Obstetric weeks of pregnancy

Obstetric weeks of pregnancy is a period that helps a woman and gynecologists monitor the period of bearing a child. Let's take a closer look at the features of each week of the obstetric period of pregnancy.

As soon as a woman finds out that she is pregnant, the first thing she starts doing is calculating the term of her pregnancy. There are two definitions of the term of pregnancy: embryonic and obstetric. And this division of the definition of the term of pregnancy scares many future mothers.

It is worth noting right away that all standards, tables and sizes regarding pregnancy are described and calculated for obstetric weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, it is worth calculating the obstetric period of pregnancy, since this is the period that your gynecologist will have, and this is the period that is required when registering at the antenatal clinic. Please note that you must register at the antenatal clinic before 12 obstetric weeks of pregnancy.

Obstetric weeks of pregnancy are determined by the first day of absence of menstruation after the onset of pregnancy. The embryonic period of pregnancy is the period of conception, as a rule, it is 2 weeks behind the obstetric period. For example, the obstetric period is 20 weeks, and the embryonic period is 18 weeks. An ultrasound examination based on the size of the fetus and the size of the uterus also helps determine the period of pregnancy. Sometimes, an analysis for the level of hCG is used to determine the period of pregnancy, but it must be carried out in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Let's look at the features of each obstetric week of pregnancy, which will help track the changes that occur in the body of a pregnant woman, as well as the process of development of the baby.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]

1 obstetric week of pregnancy

1 obstetric week of pregnancy indicates that the female body is preparing for fertilization. That is, about 300 thousand eggs are waiting for sperm. At this time, menstruation and restructuring of the entire body begins.

Pregnancy in the first obstetric week indicates that the central nervous system is working on restructuring the hormonal background. Similar processes occur in the female body every month before fertilization. After fertilization, the formation of the future baby begins. And this indicates that the future mother is required to take maximum responsibility for her body. 1 obstetric week is only the beginning of pregnancy, but this is a very important period, since it is during this period that the body begins to work for two.

[ 7 ]

2 obstetric week of pregnancy

In the 2nd obstetric week of pregnancy, the body is in full swing preparing for fertilization. So, by the end of the second week, ovulation begins and it is during this period that the probability of successful fertilization is highest. After fertilization has taken place, the woman still does not suspect that she is pregnant.

The 2nd obstetric week of pregnancy passes without any special symptoms that would indicate pregnancy. The delay of menstruation has not yet occurred, the hormonal level has not yet moved away from preparation for menstruation, so headache, pain in the lower abdomen and strange food preferences do not raise suspicions of pregnancy.

3 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 3rd obstetric week of pregnancy, like the second, does not cause a woman to suspect pregnancy. Despite the absence of obvious signs, changes are in full swing in the body. The egg cell divides and the immunosuppressive protein begins to be produced. It is this substance that plays a very important role in the third week of pregnancy. If the body did not produce it, the embryo would be perceived as a foreign body, and the immune system would try to destroy it.

The 3rd obstetric week of pregnancy is the period before implantation. The endometrium grows in the female uterus, while the morula divides and becomes blastic and securely attaches to the walls of the uterus. Please note that this is the most critical period of pregnancy. Since at this point everything depends on how successfully the implantation of the blastocyst into the endometrium was. If the blastocyst is not implanted or does not take root well to the walls of the uterus, then the woman has a miscarriage. But the woman will not even suspect that she is having a miscarriage, since the body will present it as a small failure of the menstrual cycle. But if the implantation process was successful, then by the end of the 3rd obstetric week of pregnancy, the blastocyst becomes hollow and a small embryo with a tail and a head begins to grow in it.

In the third obstetric week of pregnancy, the future baby weighs about 2 mcg, and its height is 0.15 mm. But it is during this period that the baby develops genes that are responsible for its weight, height, hair color, eyes, skin and gender. The expectant mother does not suspect pregnancy, since there are no external signs at all, the only thing that begins to worry is morning toxicosis, which is most often mistaken for problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

4 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 4th obstetric week of pregnancy is the second embryonic week. The first four weeks of pregnancy are a waiting period for a woman who wants to get pregnant, since the body does not give away the "interesting" position of the expectant mother. During this period, serious hormonal changes occur in the female body, which prepare the body to work for two.

It is in the 4th obstetric week of pregnancy that the expectant mother begins to experience the first symptoms of pregnancy. Irritability, sudden mood swings, strange food preferences appear, the breasts swell, the feeling of fatigue and drowsiness does not go away, and frequent urges to urinate torment. But sometimes, such signs of pregnancy are perceived as premenstrual syndrome.

The future baby at 4 weeks of pregnancy is called an embryo and its size is no more than 1 mm. During this period, differentiation of the embryonic tissues, active development of the baby's membranes, placenta and extraembryonic structures occurs. Thus, by the middle of the week, blood circulation between the mother and the child is established, the embryo is firmly attached to the walls of the uterus. The future baby begins to receive nutrients and oxygen from the mother.

By the end of the 4th obstetric week of pregnancy, the baby's facial features have already formed, there are rudiments of the intestines, lungs, liver, thyroid gland and pancreas. And it is at this stage that the baby's vestibular apparatus is formed. If the embryo splits during this period, the expectant mother will have twins or triplets, if the split does not go all the way, then conjoined twins will be born.

