Nine Months of Journey

First Month (Weeks 1-4)

Your Baby

• Family traits were set when you got pregnant.
• The father's sperm determined the baby's sex.
• The brain and the lungs are forming.
• The heart and lungs are forming, too.
• Tiny spots for ears, eyes and nose are showing.
• Arm and leg buds are forming.
• The baby is growing inside a sac of amniotic fluid.
• Your baby will be about  ¼ inch long at the end of this month.

Your Body

• You were two weeks pregnant when you missed your first period.
• You were six weeks pregnant when you missed your second period.
• The placenta is forming and making hormones that prepare your baby for an exchange of nutrients between the mother and fetus.
• You may have nausea ("morning sickness") any time of the day.
• You may feel tired.
• Your breasts begin to feel tender.
• Your uterus (womb) is growing larger, but you can not feel it.
• You have not gained weight or changed body size this month.
• You may need to urinate (pee) more.

Your Responsibilities

• Make an appointment to start prenatal care.
• Check with your health care provider or clinic before taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medicine.
• Avoid X-rays while you are pregnant.
• Avoid smoking, drinks with caffeine (colas, tea, coffee) and junk food.
• DO NOT use marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, heroin, or other street drugs.
• DO NOT drink beer, wine, wine coolers, whiskey or any other alcoholic drinks.
• Eat three balanced meals a day or six small meals.
• Small meals will help if you have an upset stomach. Don't go for long periods of time without food.
• Eat protein (meats-not fried, beans, fish, eggs, nuts, etc.)
• Talk with your family and/or friends about your feelings during pregnancy.
• Stick to a diet naturally high in folic acid (oranges, melons and daily green vegetables).
• Decide how you will tell your family, friends, health care provider and employer about your pregnancy.
• Find out if you have insurance (Medicaid, Tricare, private).

Second Month (Weeks 5-8)

Your Baby

• This is a key month in your baby's growth.
• The eyes and ears are forming.
• Facial features are forming.
• Facial features are forming.
• The head is large, since the brain grows faster than any other organs.
• Cartilage, skin and muscles are starting to shape your body's body.
• The umbilical cord has formed.
• Fingers, toes and fingernails are forming.
• The stomach, liver and kidneys are developing.
• The heart is beating.
• Your baby will weigh about 1/2 to 1 ounce and be about 1 inch long by the end of the month.

Your Body

• You may gain a pound or two during this month.
• Your waist size is likely to increase.
• Your breast size increases, and the nipples begin to darken.
• The uterus may feel like a small lump above you pubic bone.
• The uterus is softer, rounder and larger now.
• As it crowds the bladder, you may urinate more often.
• The placenta is growing.
• More hormones are being produced.
• The tissues around the vagina become bluish as an increased blood supply nourishes the baby.
• The vaginal discharge becomes thicker, whiter and stickier.
• You may be more tired and have less energy this month.
• Nausea (morning sickness) may still occur and it may be more common in the morning.

Your Responsibilities

• Begin your regular checkups this month.
• Ask for prenatal test results: blood type and Rh factor, anemia, blood pressure, urine, weight.
• Ask about any medications you are taking.
• Get prescribed vitamins and iron, if needed.
• Eat a good diet including whole grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables.
• Take your prescribed vitamins.
• Drink six to eight glasses of water each day.
• Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, junk foods, and/or medications unless prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid paints (except latex), pesticides and aerosol sprays.
• Exercise: Walk, swim or bile 15 minutes daily.
• Try to enroll in prenatal classes.
• Discuss feelings, ideas or worries that you may have about the effects of pregnancy with your partner.
• Ask good friends or family about their experiences in the first few months of pregnancy.
• Find out if you have insurance for maternity and infant health services.

Third Month (Weeks 9-12)

Your Baby

• Your baby is still too tiny to feel any movement.
• The ears, arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet and toes will be completely formed this month.
• Your baby's vocal cords are formed.
• The taste buds are forming.
• The head can be held up.
• Reflex movements allow your baby's elbows to bend, legs to kick and fingers to form a fist.
• The sex of the baby is easy to tell now, if you could see inside the uterus.
• The heart beat is 120 to 160 beats per minute.
• Blood is now going through the cord to the baby.
• About 1 cup of amniotic fluid surrounds your baby.
• The baby's kidneys will begin to function.
• By the end of the month your baby will weigh about 1 ounce and be about 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches long.

