Embarazo week by week: how to develop the baby

The weeks of embarrassment are mainly marked by the baby’s development, which is more sensitive in the first 12 weeks, as it is the phase in which a rapid multiplication of cells and the formation of the main organs occurs. However, during the entire pregnancy, there are also several changes in the woman’s body, which can result in certain symptoms and ailments such as morning sickness, tiredness or sensitivity in the breasts, for example.

Around 12 weeks, the formation of the placenta and umbilical cord occurs, which will provide the nutrients and oxygen needed for the maturation of all the baby’s organs, which will continue to develop until the end of the embarrassment, which generally It lasts for 9 months on average, or 40 weeks, but it can be extended to 42 weeks.

1 month – until 4 weeks of pregnancy

The first month of embarazo corresponds to the first 4 weeks and the beginning of the first trimester of embarazo, phase in which the fertilized ovum is implanted in the uterus, initiating the division of the cells of the embryo and stimulating the body of the woman to produce the hormone beta-HCG to create the conditions for the baby to develop inside the uterus.

This hormonal increase can cause the first symptoms of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, tiredness or sensitivity in the breasts, which many times can be confused with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). See how to differentiate symptoms of embarrassment and PMS.

At this stage of pregnancy, the placenta is not yet formed, but the baby is enclosed by the gestational sac, which protects from infections or blows and is responsible for forming the placenta and the amniotic sac, being present until approximately 12 .th week of pregnancy.

At the end of the first month, the size of the baby is around 2 millimeters, and the neural tube that will give rise to the nervous system and the baby’s brain, which is already formed.

See more about the development of the fetus in the 4th week of pregnancy and the changes in the mother’s body.

2 months – 5 to 8 weeks of gestation

At the beginning of the 2nd month, the baby’s heart is formed and begins to bark and pump blood with an accelerated rhythm. Until the end of this month, other organs such as the lungs, the liver, the intestine and the kidneys are also starting to form, as well as the neurons and the small protuberances that will give rise to the arms and the piernas.

When the fetus is very small, around 13 millimeters at the end of the 2nd month, it is at this stage that most women discover that they are embarrassed. See how to do the embarazo test at home.

In this month of embarrassment, it is common that the woman presents symptoms of malaise and morning nausea that, generally, last until the end of 3.^er month of pregnancy, the changes are caused by rapid hormonal changes. Some tips to improve these symptoms can be avoiding strong smells and intense foods, not staying too long in the mornings and resting, as tiredness tends to worsen the nausea. Discover some home remedies for nausea in embarassment.

At the end of the 2nd month, it is possible to know the sex of the baby by means of the fetal sex detection test, carried out by means of an analysis of a sample of maternal blood.

See how the fetal sex detection test is carried out.

3 months – 9 to 13 weeks of gestation

El 3.^er month of embarazo corresponds to the 9th and 13th weeks of pregnancy, and also at the end of the first trimester. This month of embarrassment is marked by the formation of the huesos and cartilages, the auditory canals, nostrils and elbows, so it is possible for the baby to flex its arms. Asimismo, the organs of the baby are already formed and started to function, but they continue to develop and mature until the end of the embarazo. In addition, the ovaries or testicles are also fully formed.

At the end of 3.^er months, the baby is around 7.4 centimeters and the placenta is fully formed. The belly of a woman starts to be noticed, the morning nauseas are usually not so frequent and the sinuses start to become more and more voluminous, which increases the risk of the appearance of stretch marks.

4 months – 14 to 17 weeks of gestation

The 4th month corresponds to the beginning of the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, and in this month the baby begins to swallow amniotic fluid and develops the suction and swallowing reflexes for future breastfeeding. Asimism, the lungs are developing and the baby manages to make breathing movements, inspiring the amniotic fluid.

The baby’s skin is thin and covered by lanugo, a thin layer of hair that helps regulate body temperature, and despite the fact that the eyes are closed, the baby can move the eyes from one side to the other. and note the difference between clarity and darkness.

At the end of the 4th month, the baby measures around 13.5 centimeters, measured from head to foot, and weighs about 179 grams. The woman’s belly is noticeable and her waist takes on a more rounded appearance.

