stages of pregnancy essay

Stages of Pregnancy Research Paper

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Before Pregnancy

Different conditions of a woman’s life-span at the before-pregnancy period, prenatal development, after pregnancy, different conditions of a woman’s life-span at the after-pregnancy period.

This paper aims to research all of the pregnancy stages month-by-month. Moreover, it includes describing a scenario specific to different stages of a woman’s lifespan during these periods: right before and right after prenatal development.

There are several essential steps women need to make before getting pregnant to lower the risks and improve their health. First of all, a woman must revise nutrition, start eating well and take multivitamins. Folic acid is the most important as it prevents congenital disabilities like neural tube defects. Secondly, a woman must get a health checkup and genetic consulting to become aware of the risks and ways to avoid them. Thirdly, Liou et al. (2016) state that “prenatal visits incorporate psychological assessment for early detection and management to prevent possible adverse birth outcomes”. Mental health must be checked due to the high stress to come with the pregnancy. Lastly, there is a must in limiting or getting rid of bad habits like smoking or drinking alcohol and coffee.

A woman’s lifespan can affect the pregnancy; that’s why the conditions of a specific period of life should be considered before getting pregnant. When a woman is in any life crisis, there might be stress-related issues with her menstrual cycles, and the need for additional medical consultancy regarding hormones might appear. At the aging stage of life, a woman risks delivering an ill baby or to have a difficult pregnancy. Steps before getting pregnant, such as health checkups and multivitamins, should be carefully made.

Women who discover a failure to launch syndrome need to get psychological assistance before getting pregnant as their self-esteem and expectations are on a lower level at this life stage. The other stressful periods are marriage or divorce, as women might doubt their choices or be overwhelmed by the events. Getting pregnant in these conditions might severely affect women’s mental and physical health, and reliable medical and psychological support is recommended.

Modern medicine allows one to get pregnant even when there are grown children and empty nest life. A woman might think that a newborn would be the solution to loneliness or improve the family’s relationship. However, she still has to remember that pregnancy seriously affects the health of an aging woman. If the pregnancy is not the first one, a woman might be a part of the sandwich generation that simultaneously cares about parents and young children. Getting pregnant in this stage requires insurance in someone else’s support, as taking everything on her own might seriously affect the pregnancy.

The average length of prenatal development is 38 weeks from the conception date. A zygote consistently develops throughout this period until becoming a ready-to-born baby. Brewer et al. (2019) state that “from the moment of conception, hormonal changes in the mother’s pregnancy and adapt to the future needs of the embryo” (p. 78). There are three main stages of pregnancy: the germinal stage, the embryonic stage, and the fetal stage.

The First Month: Germinal and Embryonic Stages, the First Trimester

The conception is the beginning of the germinal stage of prenatal development; it happens when egg cell and sperm unite into a zygote in a fallopian tube. The cells start diviving and get functions that will determine their type once after reaching the the eight-cell point. Then, cells separate into two groups: outer cells turn into the placenta, and inner cells become the embryo. If the implantation passes successfully, it provoke hormonal changes that stop the menstrual cycle.

The cells grow, and by the third week form a human-looking embryo. It is how the embryonic stage begins, the most important period for brain development. The embryo divides into three different layers that will form body systems, and, during the week, neural tube forms that then becomes the central nervous system and brain. On the fourth week, the cardiovascular system grows, and develops heart that starts to pulse.

The Second Month: Embryonic Stage

The buds forming the arms and legs appear, and the systems continue developing at the first week of this stage. The embryonic period ends after the previous month, and the basic structures of central nervous system establish. When the nerves reach proper location, the connection with other neutral cells forms and creates rudimentary neural networks.

The Third Month: Fetal Stage

The embryo grows into a fetus when the cell differentiation is complete. The fetal period is the longest, and ends on the birth day. The reflexes begin to arise that lets the fetus make reflectively move his limbs. Moreover, the sex organs start differentiating during the month, and, by its ending, the whole range of body parts will establish.

The Fourth Month: The Beginning of the Second Trimester

The second trimester lasts from the fourth to the sixth month, the fetus’s size increases six times, body system develops, and nails, hair, brows, lashes form. Specifically, during the fourth month, the fetus grows to 6 inches in length. Lanugo, hair layer of the body, begins to form from the head. Muscles, bones, lungs continue to develop, and the fetus makes the first swallow and sucking motions.

The Fifth Month

The mother might notice the first movements in the stomach during the fifth month of pregnancy because it is the period when the fetus becomes active. It reaches 8 inches in length, and fat starts developing under the skin that is almost covered by lanugo. Fingernails, eyebrows, lashes also begin forming during this month.

The Sixth Month

Weeks of this month are when the eyes finish developing, and a startle reflex appears. Eyebrows, eyelashes form altogether, the hair on the head keeps growing longer. Hair grows longer on the head, and the eyebrows and eyelashes finish developing.

The Seventh Month: The Beginning of the Third Trimester

It is the period of brain and nervous system development. The fetus’s brain starts controlling such movements as opening and closing eyelids.

The Eighth Month

In the eighth month of prenatal development, the fetus learns to make breathing movements, yet the lungs are still immature. Moreover, the bones become completely developed but not hardened, and fat deposits grow above them.

The Ninth Month

The fetus grows in length and weight during this month of prenatal development. It becomes approximately 16–19 inches in length and weighs 5 lb. 12 oz. to 6 lb. 12 oz. It happens because of the body fat increase. The fetus’s brain start reaches the point when it fully controls all of the body functions.

The Tenth Month

During the last month, the fetus reaches its full-term conditions. A baby’s hair and nails grow, and if the fetus is healthy, all of the organ systems function well. The birth time depends on how a fetus developed during pregnancy. Shiota (2018) observed that “considerably large variability in the developmental stage among human embryos with the same gestational age” (p. 956). The exact time of a child to born cannot be predicted.

Generally, labor is divided into three stages. At the first stage, cervical dictation appears and keeps expanding until the active phase of labor. During the second stage, a woman pushes the baby through the birth canal with the intense contractions. The third stage is followed by the delivery of the placenta and called the afterbirth. After the placenta is out of the body, the midwife cuts the cord. Childbirth is a normal human experience, yet each labor is a unique process, so women perceive risks to life, and accompany it with intense fear and helplessness (Muzik & Rosenblum, 2017, p. 13). It is essential to provide a woman with psychological support during childbirth.

After giving birth, there are essential steps women must make for her and a baby’s health. At first, a woman must visit her postpartum checkups to prevent any health problems from appearing. Moreover, she must keep eating healthily and take vitamins to be able to breastfeed a child properly. A new mother must get baby care recommendations from a trusted consultant and follow them strictly during the first month of a child’s life.

Factors related to the pregnancy, such as type of birth, a pre-term newborn, health problems, negatively impact women’s quality of life (Martínez-Galiano et al., 2019). A woman’s life-span specifically impacts the after pregnancy period: a mother’s and a child’s health and wellness might be affected by life conditions. During crises, as well as stressful milestones like marriage or divorce, the after-pregnancy time might become a relief that distracts from harmful events. However, psychological assistance or family support might be required. A woman in such life-span conditions as aging has to get intense medical help during the after-pregnancy period as her health weakens after the stress of giving birth.

A woman with failure to launch syndrome is likely to get rid of it because of the new chance to change a life successfully. Such a scenario might also be applied to a woman’s life during the empty nest period as the newborn gives many responsibilities and activities. Women in these life-span stages have to get enough support from their friends and family to go through the after-pregnancy period successfully. Sandwich generation representatives might discover difficulties during the first months of a child’s life as even more people require care from a woman. A mother needs to set the priorities right and watch her mental health to avoid depression and overwhelming.

Shiota, K. (2018). Study of normal and abnormal prenatal development using the Kyoto Collection of Human Embryos. The Anatomical Record , 301(6), 955-959. Web.

Brewer, S., Bhattacharya, S., Preston, P., Davies, J., & Sheena, M. (2019). The science of pregnancy: The complete illustrated guide from conception to birth . D.K. Publishing.

Liou, S. R., Wang, P., & Cheng, C. Y. (2016). Effects of prenatal maternal mental distress on birth outcomes. Women and Birth , 29(4), 376-380. Web.

