WEEK 1
It takes 12 hours from the time the sperm separates until it reaches the egg. Hundreds of sperm head towards the egg and only 1 of them enters the egg. Pregnancy lasts 40 weeks from the beginning of the last menstrual period.
WEEK 2
The egg cell is now mature and ready for fertilization. The lining of the uterus also begins to thicken. Some expectant mothers may experience pain in the groin and nausea during this period.
WEEK 3
The nutrition of expectant mothers is very important. The egg is fertilized during this period. During attachment to the uterus, there may sometimes be bleeding in the form of light spotting.
WEEK 4
Pregnancy is evident at this stage. Frequent urination is observed during this period. Omg-3 and omg-6 should be included in the diet.
WEEK 5
In this week, the baby is 2 mm in size. By the end of the fifth week, the baby’s reproductive organs, heart, lungs, musculoskeletal system and skeletal system begin to develop.
WEEK 6
From the beginning of this week, the circulatory system and the placenta are active. It transports oxygen, carbon dioxide and nutrients between mother and baby.
The rapidly developing baby is the size of a grain of rice. The mother may complain of weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting.
WEEK 7
The head is very large due to the rapid development of the brain in the baby. The upper and lower jaw protrusions and cervical vertebrae develop. In this week, the baby is 10-11 mm in size. The foundations for the formation of the baby’s arms and legs are laid this week.
WEEK 8
The baby’s tongue, palate, eye lens and bones are formed in outline. The formation of the genitals also begins in this week. The external auditory canal and auricle are formed. The retina forms and the eye becomes distinct. The head is still large, tilted towards the heart. This is called the cervical flexure. The fingers are webbed.
WEEK 9
During these weeks, the baby is 25-30 mm long and weighs about 4 grams. The baby’s eyes and lips continue to develop. Expectant mothers may experience weight gain and old clothes may start to feel tight.
WEEK 10
By the end of this week, the baby is around 27-35 mm. The vital organs will be fully formed this week and will start to function.
WEEK 11
The baby is now 6-8 cm tall, the size of a lemon. The sense of touch has started to develop. The baby can now suck its thumb and can also grasp an object.
WEEK 12
After 12 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s face is well defined. It can be seen on ultrasound that the baby opens and closes its mouth and makes finger sucking movements.
WEEK 13
The baby’s facial features become more prominent. Expectant mothers may start to breathe faster or have shortness of breath around pregnancy.
WEEK 14
The second trimester, the second trimester of pregnancy, has started. The development of the prostate if the baby is a boy and ovaries if the baby is a girl starts in this period.
WEEK 15
The baby is now the size of an orange. From this week onwards, fine silky hairs called ‘lanugo’ start to appear on the head and nails, hair, eyebrows and eyelashes begin to develop.
WEEK 16
The expectant mother is recommended to have blood tests known as triple and quadruple tests this week. According to the results of these tests, it is determined whether there is an anomaly in the baby.
WEEK 17
The baby is now 4 months old. As it will enter a rapid development process as of this week, weight gain can also be seen in the expectant mother.
WEEK 18
The muscular and nervous system develops during this week. Teeth are formed during this week. It is now able to react to sounds coming from outside.
WEEK 19
The baby’s heart is getting stronger this week. The expectant mother may have reflux. For this, eating small but frequent meals will reduce reflux complaints. Bleeding gums may occur due to the effect of hormones. Cracks in the abdomen and leg area may occur due to weight gain in the mother. Avoiding excessive weight gain, consumption of antioxidant-containing foods and regular exercise can prevent the formation of stretch marks.
WEEK 20
The mother’s uterus has risen to the level of the belly button. From this week, the expectant mother may experience leg cramps. Magnesium will be useful for this.
WEEK 21
The Ministry of Health recommends that expectant mothers should be vaccinated against tetanus toxoid (TT) during pregnancy.
