A fetus is considered fully developed and ready for birth around 37 to 40 weeks, when major organs and systems are mature, though the brain and nervous system continue developing until around week 36, and lungs mature later, with the baby gaining significant fat and strength for life outside the womb. While some milestones happen earlier, the final weeks involve crucial fat accumulation and finishing touches for survival, with full term defined as 37 weeks post-conception.
Week 37: The fetus's toenails reach the end of its toes. You may start to feel the fetus drop into your pelvis. Week 38: The fetus is packing on 0.5 pounds per week to get to its final size. Week 39: The fetus is full-term and ready to meet the world!
By now, your baby's lungs are probably mature enough to breathe outside the womb without any help. Your baby will also be able to suck and digest breast milk. If you're not sure about breastfeeding yet, read about the benefits of breastfeeding.
After 36 weeks, your baby's lungs are fully formed and ready to take their first breath after the birth. Their lungs are also now very good at producing a substance called surfactant. This keeps air sacs in the lungs open and able to take in oxygen.
Most birth defects happen in the first trimester of pregnancy, which ends at 13 weeks and 6 days since a person's LMP (last menstrual period). This is because the major structures of the body (including the heart, arms, legs, lips, and palate) form in the first trimester.
Your risk of miscarriage is greatest between weeks 0 and 10. In the early days of pregnancy, you likely don't yet know you're pregnant. A miscarriage may simply seem like a late period. Most women don't realize they're pregnant until at least four weeks of pregnancy.
The "3-2-1 Rule" in pregnancy is a guideline for first-time mothers to know when to call their midwife or doctor for active labor: consistent contractions that are 3 minutes apart, lasting 2 minutes each, for 1 hour (or sometimes cited as 3-1-1, meaning 3 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour). For subsequent pregnancies, the 5-1-1 Rule (5 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour) is often used, indicating labor is progressing more quickly.
During pregnancy, avoid raw/undercooked meats, seafood (sushi, smoked), and eggs to prevent bacteria/parasites; limit high-mercury fish (shark, swordfish) and caffeine; skip unpasteurized dairy, soft cheeses, deli meats (unless heated), pâté, raw sprouts, and all alcohol; and be cautious with sugary/fatty foods and excessive salt to protect your baby's development and your health.
Almost all organs are completely formed by about 12 weeks of pregnancy. The brain and spinal cord are exceptions—they continue to form and develop throughout pregnancy. Most congenital malformations (birth defects) occur during the period when organs are forming.
- Prematurely ruptured fluid membranes: This can be a sign of underdeveloped lungs. - Lack of amniotic fluid: A lack of amniotic fluid can also be an indicator of underdeveloped lungs. - High blood pressure in the lungs: Severe cases of pulmonary hypoplasia can lead to high blood pressure in the lungs.
Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions) can start as early as the second trimester (after week 20), but most people notice them in the third trimester, around weeks 28-30, with them becoming more frequent as the due date nears. While they can begin earlier (even around 6 weeks gestation), they're usually felt later in pregnancy as the uterus "warms up" for labor.
Physical Exertion and Heavy Lifting. During the 36th week of pregnancy, minimizing physical exertion and avoiding heavy lifting to prioritize your and your baby's well-being is crucial.
Things you'll want to get done before you go into labour
That means most pregnancies are, in fact, closer to 10 months than nine when counted in weeks! But because most people think of months as four weeks long, it's commonly rounded to “nine months”.
For example, women who have chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, who become pregnant may be considered to have high-risk pregnancies—even if the condition is well controlled. Other factors, such as infections, injuries, and disorders of pregnancy, can also put a pregnancy at high risk.
In weeks 4 to 5 of early pregnancy, the blastocyst grows and develops within the lining of the womb. The outer cells reach out and form links with your blood supply.
Everyday things to take care with
How Your Baby Bump Grows Week by Week
Sperm that gets into the vagina during intercourse will not harm the baby. The majority of it will be eliminated from the body through the vagina. During a normal, low-risk pregnancy, sex is considered safe. Intercourse during sex has a lot of potential advantages, though specific claims require further research.
Toxoplasmosis (tok-so-plaz-MOE-sis) is an infection with a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. People often get the infection from eating undercooked meat. You can also get it from contact with cat feces. The parasite can pass to a baby during pregnancy.
The high potassium levels could potentially cause dizziness, vomiting, or an increased pulse rate if taken in excess. By being mindful of your banana consumption, you can avoid potential discomforts and maintain a healthy weight while still benefiting from its nutritional value.
Keep it simple with some toast and a glass of milk
If you are having morning sickness, keeping it simple with toast may help. Bread has carbohydrates to keep your energy levels up and is easy to nibble if you aren't feeling hungry. Spread with peanut butter or marmite and add a glass of milk for a portion of dairy.
Pushing begins in the second stage of labor, which generally lasts around 3 hours for first-time moms. It's shorter if you've had a baby before – typically 45 minutes or less. If you get an epidural, you may not feel the urge to push, and the pushing stage might take longer.
Maintaining a healthy pregnancy is not hard when you know how to do it! The three golden rules are to always listen to your doctor's advice, eat healthy, and stay active. Remember, don't focus only on your baby's growth because ultimately keeping yourself healthy is the first step to keeping your baby healthy!
The 5-5-5 rule is a guideline for what kind of help a postpartum mom needs: five days in bed, five days round the bed — meaning minimal walking around — the next five days around the home. This practice will help you prioritize rest and recovery while gradually increasing activity.