Weeks 1-12

How is my baby Changing?

By the end of this trimester, your baby is about three inches long and
weighs about half an ounce. The eyes move closer together into their
positions, and the ears also are in position. The liver is making bile
and the kidneys are secreting urine into the bladder. Even though you
can't feel your baby move yet, your baby will move inside you in
response to pushing on your abdomen.

The cell begins to divide after fertilisation. It takes about 4 days for the impregnated egg to reach the uterus.

Week 2
The embryo is now composed of about 150 cells. They are divided in
three layers that will each develop in an independent manner. Your
developing baby is floating freely in your uterus and relies on the
secretions of your uterine lining to survive.

Week 3
Your baby's brain & backbone continue to form and by the end of the
third week the embryo is well fixed to the wall of the uterus, it is no
longer just a fertilised egg.

Week 4
Little buds are starting to appear, these will become your baby's arms
and legs. Your baby is still only the size of a large grain of rice.

Week 5
Your Baby is now 5 to 7 mm.
Eyes, ears and mouth are beginning to form along with tissues which will form the backbone and abdominal muscles.
Your baby's heart begins to beat regulalry on the surface of the body
and not yet in the shest cavity. Brain cells are developing at 250,000
per minute.

Week 6
Your Baby is now 9 to 14 mm and weighs 1.5g
The umbilical cord is becomming established and the head is beginning
to take shape, the digestive tract is forming but the mouth cannot yet
be opened, tiny cvities show the future location of the eyes and ears.

Week 7
Your Baby is now 17 to 22 mm and weighs 2g
The heart is now beating strongly and your baby has reflexes and so can
move spontaneously. The mouth can be opened and fingers are beginning
to appear along with the inner ear which your baby will use for
balance. The muscles & nerves now function and the thorax and
abdomen are completely formed. The lungs begin their slow
development.You might now find your waist thickening and your clothes
may becoming tight.

Week 8
Your Baby is now 3cm and weighs 3g
The bones for arms and legs begin to harden and joints are beginning to
form, the face and jaw is formed but teeth & facial muscles are
only just starting. The vital organs are all in place but still
immature. The genitalia also begin to form, your baby is starting to
look like a human being!
You may feel excited and apprehensive about telling friends, family and
work about your pregnancy. Your blood volume is increasing and you will
be carrying around 50% more blood than normal.

Week 9
Your Baby is 5.5cm and weighs 10g
Hands & Feet develop quickest during this week and your baby will
open its mouth for the first time. The heart is beating at 150 beats
per minute and the eyes are still completely shut, salivary glands and
vocal chords begin to form.
You should make an appointment with your GP now to confirm your
pregnancy, if you've already done a home kit test then this is just a
formality.
Your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit and your clothes will be feeling tighter and you may feel exhausted!

Week 10
Your Baby is 7.5cm (inc legs) and weighs 20g
Ears continue to form and abdominal muscles form stronger and the loins
define their definitive position. The brain continues it considerable
development leaving your baby's head very big when compared to the rest
of the body.
You may have your first scan around now and have a due date confirmed
this is a very exciting time as you can see your baby for the first
time and purchase a picture to keep with you. For many women this is
the event that confirm s the baby as 'real' so don't worry if you feel emotional

Week 11
Your baby is 8.5cm and weighs 30g
Your baby can now swallow and urinates amniotic fluid all of the vital organs will soon be formed and continue to grow.
You will now be starting to think ahead about your child if you have
suffered previous losses you will be starting to feel much happier now
as you head towards the end of the first trimester.

Week 12
Your baby is 10cm and weighs 45g
Another busy week as muscles start to respond to the brain slowly
alowing your baby to bend its arms and clench and open fists. The face
is becoming animated and your baby can pinch its eye brows and purse
its lips. Your placenta is functioning properly.
Your fatigue and morning sickeness should begin to ease now but you
still need your rest. Other people may now start to notice your tummy,
be proud of your bump!