As in the first three weeks, a woman cannot say with certainty that she is pregnant. Tests show a negative result, ultrasound only shows the corpus luteum of pregnancy, which indicates that ovulation has occurred in the body. But the worst thing is that a miscarriage or spontaneous termination of pregnancy can occur in the 4th week and the expectant mother will not know about it. Everything will end with slight bleeding, which the woman will consider as an unexpectedly started menstruation. And it is in the 4th week of pregnancy that various pathologies can occur in the baby's body. To prevent this from happening, a woman should take care of herself, lead a healthy lifestyle and give up bad habits.

5 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 5th obstetric week of pregnancy is the period when the embryo's body is actively developing, cells are dividing. At this stage, the embryo has already formed a neural tube, which ends in the rudiment of the brain. That is, the formation of the nervous system occurs. Also, this week, the baby's heart and blood vessel system are already developed. Just imagine, but the heart of a 2 mm embryo is already actively working.

For a woman, the 5th obstetric week of pregnancy is the period in which she learns that she will have a baby. The positive emotions that the expectant mother experiences during this period are very important for the baby, since at this time the baby is completely dependent on what the mother experiences. Hormonal changes in the female body are also clearly expressed. The blood contains a high content of progesterone and estrogen, which are responsible for the successful and healthy course of pregnancy and the cessation of the ovulation process.

The 5th obstetric week of pregnancy is the ideal time to find out and make sure that the pregnancy is developing in the uterus, and not in nearby organs. If the pregnancy is proceeding normally, then the hCG in the blood doubles with each day of waiting for the baby. During this period, it is very important to maintain a stable emotional state, not to be nervous and avoid stressful situations, since all this affects the woman's hormonal background, and therefore the development of the baby.

[ 8 ]

6 obstetric week of pregnancy

At 6 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, the baby looks like a small auricle and is surrounded by amniotic fluid. The baby is actively developing and the signs of pregnancy at this stage are clearly expressed.

The 6th obstetric week of pregnancy is a real test for the expectant mother. Since during this period a woman may begin to suffer from toxicosis, begin to rapidly gain or, on the contrary, lose weight. The breasts swell and begin to hurt. And it is at the 6th week that the gynecologist can confirm pregnancy during a routine examination, since the uterus is very enlarged. This fact allows the gynecologist to calculate the gestational age and determine the approximate date of birth. During this period, with the help of an ultrasound examination, future parents can see how the heart of their future baby beats.

7 obstetric week of pregnancy

At the 7th obstetric week of pregnancy, the fertilized egg is firmly attached to the walls of the uterus, the cervix is in a relaxed state. The mucus secreted by the uterus becomes thick and due to this, a plug is formed that fences off and protects the uterus. This plug comes out just before labor and looks like brownish or bloody discharge.

The 7th obstetric week of pregnancy is the end of the embryonic development of the fetus and the beginning of the neofetal period. It is during this period that the future child ceases to be an embryo and begins to proudly bear the title of a human being. The baby has formed human features.

During this period, the baby increases in size, as its brain begins to grow, nerve fibers appear, and the organs of vision develop. The baby is almost 2 cm in size, a cervical curvature appears, and the spinal column is formed and grows. The arms and legs acquire a shovel-like shape. The placenta changes its structure so that the baby and mother have an uninterrupted and reliable blood supply.

[ 9 ]

8 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 8th obstetric week of pregnancy brings with it many changes in the female body. The uterus grows and resembles an apple in size. During the period when menstruation should have begun, a woman may feel slight contractions. Also, the development of the placenta is very important this week, as this is the only connection between the mother and the baby.

A real hormonal revolution occurs in the female body, as the body begins to work for two. Progesterone, estrogen and prolactin dilate the arteries so that blood flows faster to the baby. In addition, these hormones are responsible for the production of milk in women, allowing the tummy to grow thanks to the pelvic ligaments.

During this period, the woman feels constant nausea, stomach problems worsen, there is no appetite and salivation increases. That is, signs of early toxicosis appear. On the chest, the areolas around the nipple darken and small nodules appear on them, that is, enlarged sweat glands. At the 8th obstetric week of pregnancy, it is necessary to visit the antenatal clinic, if this has not been done earlier. The gynecologist will conduct an initial examination, prescribe a set of tests to confirm the normal course of pregnancy.

As for the baby, this week its internal organs have already formed, but they are in an embryonic state and are not yet in their proper places. The baby is almost 20 mm in size and weighs about 3 grams.

9 obstetric week of pregnancy

In the ninth obstetric week of pregnancy, the baby's back begins to straighten, the tail goes away, but the head is still large and disproportionate. The eyes have already formed, but they are covered with a membrane; on ultrasound, you can see the formed ears, lips and wide-open nostrils. The neck gradually develops, but the chin is still firmly pressed to the chest.

At 8 weeks, the baby's brain is actively developing and growing. During this period, the cerebellum is formed, which is responsible for the coordination of movements. The adrenal glands are laid, which are responsible for the production of adrenaline. Bronchi are formed in the lungs, which at this stage of the baby's development resemble small tubes. The baby's size is about 30 mm, and its weight is about 4 grams.