Martínez-Galiano, J. M., Hernández-Martínez, A., Rodríguez-Almagro, J., & Delgado-Rodríguez, M. (2019). Quality of life of women after giving birth: Associated factors related with the birth process. Journal of Clinical Medicine , 8 (3), 324. Web.

Muzik, M. & Rosenblum, K. L. (Eds.). (2017). Motherhood in the face of trauma: Pathways towards healing and growth. Springer.

• Prenatal Yoga for Women Health
• Stem Cell Research: Some Pros and Cons
• Childbirth Options and Complications
• Postpartum Depression: Statistics and Methods of Diagnosis
• The Risks of Maternal Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy
• The Ethical Dilemma: Aborting Babies With Handicaps
• The Issues of Drugs in Pregnancy
• Dangers of Smoking While Pregnant
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, February 21). Stages of Pregnancy. https://ivypanda.com/essays/stages-of-pregnancy/

"Stages of Pregnancy." IvyPanda , 21 Feb. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/stages-of-pregnancy/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Stages of Pregnancy'. 21 February.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Stages of Pregnancy." February 21, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/stages-of-pregnancy/.

1. IvyPanda . "Stages of Pregnancy." February 21, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/stages-of-pregnancy/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Stages of Pregnancy." February 21, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/stages-of-pregnancy/.

• Introduction To Pregnancy

Introduction to Pregnancy

Ad Disclosure: Some of our MentalHelp.net recommendations, including BetterHelp, are also affiliates, and as such we may receive compensation from them if you choose to purchase products or services through the links provided

Pregnancy is a unique, exciting and often joyous time in a woman's life, as it highlights the woman's amazing creative and nurturing powers while providing a bridge to the future. Pregnancy comes with some cost, however, for a pregnant woman needs also to be a responsible woman so as to best support the health of her future child. The growing fetus (the term used to denote the baby-to-be during early developmental stages) depends entirely on its mother's healthy body for all needs. Consequently, pregnant women must take steps to remain as healthy and well nourished as they possibly can. Pregnant women should take into account the many health care and lifestyle considerations described in this document.

Though we have tried to present relatively comprehensive coverage of pregnancy, this document should only be considered to be an overview. It will hopefully introduce you to some new ideas, and help you to learn about aspects of pregnancy that you may not have previously encountered, but it does not contain or provide all the information you will need to make informed choices as you go through your own actual pregnancy. Be sure to see your doctor when you become pregnant. Share with him or her any questions or concerns you may have about your pregnancy. Your doctor, and other specialized health care providers including nurses and midwives, will be some of your more important allies during your pregnancy. They are in the best position to guide you through the process and to make authoritative recommendations that will best benefit your baby-to-be's development and future health and welfare.

Additional Resources

As advocates of mental health and wellness, we take great pride in educating our readers on the various online therapy providers available. MentalHelp has partnered with several thought leaders in the mental health and wellness space, so we can help you make informed decisions on your wellness journey. MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from these companies should you choose to use their services.

BetterHelp Online Therapy - BetterHelp offers online therapy services from licensed professionals through an easy-to-use website and app. To get matched with a virtual therapist, complete a brief questionnaire online or start get started with a 20% off your first month today .

Talkspace Online Therapy & Psychiatry - Licensed therapists and psychiatrists are available for virtual sessions via Talkspace . From virtual counseling to medication management services, Talkspace online therapy may be covered by your insurance provider. Simply fill out a brief assessment online to save $100 and match with a licensed therapist today .

MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from the above-listed companies should you choose to use their services.

• Common Tests Used During Pregnancy
• Special Considerations: Thyroid, Diabetes, Lupus
• Stages of Labor
• The First Trimester
• The Second Trimester
• To Breastfeed or not to Breastfeed
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Mens Health
• What Is Addiction?
• Signs, Symptoms, & Effects Of Addiction
• What Causes Addiction?
• Mental Health, Dual-Diagnosis, & Behavioral Addictions
• Addiction Treatment
• Addiction Recovery
• Information On Specific Drugs
• Homosexuality And Bisexuality
• Internet Addiction
• Childhood Mental Disorders
• ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Anxiety Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression: Major Depression & Unipolar Varieties
• Eating Disorders
• Childhood Mental Disorders And Illnesses
• Dissociative Disorders
• Impulse Control Disorders
• Internet Addiction And Media Issues
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Somatic Symptom And Related Disorders
• Tourettes And Other Tic Disorders
• Physical Mental Illness Flipbook
• Suicide Rates Vector Map
• Alzheimers Disease And Other Cognitive Disorders
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Colds And Flu
• Crohns Disease / Irritable Bowel
• Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• Memory Problems
• Men's Health
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Sleep Disorders
• Women's Health
• Anger Management
• Mindfulness
• Stress Reduction And Management
• Weight Loss
• Disabilities
• Domestic Violence And Rape
• Family & Relationship Issues
• Grief & Bereavement Issues
• Pain Management
• Relationship Problems
• Self Esteem
• Terrorism & War
• Health Insurance
• Health Policy & Advocacy
• Health Sciences
• Mental Health Professions
• Alternative Mental Health Medicine
• Medications
• Psychological Testing
• Psychotherapy
• Virtual Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment
• Child Development And Parenting: Infants
• Child Development And Parenting: Early Childhood
• Sexuality & Sexual Problems
• Homosexuality & Bisexuality
• Aging & Geriatrics
• Death & Dying
• Physical Development: Motor Development
• Vygotsky's Social Developmental Emphasis
• Bullying & Peer Abuse
• Family And Relationship Issues
• Grief And Bereavement

Essay on Pregnancy

Students are often asked to write an essay on Pregnancy in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Pregnancy

What is pregnancy.

Pregnancy is when a baby grows inside a woman’s womb or uterus. It starts when a sperm from a man joins with a woman’s egg. This tiny new life is called an embryo at first, and then a fetus as it gets bigger. A full pregnancy usually lasts about nine months.

Stages of Pregnancy

Pregnancy has three parts called trimesters. Each trimester is about three months long. In the first, the baby’s body is forming. During the second, the baby grows bigger and stronger. In the last trimester, the baby gets ready to be born.

Changes in the Mother

A pregnant woman’s body changes a lot. She may feel tired, have morning sickness, and her belly will grow as the baby does. She needs to eat healthy foods, get checkups, and take care of herself to help her baby grow strong.

The Birth of the Baby

When the baby is ready to be born, the mother will feel labor pains. This is when her body tells her it’s time for the baby to come out. The baby will come out through the birth canal, and the family will welcome a new member.

250 Words Essay on Pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about nine months and is divided into three parts, called trimesters. In the first trimester, the baby is just starting to form. The mother might feel tired and sick. The second trimester is often easier. The baby grows bigger, and the mother can feel it move. In the last part, the third trimester, the baby gets ready to be born. The mother’s belly is very big, and she might feel uncomfortable and excited to meet her baby.

Health During Pregnancy

It’s important for the mother to take care of herself and the baby. Eating healthy food, going to the doctor for check-ups, and staying away from bad habits like smoking or drinking alcohol are all very important. These things help the baby grow strong and healthy.

Having the Baby

When the baby is ready to come out, the mother will feel pains called contractions. This is when the baby is pushing to get out of the womb. The mother will go to a hospital or a birthing center where doctors or nurses will help her give birth. After the baby is born, it’s a happy time for the family as they welcome the new member.

Pregnancy is a special time when a new life is being made. It’s full of changes, care, and excitement as families prepare for a new baby.

500 Words Essay on Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the time when a baby grows inside a woman’s womb or uterus. It starts when a sperm from a man joins with an egg from a woman. This is called fertilization. The fertilized egg then attaches to the wall of the uterus. This is the beginning of a nine-month journey, which we divide into three parts called trimesters.

The Three Trimesters

The second trimester is from week 13 to the end of week 26. The baby is now called a fetus. This is when the mother can feel the baby moving. The baby’s skin is thin and red, and its bones start to harden.

The third trimester is from week 27 until the birth. The baby grows bigger and stronger. It can now blink, dream, and even listen to sounds. The mother’s belly is very big, and she might feel uncomfortable and excited to meet her baby.

