Changes
From the first month of pregnancy, most future mothers expect to see the first changes in the womb but the uterus has not yet increased in size, although they may feel somewhat swollen and with discomfort and punctures similar to those that occur in the premenstrual period. Fertilization occurs with the union of an egg and a sperm. This union gives rise to the zygote, which begins to divide, forming a group of cells, and moves towards the uterus where it is implanted around the ninth day after conception.
In the following days, this group of cells differentiates into three layers that will give rise to the central nervous system, the digestive and urinary structures, as well as the bones, muscles and the blood system.
Also in the first month of pregnancy, the amniotic cavity with the amniotic fluid inside it begins to form, and the placenta and umbilical cord also begin to form to transport oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the child. p>
Second Month of PregnancyIncreases blood volume and lowers blood pressure
Physical Changes
Blood pressure is somewhat low and the body’s blood volume increases by 10%, being noticeable to a large extent in the genital area, thus the vulva and vagina acquire a darker and bluish color.
The changes in the breasts continue, they become larger, heavier and more sensitive. The breast areola becomes darker in color.
The uterus increases in size, which can cause discomfort and a sensation of pricking, although no changes are yet perceived in the belly area. However, you can notice the widened abdomen and slightly swollen thighs.
In this month, heartburn, constipation and leg cramps may appear.
From the first month of pregnancy, most future mothers expect to see the first changes in the womb but the uterus has not yet increased in size, although they may feel somewhat swollen and with discomfort and punctures similar to those that occur in the premenstrual period. Fertilization occurs with the union of an egg and a sperm. This union gives rise to the zygote, which begins to divide, forming a group of cells, and moves towards the uterus where it is implanted around the ninth day after conception.
In the following days, this group of cells differentiates into three layers that will give rise to the central nervous system, the digestive and urinary structures, as well as the bones, muscles and the blood system.
Also in the first month of pregnancy, the amniotic cavity with the amniotic fluid inside it begins to form, and the placenta and umbilical cord also begin to form to transport oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the child. p>
Third Month of PregnancyThe uterus grows and the mother's gut is already noticeable
Physical Changes
There is a greater pigmentation of the skin due to the hormonal effect. This increase occurs in areas such as the line from the abdomen to the navel, the armpit, around the mammary areolas (which become larger and darker), the perineum, and on the inside of the thighs. It can also appear on the face, called chloasma gravidarum. These spots cannot be avoided but their appearance can be attenuated by avoiding exposure or adequately protecting yourself from the sun. Generally, they tend to disappear after childbirth.
In this period, in many pregnant women, reflux and burning sensations caused by the compression exerted by the uterus appear. This pressure from the uterus also occurs on the return veins from the lower part of the body, which produces a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
You can often experience increased salivation, called ptyalism or hypersialorrhea.
The uterus continues to grow and is now above the pelvis. This growth causes pelvic discomfort, weight gain and a certain gut is already beginning to be noticed. The average weight gain at this stage of pregnancy is 2 kg.
In this month the embryonic period ends and the fetal period begins. Much of the structures of the fetus are already formed and from this moment begins a stage of growth and development.
The head of the fetus is still disproportionate, almost the same size as the rest of the body. Facial features are becoming more and more clearly distinguishable.
The fetus moves by stretching its arms and legs in and out. Your heart beats between 120 and 160 times per minute.
By week 11 and 12, the sex of the external genitalia can be differentiated. The size of the fetus at the end of this month is between 6.5 and 8 cm and it weighs between 13 and 20 grams.
Fourth Month of PregnancyIt's a good time to play sports
Physical Changes
At the end of this month the uterus continues to grow and is already below the navel. This causes discomfort at the abdominal level, compression of the nerves in the legs, frequently producing nocturnal cramps and compression of the bladder, increasing the need to urinate.
Starting this month it is likely that well-known cravings, preferences, and sometimes strange preferences appear at mealtimes.
The chances of miscarriage from this month are greatly reduced, the placenta completes its formation and some pregnant women may begin to notice the movements of the fetus. It is the best time to start exercising such as walking, swimming and yoga.
