Month by Month Guide
Journey Through Pregnancy

Month 1
(Weeks 1 – 4)
Embryo changes After fertilisation, the egg and sperm fuse. The new cells multiply and divide to form the critical organs such as the nervous, digestive and circulatory systems. Even the gender of your baby is determined at this stage. By the end of the 1st month, baby is about 2 weeks old.

Mummy feels

Sensitive breasts and bloated feeling are often the first signs of pregnancy. Nipple area may darken. Hormones go crazy and mood swings are usual.

Month 2
(Weeks 5 – 8)
Embryo changes

Baby's heart, lungs and brain develop further. Baby's limbs, fingers and toes separate and take a distinct form.

Mummy feels

Nauseated and very tired. Hypersensitive to odours and flavours. May be put off by some foods. More forgetful and sleepy than usual. Breasts still feel full. Skin may begin to show unique pigmentation patterns. Tissues around the vagina become bluish as more blood supply nourishes the baby. There may be a bit more vaginal discharge.

Month 3
(Weeks 9 –12)
Foetus changes

Facial features begin to form and nails develop. The vital organs, the liver, kidneys, intestines, brain and lungs are formed and functional. Nerve cells multiply and synapses form, so your baby has more reflexes. Baby can stretch, kick and somersault in the amniotic fluid.

Mummy feels

Nausea settles. No weight gain through the first trimester. Listen for your baby's heartbeat. A vertical line of pigmentation called ‘linea nigra' may form on your abdomen. Fears about baby's health, labour and parenting skills beset you

Month 4
(Weeks 13 – 16)
Foetus changes

The circulatory system and urinary tract are working well. Baby inhales and exhales amniotic fluid. Foetus can grasp, squint, frown and grimace. Fingernails are fully formed. Joints and limbs can be flexed. As the genitals are visible in scans, you may be able to tell the sex of your baby.
Mummy feels
You will feel your baby move for the first time. Your centre of gravity shifts and you may feel clumsier and begin to "waddle" more. Uterus puts pressure on your lower back. Tightening of the abdomen at irregular intervals. Leg cramps at night may occur.

Month 5
(Weeks 17 – 20)
Foetus changes
Eyes move under closed lids. Hair begins to grow out on the scalp. Eye brows and eye lashes appear. Downy fine hair appears on the body. Baby swallows amniotic fluid and the kidneys make urine. A whitish coat of a slick, fatty substance covers your baby to protect the skin.
Mummy feels
You will feel your baby move for the first time. Your centre of gravity shifts and you may feel clumsier and begin to "waddle" more. Uterus puts pressure on your lower back. Tightening of the abdomen at irregular intervals. Leg cramps at night may occur.

Month 6
(Weeks 21 – 24)
Foetus changes

Hand and foot prints develop. Baby kicks in response to sound. Baby can now hear conversations, so talk, read, or sing to baby. First signs of teeth appear as tooth buds in the gum. Mother feels

comfortable now that early pregnancy discomforts are settled and weight gain is moderate. May crave particular foods and also, experience more vaginal discharge. Belly button may now stick out. Stretch marks may form on abdomen, buttocks and breast.

Month 7
(Weeks 25 – 28)
Foetus changes

Organs are almost completely developed. Brain development speeds up. Eyes open and shut. Baby responds by turning towards light shined on the uterus. Kicking becomes stronger. Mummy feels

Clumsier as weight gain is substantial. May also feel more aches and pains. As uterus presses upwards, you may feel a little breathless

Month 8
(Weeks 29 – 32)
Baby changes
The skeleton hardens even more and the brain, muscles, lungs and digestive tract continue to mature. Head grows larger to accommodate expansion of the brain. In boys, testicles descend through the groin to the scrotum. In girls, the clitoris is relatively prominent. Baby's limbs fill out and baby will not move as much.
Mummy feels
Heavy. From now until delivery, you will gain 1⁄ 2 kg every week. May begin to "waddle" to compensate for baby's increasing weight. Experience mixed emotions varying from fear to excitement.

Month 9
(Weeks 33 – 36)
Baby changes
The brain continues to grow with neurons and synapses developing rapidly. Fat layers are added to prepare baby for life outside the womb. Baby turns upside down to position for delivery, engaging with the mother's pelvis. Movements get more restricted and you can see your baby's head and joint protrude through the stomach. Baby has a full head of hair.
Mummy feels
Time is not passing fast enough. You may look like you are ready to go into labour. Frequent urination and swollen feet and ankles may make you uncomfortable. Your tummy may bulge as baby moves. Your pelvic joints begin to loosen up and you may sense a tingling sensation or numbness.

Month 10
(Weeks 37 – 40)
Baby changes
Baby is now "full term" and all set for the final journey out of the womb. Baby slowly and steadily gains weight. Downy hair and white protective substance on baby's skin disappear. Lungs mature and a hormone in the baby's lung is released to trigger off contractions.
Mummy feels
Thrilled and nervous. Feel more pressure on the lower abdomen wall. Contractions or "bloody show" may indicate the onset of labour. Regular contractions or a "bloody show" herald the onset of labour