The arms and legs continue to form, but the upper limbs develop faster than the lower ones. The webbing on the palms disappears and fingers begin to form. The baby has a muscular system and can move. The mother does not feel the baby's movement, but this can be tracked using an ultrasound. The placenta transfers nutrients to the baby and supplies it with oxygen.

[ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ]

10 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 10th obstetric week of pregnancy is the last week of the embryonic stage. The baby already has all its organs developing and all the necessary body parameters have been laid. In the following obstetric weeks of pregnancy, all the organs, like the baby itself, will grow and develop, but their foundation was laid during the first 10 weeks.

At 10 weeks, the baby is becoming more and more like a baby, its size reaches 40 mm, and its weight is about 5 grams. Fingers are already separated, tooth rudiments appear, and taste buds on the tongue. The brain is actively developing, the heart is formed. External sexual characteristics have not yet formed, but if a boy is growing in the uterus, the testicles begin to produce testosterone - a male hormone.

The baby is in the fetal period of development and is practically not threatened by various kinds of anomalies. The baby's fingers, legs and arms are formed, and very soon the child will begin to suck his thumb. Also, the baby's ears, upper lip and elbow joints are formed, in addition, the baby moves involuntarily. The baby's skin is still transparent and blood vessels are visible under it. The diaphragm is gradually formed, and milk teeth are developing. At 10 weeks, the baby has its own blood type.

For the expectant mother, the 10th obstetric week of pregnancy is accompanied by increased excitability, sharp mood swings. All this is the result of the action of hormones. Changes in appearance also occur. The woman begins to gain weight, her breasts increase, the thyroid gland is slightly enlarged, and the gums become loose.

[ 14 ], [ 15 ]

11 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 11th obstetric week of pregnancy brings relief to women who have previously suffered from severe toxicosis. But this does not apply to everyone, many will continue to suffer from morning sickness and mood swings. At 11 weeks, the baby's size is from 60 to 80 mm, weight - 10-15 grams. The baby grows very quickly and at this stage its size resembles the size of a large plum.

At 11 weeks, the baby begins to lift its head, its neck is clearly defined and its spine is straightened. The arms and legs are developing, and a grasping reaction appears. The baby moves more clearly. If it touches the walls of the uterus, it pushes itself off.

The 11th obstetric week of pregnancy gives the baby the opportunity to independently react to irritants from the outside world. The baby may be bothered by the mother's cough or shaking in transport. In addition, the baby begins to smell, due to the fact that amniotic fluid enters the nasal passages. The baby reacts sharply to the food that the mother eats, so during this period it is worth paying special attention to the diet. During this period, external sexual characteristics begin to form, but it is still impossible to find out the sex of the baby by ultrasound. At 11 weeks, the child's rectum is formed, the baby begins to yawn, but the skin is still transparent. The peculiarity of the 11th obstetric week of pregnancy is that this period allows you to determine the duration of pregnancy with 100% accuracy.

[ 16 ], [ 17 ]

12 obstetric week of pregnancy

At 12 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, the baby's size is from 60 to 90 mm, and its weight is 17 grams. If you compare the baby's weight in previous weeks of pregnancy, you can see that the baby is growing dynamically. At 12 weeks, the mother can already hear the baby's heartbeat. During this period, you can find out the baby's gender using an ultrasound, but there is a chance of making a mistake. During this period, the baby's digestive system has already formed and is actively working. The baby receives glucose from the mother's food.

As for the expectant mother, at 12 weeks the uterus has greatly enlarged and no longer fits inside the hip bones. The uterus can be palpated above the pubis. At this stage, the symptoms of toxicosis practically disappear, but hormonal changes continue. The woman is still accompanied by sharp mood swings, absent-mindedness, poor concentration, touchiness and tearfulness. The most important thing for the mother at 12 weeks is to maintain an optimistic mood, eat healthy food and lead an active lifestyle, but not to burden the body.

13 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 13th obstetric week of pregnancy is the 11th embryonic week of pregnancy, in other words, it is the 3rd month of pregnancy. The 13th week of pregnancy is a transitional boundary between the first and second trimester of pregnancy. This period is the calmest for both mother and baby.

For the baby, the 13th week is very important, as this is the period when the inseparable connection between mother and child is finally formed. The placenta is fully developed, and this is a guarantee of the production of estrogen and progesterone in the required quantities. The thickness of the placenta is about 15 mm, it acts as a barrier for the child from toxic substances that may be in the mother's body and supplies the baby with all the microelements necessary for life and development. It is during this period that a pregnant woman, in case of illness, can begin to take antibiotics and not be afraid that a Rh conflict will arise between her and her baby or that the drugs will negatively affect the development of the baby.

[ 18 ]

14 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 14th obstetric week of pregnancy is the second trimester, which brings the time of the baby's appearance closer. During this period, the baby is actively growing, which can be seen in the form of a small belly in the mother. The baby occupies the entire uterine cavity and rises even higher. The baby's height reaches 140 mm, and its weight is 50 grams.

This week, the baby's pancreas and thyroid hormones begin to be produced, and the liver begins to secrete bile. Fingerprints begin to form on the fingers and the beginnings of milk teeth are formed. The face becomes rounder, the nose, cheeks and forehead protrude forward. Sweat glands form and small hairs appear on the head and skin. The baby's skin is wrinkled, transparent and very delicate. Blood vessels can still be seen through the skin, which is why the baby is red.