Changes in the Mother’s Body

Healthy habits for pregnancy.

It’s important for a mother to take care of herself during pregnancy. Eating healthy foods and staying away from harmful substances like cigarettes and alcohol are very important. Taking vitamins, getting rest, and doing gentle exercises can help keep the mother and baby healthy.

When the baby is ready to be born, the mother will feel contractions. These are like very strong belly aches that come and go. They mean the baby is pushing its way out. Birth usually happens in a hospital, but some choose to have their babies at home. Doctors, nurses, or midwives help the mother during birth.

After the Baby is Born

Pregnancy is a special time when a new life is growing. It brings changes and new responsibilities. It’s important for the mother to take good care of herself and get ready for the arrival of her baby. With support from family, friends, and doctors, she can look forward to the birth of her child. When the baby finally arrives, it’s the start of a new adventure for the whole family.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Best Family Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

Prenatal Development Stages

Here's what happens during the three prenatal development stages

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments.

• Germinal Stage
• Embryonic Stage
• Fetal Stage

Frequently Asked Questions

While you might think of child development as something that begins during infancy, the prenatal period is also considered an important part of the developmental process. The prenatal development stages are a time of remarkable change that helps set the stage for future psychological development. The brain develops over the course of the prenatal period, but it will continue to go through more changes during the early years of childhood

There are three stages of prenatal development: the germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages.

The first two weeks after conception are known as the germinal stage, the third through the eighth week is known as the embryonic period, and the time from the ninth week until birth is known as the fetal period.

At a Glance

The three prenatal development stages involve the processes that occur from conception to birth. The first stage, known as the germinal stage, involves the formation of the zygote and early cell division. The second stage, called the embryonic stage, involves the early growth of the embryo, including the formation of the neural tube, which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord. The fetal period is the longest stage of prenatal development, and is when the organs, tissues, and body grow. Keep reading to learn more about the events that take place during each of these stages of prenatal development.

Click Play to Learn More About the Stages of Prenatal Development

This video has been medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD .

Germinal Stage of Prenatal Development

The germinal stage begins at conception when the sperm and egg cell unite in one of the two fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg is called a zygote. Just a few hours after conception, the single-celled zygote begins making a journey down the fallopian tube to the uterus.

Important Events:

• Formation of the zygote
• Rapid cell division
• Formation of the blastocyst
• Journey from the fallopian tube to the uterus

Implantation

Cell division.

Cell division begins approximately 24 to 36 hours after conception. Through the process of mitosis, the zygote first divides into two cells, then into four, eight, sixteen, and so on.

A significant number of zygotes never progress past this early part of cell division, with as many as half of all zygotes surviving less than two weeks.

Cell Differentiation

Once the eight-cell point has been reached, the cells begin to differentiate and take on certain characteristics that will determine the type of cells they will eventually become. As the cells multiply, they will also separate into two distinctive masses: the outer cells will eventually become the placenta, while the inner cells form the embryo.

Blastocyst Development

Cell division continues at a rapid rate during the approximately week-long journey from fallopian tube to uterus wall. The cells develop into what is known as a blastocyst. The blastocyst is made up of three layers, each of which develops into different structures in the body.

• Ectoderm : Skin and nervous system
• Endoderm : Digestive and respiratory systems
• Mesoderm : Muscle and skeletal systems

Finally, the blastocyst arrives at the uterus and attaches to the uterine wall, a process known as implantation. Implantation occurs when the cells nestle into the uterine lining and rupture tiny blood vessels. The connective web of blood vessels and membranes that form between them will provide nourishment for the developing being for the next nine months.

However, it is important to recognize that implantation is not always an automatic and sure-fire process.

Researchers estimate that approximately 60% of all natural conceptions never become properly implanted in the uterus, which results in the new life ending before the mother is ever aware she is pregnant.

When implantation is successful, hormonal changes halt the normal menstrual cycle and cause a whole host of physical changes.

Embryonic Stage of Prenatal Development

At this point, the mass of cells is now known as an embryo. The beginning of the third week after conception marks the start of the embryonic period, a time when the mass of cells becomes distinct as a human embryo.

• Neural tube development
• Development of basic body structures
• Neurons form

Formation of the Neural Tube

The embryonic stage plays an important role in the development of the brain.  Approximately four weeks after conception, the neural tube forms. This tube will later develop into the central nervous system, including the spinal cord and brain.

The neural tube begins to form along with an area known as the neural plate. The earliest signs of neural tube development are the emergence of two ridges that form along each side of the neural plate.

Over the next few days, more ridges form and fold inward until a hollow tube is formed. Once this tube is fully formed, cells begin to form near the center. The tube begins to close, and brain vesicles form. These vesicles will eventually develop into parts of the brain , including the structures of the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.​

Other Basic Structures Start to Form

Around the fourth week, the head begins to form, quickly followed by the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. The blood vessel that will become the heart starts to pulse. During the fifth week, buds that will form the arms and legs appear.

By the eighth week of development, the embryo has all of the basic organs and parts except those of the sex organs. At this point, the embryo weighs just one gram and is about one inch long.

By the end of the embryonic period, the basic structures of the brain and central nervous system have been established. At this point, the basic structure of the peripheral nervous system is also defined.

The production of neurons , or brain cells, begins around day 42 after conception and is mostly complete sometime around the middle of pregnancy.

As neurons form, they migrate to different areas of the brain. Once they have reached the correct location, they begin to form connections with other neural cells, establishing rudimentary neural networks.

Fetal Stage of Prenatal Development

Once cell differentiation is mostly complete, the embryo enters the next stage and becomes known as a fetus. The fetal period of prenatal develop marks more important changes in the brain. This period of development begins during the ninth week and lasts until birth. This stage is marked by amazing change and growth.

• Nervous systems forms and basic reflexes emerge
• Sex differentiation occurs
• Increase in size and development of organs and tissues

Nervous System Develoment

The early body systems and structures established in the embryonic stage continue to develop. The neural tube develops into the brain and spinal cord, and neurons continue to form. Once these neurons have formed, they begin to migrate to their correct locations. Synapses, or the connections between neurons, also begin to develop.

Between the ninth and twelfth week of gestation (at the earliest), reflexes begin to emerge. The fetus begins to make reflexive motions with its arms and legs.

Differentiation of Sex Organs

During the third month of gestation, the sex organs begin to differentiate. By the end of the month, all parts of the body will be formed. At this point, the fetus weighs around three ounces. The fetus continues to grow in both weight and length, although the majority of the physical growth occurs in the later stages of pregnancy.

The end of the third month also marks the end of the first trimester of pregnancy.

Second and Third Trimester Growth

During the second trimester, or months four through six, the heartbeat grows stronger, and other body systems become further developed. Fingernails, hair, eyelashes, and toenails form. Perhaps most noticeably, the fetus increases about six times in size.

So, what's going on inside the brain during this important period of prenatal development? The brain and  central nervous system  also become more responsive during the second trimester. Around 28 weeks, the brain starts to mature faster, with an activity that greatly resembles that of a sleeping newborn.

During the period from seven months until birth, the fetus continues to develop, put on weight, and prepare for life outside the womb. The lungs begin to expand and contract, preparing the muscles for breathing.

While development usually follows this normal pattern, there are times when problems with prenatal development occur. Disease, malnutrition, and other prenatal influences can have a powerful impact on how the brain develops during this critical period.

Brain development does not end at birth. A considerable amount of brain development takes place postnatally, including growing in size and volume while changing in structure. The brain quadruples in size between birth and preschool. As children learn and have new experiences, some networks in the brain are strengthened while other connections are pruned.

The first 13 weeks of pregnancy are considered the most critical in prenatal development. It is during this period that the embryo forms organs. It is also the period when most miscarriages occur.

The main stages of the embryonic period encompass gastrulation (the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm form), neurulation (formation of neural tissue), organogenesis (development of the organs).

Important fetal milestones at each of the prenatal development stages include:

• Germinal stage : The division of cells and implantation of the blastocyst.
• Embryonic stage : The development of the neural tube and organs.
• Fetal stage : Continued growth of organs and physical development in preparation for birth.

