Fetal Development Month by Month An egg goes

Fetal Development Month by Month

An egg goes down the fallopian tube after ovulation; if a sperm makes its way from the vagina through the uterus to the egg within 24 hours, conception is likely to occur.

Egg surrounded by sperm. A sperm penetrates the egg and conception occurs. It is called a zygote until it reaches the uterus in 3 -4 days.

The embryo may float freely in the uterus for about 48 hours before implanting. Upon implantation, complex connections between the mother and embryo develop to form the placenta.

Multiple Pregnancy • Sometimes two or • Twins are more babies develop likely than triplets, in the same and triplets are more pregnancy; this is likely than called multiple quadruplets. pregnancy. • Becoming more • Multiple pregnancies common today are far less likely because of the use of than single ones. fertility drugs.

Multiple Pregnancy • Frequency of twins is • Health of multiple births are concerning about 1 in 35 births. doctors because of low • Likelihood of having birth weights (under 3. 3 3 or more is 1 in 540 pounds). births. • Puts them at risk for severe vision, hearing, • The number of twins mental, and continue to rise. developmental disabilities.

Twins • Twins are almost 5 times (triplets 10 times) more likely to die in their 1 st year than single birth children. • 2 types of twins: – Fraternal Births – Identical Births

Fraternal Twins • Most Common • Fraternal twins grow from 2 separate zygotes. • Each zygote carries a different genetic code from same parents. • Can be twins, triplets, or higher. • May or may not be the same gender • They look different.

Fraternal Twins

Identical Twins • Children develop from a single ovum that was fertilized by a single sperm. • During the early days of pregnancy, the ovum splits to produce two or more children. • Scientists don’t know why the ovum splits. • Babies have an identical genetic makeup • Some twins are mirror twins (they look the way you and your mirror image would appear)

Identical Twins

Conjoined Twins • If the ovum doesn’t completely split, the babies will be conjoined twins. • The bodies of these twins are joined in one or more places.

Conjoined Twins

• • Call the doctor if any of the following occur: Vaginal bleeding Sharp abdominal pain or cramping Loss of fluid from the vagina Severe or prolonged nausea or vomiting Frequent dizzy spells Painful urination High fever over 100 degrees F. Vaginal discharge that is irritating

Other considerations: • No medications, including overthe counter drugs, unless approved by your doctor. • No drugs or alcohol. • No x-rays. • No saunas and hot tubs. • No vaccinations during pregnancy. • Avoid cats, cattle, sheep and pigs. They have a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis.

Stages of Prenatal Development • Day 1: Conception takes place • 7 Days: tiny human implants into mothers uterus • 10 days: mother’s menses stop • 18 days: heart begins to beat • 21 days: pumps own blood through separate closed circulatory system with own blood type

Stages of Prenatal Development • 28 days: eye, ear, respiratory system form • 42 days: brain waves recorded, skeleton complete, reflexes present • 8 wks: all body systems present • 9 wks: squint, swallows, moves tongue, makes fist • 11 wks: spontaneous breathing movements, has fingernails, all body systems working.

Stages of Prenatal Development • 12 wks: weighs one ounce • 16 wks: genital organs clearly differentiated, grasps with hands, swims, kicks, turns, somersaults (still not felt by mother) • 18 wks: vocal cords work; can cry • 20 wks: has hair on head, weighs 1 lb. , 12 inches long

Stages of Prenatal Development • 23 wks: 15% chance of viability outside of womb if birth premature • 24 wks: 56% of babies survive premature birth • 25 wks: 79% of babies survive premature

Overview: st 1 Trimester • 1 st trimester: Months 1 -3 (wks 1 -12) – Essential to the proper development of the infant – All organs, nerve cells, and brain cells develop – It’s vital that all necessary nutrients be available to the fetus in order to develop properly

Overview: nd 2 trimester • 2 nd Trimester: Months 4 -6 (wks 13 -28) “Golden Trimester” • Mother usually feels the best • Morning sickness and nausea have generally disappeared

Overview: rd 3 Trimester • 3 rd trimester: Months 7 -9 (wks 29 -40) • These are important months for the baby as its organs and body systems mature and prepare to function on their own. • Fat accumulated during this time will help give the baby a “head start” on life

Overview • Prenatal Development is separated into 3 periods – The Germinal Stage • Zygote: begins at conception and lasts until implanted in the mother’s uterus (10 -14 days) • Zygote grows to be about the size of a pinhead • Roots grow from the zygote into the wall of the uterus so they can receive nutrients from mothers blood

Overview • 2 nd period is known as the Embryonic Stage – Embryo: lasts from 2 weeks to 8 wks after conception • Embryo is attached to the mom by the umbilical cord (20 inches long) which reaches from the embryo’s stomach to the wall of the uterus • Umbilical cord is attached to the placenta (serves as a medium for the exchange of nutrients and waste between the mother and baby. • Embryo is inside the amniotic sac (protects baby against bumps, bruises, and temperature change

Overview • 3 rd stage is the Fetal Stage – Fetus: period extends from the end of the 2 nd month of pregnancy until birth • The body parts, organs, and systems which were formed during the embryo period will become much more developed and being to function. • The fetus will begin to resemble a human and features will increase in clarity.

Signs and Symptoms Pregnancy – 40 weeks • • • A missing menstrual period Morning sickness and nausea Frequent urination Cravings Breasts enlarge Fatigue and dizziness A simple urine test from the doctor will show whether or not a woman is pregnant.

First Month • By the end of the first month, the embryo is about 1/10 of an inch long. The heart, which is no larger than a poppy seed, has begun beating.