The baby begins to defecate, as the ureters and kidneys are working. Urine is released into the amniotic fluid. The baby actively produces blood cells thanks to the bone marrow. The baby can see and hear, if the mother listens to loud music or a bright light hits the stomach, the baby begins to move faster. During this period, girls develop ovaries, and boys develop a prostate, all of this descends into the peritoneum, into the pelvic area. At 14 weeks, the baby begins to grimace, he can already yawn, straighten his cervix and suck his thumb.

15 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 15th obstetric week of pregnancy brings many changes in the body of the expectant mother. First of all, the woman's weight increases, on average by 3 kg, signs of toxicosis disappear, but unpleasant and even unexpected symptoms caused by the impact of high hormone levels may still appear.

At 15 weeks, the mother already begins to feel her baby moving, but this process can be clearly felt from the 16th to the 22nd obstetric week. During this period, the baby already “knows” what the mother’s mood is and understands what is happening around. The baby can experience emotions and expresses them with facial expressions and gestures. At this stage of pregnancy, all gynecologists recommend that expectant mothers begin to talk to the child.

The circulatory system is improving at 15 weeks and independently feeds all the baby's organs and vessels. The baby's heart beats faster than an adult's, as it passes about 24 liters of blood every day. The baby's eyelids are still closed, but he already feels light. The baby's weight is about 75 grams, and its height is 150-160 mm.

16 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 16th obstetric week of pregnancy is a period of significant changes in the female body. The body changes and stretches, as there is little space for the baby. During this period, stretch marks may appear on the stomach, chest, buttocks and thighs. There may also be pigment spots, which are called the mask of pregnancy. A brown line may appear on the stomach, it appeared due to the deposition of melanin, but after pregnancy it disappears. The tummy grows during this period, and those around you begin to understand that you are expecting a baby.

At 16 weeks, the baby's skeleton and muscles are actively growing. The skin is gradually forming, although it is still translucent and very thin. The baby's blood vessels are visible due to the missing fat layer. During this period, the baby's movements are often felt. The baby's height is approximately 160 mm, and its weight is 85 grams.

17 obstetric week of pregnancy

At the 17th obstetric week of pregnancy, the baby's development slows down. During this period, the already formed organs develop and muscle mass is built up. The baby begins to breathe, thereby training the chest. The head rises and falls, thanks to the strengthened muscular system. Milk teeth have already formed, which are immersed deep in the gum cavity. At the 17th week, the baby's molars are laid. The baby's weight is about 150 grams, and the height is 170 mm.

The 17th obstetric week of pregnancy is also important for the gynecologist, since during this period the doctor determines the condition of the uterus and the baby's heartbeat. The expectant mother must repeat a series of tests and undergo an ultrasound examination. At 17 weeks, the pregnant woman must do a coagulogram. This is a special test that will allow you to find out about blood clotting. The results of this test give an idea of how the birth will proceed. If a woman has low blood clotting, then preventive drugs are prescribed to avoid bleeding, this also applies to blood with increased clotting.

[ 19 ], [ 20 ], [ 21 ], [ 22 ], [ 23 ]

18 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 18th obstetric week of pregnancy is characterized by active growth and development of the baby. The skeleton becomes strong, and early formed fingerprints remain for life. The baby's height during this period is from 140 to 180 mm, and the weight is about 200 grams. The expectant mother constantly feels how the baby pushes, in addition, the baby already knows how to sleep and swallow. The digestive system gradually develops, the intestines accumulate original feces, but the intestines will empty only after the birth of the baby.

If the mother is expecting a boy, then at 18 weeks his prostate develops. The baby's skin is translucent and reddish during this period. The heart works hard, pumping up to 29 liters of blood per day.

19 obstetric week of pregnancy

At 19 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, the baby significantly increases in size and gains weight. The weight is about 250 grams, and the height is 220 mm. Downy hair grows all over the baby's body, which covers and protects the baby's body until the end of the third trimester of pregnancy. Sometimes, even after the baby is born, you can notice a little downy hair on the baby's ears and cheeks.

At 19 weeks, the baby is covered with lubricant. This is the original, milky substance that reliably protects the baby's skin from the water environment. This is very important, since it is hard to imagine what would happen to the baby if his skin was in water for all 9 months.

During this period, the placenta is still growing, providing the baby with adequate nutrition. The rudiments of permanent teeth are formed, so during this period, the mother should eat well, eat more foods with calcium. Since the health of the baby depends on this. Many scientists claim that during this period the baby can see dreams, so expectant mothers should be happy and calm so that the baby feels comfortable.

20 obstetric week of pregnancy

At the 20th obstetric week of pregnancy or the fifth month, the baby's weight is about 300 grams, and its height is 220-230 mm. By this time, the baby's skin and subcutaneous fat layer have already formed. The fat layer gradually increases, providing them with all the organs. During this period, the placenta gradually moves away from the cervix and rises higher. The increased uterus displaces the internal organs of the expectant mother. This puts a lot of pressure on the bladder and causes urine stagnation. Therefore, during this period, a woman should visit the toilet often, even if she does not feel like it.

