Maternity and Fetal Development

I was opportune to be posted in ANC(ante-natal clinic) today ,only to discover lot of women doesn't know fetal and maternal development that occur and how it affect them at their stages of pregnancy. I decided to write in a concise manner on it. I tried taking some snap from the calendar at the clinic but my camera was blur so I decided to get them from Google though the picture doesn't relate perfectly as I wish it was. If you are hoping to get married someday be it a male or female this is a very important part for you to know in understanding the female body, I will be writing how the fetal development occur and separately writing on maternal development

Conception-0 months
Fetal development - the sperm fertilizes the ovum which then divides and burrows into the uterus .

4 Weeks- Month 1
Fetal development - from the embryonic disk (ectoderm, entoderm ,mesoderm). The first body segments appear that will eventually become the spine,brain and spinal cord,heart ,blood circulation and digestive tract take shape .

Maternal development - mother misses first period ,breast become tender , may enlarges ,chronic fatigue and urinary frequency begins,may persist for three or more months . hCG in urine and serum 9 days after conception.

8 Weeks- month 2
Fetal development - development is rapid ,heart begins to pump blood ,limb buds are well developed. Facial features and major divisions of the brain are discernible .Ears develop from skin folds; tiny bones and muscles are formed beneath the thin skin.

Maternal development - morning sickness ,may persist to 12 weeks . Uterus changes from pear to globular shape . Hegar's Goodells and piskacels signs appear . No noticeable weight gain.

12 weeks- months 3

Fetal development - Embryo becomes a fetus , it's beating heart discernible by ultrasound. Assumes a more human shape as lower body develops . At week 12. First movements begin. Sex is determine. Kidney produce urine.

Maternal development - chadwicks sign appear ,uterus rises above pelvic brim by 12 weeks. Braxton Hicks contractions may begin and continue throughout pregnancy . Weight gain of about 2 ½ to 4lb during first trimester .Placenta now fully functioning and producing hormone

16 Weeks- months 4

Fetal development - muscoloskeletal system has matured,nervous system begins to exert control ,blood vessels rapid develop. Fetal hands can grasp,legs kick actively .All organs begin to mature and grow. Fetus weight about 7 oz (½lb) FHT. Pancreas produce insulin

Maternal development - fundus halfway between symphysis and umbilicus . Women gains slightly less than 1 lb per wk for remainder of pregnancy . May feel more energetic . BPD measurement on ultrasound. Vaginal secretion increases ,itching,irritation, malodor suggest infection .Pressure on bladder lessen and urinary frequency decreases .

20 weeks -month 5

Fetal development -vernix protects the body,fine hair (lanugo) covers the body and keeps the oil on the skin ,eye brows ,eyelashes and head hair develop,fetus develop a regular schedule of sleeping ,sucking and kicking.

Maternal development -fundus reaches level of umbilicus. Breast begin secreting colostrum, amniotic sac holds about 400m l fluid , faintness and dizziness may occur ,especially with sudden position changes. Women experiences fetal movement and pregnancy may suddenly seem more real,areola darken ,nasal stuffiness may develop. Leg cramps may begin to occur.constipation may develop.

24 weeks - month 6

Fetal development - skeleton develops rapidly as bone forming cells increase activity . Respiratory movements begin .Fetus weight about 1 lb

Maternal development - backache and leg cramps may begin. Skin changes can include striae gravidarum ,chloasma,linea nigra ,acne ,redness on palms of hands and soles of feet. Nosebleed can occur. May experience abdominal itching as uterus enlarges ; will continue until end of pregnancy.

28 weeks-months 7

Fetal development - fetus can breathe,swallow, regulate temperature .Eyes begin to open and close. Baby is ⅔ the size it will be at birth.

Maternal development -fundus halfway between umbilicus and xiphoid process. Thoracic breathing replaces abdominal breathing .Fetal outline palpable maybe tired of pregnancy and eager for the mothering role. Heartburn may begin to occur.

32 weeks - months 8

Fetal development - brown fat deposits are developing beneath the skin to insulate the baby following birth. Baby had grown to about 15- 17in. Begins storing iron,calcium and phosphorus .

Maternal development -fundus reaches xiphoid process, breast full and tender ,urinary frequency may return ,swollen ankles and sleeping problems may develop. Dyspnea may develop.

Anticipatory guidance

Wear well fitting supportive bra. Elevate legs once or twice daily for an hour or so. Sleep on left side of possible .Use natural diuretics su h as lemon juice in 1 cup of water.

32 weeks - months 9

fetal development - the entire uterus is occupied by the baby . Thus restricting it's activity .Material antibodies are transferred to the baby. This provides immunity for about 6 months until the infant own immune system can take over.

Maternal development - the fetus descends deeper into the mothers pelvis . The placenta is nearly 4 times as thick as it was 20 weeks ago ,weighing nearly 20 oz . Mother is eager for birth ,may have final burst of energy .Backaches ,urinary frequency increase . Braxton Hicks contractions intensify as cervix and lower uterine segment prepare for labour.