First Month

Two Months The embryo grows to about an inch long and has distinct, slightly webbed fingers. Veins are clearly visible. The placenta is already nourishing the baby through the umbilical cord. The heart has divided into right and left chambers. Veins are clearly visible. Most vital organs are developed.

Two Months

Three Months • Starting at eight weeks, your baby is called a fetus. By the end of the first trimester, the fetus is 2 1/2 to 3 inches long and is fully formed. He has begun swallowing and kicking. All organs and muscles have formed and are beginning to function. The arms, legs, hand, and fingers are fully developed. The nails on his fingers and toes are starting to develop

• Skin – Every woman’s body reacts differently to pregnancy. – Oily, dry or scaly – Stretch marks – Facial skin may darken • Emotions – Need a few extra breaks or time to relax. – May experience mood swings, depression and bad dreams. • Feel baby’s movements

Four Months • Your baby is about 2 inches long and is covered with a layer of thick, downy hair called lanugo. The first outlines of the face are showing. His heartbeat can be heard clearly. This is when many mothers feel their baby's first thrilling kick (quickening).

4 months

Five Months If you have an ultrasound, you might see him sucking his thumb. By the end of this month, your baby will be nearly 8 inches long and weigh almost a pound. The skull bones are the most important bones being developed at this time.

Five Months

Six Months Tiny eyebrows and eyelids are visible. There is a lot of evidence to show that the baby can hear the outside world. Your baby's lungs are filled with amniotic fluid, and he has started to practice breathing movements. If you talk or sing, he can hear you. Fingerprints are formed.

6 Months

• Abdomen enlarges • Fatigue is common • Expectant fathers take more interest because they can feel the baby move. • Baby moves a lot – A mother should feel the baby move every couple of hours. If not, she should call her doctor.

Discomforts that might be experienced • • • Heartburn Shortness of breath Heart palpitations Leg cramps Round ligament pains

Seven Months • By the end of the seventh month, your baby weighs about 3 1/2 pounds and is about 12 inches long. His body is well formed. Fingernails cover his fingertips. He may try to turn toward a source of bright light.

Eight Months • Your baby is gaining about half a pound per week, and layers of fat are piling on under his skin. He has probably turned head-down in preparation for his coming birth. He weighs between 4 and 6 pounds.

Nine Months • Your baby is a hefty 6 to 9 pounds and measures somewhere between 19 and 22 inches. The lungs develop in preparation fro breathing and the head is now headdown. As he becomes more crowded, you may feel him move around less. The last few weeks, the baby “drops” in preparation for delivery – giving the mother a little breathing space.

Danger Signals Call the doctor if any of these problems occur. • Vaginal bleeding • Sharp abdominal pain/cramping • Loss of fluid • Frequent dizzy spells • Visual disturbances • Nausea or vomiting • Sudden and excessive swelling of face, hands, and feet • Headache • Burning, painful urination • Fever • Vaginal discharge

Weight gain during pregnancy 25 -30 pounds • • Baby – 7 ½ pounds Placenta – 1 ½ pounds Uterus – 2 pounds Amniotic fluid – 1 ½ pound Extra blood and water – 4 ½ pounds Breast tissue – 3 pounds Maternal stores of protein – 4 pounds

Baby’s Arrival

Pregnancy Issues Toxemia Ectopic Pregnancy Stillborn Spontaneous Abortion Placental Abruption Placenta Previa

Toxemia • A condition in pregnancy, also known as pre-eclampsia (or preeclampsia) characterized by abrupt hypertension (a sharp rise in blood pressure), leakage of large amounts of the protein into the urine, and edema (swelling) of the hands, feet, and face. • Pre-eclampsia is the most common complication of pregnancy. It affects about 5% of pregnancies. • It usually occurs in the third trimester (the last third) of pregnancy • It’s usually most common in 1 st pregnancies and for those who are carrying multiplies or have diabetes.

Ectopic Pregnancy • An ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which a fertilized egg settles and grows in any location other than the inner lining of the uterus. • The vast majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube (98%), however, they can occur in other locations, such as the ovary, cervix, and abdominal cavity. • An ectopic pregnancy occurs in about one in 50 pregnancies. • The major health risk of ectopic pregnancy is rupture leading to internal bleeding.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Stillborn • A stillbirth occurs when a fetus which has died in the uterus or during labor or delivery, exits a woman's body. • The term is often used in distinction to live birth or miscarriage. Most stillbirths occur in full term pregnancies. • It can occur from infections, placental abruptions, trauma, umbilical cord accidents, etc.

Spontaneous Abortion • A miscarriage, that is, any pregnancy that is not viable (the fetus cannot survive) or in which the fetus is born before the 20 th week of pregnancy. • Spontaneous abortion occurs in at least 1520% of all recognized pregnancies and usually takes place before the 13 th week of pregnancy.

Placental Abruption • Placental abruption is a complication of pregnancy, wherein the placental lining has separated from the uterus of the mother. It refers to the abnormal separation after 20 weeks of gestation and prior to birth. • It is the most common cause of late pregnancy bleeding. • It occurs in 1% of pregnancies world wide with a fetal mortality rate of 20 -40% depending on the degree of separation. • Placental abruption is also a significant contributor to maternal mortality

Placental Abruption

Placenta Previa If you have placenta previa, it means that your placenta is lying unusually low in your uterus, next to or covering your cervix. The placenta is the pancake-shaped organ — normally located near the top of the uterus — that supplies your baby with nutrients through the umbilical cord.

Placenta Previa