Pregnancy Calendar

Week 3

• the sperm and the egg both contribute 23 chromosomes for a total of 46
• immediately after fertilization the egg begins to divide, from 1 cell to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 8, and so on
• around 4 days after fertilization the developing baby enters the uterus from the fallopian tube
• implantation of the rapidly developing cells into the uterine lining usually occurs about 6 days after conception
• hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is produced by the embryo and it is this hormone that is detected by home pregnancy tests 2 weeks or so after conception
• there are generally few or no signs of pregnancy during this week, although there may be some bleeding or spotting after implantation occurs
• Click here for more information about home pregnancy tests and the early signs of pregnancy

Week 4

• amazing changes continue!
• the cells are still dividing, but they are also moving and changing to create the amniotic sac, the yolk sac, the beginnings of the umbilical cord, and of course, the baby itself
• depending on the sensitivity of the pregnancy test, you may get a positive result on or after 11 days post-conception
• while the baby is still just a tiny speck, your hormones are already changing to sustain your pregnancy
• some women experience breast tenderness, water retention, or constipation even at this early stage

Week 5

• no menstrual period this week - time for a home pregnancy test!
• now your baby is 1.5mm long (or 6/100ths of an inch)
• the baby's brain and spinal cord just begin to form
• it's especially important to avoid alcohol during the first formative months of your pregnancy, this is the time when all the organs are being formed and when alcohol and drugs have the greatest effect on your baby
• Need more info? Check out these General Pregnancy, Fitness, and Nutrition Links

Week 6

• THE HEART STARTS BEATING!!!
• your baby is now 4mm long (16/100ths of an inch)
• remarkable changes in appearance this week, with a definite head and upper arm buds developing
• the very beginnings of the eyes and ears are present