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Weeks 1 & 2
Congratulations! Your baby has just been conceived when your egg was fertilized by one sperm. This cell that was fertilized is called a zygote. Start taking a daily folic acid supplement. I can go pick up the vitamins at the pharmacy for you that your doctor recommends. -
Weeks 3-8
The sperm that fertilized your egg formed a single cell. This cell divides into two, and then into four, and so on, forming a cluster of cells called an embryo. Your baby has formed eyes, ears and a nose. The heart is starting to beat and the head is forming. Try not to eat fried foods or sushi. If you have any cravings, let me know so I'll go get you what you want. -
Weeks 9-12
Your baby is now a fetus, about 7 cm long. She or he has all of its organs. Keep taking your prescribed prenatal vitamins. Avoid alcohol, smoke and second hand smoke. Morning sickness is normal. I will keep changing your trashbag. -
2nd Trimester
The fetus develops a human profile. The baby sucks its thumb and makes crying motions with no sound. You should read more about your baby online or talk with other parents that have already gone through childbirth. If you'd like, I would be glad to take you to a Lamaze class nearby that teaches parents healthy birth practices for safe childbirth and labor. -
15-20 Weeks
The fetus has eyebrows and can blink its eyes with eyelashes. Your baby can grasp and kick. You need to keep eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Remember you're eating for two! You might start getting stretch marks so I can take you shopping for maternity clothes. You should also go ahead and buy shirts to breastfeed. -
Week 21-28
The fetus is now about 1 pound. The fetus can hear, wake up and sleep. It can survive at 24 weeks, but will have to stay in the hospital because it has a lot of growing to do. I can take you to get an ultrasound now. I want to know if it's a boy or girl, too! -
Third Trimester (29 weeks to birth)
Your baby can now use all five senses. They can also dream now according to brain scans. They can pass water from the bladder. The fetus is getting crowded in the uterus so you may feel contractions. When they become regular and stronger and closer together, you are in labor. I'm ready to take you to the hospital at any time. -
Baby's Here!
40 weeks have gone by and baby is ready to come out. As soon as he or she is out, they'll check the heart rate, reflexes and breathing. I'll help you take the baby home in its car seat. Let me know what name you decided so I could tell everyone.
