It’s no secret that pregnancy comes with its own set of worries and concerns, especially when it comes to fetal development. As an expecting mother, it’s natural to want to know as much as possible about your growing baby, including what is happening in each week of pregnancy.
Understanding fetal development can be exciting for expectant mothers. Knowing what is happening to your baby at each stage of pregnancy can give you a sense of calm during the tumultuous journey of pregnancy.
This is why we have created a comprehensive week-by-week guide to help you better understand the development of your baby. This guide is specifically tailored for pregnant patients of University Obstetrics Associates in Syracuse, New York, but can be useful for any expecting mother out there.
Weeks 1-4
Believe it or not, the first 4 weeks of your pregnancy count even though you are technically not pregnant during this time. The first day of your period is considered the starting point of your pregnancy timeline. During this stage, the fertilized egg will divide into many cells and travel down the fallopian tube to the uterus. Around the 4th week, the fetus is a tiny cluster of cells that will continue to grow and develop throughout the rest of your pregnancy.
Weeks 5-9
By this point in your pregnancy, your baby’s major organs are beginning to form. At this stage, the developing embryo is about the size of a sesame seed. The heart will begin to beat during the fifth week of pregnancy, and it is possible to detect it through ultrasound at around the sixth week. The baby’s eyes, ears, and nose will also begin to form during this stage.
Weeks 10-14
As you enter the second trimester, the baby’s facial features become more distinct. They will have fully formed ears on the sides of their head, and their eyes will move to the front of their head. Your baby’s arms and legs will start to grow longer, and as the weeks progress, the sex can be determined through ultrasound.
Weeks 15-19
The baby may be felt moving around in your belly, with movements described as flutters. Around week 18, your baby may wake and sleep at distinct intervals and may even show facial expressions if you look at an ultrasound. Fine hair, called lanugo, will begin to grow all over the baby’s body, as well as the eyebrows and eyelashes.
Weeks 20-24
In the latter half of this period, your baby will begin to develop at a faster pace and gain more weight. The nerves surrounding the baby’s mouth and lips will continue to develop, as your baby moves in a “practice” breathing pattern.
Weeks 25-29
At week 25, the baby’s lungs will begin producing surfactant, a substance that helps keep the air sacs in the lungs open. As your baby continues to grow, their bones become stronger and harder. At this stage, your baby’s eyes will be structurally complete, but the vision will not be developed until several months later.
Weeks 30-34
At this stage, your baby is getting ready for birth. The baby’s head will be positioned down, and they will start to move further into your pelvis. Their cheeks will fill out and fat deposits will continue to form.
Weeks 35-40
By this time, the baby’s organs are fully formed, and it’s just a waiting game for labor in the last stages of pregnancy. Your baby is now considered full term at 37 weeks and is ready to be welcomed into the world and to grow and develop outside the womb.
Obstetrics in Syracuse, New York
At University OB/GYN Associates, our team of board-certified and experienced obstetricians offer a wide range of obstetric services. Some of the specific services available include:
- Prenatal Care: Comprehensive care and monitoring for expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey.
- High-risk pregnancy management: Specialized care for women with high-risk pregnancies, including those with pre-existing medical conditions or complications.
- Obstetric ultrasound: State-of-the-art ultrasound technology for accurate fetal imaging and assessment.
- Genetic counseling: Expert guidance and counseling for couples who may have an increased risk of genetic disorders in their pregnancy.
- Labor and delivery: Supportive and personalized care during labor and delivery, ensuring a safe and comfortable birthing experience.
- Cesarean section (C-section): Skilled surgical intervention when necessary, to ensure the wellbeing of both mother and baby.
- Postpartum care: Comprehensive follow-up after childbirth, focusing on maternal recovery, newborn care, and support for breastfeeding.
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of the obstetric services offered at University OB/GYN Associates. For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can contact us directly at (315) 464-5162 or visit our website.
Remember, no two pregnancies are the same, and each baby develops at its own unique pace. Regular prenatal checkups and visits to your doctor can provide additional guidance and support to ensure your baby is developing healthily. We wish you all the best in your pregnancy ahead and hope that this guide provides insight and comfort as you experience your precious baby grow and develop within you.
