Skip Navigation. A brand new life is developing within you. New feelings. New concerns. New choices. This chapter is devoted to the gestational periods of your pregnancy … the baby developing within you. Learn about what to expect throughout pregnancy and delivery, the healthiest diet for you and your baby, exercise and preparing your home for the newest family member.
Here are some common changes experienced by most mothers:. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of day or night and affects about 50 percent of all pregnant women. Have patience! It usually disappears after the third month of pregnancy. Here are some suggestions to ease the discomfort:. Throughout your pregnancy, it's especially important to be aware of the necessary nutrients and components of a well-balanced diet.
Learn more. Gestational age is counted in weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period. You were actually about four weeks pregnant when you missed your last period. Although an average pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, full-term babies can be born at any time between 37 and 42 weeks. However, all the major organs are beginning to form as well as the brain and spinal cord. Teeth are beginning to form inside the gums and tiny buds that will become arms and legs are present on the body.
At eight weeks, your unborn baby is referred to as a fetus, coming from the Latin word meaning offspring. The fetus measures about one-half of an inch long and less than one-eighth of an ounce in weight. At ten weeks, the embryo weighs about an ounce and measures approximately three inches long. Can you believe the heart has started beating? Lungs, kidneys and other organs have formed. At this stage, the baby is in very rapid growth. Early in your pregnancy, a series of tests is important for determining the health and wellbeing of both you and your baby.
The test results will assist your doctor in providing you with the appropriate medical care. This test determines whether you are anemic iron deficient.
