Your Pregnancy Week By Week

Weekly Fetal Development: Week by Week - Pregnancy Week 5

If you were to get a prenatal ultrasound this pregnancy week, it may show the first signs of a beating heart. The circulatory system is the first system to develop and your embryo is beginning to show the signs of looking like a baby. Arms and leg buds are continuing to grow and fingers are beginning to develop, during this week of pregnancy.

Your pregnant body is undoubtedly working overtime to supply nutrients to your growing embryo. As a result, you may be feeling the effects of being pregnant already and hormonal surges may be causing you to feel nauseous and tired during this week of your pregnancy. While pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, may be inevitable, contact your OBGYN if you experience severe vomiting or nausea.

Weekly Fetal Development: Week by Week - Pregnancy Week 6

Your little embryo is about ¼ in long now and swimming around inside of its fully formed amniotic sac. During this week of pregnancy, the neural tube connecting the spinal cord to the brain will close---be sure to continue taking your folic acid!!! Your embryo's internal skeleton is forming now and the brain is continuing to develop. Brain waves are even detectable at this point in your pregnancy!

Now is the perfect time to read up about eating healthy during your pregnancy. A healthy pregnancy diet that consists of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains is essential to the development of your baby. In addition, there are certain foods you should avoid during pregnancy, such as raw fish and processed meats that may be high in nitrates.

Weekly Fetal Development: Week by Week - Pregnancy Week 7

At ½ in long, your baby is developing rapidly. This week of your pregnancy is critical for your embryo's development. Prenatal Ultrasound images of your embryo would reveal almost complete brain formation and hands and feet that resemble small flippers. Amazingly enough, your child's testes or ovaries are already formed, depending on whether you are carrying a boy or a girl.

Continue to follow up with your doctor and notify your OBGYN of any uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. If you experience sharp pain in your abdomen or any bleeding during this time, contact your OBGYN immediately.

Weekly Fetal Development: Week by Week - Pregnancy Week 8

Congratulations! Your baby is now a fetus! Veins are very visible beneath your fetus' skin and fingers and toes are forming now during this week of pregnancy. Your fetus is developing intestines, although amazingly enough—they are developing outside of your baby's body and in the umbilical cord. When your baby is big enough, they will move inside the body where they belong!!

You are 2 months pregnant already! Some of your clothes may begin to feel a bit tight during this week of pregnancy, and you may notice that you have already started to gain weight. Most doctors recommend that during pregnancy, women should gain between 20-30 pounds. Watch your diet closely and make sure that you are getting adequate nutrition to nourish both you and your baby during your pregnancy.

• Fetal Development Weeks 1-4
• Fetal Development Weeks 9-13
• Fetal Development Weeks 13-16
• Fetal Development Weeks 17-21
• Fetal Development Weeks 22-26
• Fetal Development Weeks 27-31
• Fetal Development Weeks 32-36
• Fetal Development Weeks 37-40