Month 9

Month 9
External Features: Toenails grow up to the tip of the toes and fingernails grow beyond the fingertips. The skin is fully covered in vernix caseosa (which serves to protect the epidermis) and most of the lanugo hairs are shed. By this time, the placenta weighs about 500grams and the umbilical cord becomes central in the abdomen. Organ Systems: Internally, the fetus secretes large amounts of pulmonary surfactant (a mixture of phospholipids and protein; it will eventually line the aveoli and lower the surface tension in mature lungs at birth). The tip of the spinal cord grows to the level of L3 and myelination of the brain begins. Although in female fetuses the ovaries are still above the brim of the pelvis, the testes in males have fully descended into the scrotum.

 Finally, after 40 (on average) weeks of gestation, the fetus is fully developed and ready for birth.

Month 8

Month 8
External Features: By the eighth month, the skin is pink and smooth, the eyes are capable of reacting to light and the fingernails have grown long enough to reach the tip of the fingers.
Organ Systems: Internally, at the eighth month, the hyaloid vessels nourishing the eye lens, regresses and the testes begin entering the scrotum.

The Second Trimester

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prenatal visits during the second trimester:

During the second and third trimester prenatal visits, your physician may check the following, depending on your current medical condition and the health of the fetus:

·                                 any current symptoms or discomforts

·                                 mother's weight

·                                 mother's blood pressure

·                                 urine test - to detect albumin (a protein) which may indicate preeclampsia or toxemia, and sugar (which may indicate hyperglycemia)

·                                 growth, size, and development of the fetus

·                                 size of the uterus - after approximately 12 weeks of gestation, the uterus can be felt through the abdominal wall

·                                 height of the fundus (top of the uterus)

·                                 fetal heartbeat

What to expect during the second trimester:

The second trimester marks a turning point for mother and fetus. The mother usually begins to feel better and will start showing the pregnancy more. The fetus has now developed all its organs and systems and will now focus on growing in size and weight.

During the second trimester, the umbilical cord continues to thicken as it carries nourishment to the fetus. However, harmful substances also pass through the umbilical cord to the fetus, so care should be taken to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other known hazards.

During the second trimester, both the mother's body and the fetus continue to grow.

Fetal development during the second trimester:

Now that all the major organs and systems have formed in the fetus, the following six months will be spent growing. The weight of the fetus will multiply more than seven times over the next few months, as the fetus becomes a baby that can survive outside of the uterus.

By the end of the second trimester, the fetus will be about 13 to 16 inches long and weighs about 2 to 3 pounds. Fetal development during the second trimester includes the following:

·                                 The fetus kicks, moves, and can turn from side to side.

·                                 The eyes have been gradually moving to the front of the face and the ears have moved from the neck to the sides of the head. The fetus can hear the mother's voice.

·                                 A creamy white substance (called vernix caseosa, or simply vernix) begins to appear on the fetus and helps to protect the thin fetal skin. Vernix is gradually absorbed by the skin, but some may be seen on babies even after birth.

·                                 The fetus is developing reflexes such as swallowing and sucking.

·                                 The fetus can respond to certain stimuli.

·                                 The placenta is fully developed.

·                                 The brain will undergo its most important period of growth from the 5th month on.

·                                 Fingernails have grown on the tips of the fingers and toes, and the fingers and toes are fully separated.

·                                 The fetus goes through cycles of sleep and wakefulness.

·                                 Skin is wrinkly and red, covered with soft, downy hair (called lanugo).

·                                 Hair is growing on the head of the fetus.

·                                 Fat begins to form on the fetus.

·                                 Eyelids are beginning to open and the eyebrows and eyelashes are visible.

·                                 Fingerprints and toeprints have formed.

·                                 Rapid growth is continuing in fetal size and weight.

·                                 The 20th week marks the halfway point of the pregnancy.

A fetus born at the end of 24 weeks may survive in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Changes in the mother's body:

The second trimester is the most physically enjoyable for most women. Morning sickness usually abates by this time and the extreme fatigue and breast tenderness usually subsides. These changes can be attributed to a decrease in levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone and an adjustment to the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones.

The following is a list of changes and symptoms that may occur during the second trimester:

·                                 Appetite may increase.

·                                 The mother may be able to feel the movement of the fetus for the first time - a phenomenon called quickening - by 20 weeks.

·                                 The uterus has grown to the height of the belly button, making the pregnancy visible.

·                                 The skin on the belly may itch as it grows and there may be pain down the sides of the body as the uterus stretches. The lower abdomen may ache as ligaments stretch to support the uterus.

·                                 The need to frequently urinate may decrease as the uterus grows out of the pelvic cavity, relieving pressure on the bladder.

·                                 A mother's nose may become congested and she may experience nosebleeds. This is due to the increase in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that affect the mucous membranes in the nose.

·                                 A woman's gums become more spongy and may bleed easily. This is due to the increase in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that affect the mucous membranes in the mouth.

·                                 Varicose veins and hemorrhoids may appear.

·                                 A woman may have a white-colored vaginal discharge called leukorrhea. (A colored or bloody discharge may signal possible complications and should be examined immediately.)

·                                 The increasing weight gain may cause backaches.

·                                 Skin pigmentation may change on the face or abdomen due to the pregnancy hormones.

·                                 Heart burn, indigestion, and constipation may continue.

worry

I try not to worry but can't help it.
I am a worry-wart - it runs in the family.
Yesterday was so exciting. I told my bosses that I am expecting and they are so happy for me.
I also made my first appointment with the OB-GYN and am very excited to meet her and work with her and her team on my pregnancy. They seem really nice and enthusiastic. I know I can count on them for help and support.

What lies ahead ?

Each month of pregnancy brings significant growth milestones for you and your baby.
What can you expect each month?

Month 1 (weeks 1 to 4)
From preconception to ovulation, fertilization, implantation, and early pregnancy - your baby is in the earliest stages of development.

Month 2 (weeks 5 to 8)
Your baby is described as an embryo when its main external features form and its heart and circulatory system take shape. By the end of this month your baby's fingers and toes begin to form.

Month 3 (weeks 9 to 12)
This month, your baby develops soft nails on its fingers and toes, and fine hair begins to form on the skin.

Month 4 (weeks 13 to 16)
Baby's eyes and ears have more of a baby-like appearance, and your baby can make facial expressions.

Month 5 (weeks 17 to 20)
Your baby can turn from side to side and sometimes turn head over heels.

Month 6 (weeks 21 to 24)
During this time, taste buds are beginning to form on your baby's tongue.

Month 7 (weeks 25 to 28)
Your baby can open and close its eyes and suck its thumb.

Month 8 (weeks 29 to 32)
By the end of this month, your baby weighs about 4 pounds. Your baby is now taking up a lot of space in your uterus.

Month 9 (weeks 33 to 36)
Most of your baby's growth is complete by 35 weeks - baby's kidneys are completely developed and the liver is beginning to process waste.

Month 10 (weeks 37 to 40)
Your baby is full term. By week 38, your baby weighs about 6 pounds 13 ounces and is about 14 inches long from crown to rump.



 ... * from Prenexa.com