National Institutes of Health. What are stem cells, and why are they important? .

Ochoa-Bernal MA, Fazleabas AT. Physiologic events of embryo implantation and decidualization in human and non-human primates .  Int J Mol Sci . 2020;21(6):1973. doi:10.3390/ijms21061973

Rice University. 13.1 The Embryologic Perspective . In: Anatomy and Physiology.

Rice University. 28.3 Fetal Development . In Anatomy and Physiology.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. Stages of pregnancy .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Pregnancy stages and changes

Actions for this page.

• Your body changes during pregnancy. You may love some changes and feel uncomfortable with others.
• You may experience of a lot of physical changes during pregnancy, or only a few.
• You will probably have emotional ups and downs during pregnancy. 
• If you have depression or a mental health condition during pregnancy, you need specialist care and treatment.
• Some physical and emotional experiences are common to a particular trimester (stage) of pregnancy.

On this page

About pregnancy stages and changes, changes to your body that may indicate pregnancy, morning sickness, pregnancy stages, your feelings and emotions during pregnancy, depression during pregnancy, anxiety during pregnancy, other serious issues during pregnancy, where to get help.

If you are pregnant , your body is experiencing major change. From symptoms that you might expect, to ones that are completely unexpected, every woman will have a different pregnancy experience.

It’s helpful to have an idea of how your body may react to the different stages of pregnancy. It also helps to know how pregnancy may affect your emotions and feelings.

You may first realise that you’re pregnant when you miss your period. That’s a good time to take a pregnancy test or speak with your doctor.

In early pregnancy, you may experience some (or all, or even none) of the following symptoms:

• aches and pains (possibly in your lower abdomen and in your joints)
• morning sickness , which may be nausea or actual vomiting, and does not just happen in the morning
• constipation
• food cravings and aversions
• heartburn and indigestion
• a need to urinate (pee) more often
• vaginal thrush
• skin changes and itching, and possibly skin tags
• haemorrhoids (also known as piles)
• restless legs (leg twitching at night)
• varicose vein
• swelling in your ankles, feet and hands
• dizziness or fainting
• fatigue , or lack of energy
• nasal problems, or shortness of breath
• larger, tender breasts.

Better Health Channel has more information about these pregnancy symptoms .

If any of the symptoms become difficult to manage, talk to your doctor about what to do. In particular, if any morning sickness, aches and pains, dizziness or breathing difficulties make it hard to get through your normal day, ask for advice.

The first thing to know about morning sickness is that it can hit you at any time of day. Probably a result of your changing hormones, it usually starts about week 6 and settles by week 14. The good news is that you may feel better if you:

• drink small amounts of fluid, often. Try flat lemonade, sports drinks, diluted fruit juice, weak tea, clear soup or a hot drink make of stock
• suck on ice or ice-blocks (if you can’t keep down other fluids)
• try ginger tablets, dry ginger ale or ginger tea
• eat small amounts of food more often, so you don’t have an empty stomach
• eat a dry biscuit when you wake up in the morning, to avoid feeling sick when you get out of bed
• try salty foods such as potato crisps or salty biscuits
• suck on barley sugar or boiled lollies
• avoid fatty, rich or spicy foods
• avoid the smell of hot food
• avoid cooking dishes with strong smells
• rest as much as you can.

A small percentage of women have prolonged and excessive vomiting (called hyperemesis), which can lead to dehydration if it is not treated. See your doctor if you have severe morning sickness.

In some extreme cases, women need to be rehydrated in hospital, using intravenous fluids.

We talk about 3 stages of pregnancy – first trimester, second trimester and third trimester. Some physical and emotional experiences are more common in each of these trimesters.

First trimester

In the first trimester:

• You feel tired and possibly nauseous (like vomiting).
• You gain 1 or 2 kilograms, or maybe less if you have morning sickness. Most of this weight is in the placenta (which feeds your baby), your breasts, your uterus (womb) and the extra blood that you are making.
• Your heartbeat and breathing rate are faster.
• Your breasts become tender, larger and heavier.
• Your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder, so you feel like you need to urinate (pee) a lot.
• You may feel swinging moods.
• You know exactly how you feel about having a baby, or you have no idea how to feel!

Second trimester

In the second trimester:

• You start to feel better, with less tiredness, morning sickness and moodiness.
• You may feel your mind is wandering and not focused at work or at home.
• You gain about 6 kilograms.
• You may feel anxious about tests (including an ultrasound ) done at this stage. But, if they find any health issues, these tests will ensure you and your baby receive the right care.
• Your hair may become thicker and your fingernails may become stronger. Or, your nails may be softer and break more easily.
• You may crave some foods, such as sweet, spicy or fatty foods.
• You may not like the taste or smell of some foods.

Third trimester

In the third trimester:

• Forgetfulness may continue.
• You feel tired and probably uncomfortable.
• You may be annoyed by the discomfort.
• You may start to worry about labour as it nears.
• You probably gain about 5 kilograms. Much of this weight is your baby, but also amniotic fluid, the placenta, your breasts, your blood and your uterus.
• You may have back pain.
• You may find it hard to sleep because you are uncomfortable.
• The baby may be placing pressure on your lungs, making it harder to breathe.
• You may feel Braxton Hicks contractions (tightening of the muscles of the uterus). They do not mean labour is starting.

During pregnancy you will probably feel many ups and downs. You may experience some or all of these emotions (and they may change quickly):

• Surprise – if your pregnancy is unexpected. You may then feel joy (if you welcome the pregnancy) or fear (if you are unsure about the change to your life) or both.
• Happiness – particularly if you have been trying to have a baby and you feel well.
• Anger – which can result from your body’s hormonal changes, from a sense of being vulnerable, or from pregnancy symptoms that are uncomfortable or painful.
• Fear for the baby’s health – if you have concerns about your baby having an illness or disability. If you are worried about a particular risk, talk to your midwife or doctor.
• Fear of birth – which is a recognised psychological disorder. Counselling and talking with your midwife or doctor can help you overcome this fear.
• Love – for your baby, your partner and your family.
• Sadness or disappointment – if you have illness or complications during your pregnancy, or you can’t have the birth plan that you would prefer.
• General sadness about the world – whereby you find it hard to watch the news or hear sad stories about children or families.
• Grief – if you suffer a miscarriage , a loss at a later stage of pregnancy, or a stillbirth.
• Prolonged sadness from perinatal depression – in this case, you will need the help of mental health specialists.

Mood swings during pregnancy

The hormones changing in your body mean you will probably have heightened emotions, both positive and negative. And you will probably swing between these emotions.

While you may be overjoyed about having a baby, you may also be stressed and overwhelmed. You may feel worried about whether:

• your baby will affect your relationship with your partner
• you will cope financially
• you will be able to juggle work and parenting
• you will be a good mother
• the baby will be healthy
• your other children will accept and love the new baby.

You may also feel unimpressed with your changing body. You may be worried about putting on too much weight, or not enough. Or not being able to do the physical activity that you usually do. Or not looking attractive to your partner.

Add the hormone-induced fatigue, forgetfulness and moodiness, and you may feel completely out of control. This is all common.

About 15 per cent of women will have depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And even more will suffer from these conditions after giving birth.

Many women don’t seek help because they feel embarrassed or guilty about feeling so awful when are they are supposed to be happy. But depression is not something that you can control in this way.

Because an untreated mental health condition can have long term effects on your health and wellbeing, and on your baby too, getting the right treatment is vital. Talk to your doctor if you are:

• depressed or miserable for most of the day and on most days
• annoyed, angry or anxious a lot of the time
• crying a lot (and not always for a reason)
• losing interest in activities that you usually like
• struggling to sleep (even when your baby is sleeping), or sleeping more than usual
• under- or over-eating
• feeling tired most of the time
• not able to concentrate
• preoccupied or anxious about things going wrong with your pregnancy, you, your baby or your partner
• feeling that you have not bonded with your baby, or that you have no maternal feelings
• feeling guilty, or feeling that you are failing as a mother
• thinking about harming yourself
• thinking it would be better if you or your baby were dead
• thinking about suicide .

Remember, tell someone if you feel depressed, because early treatment is the best treatment.

