Pregnancy Development: Month by Month

  • Month 1

    -missed menstrual period
    -other signs of pregnancy may not yet be noticeable
  • Month 2

    -breasts begin to swell
    -pressure on bladder from enlarging uterus results in need to urinate more frequently
    -possible nausea ("morning sickness")
    -fatigue is common
  • Month 3

    -breasts become firmer and fuller, may ache
    -nausea, fatigue, and frequent urination may continue
    -abdomen becomes slightly larger. the uterus is about the size of an orange
    -weight gain may total 2-4 pounds
  • Month 4

    -abdomen continues to grow slowly
    -most discomforts of early pregnancy, suck as morning sickness, usually gone
    -appetite increases
  • Month 5

    -enlarged abdomen becomes apparent
    -slight fetal movements felt
    -increased size may begin to affect posture
  • Month 6

    -fetal movements sensed as strong kicks, thumps, and bumps, some may be visible
    -weight gain by the beginning of this month may total 10-12 pounds
  • Month 7

    -increased size may posture
  • Month 8

    -discomfort may result from increased size. backache, leg cramps. shortness of breath, and fatigue are common
    -fetal kicks may disturb the mothers rest
    -at the beginning of this month, weight gain totals about 18-20 pounds
  • Month 9

    -"lightening" felt as the fetus drops into the pelvis. breathing becomes easier
    -other discomforts may continue
    -a total weight gain of 25-35 pounds is typical
    -false labor pains may be experienced