Note for use of this pregnancy calendar: A pregnancy usually lasts 38 weeks from conception, or 40 weeks from the start of your last menstrual period (LMP). If you are counting from the date of conception, just add two weeks to use this calendar. For example, if you conceived two weeks ago, you are in week 4 by the usual method.
The length of the developing baby is measured from the crown of the head to the bottom of the baby's rump, this is referred to as the CRL measurement
baby is nearing 6 inches this week and weighs between 7 and 9 ounces
your little one's skin is covered with a greasy cheeselike substance called vernix caseosa which helps protect the baby from scrapes and keeps the skin soft
if you have an ultrasound during this time you may see your baby roll over, suck its thumb and swallow amniotic fluid
your baby is still very lean, with very little fat, it is nearly 1/3 the length it will be at birth, but weighs only 1/16th of its estimated birth weight
do you know if you are having a boy or a girl? Do you want to know?
Week 20
length is around 6 ¼ inches and weight is between 9 and 10.5 ounces
little feet are over an inch long
mommy may be able to feel those little feet pushing off as the baby does its water aerobics
your uterus is probably right up to your belly button
you are halfway there if you are counting weeks from Day 1 of your last period!!
the increasing weight of your uterus may cause varicose veins in your legs, especially if you have inherited a tendancy to develop them
if you do notice varicose veins developing, and especially if they cause discomfort, try to put your feet up whenever possible to allow the blood to drain, support hose may help
Week 21
you are halfway there if you are counting from date of conception!!
your baby is between 7 and 7.5 inches (around 190mm) and weighs between 10.5 and 13 ounces
as your baby swallows amniotic fluid, it travels into her developing digestive system, helping to prepare it for breastmilk or formula after birth
if you are sitting a great deal during the day or if you are travelling, a good habit to establish is taking a short walk every hour or so
your growing baby and his cozy womb are getting heavier and may cause circulation problems in your legs if you sit for long periods of time
if you've been exercising regularly up to this point, keep it up!
you may notice that your sense of balance is changing, listen to your body and modify your activities if necessary - walking and swimming are generally considered safe for pregnant women - have questions? ask your doctor or an exercise instructor certified in prenatal fitness
Week 22
baby's length is around 7.5 inches and he weighs between 12.25 and 15.3 ounces
a layer of fine downy hair completely covers your baby, this hair is called lanugo and it helps hold the protective vernix to the skin
little eyebrows can be seen as well as hair on the head
starting into the 2nd half of your pregnancy you are probably feeling comfortably pregnant
morning sickness is most likely over, you look great in maternity clothes, and you're not too big to get around easily
keep taking those prenatal vitamins!
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Sources for fetal development information include: The Developing Human by Moore and Persaud, how life begins by Christopher Vaughan, and Your Pregnancy Week-by-Week by Glade B. Curtis
This internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health or that of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.