Plenty of safe and effective treatments are available for depression during pregnancy and while breastfeeding . But herbal and complementary treatments such as St John’s wort may not be safe in pregnancy.

You may be feeling quite anxious about your pregnancy and about being a parent. Many pregnant women feel some anxiety, but a few develop an anxiety disorder that needs treatment.

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:

• constant worry, stress or nervousness
• muscle tension and teeth clenching
• not ever feeling calm
• not being able to sleep well or for long
• panic attacks .

Some pregnant women develop mental health conditions that are a significant risk to both them and their child. Other women may already have a mental health condition that is more difficult to manage during pregnancy.

Specialist health care is needed for pregnant women with:

• bipolar disorder (of which pregnancy may trigger the first episode), with manic highs and depression lows
• schizophrenia
• eating disorders , including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa . The risks include a loss of nutrition for your baby, an increased risk of miscarriage , and anaemia .
• In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
• Your GP (doctor)
• Obstetrician
• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) External Link Tel. 1300 726 306
• Lifeline External Link Tel. 13 11 14 for crisis support and suicide prevention
• beyondblue External Link Tel. 1300 22 4636
• Common concerns in early pregnancy External Link , Royal Women’s Hospital.
• Mental health and pregnancy External Link , Royal Women’s Hospital.
• Emotions during pregnancy External Link , National Childbirth Trust, UK.
• Now you are pregnant External Link , Royal Women's Hospital.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Give feedback about this page

More information, related information.

• Pregnancy and birth services
• Pregnancy - signs and symptoms
• Pregnancy tests - ultrasound
• Pregnancy support - fathers, partners and carers
• Pregnancy - week by week

From other websites

• External Link The Women's - Advice on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
• External Link The Women's - Common discomforts of pregnancy
• External Link Information on emotional changes each trimester

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Stages of Development of the Fetus

• Fertilization |
• Development of the Blastocyst |
• Development of the Embryo |
• Development of the Fetus and Placenta |

A baby goes through several stages of development, beginning as a fertilized egg. The egg develops into a blastocyst, an embryo, then a fetus.

Fertilization

During each normal menstrual cycle , one egg (ovum) is usually released from one of the ovaries, about 14 days after the last menstrual period. Release of the egg is called ovulation. The egg is swept into the funnel-shaped end of one of the fallopian tubes.

At ovulation, the mucus in the cervix becomes more fluid and more elastic, allowing sperm to enter the uterus rapidly. Within 5 minutes, sperm may move from the vagina, through the cervix into the uterus, and to the funnel-shaped end of a fallopian tube—the usual site of fertilization. The cells lining the fallopian tube facilitate fertilization.

If fertilization does not occur, the egg moves down the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it degenerates, and passes through the uterus with the next menstrual period.

If a sperm penetrates the egg, fertilization results. Tiny hairlike cilia lining the fallopian tube propel the fertilized egg (zygote) through the tube toward the uterus. The cells of the zygote divide repeatedly as the zygote moves down the fallopian tube to the uterus. The zygote enters the uterus in 3 to 5 days.

In the uterus, the cells continue to divide, becoming a hollow ball of cells called a blastocyst. The blastocyst implants in the wall of the uterus about 6 days after fertilization.

If more than one egg is released and fertilized, the pregnancy involves more than one fetus, usually two (twins). Because the genetic material in each egg and in each sperm is slightly different, each fertilized egg is different. The resulting twins are thus fraternal twins. Identical twins result when one fertilized egg separates into two embryos after it has begun to divide. Because one egg was fertilized by one sperm, the genetic material in the two embryos is the same.

From Egg to Embryo

Development of the Blastocyst

About 6 days after fertilization, the blastocyst attaches to the lining of the uterus, usually near the top. This process, called implantation, is completed by day 9 or 10.

The wall of the blastocyst is one cell thick except in one area, where it is three to four cells thick. The inner cells in the thickened area develop into the embryo, and the outer cells burrow into the wall of the uterus and develop into the placenta. The placenta produces several hormones that help maintain the pregnancy. For example, the placenta produces human chorionic gonadotropin, which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone continuously. The placenta also carries oxygen and nutrients from mother to fetus and waste materials from fetus to mother.

Some of the cells from the placenta develop into an outer layer of membranes (chorion) around the developing blastocyst. Other cells develop into an inner layer of membranes (amnion), which form the amniotic sac. When the sac is formed (by about day 10 to 12), the blastocyst is considered an embryo. The amniotic sac fills with a clear liquid (amniotic fluid) and expands to envelop the developing embryo, which floats within it.

Development of the Embryo

The next stage in development is the embryo, which develops within the amniotic sac, under the lining of the uterus on one side. This stage is characterized by the formation of most internal organs and external body structures. Most organs begin to form about 3 weeks after fertilization, which equals 5 weeks of pregnancy (because doctors date pregnancy from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period, which is typically 2 weeks before fertilization). At this time, the embryo elongates, first suggesting a human shape. Shortly thereafter, the area that will become the brain and spinal cord (neural tube) begins to develop. The heart and major blood vessels begin to develop earlier—by about day 16. The heart begins to pump fluid through blood vessels by day 20, and the first red blood cells appear the next day. Blood vessels continue to develop in the embryo and placenta.

Almost all organs are completely formed by about 10 weeks after fertilization (which equals 12 weeks of pregnancy). The exceptions are the brain and spinal cord, which continue to form and develop throughout pregnancy. Most malformations (birth defects) occur during the period when organs are forming. During this period, the embryo is most vulnerable to the effects of drugs, radiation, and viruses. Therefore, a pregnant woman should not be given any live-virus vaccinations or take any drugs during this period unless they are considered essential to protect her health (see Drug Use During Pregnancy ).

Placenta and Embryo at About 8 Weeks

Development of the Fetus and Placenta

At the end of the 8th week after fertilization (10 weeks of pregnancy), the embryo is considered a fetus. During this stage, the structures that have already formed grow and develop. The following are markers during pregnancy:

By 12 weeks of pregnancy: The fetus fills the entire uterus.

By about 14 weeks: The sex can be identified.

By about 16 to 20 weeks: Typically, the pregnant woman can feel the fetus moving. Women who have been pregnant before typically feel movements about 2 weeks earlier than women who are pregnant for the first time.

By about 24 weeks: The fetus has a chance of survival outside the uterus.

The lungs continue to mature until near the time of delivery. The brain accumulates new cells throughout pregnancy and the first year of life after birth.

As the placenta develops, it extends tiny hairlike projections (villi) into the wall of the uterus. The projections branch and rebranch in a complicated treelike arrangement. This arrangement greatly increases the area of contact between the wall of the uterus and the placenta, so that more nutrients and waste materials can be exchanged. The placenta is fully formed by 18 to 20 weeks but continues to grow throughout pregnancy. At delivery, it weighs about 1 pound.

Copyright © 2024 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

• Cookie Preferences

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Call the OWH HELPLINE: 1-800-994-9662 9 a.m. — 6 p.m. ET, Monday — Friday OWH and the OWH helpline do not see patients and are unable to: diagnose your medical condition; provide treatment; prescribe medication; or refer you to specialists. The OWH helpline is a resource line. The OWH helpline does not provide medical advice.

Please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Stages of pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your last normal period. The weeks are grouped into three trimesters. (TREYE-mess-turs) Find out what's happening with you and your baby in these three stages.

First trimester (week 1–week 12)

During the first trimester your body undergoes many changes. Hormonal changes affect almost every organ system in your body. These changes can trigger symptoms even in the very first weeks of pregnancy. Your period stopping is a clear sign that you are pregnant. Other changes may include:

• Extreme tiredness
• Tender, swollen breasts. Your nipples might also stick out.
• Upset stomach with or without throwing up (morning sickness)
• Cravings or distaste for certain foods
• Mood swings
• Constipation (trouble having bowel movements)
• Need to pass urine more often
• Weight gain or loss

As your body changes, you might need to make changes to your daily routine, such as going to bed earlier or eating frequent, small meals. Fortunately, most of these discomforts will go away as your pregnancy progresses. And some women might not feel any discomfort at all! If you have been pregnant before, you might feel differently this time around. Just as each woman is different, so is each pregnancy.

