Your
Conception Date is:
You probably conceived
about two weeks after your last menstrual period. |
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Your period of greatest risk for birth defects is:
(Five to ten weeks
gestational age)
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Your baby's
fetal organ formation begins
Implantation occurs 7 to 10 days after concepton. Blood
is formed at 17 days, eyes at 19 days and the heart
is pulsing at 24 days. You won't be able to hear the
baby's heart beat with your midwife's hand held doppler
fetascope until about 12 weeks. (weeks 3-4)
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Your baby is now
visible to the naked eye
Two brain lobes and the spain are forming. The head
is about 1/2 the body length and there are tiny limb
buds. By the end of this time period your baby has all
the major organs formed and the ears are taking shape!
(week 8)
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Your baby has
hair and his own, unique fingerprints. He would turn
his head if you touched it!
The baby is moving though you can't feel it at 2.5"
long and 1/2 ounce. Lips open and close and the heart
is complete The head is rounder with eyelids. Muscles
are developing.Your first trimester is over now! (week
12)
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Nausea is probably over
now and your risk of miscarriage is less
Your baby is completely formed with eyebrows, pigmented
hair (if dark-haired) and finger nails! Your baby has
a protective covering of fine hair called lunago at
this time. You may feel flutters but don't be disappointed
if you don't. Your baby is 6.75" long and weighs
5 ounces. (weeks 12-16)
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Growing, kicking, and
sucking!
Your baby is aware of sounds outside your body so don't
be surprised if he jumps at sudden loud sounds.S/he
is protected by a creamy, white coating called vernix.
Your belly is going to blossom as your baby grows from
about 8" to 10". Moving freely you will be
able to feel those kicks now! (week 20)
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If your baby is premature, but born after
this date, s/he has a chance to survive:
(weeks 23-24) |
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Your Third Trimester
begins on:
You may notice
the toning contractions called Braxton-Hicks. If you
are concerned that you won't be able to tell when labor
begins, ask your midwife. You will probably start your
childbirth education classes at some point around now.
(27 weeks)
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Perfectly
formed!
If your baby is a
boy, his testes are descending. The head is in proportion
with the body and he is just beginning to put on fat.
Those fat reserves under the skin are important for many
reasons. This is usually when women start worrying about
just how big their baby is going to end up. Remember,
the biggest part on a baby is the head and there isn't
much difference between the heads of a 7 pouind baby and
a 9 pound baby. (32 weeks) |
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Your
baby could be born at home now
Your baby is probably
head down down. If not, ask your midwife about external
version. There are some midwives who will attend breech
births at home but it's simpler all the way around if
you make sure your baby is headed in the right direction.
You may notice your baby hiccuping as he practices breathing
and takes in fluid. (37 weeks) |
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Your
Due Date is:
The baby is getting
ready and growth has slowed down. Amniotic fluid is replaced
every 3 hours and meconium is in the baby's bowel. S/he
could be anywhere from 5 pounds to 12 pounds and 18"
to 22". Ask your midwife to take a guess! If you
have hired a doula make sure she knows the way to your
house. If you plan a water birth practice filling the
pool or tub so that there won't be any confusion when
the time comes. (37 - 40 weeks is considered full term)
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Take
it Easy!
It isn't unusual to
go "over your due date" by days or even weeks. It will
happen when you least expect it. Talk to your midwife
about your special concerns. |
Tell everyone that this is your due date to avoid those late pregnancy phone calls,
"Haven't you had it yet?"
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