Early Signs and Symptom

• Absence of Menstruation (or slight staining at time of period)
• Morning Sickness (nausea, with or without vomiting)
• Frequent Urination
• Tingling, tender, swollen breasts
• Changes in color of vaginal and cervical tissue
• Heartburn, bloating, indigestion
• Darkening of areola (area around nipple)
• Blue and pink lines under skin on breasts and later abdomen
• Food cravings and aversions
• Emotional moodiness comparable with PMS

You may have all or only a few of these symptoms and still be pregnant. The best way to confirm a positive pregnancy is a home pregnancy test followed by prompt medical follow-up.

Monthly Development of the Baby

FIRST MONTH: The baby is smaller than a grain of rice. Within the next two weeks, major organs like the heart, digestive tract and sensory organs will begin to form along with arms and legs.

SECOND MONTH: The embryo is approximately 1 ¼ inches long and is more human in appearance. It has a beating heart, arms and legs with forming fingers and toes. Bone is developing to replace cartilage.

THIRD MONTH: The fetus is 2 ½ to 3 inches long weighing ½ ounce. The circulatory and urinary systems are fully operating and the liver produces bile. Reproductive organs are developed, but determining the gender of the baby is difficult to tell externally.

FOURTH MONTH: The placenta now nourishes the 4-inch long fetus. The baby is starting to suck and swallow. Teeth are growing and fingers and toes are fully developed. The fetus appears to be a human, but still cannot live apart from the mother.

FIFTH MONTH: The fetus is 8-10 inches long and the mother may now feel its movements. Hair, brows and eyelashes are growing. A protective fine hair and oily substance cover the growing body.

SIXTH MONTH: The fetus is approximately 1 ¾ pounds measuring 13 inches long. Finger and toe prints are visible. Eyelids can open. The fetus may survive with intensive care if born now.

SEVENTH MONTH: The 3-pound fetus is able to gain fat and begins to suck its thumb, hiccup and even cry. He/she may taste sweet or sour and is able to respond to light, pain, sound and other stimuli. Survival rate is much higher if born now.

EIGHTH MONTH: Now, the baby is 18 inches long and weighs around 5 pounds. Brain growth is rapid during this period and baby can see and hear, although lungs are still underdeveloped. Most major organs and systems are well developed. Baby’s chance of survival are excellent now.

NINTH MONTH: The average baby is 7 ½ pounds and 20 inches now. Lungs are fully mature. Often the baby is less active now due to more confined space in the pelvis. The baby is ready for a safe birth.