Pregnancy is clinically divided into three trimesters, each one consisting of three months.
After conception, the baby is in the form of twin layered cells called the embryo, over time this embryo develops into a full baby. The embryo grows to the size of a kidney bean; it is during the first trimester when all organs like the heart, intestines, ear, nose, mouth, and eyelids start to develop. The heart also starts beating, and the baby keeps moving inside the mother’s womb.
Changes during the first trimester:
Week 1, 2, 3:
Even though all these changes are taking place the mother may feel normal during this part of the first trimester.
Week 4:
Effect on mother:
The mother may feel bloating in the abdomen; this happens due to increased levels of progesterone. Abdominal cramps are also very common during this stage. As hormone levels keep fluctuating, mood swings happen frequently.
Baby Growth:
The cell’s ball splits into Embryo and Placenta; the embryo arises from the blastocyst, and its development begins. Formation of the neural tube is completed, and fluid and amniotic sac formation start; this will provide protective cushioning during the development of the baby.
Week 5:
Effect on mother:
Due to kidney enlargement, the mother needs to pee frequently. Feeling of nausea, fatigue and sore breast is also common.
Baby Growth:
The embryo is around the size of an Appleseed (0.10 – 0.13 inches). The formation of different body systems and organs begins; the digestive system, nervous system, circulatory system, heart, liver stomach, and kidney have started developing.
Week 6:
Effect on mother:
Nausea, exhaustion, morning sickness, sore breasts, and mood swings are commonly felt by the mother. In many cases, nausea may worsen due to an increased sense of smell; it may also last for a full day.
Baby Growth:
The baby is around the size of a sweet pea (0.25 inches). The formation of body parts such as the face, hands, and feet has begun, and blood circulation has also increased.
Week 7:
Effect on mother:
Frequent need to pee, nausea, carving, aversion to different foods, and salivation are common. Zits may also appear on the skin.
Increased level of hormones causes intense emotions in most to be mothers.
Baby Growth:
The baby is around the size of a blueberry (0.50 inches). The heart is more advanced and the kidneys are fully developed by now. Development of joints in arms and legs begins at this stage, and more than 6000 brain cells are produced every hour.
Week 8:
Effect on mother:
Breasts will be sour, heavier, and bigger in size. Sense of smell increases, and odd dreams while sleeping will be experienced by the mothers. Fatigue, nausea, and pregnancy cramps will be common, and constipation, indigestion, bloating and heartburn will add to other problems.
Baby Growth:
The baby is around the size of a blueberry (0.63 inches), and the weight will be around 0.04 ounces. Growing at a pace of 1 mm/day, the baby now has movement in arms and legs, fingers and toes get separated, and the tail will be gone. The taste buds of the baby also develop during this stage.
Week 9:
Effect on mother:
Fatigue, nasal congestion, sickness, and mood swings will be felt by the mother. Some weight gain will occur, and going to pee will be more frequent.
Baby Growth:
The baby is around the size of green olive (0.9 inches), and the weight will be around 0.07 ounces. Facial features will be more distinct and prominent. The heart also beats strongly and is detectable using a fetal Doppler.
Week 10:
Effect on mother:
Fatigue, nausea, and sore breasts are accompanied by abdominal pains. Hormone levels cause higher emotions and odd dreams during sleep. Veins will also become more visible.
Baby Growth:
The baby is around the size of a prune (1.2 inches), and the weight will be around 0.14 ounces. As bones and cartilage have formed the baby’s arm joints are fully operational. All the vital organs are functional; the baby can also swallow and kick. Hairs and fingernails are now clearly visible.
Week 11:
Effect on mother:
Leg cramps, mood swings, fatigue, and nausea will be common. There will be an increased amount of vaginal discharge. In more than 75% of cases, Linea Nigra, a dark vertical line will be visible on the mother’s tummy.
Baby Growth:
The baby is around the size of a lime (1.6 inches), and the weight will be around 0.25 ounces. There is an even ratio between the head and other body parts, the head amounts to 50% of the whole body. The movement in the baby has increased. His fingers and toes also look normal, earlier they were web shaped.
The formation of nails, hair follicles, and tooth buds has started; the skin will still be transparent due to a lack of fat and body mass.
Week 12:
Effect on mother:
Dehydration, stress, headaches, and dizziness will be felt by the mother; however, fatigue and nausea will decrease. Drops in blood-sugar levels will cause vision changes. Vaginal discharge will increase, and a bigger tummy size will reveal the pregnancy.
Baby Growth:
The baby is around the size of a plum (2.1 inches), and the weight will be around 0.49 ounces. All the vital organs are fully developed, and the baby can move the finger and toes intentionally. With fast improvement in brain cells, the baby is now developing reflexes.
Week 13:
Effect on mother:
Fatigue and nausea will lessen, and there will be an increase in sex drive. Visible veins and a bigger tummy will be noticeable symptoms of pregnancy.
Baby Growth:
The baby is around the size of a peach (2.9 inches), and the weight will be around 0.80 ounces. The Baby’s fingerprints are fully developed, and teeth and vocal cord formation are in progress. The head is about 33% of the whole-body mass. At this stage, the mother’s intestines start shifting outwards to make way for the growth of the baby.