Foetal development: 0–4 weeks
• Rapid cell multiplication and growth
• Formation of the nervous system
• Heart develops and starts to beat
• The limb buds start to form 4–8 weeks
• Head and facial features form
• Tissue differentiates into major organs 8–12 weeks
• Placenta is completely developed
• Kidneys begin to function and start passing urine
• Fingernails develop 12 weeks
• Foetal circulation starts developing
• Liver produces red blood cells
• Sucking and swallowing of amniotic fluid occurs 16 weeks
• Complete skeletal development
• Between 16–20 weeks, most moms will start to feel the baby moving 18 weeks
• Toenails develop
• Eyebrows and eyelashes start to grow
• Baby is covered in vernix (a creamy white substance that protects the baby from friction and fluid, regulates temperature and keeps skin soft and nourished) 20–24 weeks
• Organs are functioning
• There are periods of sleep and activity
• Baby responds to sound 26–28 weeks
• Surfactant is produced, which helps with the exchanging of gas and reduces surface tension of the lungs
• Baby is covered in fine soft hair called lanugo
• Grasp and startle reflexes develop
• Body functions are regulated 28–32 weeks
• Baby gains weight
• Baby stores fat and iron
• Testes descend into the scrotum
• Skin becomes more pale and less wrinkled
• Bones are fully developed, but soft and flexible 32–36 weeks
• Head hair lengthens and nails grow longer
• Lungs are maturing Once your baby is born, he/she will require little more than mom and dad’s presence, breast milk on tap from mom, and to be kept clean, dry, swaddled and safe. Changes in mom during pregnancy
• Hormones: Progesterone, Oestrogen, Prolactin, Oxytocin, Relaxing – not only do all of these play a part in your foetus growing in an ever-expanding uterus, but they also prepare you and your baby for the delivery, and your baby for the transition to the outside world
• Your breasts will become enlarged and sensitive. The areola will become darker. From 27 weeks, the breasts will begin to feel heavier and you might produce some colostrum
• Trips to the bathroom will become more frequent
• Nausea and fatigue might be experienced due to hormonal changes • The abdomen will start to swell as the foetus grows
• You may have an increased appetite
• A dark line will appear on the abdomen. This is known as the linea nigra
• Chloasma, or dark patches of pigmentation, will appear on your face
• From 20 weeks, you may begin to feel Braxton Hicks contractions – a tightening of the uterine muscle. You should not experience any pain during these contractions
• You may develop stretch marks
• Your feet and ankles are likely to swell. Take time to rest by elevating your legs above your heart level