Fetal Development In First Trimester Of Pregnancy

Rapid changes take place in the body of the woman who has conceived and the fertilised eggs start growing. The first three months of pregnancy are very important for the development and delivery of normal and healthy child. It is essential for every expecting mother to know the development cycle of the child and the precautions necessary to be taken during this period.

First Month ( 1-4 Weeks)

To begin with, the fertilized egg moves through the fallopian tube to settle down in the uterus. Once the egg reaches the uterus it implants itself there. When in place, lots of hormonal changes take place with the object of sustaining pregnancy. Till the time the embryo starts growing the body considers the fertilized egg as a foreign object and tries to expel it, while the hormones try to keep it intact and help it to develop. If the body is unable to produce appropriate and desired amount of hormones, miscarriage occurs.

After fertilization and establishment in uterus during the second week the cells start developing fast into organs or body parts. It is during the third week that the heart, brain and circulatory system start to develop. During the fourth week the embryo is about half an inch in size and has a visible head and tail. The heart beat can be heard with sophisticated machines and eyes and ears can be recognised. This completes the first month of pregnancy.

Second Month (5-8 Weeks)

During the fifth week lungs, kidneys and liver starts to take shape. The eyes start showing and nose, arms and legs start appearing as tiny buds. It is at this stage the placenta starts to supply necessary hormones to the growing child. During the sixth week the stomach can be recognised. The heart beat will become distinct and circulatory system gets developed. Seventh week sees the development of hands and feet and disappearance of tail and by the end of second month of pregnancy the upper jaws will appear. During the eighth week the embryo becomes a foetus with a large head.

Third Month (9-12 Weeks)

The third month sees the development of external genital organs. However ultrasound process is unable to detect the sex of the child. The digestive system, limbs and internal organs are fully formed by this time. Considering the pace of growth it is advised that a gynecologist be visited to enable the pregnant woman to get necessary checkups done. She will also be prescribed medicines if any are needed for the development of child and also some vitamins and minerals.