The weight gain until this month is about 4 or 5 kilograms.
Psychological Changes
During the second trimester the character of the mother-to-be will become more positive and calm.
The marked emotional instability of the first months due to hormonal changes tends to gradually reduce.
The pregnancy is already evident, and the most critical months for the evolution of the pregnancy have passed. Future motherhood will become the mother’s top priority.
In this month the embryonic period ends and the fetal period begins. Much of the fetus’s structures are already formed and from this moment a stage of growth and development begins.
The head of the fetus is still disproportionate, almost the same size as the rest of the body. Facial features are becoming more and more clearly distinguishable.
The fetus moves by stretching its arms and legs in and out. Your heart beats between 120 and 160 times per minute.
By week 11 and 12, the sex of the external genitalia can be differentiated. The size of the fetus at the end of this month is between 6.5 and 8 cm and it weighs between 13 and 20 grams.
Fifth Month of PregnancyVaricose veins, stretch marks or swelling may appear in the hands and feet
Physical Changes
Ankles and wrists can swell, usually at the end of the day and if you are on your feet for a long time. This is due to the compression of the veins by the uterus, which hinders venous return and hormonal changes, favoring the appearance of varicose veins
The uterus continues its growth and is now at the level of the navel. From week 20 it will grow about 1 cm each day. This growth favors the appearance of stretch marks due to stretching of the skin.
In this month it is normal to notice fetal movements, which will be more evident at night while lying down.
At the end of these weeks, the normal weight gain is estimated at 5 or 6 kilograms.
The skin of the fetus develops into two layers, the dermis and the epidermis. Under the skin, fat begins to appear and the epithelial glands produce whitish and pasty secretions, called vernix caseosum, with the function of protecting the skin from the aggression of the amniotic fluid. However, the fetus will swallow amniotic fluid so that its digestive system matures and grows.
The nervous system, especially the brain, continues to grow and develop. During this stage the fetus greatly develops the sense of touch.
Marks and grooves appear on the palms of the hands and on the soles of the feet. These are genetically defined and are unique to each person.
Sixth Month of PregnancyThe pregnant woman has more curvature in the back to compensate for the belly
Physical Changes
By the sixth month, most of the symptoms of the first trimester have probably disappeared. The size of the gut is already evident to everyone and the movements of the fetus are noticed on a daily basis.
The uterus is located above the navel, which causes discomfort at the costal and pubic level. This growth of the uterus puts pressure on different parts of the organism, such as the stomach, causing heartburn and reflux in the intestines, producing gas, flatulence, and constipation, and on the bladder, causing an increase in the need to urinate and infections.< br />
As the uterus grows, so does the volume of the belly, causing the skin to stretch, which favors the appearance of stretch marks, discomfort and itching in the area.
There is a feeling of awkwardness because the size of the belly begins to shift the body’s center of gravity forward. To compensate for this change, there is a greater curvature of the back called lumbar hyperlordosis.
At the end of this month the weight gain is between 5 and 7 kilograms.
The fetus still has thin, wrinkled skin. Makes multiple facial gestures sticking out the tongue, yawning, smiling, opening the eyelids, etc.
His 5 senses are already developed, he touches different parts of his body and the walls of the uterus, he swallows amniotic fluid to form taste buds, he begins to hear and differentiate sounds, he is able to appreciate the dim light that it can let through the thick walls of the uterus.
Their eye color is not fully developed and may change in the first weeks of life.
The fetus has its cycles, it will spend long periods asleep without moving and awake, its movements being more evident and carried out daily. It changes position several times a day, twists, turns and kicks thanks to the fact that the amniotic space is still very spacious. You can even perceive your hiccups in the form of spasms, the lack of air in your lungs prevents them from generating sound. Hiccups are a sign of fetal well-being, so don’t worry if you notice them
Seventh Month of PregnancyProblems appearing to fall asleep
Physical Changes
Sleep problems can begin due to hormonal changes and fetal movements that can even become painful in certain positions. For this reason, insomnia can appear more frequently.
