Your Baby's Fetal Development by Elizabeth "Bjay" Woolley (10-02-2002) Here is a brief breakdown of what to expect...

Your nine-month (40-week) pregnancy (or gestation) is divided into three trimesters. Each trimester is three months. Different types of development take place in each trimester. Here is a brief breakdown of what to expect:

First Trimester:

The embryo's organs start to form during the first eight weeks. It is important to have blood glucose in normal range at this time as high levels could cause birth defects and miscarriage. The heart is already pumping blood and the placenta is forming. Towards the end of the trimester, the eyes, lips, tongue, and nose develop. Little nubs for the arms, hands, knees, legs, and feet start to form. After the ninth week the embryo is called a fetus.

If you get a sonogram at this time, the baby may look like a little bug or appear to be a little "splat" on the screen. You may be able to make out a head, torso, and nubs of the extremities. The baby will be very little in comparison to your uterus. You will be amazed at how fast the little bugger will grow!

Second Trimester:

The baby continues developing. The heartbeat may now be strong enough to be heard with a stethoscope or with a Doppler device. Muscles and bones are forming. Hair and fingernails are growing. Wait…is that gas or the baby moving? Chances are good that it's the baby!

If you get a sonogram at this time, the baby may be so big he almost fills the entire sonogram screen. Now is a good time to check him/her out. This may be the best view you get of the baby. He/she looks more like a baby and you will get a kick out of seeing your little one moving. Many dads who get to witness the sonogram at this stage say that the baby seems more "real" to them.

Third Trimester:

The baby's vital organs are fully developed. The baby will grow and gain weight. It is important to have blood glucose in normal range so that the baby will not gain too much weight. If the baby gains too much weight, he/she may become too big for a vaginal delivery. In addition to other complications, the baby may have low blood sugar following delivery.

Sonograms at this time may be focused on specific parts of the baby (his head, heart, feet, etc.) He/she is likely so big that the sonographer can no longer fit the entire baby into one screenshot. It is also harder for the sonographer to get good pictures of the baby when he/she gets bigger.

Diabetes and
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