Also, during this period, the expectant mother begins to feel itchy skin, and sometimes the skin may turn yellow. The reason for this is the increased secretion of bile acid. Therefore, at the first signs of pigmentation or itching, the pregnant woman should consult a gynecologist. The doctor will prescribe tests that must be taken and stabilize the liver.

[ 24 ]

21 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 21st obstetric week of pregnancy is accompanied by an increase in the weight of the expectant mother, usually from the beginning of pregnancy it is +6 kg. The uterus increases in size and changes its shape to an egg-shaped one. At 21 weeks, the baby's weight is about 350 grams, and its height is 220-250 mm. The baby's face is covered with small folds and wrinkles, but they will soon smooth out, as the amount of subcutaneous fat increases. The baby constantly pushes, as it floats freely inside the uterus. The volume of amniotic fluid during this period is about 500 ml.

At 21 weeks, the expectant mother may feel constant hunger because the baby is actively developing. Strange food preferences are possible. Many pregnant women note that during this period, nails and hair grow rapidly. Moreover, hair may appear where it was not before, but do not worry, as this is caused by hormones and after childbirth everything will pass. During this period, the mother should monitor the frequency of the baby's movements. Thus, the lack of movement, rare kicks or, conversely, active movement of the baby may indicate serious problems. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor to find out if there are any threats to the child.

22 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 22nd obstetric week of pregnancy is a time of active growth of the baby. The baby has clear outlines of the face, nose, lips, even eyelashes. The baby's skin is still wrinkled, but the fluff becomes more noticeable. Due to the accumulation of fatty tissue, the face becomes rounded, and the fetus begins to look like a newborn baby.

For the expectant mother, the 22nd week of pregnancy is the time for active visits to the gynecologist. Since the baby is already formed, doctors can easily identify pathologies or possible deviations in the body or the functioning of individual organs. This week, a woman must undergo an ultrasound. With the help of an ultrasound examination, the gynecologist can determine the amount of amniotic fluid and its transparency.

The mother and baby are growing, the baby is increasing in size and gaining weight, but the mother is also keeping up with him, as the child needs space to grow. During this period, it is very important for the mother to maintain a correct, healthy diet and do special exercises for pregnant women. This will allow you to prepare for childbirth and make labor easier.

23 obstetric week of pregnancy

23 obstetric week of pregnancy or in other words 5.5 months of waiting for the baby. During this period, the baby's brain is actively developing, from the second month of pregnancy it has grown almost tenfold. During this period, the mother should spend more time outdoors, so that the baby will receive a sufficient amount of oxygen. You should avoid worries and stress, as this can cause oxygen starvation in your baby.

The baby's digestive system and gastrointestinal tract are already formed, everything works. Fatty tissue is still accumulating under the skin. Also this week, the baby's spleen begins to work, it produces blood cells and controls their quality. An ultrasound scan this month allows you to accurately determine the sex of the baby. Since the boy's scrotum has already formed, and the girl's ovaries.

The baby's height at 23 weeks of pregnancy is about 290 mm, and its weight is up to 500 grams. During this period, the baby sleeps a lot, but wakes up every hour. During this period, scientists have recorded the rapid sleep phase in the baby.

[ 25 ]

24 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 24th obstetric week of pregnancy is the end of the sixth month. This is the most pleasant and calm period of pregnancy. Since the dangerous early stages have passed, and there is still time left before meeting the baby.

During this period, the baby's body and organism are formed, although the baby is still very thin, as fat reserves are just beginning to accumulate. The baby's weight is about 600 grams, and its height is about 300 mm. From this week, the baby will begin to actively grow and gain weight, as its body begins to produce growth hormone. At 24 weeks, the baby's brain convolutions and grooves are formed, and the sweat and sebaceous glands are also working at full capacity. The baby can hear, its reflexes are improving, it can distinguish the taste of amniotic fluid and understand what mood the mother is in.

As the baby grows, you can increasingly feel it moving, reacting to sounds and light. The baby can still turn over, signaling this with jolts in the uterus. Despite this, the expectant mother feels great. But during this period, problems with the bladder, bowel movements, as well as headaches, fatigue and swelling in the legs may begin.

[ 26 ]

25 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 25th obstetric week of pregnancy is the time of active growth of the expectant mother's tummy. In addition, this period is the most favorable in case of premature birth. By the 25th week of pregnancy, the woman's weight has increased by 7-8 kg, and by the end of pregnancy it will increase by another 5-6 kg.

During this period, the baby is actively moving, its weight is 700-800 grams, and its height is 300-340 mm. If you put your ear to the mother's tummy, you can hear the baby's heartbeat, and when it moves, you can notice how the heel sticks out. At 25 weeks, the uterus is enlarged to the size of a football and noticeably presses on the stomach and diaphragm. This is why a pregnant woman may be bothered by heartburn.

But the 25th obstetric week of pregnancy is full of serious concerns. At this point, pregnancy may be terminated, so every mother should carefully monitor her discharge and her feelings. As soon as a woman notices bloody discharge and abdominal pain, she should urgently seek medical help. By the way, the 25th week is the seventh month of pregnancy.

During this period, the baby's skin gradually straightens out, and folds and wrinkles disappear. All thanks to the fact that the gradually accumulating subcutaneous fat begins to actively perform its functions. The baby's skin is no longer transparent, but has a bright, red color. All because the skin is completely saturated with capillaries and the skin is still thin.

