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Pregnancy Development Month by Month

By katelynjacobs2011

  • Month 1

    1. Missed Menstrual period
    2. Other signs of pregnancy may not yet be noticeable.

  • Month 2

    1. Breasts begin to swell.
    2. Pressure on bladder from enlarging uterus results in need to urinate more frequently.
    3. Possible nausea ("morning sickness").
    4. Fatigue is common.

  • Month 3

    1. Breasts become firmer and fuller, may ache.
    2. Nausea, fatigue and frequent urination may continue.
    3. Abdomen becomes slightly larger. the uterus is about the size of an orange.
    4. Weight gain may total 2-4 pounds (0.9-1.8 kg)

  • Month 4

    1. Abdomen continues to grow slowly.
    2. Most discomforts of early pregnancy, such as morning sickness, usually gone.
    3. Appetite increases.

  • Month 5

    1. Enlarged abdomen becomes apparent.
    2. Slight fetal movements felt.
    3. Increased size may begin to affect posture.

  • Month 6

    1. Fetal movements sensed as strong kicks, thumps and bumps. Some may be visible.
    2. Weight gain by the beginning of this month may total 10-12 pounds (4.5-5.4 kg).

  • Month 7

    1. Increased size may affect posture.

  • Month 8

    1. Discomfort may result from increased size. Backache, leg cramps, shorness of breath, and fatigue are common.
    2. Fetal kicks may disturb the mother's rest.
    3. At the beginning of this month, weight gain totals about 18-20 pounds (8.2-9.1 kg).

  • Month 9

    1. "Lightening" felt as the fetus drops into the pelvis. Breathing becomes easier.
    2. Other discomforts may continue.
    3. A total weight gain of 25-35 pounds (11.3-15.9 kg) is typical.
    4. False labor pains may be experienced.