Second trimester (week 13–week 28)

Most women find the second trimester of pregnancy easier than the first. But it is just as important to stay informed about your pregnancy during these months.

You might notice that symptoms like nausea and fatigue are going away. But other new, more noticeable changes to your body are now happening. Your abdomen will expand as the baby continues to grow. And before this trimester is over, you will feel your baby beginning to move!

As your body changes to make room for your growing baby, you may have:

• Body aches, such as back, abdomen, groin, or thigh pain
• Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks
• Darkening of the skin around your nipples
• A line on the skin running from belly button to pubic hairline
• Patches of darker skin, usually over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Patches often match on both sides of the face. This is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy.
• Numb or tingling hands, called carpal tunnel syndrome
• Itching on the abdomen, palms, and soles of the feet. (Call your doctor if you have nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice or fatigue combined with itching. These can be signs of a serious liver problem.)
• Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia .)

Third trimester (week 29–week 40)

You're in the home stretch! Some of the same discomforts you had in your second trimester will continue. Plus, many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger and it is putting more pressure on your organs. Don't worry, your baby is fine and these problems will lessen once you give birth.

Some new body changes you might notice in the third trimester include:

• Shortness of breath
• Hemorrhoids
• Tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum (kuh-LOSS-struhm)
• Your belly button may stick out
• Trouble sleeping
• The baby "dropping", or moving lower in your abdomen
• Contractions, which can be a sign of real or false labor

As you near your due date, your cervix becomes thinner and softer (called effacing). This is a normal, natural process that helps the birth canal (vagina) to open during the birthing process. Your doctor will check your progress with a vaginal exam as you near your due date. Get excited — the final countdown has begun!

Your developing baby

First trimester (week 1-week 12).

At four to five weeks:

• Your baby's brain and spinal cord have begun to form.
• The heart begins to form.
• Arm and leg buds appear.
• Your baby is now an embryo and one-twenty-fifth inch long.

At eight weeks:

• All major organs and external body structures have begun to form.
• Your baby's heart beats with a regular rhythm.
• The arms and legs grow longer, and fingers and toes have begun to form.
• The sex organs begin to form.
• The eyes have moved forward on the face and eyelids have formed.
• The umbilical cord is clearly visible.
• At the end of eight weeks, your baby is a fetus and looks more like a human. Your baby is nearly 1 inch long and weighs less than one-eighth ounce.

At 12 weeks:

• The nerves and muscles begin to work together. Your baby can make a fist.
• The external sex organs show if your baby is a boy or girl. A woman who has an ultrasound in the second trimester or later might be able to find out the baby's sex.
• Eyelids close to protect the developing eyes. They will not open again until the 28th week.
• Head growth has slowed, and your baby is much longer. Now, at about 3 inches long, your baby weighs almost an ounce.

Second trimester (week 13-week 28)

At 16 weeks:

• Muscle tissue and bone continue to form, creating a more complete skeleton.
• Skin begins to form. You can nearly see through it.
• Meconium (mih-KOH-nee-uhm) develops in your baby's intestinal tract. This will be your baby's first bowel movement.
• Your baby makes sucking motions with the mouth (sucking reflex).
• Your baby reaches a length of about 4 to 5 inches and weighs almost 3 ounces.

At 20 weeks:

• Your baby is more active. You might feel slight fluttering.
• Your baby is covered by fine, downy hair called lanugo (luh-NOO-goh) and a waxy coating called vernix. This protects the forming skin underneath.
• Eyebrows, eyelashes, fingernails, and toenails have formed. Your baby can even scratch itself.
• Your baby can hear and swallow.
• Now halfway through your pregnancy, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs about 9 ounces.

At 24 weeks:

• Bone marrow begins to make blood cells.
• Taste buds form on your baby's tongue.
• Footprints and fingerprints have formed.
• Real hair begins to grow on your baby's head.
• The lungs are formed, but do not work.
• The hand and startle reflex develop.
• Your baby sleeps and wakes regularly.
• If your baby is a boy, his testicles begin to move from the abdomen into the scrotum. If your baby is a girl, her uterus and ovaries are in place, and a lifetime supply of eggs have formed in the ovaries.
• Your baby stores fat and has gained quite a bit of weight. Now at about 12 inches long, your baby weighs about 1½ pounds.

Third trimester (week 29-week 40)

At 32 weeks:

• Your baby's bones are fully formed, but still soft.
• Your baby's kicks and jabs are forceful.
• The eyes can open and close and sense changes in light.
• Lungs are not fully formed, but practice "breathing" movements occur.
• Your baby's body begins to store vital minerals, such as iron and calcium.
• Lanugo begins to fall off.
• Your baby is gaining weight quickly, about one-half pound a week. Now, your baby is about 15 to 17 inches long and weighs about 4 to 4½ pounds.

At 36 weeks:

• The protective waxy coating called vernix gets thicker.
• Body fat increases. Your baby is getting bigger and bigger and has less space to move around. Movements are less forceful, but you will feel stretches and wiggles.
• Your baby is about 16 to 19 inches long and weighs about 6 to 6½ pounds.

Weeks 37–40 :

• At 39 weeks, your baby is considered full-term. Your baby's organs are ready to function on their own.
• As you near your due date, your baby may turn into a head-down position for birth. Most babies "present" head down.
• At birth, your baby may weigh somewhere between 6 pounds 2 ounces and 9 pounds 2 ounces and be 19 to 21 inches long. Most full-term babies fall within these ranges. But healthy babies come in many different sizes.
• HHS Non-Discrimination Notice
• Language Assistance Available
• Accessibility
• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimers
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
• Use Our Content
• Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
• Kreyòl Ayisyen

A federal government website managed by the Office on Women's Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

1101 Wootton Pkwy, Rockville, MD 20852 1-800-994-9662 • Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET (closed on federal holidays).

• Copy/Paste Link Link Copied

About Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the term used to describe the period in which a fetus develops inside a woman's womb or uterus.

Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, or just over 9 months, as measured from the last menstrual period to delivery. Health care providers refer to three segments of pregnancy, called trimesters. The major events in each trimester are described below. 1

First Trimester (Week 1 to Week 12)

The events that lead to pregnancy begin with conception, in which a sperm penetrates an egg. The fertilized egg (called a zygote) then travels through the woman's fallopian tube to the uterus, where it implants itself in the uterine wall. The zygote is made up of a cluster of cells that later form the fetus and the placenta. The placenta connects the mother to the fetus and provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. 2

Second Trimester (Week 13 to Week 28)

• Between 18 and 20 weeks, the typical timing for ultrasound to look for congenital anomalies, you can often find out the sex of your baby.
• At 20 weeks, a woman may begin to feel movement.
• At 24 weeks, footprints and fingerprints have formed and the fetus sleeps and wakes regularly.
• According to research from the NICHD Neonatal Research Network, the survival rate for babies born at 28 weeks was 92%, although those born at this time will likely still experience serious health complications, including respiratory and neurologic problems. 3

Third Trimester (Week 29 to Week 40)

• At 32 weeks, the bones are soft and yet almost fully formed, and the eyes can open and close.
• Infants born before 37 weeks are considered  preterm . These children are at increased risk for problems such as developmental delays, vision and hearing problems, and cerebral palsy. 4 Infants born between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy are considered to be "late preterm." 4
• Infants born in the 37th and 38th weeks of pregnancy—previously considered term—are now considered "early term." These infants face more health risks than infants who are born at 39 weeks or later, which is now considered full term. 6
• Infants born at 39 or 40 weeks of pregnancy are considered full term. Full-term infants have better health outcomes than do infants born earlier or, in some cases, later than this period. Therefore, if there is no medical reason to deliver earlier, it is best to deliver at or after 39 weeks to give the infant's lungs, brain, and liver time to fully develop. 6 , 7 , 8
• Infants born at 41 weeks through 41 weeks and 6 days are considered late term. 6
• Infants who are born at 42 weeks and beyond are considered post term. 6
• Office on Women's Health. (2010).  Stages of pregnancy.  Retrieved May 20, 2016, from  http://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-are-pregnant/stages-of-pregnancy.html
• Stoll, B. J., Hansen, N. I., Bell, E. F., Shankaran, S., Laptook, A. R., Walsh, M. C., et al. (2010). Neonatal outcomes of extremely preterm infants from the NICHD Neonatal Research Network.  Pediatrics, 126,  443–456.  PMID: 20732945
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). CDC WONDER: About natality, 2007-2014. Retrieved May 20, 2016, from http://wonder.cdc.gov/natality-current.html
• NICHD. (2013). Carrying pregnancy to 39 weeks: Is it worth it? Yes! Retrieved July 8, 2016, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/resources/spotlight/Pages/013113-NCMHEP-videos.aspx
• NICHD. (2013). Redefining the term. Retrieved July 8, 2016, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/resources/spotlight/Pages/102413-redefining-term.aspx

The Stages of Prenatal Development

Introduction, the three stages, possible risks.