26 obstetric week of pregnancy

At 26 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, the baby is actively developing and gaining strength. Its weight is about 800 grams, and its height is about 350 mm. The baby has already developed its own wakefulness and sleep pattern. It rests a couple of times a day, and the rest of the time it actively pushes and develops.

The baby has already formed all the senses, but the sense of smell will work only after birth, so now it is not developed yet. At this stage, the baby begins to open its eyes, can distinguish between darkness and light, and reacts to sounds. At sharp or loud sounds, the baby shudders, and when hearing pleasant music, it begins to move actively.

During this period, it is very important for the expectant mother to eat right, spend more time outdoors so that the baby can breathe oxygen better. And also to exclude all stressful and nervous situations, since the mother's health and condition affects the baby.

[ 27 ]

27 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 27th obstetric week of pregnancy is the period of development of the baby's endocrine system, which controls the production of hormones. The child's body actively produces growth hormone, which allows regulating metabolic processes in cells and stimulating the growth of the entire body and all organs. The thyroid gland and pancreas begin to work actively, independently providing for the body's needs. The baby absorbs well all the nutrients that reach it through the placenta. Therefore, the expectant mother should carefully monitor her diet.

At 27 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, the baby is still actively moving, as there is still enough space in the uterus to make movements. The baby hears, opens and closes its eyes, sleeps and plays, that is, it has a full day, like its mother. The baby's weight during this period is 900-1000 grams, and its height is 340-360 mm. During this period, the pregnant woman should rest more and do pleasant things, as all this has a beneficial effect on the baby, in addition, it is imperative to talk to the baby.

[ 28 ]

28 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 28th obstetric week of pregnancy is accompanied by active growth and development of the baby. The baby's movements become less large-scale and intense, as there is less and less space in the uterus. But the baby can still tumble and change its position. The baby's height is 380 mm, and its weight is more than 1 kilogram. At 28 weeks, using ultrasound, you can see how well the baby's arms, legs and face have formed.

During this period, which is two months before the birth, a woman may experience anxiety. As a rule, this is due to fear of premature birth and childbirth in general. Therefore, the expectant mother begins to closely monitor her condition and control all symptoms. Many gynecologists recommend that at 28 weeks of pregnancy, you should closely monitor the number of movements of the baby.

In the 7th month of pregnancy, a woman may feel severe pain in the lower back and knees. The pain feels similar to that caused by radiculitis. There may also be a pinched sciatic nerve, as the enlarged uterus begins to press on all organs and systems. This condition causes a lot of inconvenience to the expectant mother, so the gynecologist may prescribe strict bed rest.

29 obstetric week of pregnancy

At 29 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, the baby is still growing, and the mother begins to experience a lot of discomfort due to frequent urges to go to the toilet. Also, the woman may have stomach problems and constipation.

As for the baby, it is almost 400 mm tall and weighs about 1 kg 200 grams. Due to the fat accumulated in the body, the baby can regulate and maintain its body temperature. The immune system works perfectly, which, thanks to the placenta, protects the baby from external infections and bacteria. The baby's milk teeth have already fully formed, but they are all in the gums.

The 29th obstetric week of pregnancy is the 8th penultimate month of pregnancy. The expectant mother may experience sharp pressure changes, and swelling may also appear. Swelling is due to the fact that the kidneys do not have time to remove all the fluid that the mother drinks, so you need to reduce its amount. During this period, it is recommended to abstain from active sexual activity, as this can cause placental abruption and the appearance of bloody discharge, and as a result - childbirth.

[ 29 ]

30 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 30th obstetric week of pregnancy is the time for frequent visits to the antenatal clinic. A woman should visit a gynecologist at least once a week. The movements of a pregnant woman become smooth, as the gained weight presses on the spine and legs. It is necessary to carefully monitor your posture and carefully get out of bed, first turning over on your side, and then getting up.

The baby's height at 30 weeks is 400 mm, and its weight is 1300 grams. The baby has its own lifestyle, which may differ from the mother's. So, when the mother goes to bed, the baby can actively push and move. During this period, the baby requires a lot of attention, it is necessary to talk to him and relax with pleasant music.

At 30 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, a woman begins to feel short and irregular contractions. This is caused by strong tension in the uterus, to relax it, it is necessary to gently massage the abdomen. As for the discharge during this period, it increases in volume. If there is blood in the discharge, this indicates placental abruption, so you must urgently seek medical help.

[ 30 ]

31 obstetric week of pregnancy

31 obstetric week of pregnancy is a period of heightened culinary madness. A woman is ready to eat everything at once, salty and sour and sweet, and is constantly tormented by the feeling of thirst. But doctors strongly recommend keeping yourself in hand, especially when it comes to liquid, as this is the cause of swelling.

At 31 weeks, the baby weighs 1500 grams, and the length from the crown to the tailbone is 410-420 mm. During this period, the baby's brain develops very quickly, the baby already distinguishes voices and sounds. Vision gradually develops, but much worse than hearing.

During this period, the woman's pelvic bones begin to diverge, this is provided by the body in order to facilitate the birth process. The bones become more elastic due to a special female hormone - relaxin. But this hormone has its drawbacks, since due to the diverging bones, the pregnant woman acquires a duck-like gait. The condition of the pregnant woman during this period is stable, the woman and her body continue to prepare to meet the baby.