Your Body

• You will begin to feel better by the end of this month.
• You will be sick to your stomach less.
• You will begin to feel hungrier.
• You will have more energy.
• You may have gained about 5 pounds since you became pregnant.
• The placenta is now formed.
• You may be constipated. Drinking water or fruit juice and eating raw vegetables will help.
• You may be happy or sad for no reason.
• If your legs or feet swell, sit down at different times during the day and elevate (raise) your feet.

Your Responsibilities

• Get your prenatal checkup this month.
• Ask about the changes in your body that worry you.
• Ask about your test results.
• Ask if you will need an ultrasound or tests to see if your baby may have Down Syndrome or Trisomy 18.
• Eat three balanced meals daily.
• Eat while grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of liquid (water, milk, fruit juices) a day.
• DO NOT SMOKE.
• DO NOT drink beer, wine, wine coolers, whiskey, or any other alcoholic drinks.
• DO NOT use marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine or other amphetamines, heroin, or other street drugs.
• Take only medicines prescribed by your health care provider.
• Avoid using paints, pesticides and spray cans.
• Exercise: Walk, swim or bike about 15 minutes daily.
• Share your good and bad feelings about having a baby with family, friends and/or health care provider.

Fourth Month (Weeks 13-17)

Your Baby

• Your baby starts a growth spurt in length and weight.
• Hair begins to grow.
• Hair appears on the baby's head.
• Downy hair called lanugo covers the body.
• Eye brows and eyelashes start to grow.
• The skin starts to fill out with fat.
• The kidneys make urine.
• Your baby enjoys moving about in the amniotic sac.
• The amniotic fluid increases a lot this month.
• This month marks the midpoint in pregnancy.
• The heartbeat will be heard.
• A special stethoscope called a Doppler will be used.
• Your baby will be about 7 inches long and weigh about 4 ounces by the end of the month.

Your Body

• Your pregnancy is beginning to show.
• You gain ½ to 1 pound a week for a total gain of 2 to 4 pounds this month.
• Your nipples, the area around them and the line on your abdomen linea nigra may darken.
• Your placenta releases hormones that help to soften some of your joints and muscles to make labor and delivery easier.
• You are less tired.
• You may begin to find you enjoy being pregnant.
• You may be hungry more often.
• You may feel cravings for some foods.
• The chance of urinary tract infection may increase this month.
• Your uterus will be just below your navel by the end of the month.

Your Responsibilities

• Get your prenatal checkup this month.
• Eat three balanced meals a day with healthy snacks in between.
• Take your prenatal vitamins and iron.
• Ask your health care provider about tests for neural tube defects, Down syndrome, and trisomy 18.
• Avoid smoking, drinks with caffeine (colas, teas, coffee) and junk foods.
• DO NOT drink beer, wine, wine coolers, whiskey, or any other alcoholic drinks.
• DO NOT use marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine or other amphetamines, heroin, or other street drugs.
• Stick to a diet naturally high in folic acid (oranges, melons and dark green vegetables).
• Exercise: Walk, swim or bike 15 minutes daily.
• Learn and practice the Kegel and pelvic rock exercises.
• Share your good and bad feelings about having a baby with family, friends and/or health care provider.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of liquid (water, milk, fruit juice) a day.

Fifth Month (Weeks 18-22)

Your baby

• Your baby will begin to move a lot.
• You will feel the baby's arms and legs move.
• There are times when the baby is active and times when the baby is calm.
• The skin is protected by a white cheesy coating as the baby moves in the amniotic fluid.
• The skin is wrinkled and red.
• The eyelids are still closed.
• The fingernails are growing.
• The heartbeat is easy to hear with a fetoscope (a baby stethoscope).
• Your baby will be about 8-12 inches long and weigh about ½ to 1 pound by the end of the month.

