Week 9-12

Week 9

The baby: the baby is now 0. 9 - 1. 2 inches long. The fingers of the baby are now longer and finger tips are developing. The neck develops and strengthens which allows the baby's head to become more erect. The external portion of the ears and the eyelids are nearly fully developed. An ultrasound is able to reveal that the baby is moving. The external genitalia are not yet distinguishable.

The mother: By now the mother should certainly notice that her waistline is expanding; however, the mother is still not likely to be 'showing'. At this stage her blood volume has started to increase and will eventually reach nearly 50% more than its normal volume. This extra blood in pregnancy is a safeguard during labor and delivery, and protects the fetus from the possibly harmful movements of the mother. Emotional changes may become noticeable during this period and are expressed as greater sensitivity and sporadic crying.

Week 10

The baby: the baby is 1. 25 - 1. 68 inches in length and is now officially a fetus. As well, the baby's weight can begin to be calculated, and typically weighs 0. 18 during this week. The embryonic period ends and the fetal period begins, which is characterized by rapid fetal growth. The critical period of development is now over, thus making the chances of congenital malformations less likely. The development of the baby's organ systems and body is progressing quickly and the human form truly is emerging.

The mother: It is still unlikely that the mother is showing, but the weight gain should now be obvious to the mother. Looser clothes are or soon will be mandatory and maternity clothes are not far off. The mother will still be suffering the various emotional symptoms.

Week 11

The baby: the baby is now between 1. 75 and 2. 4 inches long and weighs 0. 3 ounces. This stage is the most rapid stage of fetal growth and the fetus will likely double in size in the next three weeks. Fingernails begin to appear and the external genitalia start to show distinguishing features - sexual development will be complete in the next three weeks. The baby is now able to swallow and kick, although the mother will not be able to feel it yet.

The mother: The mother's uterus has continued to grow and maybe felt in her lower abdomen just above the middle of the pubic bone. Some women may also begin to notice that their hair and nails grow much quicker. The cause of this physiological change is debated with answers ranging from the changes in hormone levels to the increased circulation of blood.

Week 12

The baby: the baby now weighs 0. 3 - 0. 5 ounces and is nearly 2. 5 inches long. Most structures in the baby are already formed by this point and the rest of gestation is greatly devoted to their continued growth. A heart beat should be audible with the aid of a Doppler machine and the skeletal system now has centers of bone formation. The baby's fingers and toes are completely separated and hair begins to cover the body. The digestive system is now capable of contracting to push food though the bowels and is able to absorb glucose. The pituitary gland at the base of the brain begins to produce hormones and greater movement in the baby begins with the further development of the central nervous system. After the completion of this week the chances of miscarriage are reduced to a great extent.

The mother: The mother's uterus is now likely to have grown out of the pelvic cavity and should be felt above the pubic bone. The uterus increases between 500 and 1000 times its capacity during pregnancy. First time mothers are probably still not showing but weight gain should be more evident to the mother especially in the hips, legs, sides and breasts. Three to five pounds is a typical amount of weight gain by this period. Nausea and fatigue have likely lessened by this time.

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