At 31 weeks, a woman may experience pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the lower back, and observe unusual discharge. If such symptoms appear, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance, since there is a very high probability of premature birth. To avoid labor, the woman is put on "preservation". Therefore, at 31 weeks, it is necessary to prepare everything that the expectant mother may need in the maternity hospital.

32 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 32nd obstetric week of pregnancy is practically the final stretch for both the mother and the baby. During this period, it is very important to talk to the baby, tell him how you love him and are waiting for him, since this information will be forever deposited in the baby. As for the size of the baby, the height is about 420 mm, and the weight is 1700 grams. Now the work of the female body and the baby are completely synchronized, and work to ensure that the expectant mother has milk to feed the baby. For these purposes, the adrenal glands begin to produce a hormone that stimulates milk production.

At 32 weeks, a woman may notice vellus hair on her body, which appeared due to a hormonal surge. At this time, the baby's hair also begins to grow, only instead of vellus, real hair. It is difficult for the expectant mother to move, and the baby's movements and kicks cause inconvenience and discomfort. The belly has grown a lot and pushed the lower ribs apart.

Many women during this period begin to complain of pain from constipation and bloating, which literally bursts. To stop the pain, it is necessary to exclude from your diet everything that can cause gas formation and fermentation. But it is strictly forbidden to use laxatives, since such drugs can provoke premature labor. A woman should rest more and wear a special protective bandage that supports the abdomen and relieves the load from the spine.

[ 31 ]

33 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 33rd obstetric week is the time when the baby begins to prepare for birth. As a rule, during this period the baby descends to the cervix and rests against it. The baby's height during this period is 430 mm, and the weight is about 2 kilograms. From this week the baby again makes a leap and begins to gain weight. All this is necessary so that the baby has time to gain the necessary weight before birth.

As for the mother, at 33 weeks the woman feels discomfort when she is in a lying position. And all because the stomach presses on the diaphragm and lungs and does not allow normal breathing, and also constrains movement. Therefore, it is recommended to rest in a sitting position. The urge to go to the toilet increases, so during the night, the mother can go to the toilet from 5 to 10 times.

This week, the woman begins to worry about lower back pain, as the spine is heavily loaded due to the additional weight. To ease the condition of the expectant mother, the gynecologist can prescribe medications or preventive gymnastics before bedtime. This week, the mother and baby have their last ultrasound before giving birth.

34 obstetric week of pregnancy

At 34 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, the baby's face became smooth and changed color from red to pink. This all happened due to the increase in subcutaneous fat. From this week until birth, the baby is limited in movement. The baby has grown so much that he can only move his arms and legs. Active movements of the baby are observed, usually 1-2 within 10 minutes.

The baby's size has increased this week, its weight is 2 kilograms 200 grams, its height is 450-470 mm. The baby's bones continue to strengthen, so the mother should make sure that her diet contains enough products with a high content of phosphorus and calcium. But it is not recommended to take calcium supplements, as this can cause rapid ossification of the baby and cause many problems for both the mother and the child.

If at 34 weeks a woman notices discharge that resembles thrush or bloody discharge, then emergency medical care is needed. Since the pregnant woman may have vaginal candidiasis. But bloody discharge is a symptom of placental abruption. During a normal pregnancy, discharge during this period should be uniform, not abundant and odorless.

[ 32 ]

35 obstetric week of pregnancy

35 obstetric week of pregnancy is the end of the 8th month. A couple more weeks and the mother and baby will be able to meet. The baby's size at this time is 470-490 mm, and its weight is 2.5 kilograms. The baby looks like a formed child. The eyes and hair already have color, and fat is still forming under the skin so that the cheeks and face are rounded.

In the penultimate week of pregnancy, a woman gains from 10 to 15 kilograms. All this affects the well-being of the pregnant woman. It is difficult to dress, difficult to lie down, even breathing is painful. In addition, the back is constantly numb, and due to the sitting position, blood circulation in the limbs can be impaired. Therefore, it is necessary to move every hour, walk a little and make circular movements with the pelvis.

It is necessary to pay special attention to the discharge during this period, as this is prenatal discharge. It should be clean and odorless. If the expectant mother still continues to have sex, then it is worth stopping it. Since sexual relations can cause injury to the birth canal, infection of the vagina or premature birth.

36 obstetric week of pregnancy

At 36 weeks of pregnancy, the baby reduces its motor activity. This is due to the fact that the baby's body, like the body of the expectant mother, is preparing for the final spurt. The baby has already taken the position in which it will be born. The baby's weight at this time is more than 2.5 kilograms, and its height is almost 500 mm. Please note that after the 36th obstetric week of pregnancy, the baby is officially considered full-term.

At 36 weeks, the mother may constantly feel light, short contractions. But do not be alarmed, as labor will be long and painful. The belly with the baby begins to descend, which increases the already strong pressure on the bladder. Now the mother runs to the toilet even more often, as she wants not only to "pee".

If we talk about discharge during this period, the mucus plug, which has reliably blocked the entrance to the vagina at the beginning of pregnancy, may begin to come out. Because of this, the discharge becomes abundant, acquires a pinkish mucous color. The cervix becomes softer and opens a little.