WEEK 22
To prevent cramps, the mother should not stand for long periods, keep her legs elevated and wear supportive socks. Since the baby’s development is increasing, the center of gravity of the body changes and accordingly, low back and back pain may occur.
WEEK 23
The baby now looks completely human. The baby can hear very well because the bones in the ear are completely hardened. Even its smile can be noticed on ultrasonography.
WEEK 24
A sugar loading test is recommended for the expectant mother in this week for the disease known as gestational diabetes or hidden sugar. As the baby grows, the pressure on the organs increases and heartburn and burning may be felt.
WEEK 25
The most important development in this week is the development of the baby’s sense of taste. As the abdomen grows, the stretched skin tissue may itch uncomfortably. Use moisturizing lotions for this.
WEEK 26
The baby now weighs 800-900 grams and is 27-30 cm long. This week is very important for the baby’s lung development. Air sacs called alveoli begin to form. The mother should take care to exercise, but exercises that force her should be avoided.
WEEK 27
It is one of the most comfortable periods of pregnancy. The baby’s reactions to sound begin to increase. As the growing uterus presses on the chest cavity, it may be difficult to breathe, especially when lying down at night.
WEEK 28
There may be whitish vaginal discharge that intensifies in 28 weeks of pregnancy.
WEEK 29
The baby can now regulate its body temperature. It can produce red blood cells in its bone marrow. Its eyes are also starting to move.
WEEK 30
The hair covering the baby’s skin, called lanugo, starts to disappear and the nails on the hands and feet grow. The mother’s uterus exercises with irregular contractions, especially in the evening. This is normal and there is no need to worry.
WEEK 31
The baby’s lungs are well developed, but not fully mature. Since the baby’s harmful wastes are excreted by the mother, it is important to stay hydrated during these months, especially if it is summer. The baby will be even more active this week. The amniotic fluid has reached the maximum amount of 750 cc, so the baby can move easily. It is recommended that the mother slowly prepares her birth bag.
WEEK 32
The baby begins to develop its own immune response to mild infections. At 32 weeks gestation, some expectant mothers have very irregular blood pressure. A slight drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness, weakness and headaches.
WEEK 33
The baby’s skin is pink and smooth. The expectant mother should never neglect her doctor’s examinations during the last month.
WEEK 34
The muscles of the mother’s uterus are preparing for birth with contractions. These contractions are irregular and usually not uncomfortable. They pass after rest.
WEEK 35
The baby is 46 cm long and weighs 2400 g on average. By the 35th week, your baby has completed most of its development. Your baby’s kidneys are fully developed and the liver has started to function.
WEEK 36
You may notice an increase in the amount of Braxton Hicks contractions you experience. Many women who experience Braxton Hicks go to the hospital, but there is no need to worry because these are just false contractions. Real contractions come at regular intervals, gradually increasing in frequency and do not go away. False contractions come and go irregularly. Although these false contractions can be incredibly frustrating, going to the hospital can be a relief. Real labor contractions will eventually follow Braxton Hicks contractions.
WEEK 37
It is normal to go into labor by the 27th week of pregnancy. Very few expectant mothers give birth at 40 weeks. Because the uterus has grown larger and thinner, the amount of light entering the uterus has increased. This allows the baby to get used to the day-night cycle.
WEEK 38
From this week onwards, the baby’s head circumference and abdominal circumference are equal to each other. Bowel movements are becoming regular. When the 38th week of pregnancy is over, the expectant mother should be prepared for the arrival of the fluid, which is a preliminary sign of the onset of labor.
WEEK 39
Near the end of pregnancy, your cervix begins to change. This is the process by which the cervix prepares for birth. Once your baby enters the pelvis, it will be closer and closer to the cervix and will start to put pressure on it. The cervix softens, shortens and becomes thinner.
WEEK 40
During labor, your baby’s head is pushed towards the cervix with each contraction. After crossing the cervix, it moves into the vagina and starts to appear.