Know the main changes in the woman’s body at the end of the 4th month of embarassment.

5 months – 18 to 22 weeks of gestation

The 5th month of embarazo corresponds to the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy, and the baby poses the oidos bien formados, managing to listen to the mother’s heartbeats. Asimism, the uterine tubes are positioned in the correct place, if she is a girl, it is possible to confirm the baby’s sex through a morphological ultrasound.

In this phase of pregnancy, the formation of the vernix caseosa is also carried out, a kind of white covering on the skin, which serves as protection and hydration of the skin, in addition to preventing infections and regulating the temperature of the baby’s body.

At the end of the 5th month of embarrassment, the baby measures 27.4 centimeters, weighs about 476 grams and its movements can be noticed by the woman. The pregnant woman could present a darker line known as linea nigrawhich goes from the shoulder to the genital region and which is normal and occurs due to the hormonal alterations of pregnancy, in addition to the Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are mild and considered normal.

Know better what are the contractions of Braxton-Hicks.

6 months – 23 to 27 weeks of gestation

The 6th month of pregnancy corresponds to weeks 23 and 27 and marks the end of the second trimester of pregnancy. This month, the baby starts opening the eyes, and he has a routine of sueño and poses the sense of taste more developed. The hearing is getting more and more accurate and the baby can perceive external stimuli, responding by touch or by being frightened by loud noises.

At the end of this month, the baby measures around 34.7 centimeters, measured from head to toe, and weighs around 1.03 kg. The woman will be able to notice the baby’s movements with greater ease, which is the reason why caressing her belly and talking with her when she can calm down.

Know some ways to stimulate the baby aún en el vientre.

7 months – 28 to 31 weeks of gestation

The 7th month of pregnancy corresponds to weeks 28 and 31 and marks the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy. In this phase, the baby’s head is bigger and bigger and the brain is developing and expanding, so its nutritional requirements are getting bigger. The baby moves with greater vivacity, recognizes the voice of the mother and reacts to the sounds and the lights.

At the end of the 7th month, the baby measures 40.3 centimeters and weighs about 1.7 kg; asimism, the woman may feel pain in the back and pelvic pain due to stress.

At this stage, it is important to start buying the items needed for the baby, such as the ropita and the cuna, and preparing the suitcase that will be taken to the maternity hospital.

Know more about what to take to maternity.

8 months – 32 to 35 weeks of gestation

The 8th month of pregnancy corresponds to weeks 32 and 35 of pregnancy, and at this stage the baby’s lungs are more developed, while continuing to mature until the end of pregnancy. However, it produces pulmonary surfactant, a substance that contributes to the exchange of oxygen during breathing during birth.

At the end of the 8th month of pregnancy, the baby measures 45.5 centimeters and weighs about 2.5 kg. In this phase, the head starts to move from one side to the other, the digestive system is already well formed and the bones become increasingly strong, but at this moment the baby has less space to move.

For women, this phase can be uncomfortable, as the legs become swollen and the varices can appear or get worse, so walking 20 minutes in the morning and staying at rest during the day can help.

9 months – 36 to 42 weeks of gestation

The 9th month of embarazo corresponds to weeks 36 and 40, but it can be extended to 42 weeks. In this phase of pregnancy, the baby continues to grow and gain weight, the skin is thinner and smoother and the lanugo begins to disappear.

Up to the 37th week, the majority of babies are in the right position for the birth, it’s decided, turned around with the head below. However, some babies can take a little longer to turn around, which should be evaluated by the obstetrician until the end of the embarrassment. See some exercises that can help the baby to turn and fit.

At the end of the 40th week of pregnancy, the baby measures around 51.2 centimeters and weighs about 3.5 kg, and the birth at this time is considered a full-term delivery. However, it is possible that the Nazca baby until the 41st week and 6 days, arriving late, or until the 42nd week, is considered postterm.

If labor does not start spontaneously until 41 weeks and 3 days, it is possible for the obstetrician to opt for induction of childbirth, which consists of administering oxytocin in the mother’s blood stream, in the hospital, to stimulate the uterine contractions, or performing a cesarean.

Find out how the induction of childbirth is performed.