The uterus is already about 10 centimeters above the navel. The pressure of the uterus on the pubic region favors the appearance of vulvar varicose veins. Normal weight gain is about 9-10 kilograms, so mild ankle swelling at the end of the day due to impaired venous return is quite normal.
Pregnant women may experience slight hair loss, which recovers after childbirth, and increased hair in areas such as the face, arms, legs, back and above the pubis. As well as noticing that the nails grow faster and more brittle. Stretch marks can appear more clearly, especially in the abdominal area, hips and breasts.
It is the ideal time to start childbirth preparation classes.
Psychological Changes
As the third trimester has arrived, the time of delivery is closer. With this, fears and doubts about childbirth and the ability to face the care of a newborn may appear.
Attendance to childbirth preparation courses allows one to learn how to control this anxiety and help the couple to prepare for this moment by learning breathing techniques, pain management, vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery, in addition to other topics such as the puerperium.
The fetus has very active senses, it is able to recognize the maternal voice and respond to it.
His brain matures rapidly, the grooves and convolutions typical of human intellectual development begin to form.
Muscles and lungs develop rapidly until almost complete formation
From the 30th week, its growth will not be as fast as in previous weeks. The diameter of the head, where the eyelashes and eyebrows appear, is still greater than that of the abdomen.
By this point in pregnancy, most fetuses are usually found head down, in the so-called cephalic position.
Eighth Month of PregnancyThe mother's sciatic nerve suffers from the pressure of the uterus
Physical Changes
In this month they increase the probability of suffering from pain in the lower back, pain that can spread through the buttock, thigh and reach the foot. It is a sciatica produced by the compression of the sciatic nerve by the posture adopted during pregnancy and by the pressure exerted by the uterus.
The pressure generated by the uterus on the pelvic veins, together with the increase in levels of sex hormones, causes the appearance of varicose veins of different sizes and colors in the legs.
Pelvic pressure increases as the fetus begins to squeeze into the birth canal, which can cause cramping and discomfort in the vagina, which becomes inflamed and enlarged. In addition, there will be an increase in the amount of thick, whitish vaginal discharge.
During the eighth month, the uterus may begin to harden frequently, causing the tummy to become irregularly shaped. These are Braxton-Hicks contractions.
The fetus has very active senses, it is able to recognize the maternal voice and respond to it.
His brain matures rapidly, the grooves and convolutions typical of human intellectual development begin to form.
Muscles and lungs develop rapidly until almost complete formation
From the 30th week, its growth will not be as fast as in previous weeks. The diameter of the head, where the eyelashes and eyebrows appear, is still greater than that of the abdomen.
By this point in pregnancy, most fetuses are usually found head down, in the so-called cephalic position.
Ninth Month of PregnancyThe maternal organism prepares for dilation
Physical Changes
In the course of the last few weeks, a little bleeding may appear. It is cervical bleeding due to dilation of the cervix due to the onset of contractions. With the beginning of dilation, the expulsion of the mucous plug (sticky transparent or brown discharge) can also occur. This fact is not indicative that labor is going to take place, there may still be some time left.
The probable date of delivery (FPP) is when 40 weeks of gestation are completed, however, the pregnancy can last until week 41 or 42. At this date it is a chronologically prolonged pregnancy and if it has not been labor occurred naturally, the pregnant woman should be admitted to induce labor in order to avoid possible complications.
Due to the fetus being wedged into the birth canal (between the pelvic bones), the tummy is felt in a lower position and the rib pain becomes pubic. The feeling of tiredness and heaviness is increasing. The uterus reaches 40 centimeters and is located at the height of the sternum. The total weight gained throughout the pregnancy is between 11 and 15 kilograms.
As of week 35, the lungs have completed their maturation, although it is still considered a premature fetus.
By now, the fetus is usually positioned head down, that is, in a cephalic presentation. Their movements are increasingly limited, since you have less and less space inside the uterus.
Your skin becomes thicker, smoother, and pinker. The lanugo (fine hair) coat disappears and a fair amount of hair generally grows on the head.