Your Body

• You feel well most of the time.
• People may tell you that you look good.
• You probably will gain about ½ to 1 pound a week or about 2 to 4 pounds a month.
• Your breasts grow larger, softer and the veins start to show.
• A yellowish-white fluid called colostrum may leak from your breasts. This is preparation for breast feeding of your baby.
• You can feel the uterus at the navel or just above.
• Constipation may be a problem until the end of your pregnancy. Increase your fluids, eat more fruits and vegetables and walk more.
• Your hair may feel thicker and more oily.
• You may become easily upset due to hormone changes. This can happen almost anytime during pregnancy.

Your Responsibilities

• Continue your prenatal checkups.
• Eat three balanced meals a day with healthy snacks in between.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water, milk or fruit juices every day.
• Avoid smoking, drinks with caffeine (colas, teas, coffee) and junk food.
• DO NOT use marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, whiskey, or any other alcoholic drinks.
• DO NOT drink beer, wine, wine coolers, whiskey, or any other alcoholic drinks.
• Stick to a diet naturally high in folic acid (oranges, melons and dark green vegetables).
• Buy well-fitting support or nursing bras.
• Talk to your health care provider about labor and deliver classes.
• Walk and do Kegel and pelvic rock exercises every day.
• Take time to rest every day; especially if you work.
• Lying on your side may be more comfortable.
• Discuss your concerns about parenting with your family, friends or health care provider.
• Share your good and bad feelings about having a baby with family, friends and health care provider.
• Lie down and get your feet up at least 30 minutes a day.
• Choose comfortable shoes and clothes to fit your changing size.
• Fit seat belts low over your hips.

Sixth Month (Weeks 23-26)

Your Baby

• Your baby is big enough ti be felt when your abdomen is examined.
• The skin is still wrinkled and red.
• The fingerprints are forming.
• The eyes are almost developed.
• The eyelids can open and close.
• Your baby kick, cry and hiccup.
• Noises from the outside may cause the baby to move or become quiet.
• Your baby will be about 14 inches long and weigh 1 ½ pounds by the end of this month.

Your Body

• You will continue to gain about 2 to 4 pounds a month.
• You may develop stretch marks on your stomach, hips and breasts.
• The uterus may be felt about the navel.
• Your appetite is good.
• You may get heartburn or gas, so eat slowly, relax, and avoid fried foods.
• Your sex drive may increase or decrease and change from week to week. Talk about your feelings with your partner.
• You may think about things that can go wrong with your baby. Most women do at some time during their pregnancy.
• You may begin to see patches of brown coloring on your cheeks, nose, and forehead, and a line that extends down from your navel. The brown patches and line will disappear or fade after your baby is born.

Your Responsibilities

• Learn the signs and symptoms of preterm labor.
• Ask about a test for gestational diabetes.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water, milk or fruit juices every day.
• Avoid smoking , drinks with caffeine (colas, teas, coffee) and junk food.
• DO NOT use marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine or other amphetamines, heroin, or other street drugs.
• DO NOT drink beer, wine, wine coolers, whiskey, or any other alcoholic drinks.
• Eat healthy food including plenty of whole grains (breads, cereals, rice, and pasta), meats, fresh vegetables, fruit and milk.
• Discuss feelings about your changing body.
• Prepare for breast or bottle feeding.
• Get information on infant feeding and nipple care and check on the supplies you will need.
• Continue to take your prenatal vitamins and iron everyday.

Seventh Month (Weeks 27-31)

Your Baby

• Your baby is 15 inches long and will weigh about 2 ½ to 3 pounds by the end of this month.
• A fine, soft hair called lanugo covers the baby.
• The brain and nervous system grow quickly.
• Your baby's heartbeat might be heard by another person placing an ear on your abdomen.
• Iron is being stored from now until birth.
• The fingerprints are formed.
• The testicles of boys start to move down into the scrotum.
• Sleeping and waking times are definite.
• Kicking and stretching movements are often noticed.
• Your baby is sucking his thumb.

Your Body

• You may gain weight faster because this begins the baby's greatest growth period.
• Your uterus is moving closer to your rib cage.
• You may notice kicking against your ribs.
• You can see your abdomen move as your baby moves.
• You may feel awkward and tire more easily.
• You may feel light-headed when you get up.
• Your feet, hands and ankles may swell if it's hot or you've been standing a lot.
• Your breasts may leak enough to require padding in your bra.
• You may notice a loosening in the pelvic bones when you walk.

