Pregnancy Guide

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Expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events a couple experiences. However, the joys of bringing a child into the world can quickly become overwhelming. That is why BabytoBee's pregnancy guide is full of information you need to ensure a safe and happy pregnancy. Not only with this guide break down your pregnancy step by step, but it will also point you to additional resources throughout the site.

The First Trimester:

During the first trimester, it is common for an expecting mother to begin experiencing tender breasts and morning sickness. It is crucial that you visit a doctor during the early stages of your pregnancy so that the doctor can evaluate the health of you and the baby. Also, study an early pregnancy guide so you are familiar with what to expect the next eight months. The embryo's heart, lungs, and brain are just beginning to develop, and its heart should begin beating by the 25th day.

During the second month of the first trimester, it is vital that you eat the right foods in order to receive proper nourishment. See our early pregnancy guide on "nutrition". The embryo becomes a fetus and has arms, hands with fingers, legs, and is in the process of developing knees, ankles, and toes. Important organs such as the stomach, liver, brain, central nervous system, and spine are also developing. By the third month, not only are the fetus's finger and toenails developing, but also signs of the baby's sex become noticeable. Facial features such as the chin, forehead, and nose become well defined and the eyes are developing. Although you will not feel the baby's movement, the baby will weigh approximately one ounce and three inches in length.

The Second Trimester:

By the fourth month, you should expect to gain about three to four pounds and start looking into buying maternity clothes. Morning sickness usually begins to fade as your body accepts your pregnancy. The baby should weigh approximately six ounces and be about eight to ten inches in length. The fifth month is an exciting time because the doctor will be able to hear the baby's heartbeat. In addition, your baby will not only be able to hear sounds from outside the uterus, but also will respond to music and speech. During this time the eyes, eyelids, and ears are fully developed. By the end of this month, the doctor can determine your baby's sex.

During the sixth month, the baby usually is approximately fourteen inches long and weighs 1.5 pounds. You should expect the doctor to perform a sonogram from which they will evaluate the health of the baby. By the end of this month your baby not only can suck its thumb but can also cry.

The Third Trimester:

By the seventh month, you will be gaining about a pound per week and probably experience feet swelling. The baby should weigh approximately two to two and a half pounds and be about fifteen inches long.

During the eighth month, the baby changes into its final position in the uterus. The baby should weigh approximately four pounds and measure to sixteen inches. It is common for a woman to experience very tender breasts as they are preparing to produce milk.

The ninth month is the final month of your pregnancy. By forty weeks, the baby is full term and weighs about six to nine pounds. The baby's head usually becomes engaged in the pelvis preparing itself for delivery. Be sure to still check in with your pregnancy guide throughout the last trimester to ensure that your baby is showing no abnormal signs.