One of the fascinating processes in nature is prenatal development which lasts nine months from the moment of conception to the actual birth. During this time, the fertilized egg evolves into an embryo and later into a fetus. There are a total of three stages of prenatal development, and the purpose of this paper is to outline what happens during each one of them.

The germinal stage starts at the moment an egg is fertilized inside the mother’s body and becomes a zygote. Then this cell begins to “grow through cell division” and move towards the uterus, which is the most critical part of this period (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2016, p. 54). This process spans two weeks and ends when the zygote is implanted in the female reproductive organ, has become an embryo.

The embryonic stage lasts from the third to the eighth week of pregnancy. The most critical part of this phase is the development of “body structures and internal organs,” including the neural tube, which later becomes the central nervous system of the baby (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2016, p. 55). Additionally, during this timeframe, the embryo starts resembling an infant due to the forming of the head, legs, and arms.

The fetal stage commences right after the embryonic one and ends with the birth of a baby, which makes it the longest phase in prenatal development. During this time, the fetus needs to be in constant motion as that helps strengthen the body structures and internal organs. Overall, the fetal phase prepares the infant for a life outside of their mother.

Several risks can harm the fetus. Firstly, the mother needs to pay attention to habits as bad nutrition, drinking alcohol, and drug abuse are detrimental to the baby’s health as well. Second of all, it is vital to make sure that the parent leads a stress-free lifestyle to lower the chances of giving birth to an irritable baby.

It is fascinating to see how in the span of nine months, a fertilized egg becomes a fetus that is ready to enter the world. It is particularly interesting to observe how well-planned prenatal development is with each stage building the vital organs and body structures. However, one needs to consider the possible risks that can harm the fetus at every point of the pregnancy.

Kail, R.V., & Cavanaugh, J.C. (2016). Human development: A life-span view . Cengage.

Cite this paper

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2022, January 20). The Stages of Prenatal Development. https://studycorgi.com/the-stages-of-prenatal-development/

"The Stages of Prenatal Development." StudyCorgi , 20 Jan. 2022, studycorgi.com/the-stages-of-prenatal-development/.

StudyCorgi . (2022) 'The Stages of Prenatal Development'. 20 January.

1. StudyCorgi . "The Stages of Prenatal Development." January 20, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/the-stages-of-prenatal-development/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "The Stages of Prenatal Development." January 20, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/the-stages-of-prenatal-development/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "The Stages of Prenatal Development." January 20, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/the-stages-of-prenatal-development/.

This paper, “The Stages of Prenatal Development”, was written and voluntary submitted to our free essay database by a straight-A student. Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you're using it to write your assignment.

Before publication, the StudyCorgi editorial team proofread and checked the paper to make sure it meets the highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, fact accuracy, copyright issues, and inclusive language. Last updated: March 9, 2022 .

If you are the author of this paper and no longer wish to have it published on StudyCorgi, request the removal . Please use the “ Donate your paper ” form to submit an essay.

Pregnancy - Essay Examples And Topic Ideas For Free

Pregnancy, a crucial phase in human reproduction, involves numerous physiological, psychological, and social changes. Essays on pregnancy might explore the stages of fetal development, the importance of prenatal care, and the challenges many women face, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Discussions may also delve into societal attitudes towards pregnancy, the support systems available for expecting parents, and the implications of technological advancements like in-vitro fertilization and prenatal genetic testing. The discourse could extend to the intersection of pregnancy with issues of reproductive rights and healthcare accessibility. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Pregnancy you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Thesis Statement about Teenage Pregnancy

Every 26 seconds a teenage girl becomes pregnant. Refers to adolescent girls, usually within the ages of 13-19 who haven’t reached legal adulthood, who become pregnant. Research and statistics show that most of these girls that become teen moms are more likely to become financially unstable, drop out of school. and live in poor housing conditions. Although teenage pregnancy is usually viewed as bad, it can have a positive effect in the lives of teenage girls. There are good reasons […]

Social Issues of Teenage Pregnancy

The HP 2020 Topic that I will address in this paper is FP-8.2: Reduce pregnancies among adolescent females aged 18 to 19 years. The object is measured by per 1,000 people. The baseline of the object is 116.2 pregnancies per 1,000 females aged 18 to 19 years in 2005. The target is 104.6 pregnancies per 1,000. The desired of the direction of this object is decreasing. Epidemiology The percentage was changed since the healthy people 2020 launched. They have expected […]

Abortion: the most Debated Topic

There is no question that abortion is one of the most debated topics of the last 50 years. Women all over the United States tend to feel passionately over one side or the other, either pro-choice or anti-abortion. Not one to shy away from controversial subjects, I chose this topic to shed light on both sides of the ethical and moral decision of this important issue surrounding a termination of pregnancy. There is no question the gravity of this decision, […]

We will write an essay sample crafted to your needs.

Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause birth defects and disabilities in the baby. These conditions, known as fetal alcohol syndrome, are among the leading preventable causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities. The fetal alcohol syndrome can cause problems in the way a person looks, grows, learns and acts. They can also cause birth defects in the heart, brain, and other important organs. These problems last a lifetime. There is no time in pregnancy where you can drink without taking […]

Latina Teen Pregnancy Prevention in Texas

In the past years we have seen the conversation of teen pregnancies become more openly acknowledged because of fact that we are in more of a liberal atmosphere than before. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that Hispanic women are the most prone to unplanned teen pregnancies in the United States. In Texas specifically, 58% of teen pregnancies are from hispanic girls. With Texas being the fourth highest in teen birth rates in the United States there is clearly […]

Why Smoking is Illegal for Pregnant Women

Over the years, smoking has been one of the factors which have significantly affected pregnant women in the United States. Although men lead in the rate of smoking, research has indicated that the number of women who have been using cigarettes in the recent years has been increasing and there is a possibility that the number may surpass that of men in the future (Crus and Mahshid 99). Smoking among pregnant women has contributed to the development of serious health […]

Teen Pregnancy Research Paper

According to CDC (Center for disease control), teen pregnancy is on the rise based on 2017 records of about 200,000 babies were born to women aged between 15-19 years old. Teen births create an increase in money for taxpayers and states to payout. $16,000 dollars per teen birth is how much it costs the government to provide economic and medical support while a teen mom is pregnant and for the first year of child birth. Unplanned pregnancies cost taxpayers 21 […]

Teen Pregnancy

Abstract: Teen pregnancy is a growing issue. For one, in some cases, it has become normalized by society to not only engage in sexual acts at a younger age. Even though some individuals may receive scrutiny over their early pregnancy, on a grand scale, it isn’t scrutinized enough. What adds to the complacency over this situation is the fact that teenage pregnancy has tremendously declined from generations prior. With this, the general public feels as if it is not that […]

Effects of Abortion on Young Women

Abortion is defined as the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy. It is a controversial conversation that most people avoid having.  Abortion is different than most issues in politics, because it directly impacts women, rather than men. Young women being targeted over the last forty-five years, has changed the way the public views abortion and what it does to women. A rise in physical complications, mental health problems, and the modern wave of feminism are the effects of legalized abortion […]

Alcohol Abuse during Pregnancy and ADHD Symptoms

Research suggests that there is a relationship between maternal alcohol use during pregnancy and ADHD. Previous studies have found similar associations. Three different approaches were used to control for both measured and unmeasured confounding: statistical adjustment for covariates, a negative control comparison against maternal pre-pregnancy alcohol use, and comparison among differentially exposed siblings. For this proposal, data will be drawn from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), which recruited participants between 1999 and 2008. Self-reported measurements of alcohol […]