Your Responsibilities

• Get your prenatal checkup this month.
• Discuss how close up to delivery you want to work.
• Start prenatal classes right away if you have put it off.
• Tour the labor and delivery section of the hospital you will use.
• Think about things you will need the first six weeks, like nutritious, easy to prepare foods, paper plates, disposable diapers, and/or diaper service.
• Eat three balanced meals daily with healthy snacks in between.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water, milk, and fruit juices every day.
• Avoid smoking, drinks with caffeine (colas, teas, coffee) and junk food.
• DO NOT use marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine or any other amphetamines, heroin, or other street drugs.
• DO NOT drink beer, wine, wine coolers, whiskey, or any other alcoholic drinks.
• Stick to a diet naturally high in folic acid (oranges, melons and dark green vegetables).
• Plan what you will do when you go into labor.
• How are you going to get to the hospital?
• If you already have children, who will watch your children?
• Practice daily relaxation and breathing exercises.
• Talk about feelings and responsibility with your partner.
• Plan special times with your partner.
• Take extra time to do things for you.

Eighth Month (Weeks 32-35)

Your Baby

• Your baby weighs about 5 ½ pounds and is about 18 inches long.
• Your baby's eyes are open.
• The skin is smooth because fat begins to fill out wrinkles.
• The downy hair gradually disappears.
• Your baby is active with noticeable patterns of sleep and wakefulness.
• He/She may settle into the position for birth.
• The baby's body is not mature enough to survive if it is born early.
• our baby gains about 2 pounds this month.

Your Body

• You may find this month is the most uncomfortable.
• You may have trouble sitting or lying down for a long period of time.
• You may have a problem breathing when the baby pushes against your lungs.
• Your uterus is now near your rib cage.
• You can feel parts of the baby through your abdominal wall.
• You may need to urinate more often (as the baby's head pushes on your bladder). Good fluid intake is important to help prevent urinary tract infection.
• Your vaginal secretions may increase.
• You may have hemorrhoids or be constipated. Increase your fluids and your fruits, juices and vegetables.
• You may have heartburn.
• You may sweat more easily.
• You may begin to tire easily.

Your Responsibility

• Continue your prenatal checkups.
• Eat three balanced meals a day or six small meals.
• Avoid smoking, drinks with caffeine (colas, teas, coffee) and junk food.
• DO NOT use marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine or any other amphetamines, heroin, or other street drugs.
• DO NOT drink beer, wine, wine coolers, whiskey, or any other alcoholic drinks.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water each day.
• Stick to a diet naturally high in folic acids (oranges, melons and dark green vegetables).
• Keep up your walking and stretching exercise.
• Practice the exercises from your labor and delivery class.
• You should pack your suitcase. Include clothes and other items to use at the hospital and clothes for you and your baby to wear home.

Ninth Month (Weeks 36-40)

Your baby

• Your baby grows about 2 ½ inches and gains 2 pounds.
• Your baby weighs 6 to 7 ½ pounds and is about 20 inches long.
• The eye color is dark grey, which may change after birth.
• The fingernails become complete and may grow long.
• The baby settles into head down position.
• The baby will still have periods of sleep and activity.
• About one quart of amniotic fluid surrounds your baby.

Your Body

• You may be tired of being pregnant and are ready for deliver.
• Your abdomen is getting bigger and may look lopsided when the baby moves.
• Your hands and feet may swell. Put your feet up occasionally.
• You may feel pressure low in the pelvis as the baby settles into position for birth.
• Your sleep may be disturbed.
• You may need to urinate more often.
• You may need to move more often.
• You tire easily and often feel drowsy.

Your Responsibilities

• Get a prenatal checkup each week until the baby arrives.
• Ask about a test for Group B Strep, if the test was not done earlier.
• Eat three balanced meals a day or six small meals.
• Small meals will help you if you have an upset stomach.
• Continue to exercise and practice for labor and delivery.
• You should limit out-of-area travel.
• Plan for a birth control method to use after delivery.
• Cover you mattress and your chair with plastic in case your bag of water breaks. (A shower curtain liner works well and is inexpensive).
• List phone number of people to call when labor begins.
• Treat yourself and your partner something special.
• Pay attention to the baby's movement.
• The baby should move about 10 times in two hours or less.
• Be sure you have and approved car seat that has never been involved in an accident.