Pregnancy Stages / Development

Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized egg attaches itself in a place other than inside the uterus. Almost all (more than 95 percent) ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube; hence the term “tubal” pregnancy. Rarely, the egg may implant elsewhere, such as in the abdomen, ovary, or cervix. […]

Cervical Dilation A cause of miscarriage and preterm birth in the second and third trimesters, cervical incompetence is a condition in which the cervix begins to open (dilate) and thin (efface) before a pregnancy has reached term. In a woman with cervical incompetence, dilation and effacement of the cervix occur without pain or uterine contractions. […]

Bleeding During Pregnancy Although miscarriage is less common in the second trimester than in the first, a risk still exists. As with first-trimester miscarriage, vaginal bleeding is the chief sign of miscarriage in mid-pregnancy. Report any bleeding during your second trimester to your doctor. Report moderate to heavy bleeding during mid-pregnancy as soon as possible, because it […]

Your Baby’s Growth: For the first eight weeks your developing baby is called an embryo. Limb buds, which will grow into arms and legs, appear during this time. The embryo resembles a tadpole. The heart and lungs are beginning to form. Around the 25th day the heart starts to beat.

Your Baby: All of the major body organs and systems are formed, but are not completely developed yet. The placenta is visible and working. Tiny ears, ankles, and wrists are formed. The eyelids form and grow but are still sealed shut. The fingers and toes are developed this month.

Your Baby: After eight weeks as an embryo, your baby is now called a fetus. The fingers and toes have soft nails. The mouth has 20 buds that will become baby teeth. You can hear your baby's heartbeat using a special instrument called a "doppler."

Your Baby's Growth: Your baby moves, kicks, swallows, and can hear your voice. The umbilical cord continues to grow and thicken to carry enough nourishment from mother to fetus. The placenta is now fully formed and functioning completely.

Your Baby: The fetus becomes more active now, turning from side to side and sometimes doing somersaults. The fingernails have reached the tips of the fingers. The fetus now sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. This is a month of rapid growth; at the end of the fifth month of pregnancy, your baby is 8 […]

Your Baby's Growth: The baby's skin is red and wrinkled and covered with fine, soft hair called lanugo. At this stage the fetus is usually too small to be born; its lungs are too immature for life outside its mother. If born now because of preterm labor, the fetus may possibly survive with intensive care. […]

Your Baby's Growth: Rapid brain growth continues in month 7. The fetus is getting too big now to move around very much but can kick strongly and roll. You may notice the shape of an elbow or heel through your belly.

Your Baby's Growth: Rapid brain growth is continuing in month 8 of your pregnancy. The fetus can kick strongly and roll. The bones of the head are soft and flexible to make it easier to fit through the birth canal.

Your Baby's Growth: At 38 weeks pregnant to 40 weeks pregnant your baby is considered full term. The baby's lungs are mature and are able to function on their own. During this month the baby gains about a half a pound a week. The baby usually drops into a head-down position.

The following list includes the definitions of terms related to pregnancy, fetal development, pregnancy complications, and pregnancy testing along with various medical terms related to pregnancy.

The Chinese Pregnancy Calendar is based on legend, and has been used to predict whether an unborn child will be a boy or a girl. Use the Chinese Birth Chart below to determine your baby’s gender! According to legend, the Chinese pregnancy calendar was buried in a royal tomb almost 900 years ago and was […]

Pregnancy Week By Week Follow your pregnancy week by week with the pages below! Throughout your pregnancy, so much happens to your body and the new person growing inside you. It’s exciting to find out what is going on each week of your pregnancy and to be prepared for the early signs, prenatal tests, maternal […]

Pregnancy Body Changes at 7 Weeks Pregnant More symptoms of pregnancy may appear in when you are 7 weeks pregnant. Nausea and morning sickness, constipation, vaginal discharge and excess saliva are some. Rapid acceleration of hormones can cause your face to break out. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleaner and drink […]

Pregnancy Body Changes at 28 Weeks Pregnant When you are 28 weeks pregnant, you have probably gained between 15 and 25 pounds. You may be experiencing leg cramps and mild swelling of ankles and feet, shortness of breath, lower abdominal pain, varicose veins, heartburn and indigestion. You may also be feeling Braxton Hicks contractions in […]

Pregnancy Body Changes at 13 Weeks Pregnant During week 13 of pregnancy, many of your early pregnancy symptoms may have subsided or will soon. Anxiety may also decrease because the risk of miscarriage is significantly less after the twelfth week of pregnancy. The second trimester most often the easiest trimester. This is because women often […]

Pregnancy Body Changes at 29 Weeks Pregnant At 29 weeks pregnant your uterus is now about 3 and a half to four inches above your belly button. You should be paying attention to your baby’s movements, you will notice patterns of rest and wakefulness in your baby. If you notice any abnormal movement patterns or […]

Pregnancy Body Changes at 14 Weeks Pregnant During week 14 of pregnancy, you should be experiencing less nausea and less frequent urination. Your energy levels should be increasing. You may begin experiencing constipation due to hormones. If it becomes a problem, add more fiber to your diet and make sure you are drinking plenty of […]

Pregnancy Body Changes at 37 Weeks Pregnant By 37 weeks of pregnancy, most pregnancies are considered “full term.” In most cases, nothing will be done to stop your labor once it starts. If you are having your first baby your baby may have “dropped” lower into your pelvis. Usually, in a woman who has already […]

Pregnancy Body Changes at 15 Weeks Pregnant At 15 weeks of pregnancy your uterus is just popping up above the pubic bone and you may begin to show. There is a great variation in the time your pregnancy becomes visible. This usually occurs between 14 and 20 weeks. If this is your second or third […]

Pregnancy Body Changes at 30 Weeks Pregnant At 30 weeks pregnant, you may be experiencing constipation. Constipation is a common complaint of pregnancy. The pregnancy hormones that allow you to maintain your pregnancy also slow the digestive process considerably. Exercising regularly and eating foods high in fiber is important and will help keep you regular. […]

Pregnancy Body Changes at 16 Weeks Pregnant You may begin to feel the baby move at 16 weeks pregnant. However, many first time mothers do not recognize fetal movements until 22 to 24 weeks. These first movements are called “quickening.” You may also begin experiencing a stuffy nose and nosebleeds, bleeding gums, pain in your […]