37 obstetric week of pregnancy

37 obstetric week of pregnancy is the time when labor can begin at any moment. According to statistics, babies are born from 37 to 42 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, and this is considered the norm. So, girls are born earlier than 42 weeks, and boys are born later. If you feel regular painful contractions and the amniotic fluid has already broken, urgently go to the maternity hospital, as the baby is ready to be born.

The baby's weight at this period is almost 3 kilograms, and the height is more than half a meter. The facial features are fully formed, the cheeks are rounded, the ears are formed, the arms and legs have become plump, but the skin is still pink. The baby continues to develop and processes the information received. And sleep is divided into passive and active phases.

Since the baby has gained weight, the mother has also gained weight. By the 37th week, the mother's weight has already increased by 15-17 kilograms. Many women may have problems with digestion, as well as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea. All this indicates that the woman's body is trying to get rid of toxins and is preparing for the upcoming load during childbirth. There may also be pain associated with the fact that the baby is pressing on the perineum. Back pain increases. It is very important to carefully monitor the discharge, so if it has become pink and mucous, then the mucous plug has come off, which means that the uterus is beginning to open. Call an ambulance immediately, as you have started labor.

[ 33 ], [ 34 ]

38 obstetric week of pregnancy

The expectant mother is in a state of expectation, as labor can begin at any moment. Thus, according to statistics, only 10% of women who give birth not for the first time can carry the baby. Women who give birth for the first time should distinguish the signs of approaching labor.

Unlike the mother, the baby continues to gain weight and grow. Thus, the baby's weight is from 3100 to 3200 grams, and the height is more than 500 mm. The baby is exploring the world in the mother's womb, so you need to talk to him and tell him how much you are waiting for him.

At 38 obstetric weeks, the mother's belly has dropped, the load on the diaphragm has gone, and breathing has become easier. But at the same time, the load on the lower back increases and there is constant pain in the perineum. If painful contractions appear, then you must immediately go to the maternity hospital. Also, this week the amount of discharge increases. The reason for this is the release of the mucous plug, which has reliably closed the uterus since the first weeks of pregnancy.

39 obstetric week of pregnancy

At 39 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, a baby can be born and this is considered normal. Please note that if the mother's weight has increased by 10-15 kilograms, then the woman is carrying one child, and if by 20 or more, then the mother will have twins or even triplets.

The baby's height at this time is about 52 centimeters, and its weight is 3400 grams. The baby has beautiful hair, and its vision has improved. The baby can already focus its gaze and react to movement. The baby is in a cramped position, since there is very little space in the mother's tummy, so the baby's knees are pressed to the chin (this position is called the fetal position). But there are a number of dangers during this period. For example, the umbilical cord, which supplies nutrients to the baby's body from the mother, can wrap around its neck and become a serious problem during childbirth.

At 39 weeks, a woman goes to the toilet even more often, since it is in the last month of pregnancy that the bladder experiences the strongest pressure. The mother's body is in full swing preparing for childbirth, the uterus begins to open, soften and contract. If a woman begins to have painful contractions, then it is necessary to immediately go to the maternity hospital, since this is the beginning of labor.

[ 35 ], [ 36 ], [ 37 ]

40 obstetric week of pregnancy

The 40th obstetric week of pregnancy is one of the last weeks of carrying a baby. Therefore, the expectant mother should be prepared for the fact that labor can begin at any moment. The baby's height at this time is about 530 mm, and its weight is 3400-3600 grams. The baby's fat layer has developed well, so the skin looks elastic, pink and plump. A fontanel has formed on the baby's skull, that is, a gap between the bones of the skull, which is covered with skin. The fontanel is necessary so that the baby can more easily pass through the birth canal. After birth, the fontanel on the baby's head allows the brain to grow faster.

If a woman has contractions that last no more than a minute, and the interval between them is 5 minutes, then this is a sign of labor. During this period, a woman begins to have profuse discharge, and this is normal, since this is a signal from the body that it is ready for labor. If the discharge is profuse, then the woman's amniotic fluid is leaving. But if the discharge has become curdled, yellow or green in color and is accompanied by itching, then the woman should immediately seek medical help.

[ 38 ]

41 obstetric week of pregnancy

At 41 weeks of pregnancy, the baby weighs more than 3500 grams, and is about 55 centimeters tall. The baby's nails and hair continue to grow. The baby's intestines are actively working, so meconium begins to form. Meconium comes out immediately after the baby is born, but in some cases it can come out before the baby appears, then the baby will be born green. But do not be afraid, everything is fine with the baby, he is just smeared in meconium.

The birth is very close and can begin at any moment, so the mother should monitor her health very carefully. If the discharge suddenly increases and acquires a pinkish mucous color, then this is a sign that the mucus plug has come out and the amniotic fluid will soon leave, which means that labor will begin. To avoid being caught off guard by labor, the expectant mother should prepare everything that will be needed in the maternity hospital and it is advisable to decide in advance where and who will deliver the baby.

Obstetric weeks of pregnancy are an opportunity to control and observe the pregnancy process. For a woman, this is a great opportunity to learn everything about how her baby is developing. For gynecologists, obstetric weeks of pregnancy are an opportunity to control the process of bearing a child and, in case of pathologies or other dangerous situations, find a solution in time.

[ 39 ]