Pregnancy

The events that lead to pregnancy begin with conception, in which the sperm penetrates the egg produced by an ovary.

Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your last normal period. The 40 weeks are divided into 3 trimesters.

• First Trimester (Week 1-Week 12)
• Second Trimester (Week 13-Week 28)
• Third Trimester (Week 29-Week 40)

Your baby develops throughout the pregnancy.

• At 8 weeks, all major organs and external body structures have begun to form. Your baby's heart beats with a regular rhythm.
• At 16 weeks, and in some cases, by 12 weeks, the sex of the baby can be determined. At this point, muscle tissue and bone continue to form, creating a more complete skeleton.
• At 20 weeks, your baby is more active and you may begin to start feeling movement.
• At 24 weeks, footprints and fingerprints have formed. In addition, your baby sleeps and wakes regularly.
• At 32 weeks, the bones are soft and yet almost fully formed, and the eyes can open and close.
• By the end of 37 weeks, your baby is considered full term. Your baby's organs are ready to function on their own.

As you near your due date, your baby may turn into a head-down position for birth.

It is very important you have regular visits with your healthcare provider.  This consistent care can help keep you and your baby healthy.

It is also very important you live a healthy lifestyle like eating a healthy diet. This will ensure your baby gets the right amount of nutrients. There are also many other things you should be aware of to keep you and your baby healthy and safe throughout the pregnancy.

The events that lead to pregnancy begin with conception. Conception occurs when the sperm penetrates the egg produced by an ovary.

The zygote (fertilized egg) then travels through the woman's fallopian tube to the uterus, where it implants itself in the uterine wall.

The zygote is made up of a cluster of cells formed from the egg and sperm. These cells form the fetus and the placenta.

Start prenatal care early and keep regular visits. Seek urgent care for vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe headache or vision changes, a baby moving less than usual, or signs of preterm labor.