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This method helps predict the fertile days in women with regular menstrual cycles. It works by tracking the length of the menstrual cycle over several months to predict the fertility […]
During the first week, women are still going through their last menstrual cycle before pregnancy. The uterus is shedding its lining, and the last month’s unfertilized is being shed through the period. As the period ends, more eggs are maturing in the ovaries for the next cycle.
The embryo has burrowed deep into the uterine wall by this time, and women might experience week 5 pregnancy cramps. The embryo that is about 2mm in size now has cells that will form into all the major organs, and it is within the amniotic sac- a bag of fluid that will protect the fetus. Some of the earliest systems to develop are the brain, spinal cord and face.
The fetus by 10 weeks is about 3.5 cm long and weighs about 8g. The tail and their tadpole-like appearance have disappeared, and they are starting to look more human. Although the internal organs have developed, they are not functional yet. Their face has developed lips, nostrils and ears, while on the inside, the jaw bone is starting to develop teeth.
Week 14 The pregnancy 14 weeks baby size is about 11cm long and weighs close to 45g. The organs have formed in the body, and some have started functioning. The fetus’s face is starting to become more recognizable with the eyes fully developed and protected by eyelids that are still fused. The fingers and toes have formed with growing nails.
Week 20 As the pregnancy progresses to the fifth month, the fetus is close to 16cm long and weighs around 320g. They are quite active by now, and most women begin to feel their pregnancy 20 weeks baby movement frequently. They are able to hear sounds from within the body and outside the womb, although their ears still haven’t developed completely.
Week 27 By week 27, the fetus weighs more than 900g and will be about 36cm long. Their muscles continue to develop, and the body looks proportionate for the first time. They will continue to put on more weight in the upcoming weeks.
Week 31 By week 31, the fetus is 41cm long and weighs close to 1.5 kg. It has gained lots of muscle mass and fat deposition, making it look slightly plump. The brain continues to develop rapidly and is now controlling most of the body. They can open their eyes and focus and even respond to startling noises or intense light.
Week 36 By this time, the fetus is curled up in the uterus as there is little room left to move about freely. The pregnancy week 36 baby weight is close to 2.5kg, and they measure over 45cm. Their lungs and digestive system have developed fully at this stage to enable them to survive being born prematurely.
Week 40 By week 40 of pregnancy, the fetus is fully developed and weighs a little over 3.5kg, and measures about 50cm; however, healthy full-term babies can vary in weight from 2.9kg to 4.2kg. Their movements just before the approaching days of labour can slow down because of the limited space in the uterus.