Prevention and Discussing Teenage Pregnancy

In this essay I will discuss the multiple views and arguments discussing the controversy on the topic of teenage pregnancy. My life of course can’t relate on the topic but because of past relationships and friendships I am able to pinpoint multiple positive or negative views on the topic. Teen pregnancy is comprehended and well understood as pregnancy to young girls at the age of 19 and below. It is one of the leading incidences recorded in the US. Furthermore, […]

The History of Abortion

The history of abortion' is more complex than most people realize. There has been a lot of debate in the past few years about abortion being murder/not murder. Abortion has become illegal in most states. There are several women who believe in "pro-choice" which means they want to have a choice taking care of the baby. I, personally, believe abortion is murder. You are killing a fetus that is going to be born within months and they don't have a […]

Problem Solution Essay – Teenage Pregnancy

Over the years, more and more teens are becoming moms at an alarming age. Teenage pregnancy is pregnancy in a woman aged 15-19 years. According to CDC.gov, more than 400.000 teen girls give birth each year in the US, about 1.100 teens give birth every day. These unplanned pregnancies lead to a big economic, social, and health cost for families and government. Teen childbearing costs US taxpayers more than 9 million yearly (CDC.gov). This problem makes think about what may […]

The Negative Effects of Teen Pregnancy

Pregnancy of teens could affect teens negatively because of lack of opportunities and education needed, financially, and mentally. Young pregnant girls go through a lot of things because most of us tend not to be ready or think we are ready but in reality there’s so much more to having a human to call your child. Girls think that baby are dolls or something just to play with until the real responsibility hit and it goes all downfall from there. […]

Causes of Teenage Pregnancy

“Being a good mother has nothing to do with age, but more than size of heart. If you can feel enough to know that you will do anything to protect and care for your children, little else matters.” Teenage pregnancy refers or defines a female adolescents becoming pregnant between the ages of 12 to 19. These young females have not yet reached adulthood and the causes of teenage pregnancy vary greatly. Although some teenage pregnancies are intentional, and the majority […]

Why Teenage Pregnancy should be Prevented

Adolescent pregnancy is when girls usually age thirteen to nineteen become pregnant at such an early stage. Teenage or adolescent pregnancy is something that is not acceptable in most communities and is seen as an abomination in places like Africa. It is totally unacceptable in Africa that, one could be banished from her village or town, or even be disowned by their parents. Nowadays, teenage pregnancy is gradually becoming something that is seen as common and normal in many communities […]

Abortion: Go or no Go

Premature birth ends a pregnancy by killing an actual existence yet the mother isn't accused of homicide. Is this right? Shockingly, this has happened roughly twenty million times in the previous twenty years. Tragically, in South Africa, an unborn human has been slaughtered lawfully because of the nation's insufficient laws! The enemy of a honest unprotected human is a killer, accordingly, the individual merits the discipline proportional to a killer by law. Premature birth on interest just gives a mother […]

Lots of Challenges of Teen Pregnancy

Being responsible for yourself can be hard, so taking care of a baby can be even harder. Being responsible for yourself is hard because you have to make your own decisions and have to make rules for yourself it is even harder with a baby because you have to do the same thing. According to LiveStrong.com teen mothers have many responsibilities from taking care of their baby to helping their child learn and a lot more. They have to help […]

Teenage Pregnancy Among Hispanic Teens

Since 1995, Hispanic teens have a higher number of teen pregnancies than any other cultural group in the United States (Wilkinson-Lee, 2006 pg 376). Latina teens are three times more likely to become teen mothers compared to African American or white adolescents (Jacobs, 2012). Studies have shown that pregnant Hispanic teens are more likely to report depressive symptoms pre-partem and post partem, compared to white teenagers. Because the Hispanic population is one of the fastest growing populations in the U.S, […]

The Rise in Teenage Pregnancy

With the rise in teenage pregnancy, more teenagers are dropping out of school to care for their young. This creates an obstacle for teens, often leading to dropping out of school to take care of their child. However, in school daycares allow for the teen to stay in school and finish their education while they have their child cared for during the day. Although many high schools are against providing school daycare assuming it will encourage teens to be more […]

Teen Pregnancy Issues and Challenges

Since the 1950s, teen pregnancy has pulled in a lot of concern and consideration from religious pioneers, the general population, policymakers, and social researchers, especially in the United States and other created nations (Cherry and Dillon, 2019). Statistic ponders keep on detailing that in created nations, for example, the United States, high school pregnancy results in lower instructive accomplishment, expanded rates of neediness, and more regrettable "life results" for offspring of adolescent moms contrasted with offspring of youthful grown-up ladies […]

Abotion: Right or Wrong

When does a person learn right from wrong?  Is someone that knows right from wrong, different from someone who does not? These questions bring up the topic of the difference between a "Human" and a "Person". A human would be of human genetics and have a certain build. On the other hand, a human can also not be a person at certain points in the stage of life. If you can distinguish right from wrong, and are able to make […]

Teenage Pregnancy and Prevention

In today’s society, Teen motherhood is considered “A bad thing” to hundreds of adults. Writers believe that teenagers in this generation believe being pregnant is cool and something for all young teens to do. Teen pregnancy has become very common and many teen are starting to become pregnant in groups/pact. Policies has designed a prevention to reduce teen pregnancy and start focusing on the social context in which shared understanding about sexual behaviors and the factors that structure these context […]

Teen Pregnancy Issue in the United States

Teen pregnancy is not a new social issue bearing the impacts that it has on society. A lot of young girls are obliged to pursue unbearable life experiences following their encounters with early pregnancies. The most concerning aspects of teen pregnancies is the aftermath of the experiences where the teenagers face numerous socio-economic and health challenges. Access to proper housing, food, and healthcare services are just a few of the challenges faced by such teenagers. In the wake of these […]

Current Trends of the Adolescent Pregnancy

At the same time, adolescent mothers are not necessarily the best fit for what would be considered the ideal motherly figure in a child’s life. It is what many call “a baby raising a baby”. There are mothers who have been impregnated at the age of as young as just five years old. Though, the average age of adolescent pregnancy is typically during the mid to late teen years; 81% of which are unintended. While the standard timeline of a […]

Teenage Pregnancy and Youth Mother

Statistics show that pregnancy in the United States differs in many parts of the country , according to the Office of Adolescent Health in the southwest and southeast region, pregnancy rates are higher rate than any other region. You will see the numbers range from 28-34.6 teenage girls,compared to the Northeastern and MidWest where pregnancy is at an all time low. The readings showing numbers from 8.5-15 young girls being the average birth rate in that certain region. In the […]

Prenatal Substance Abuse

Substance abuse has been an issue for society throughout the history. No one race, gender, or people of a socioeconomic status has been exempted from this epidemic. However, prenatal substance abuse has continued to be major issue in America because we believe no other population to be vulnerable than those of developing fetuses and children who are unable to protect themselves. A fetus health and development will directly be impacted by a mother who abuses substances. Whatever the mother eats, […]

Risk Factors for Adolescent Pregnancy

In 2010, an estimated 614,000 teenagers became pregnant in the United States (Boonstra 15). Teen pregnancy is an ongoing problem occurring at an alarming rate in the United States, so much, that it is exceeding rates of other developing countries. The rates of teen pregnancy are alarming; however, the implications of a teenage pregnancy can be much worse. Teenage pregnancy can be a health risk to mother and baby, financial strain, emotional strain, isolation, and cause loss of relationships as […]

Evaluation of the Teen Pregnancy Program

The teen pregnancy program that I created can be evaluated with formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluation. Each type of the evaluations listed above can be used in parts of the teen pregnancy program. This teen pregnancy program evaluated can have a formative evaluation by performing randomized and controlled trials that will test the efficacy of sexual and reproductive health programs. These trials will be developed with different groups in the community that will receive parental or adult consent to […]

Teenage Pregnancy and Abortion: Understanding the Challenges and Consequences

In the free dictionary by Farlex, "It states that Teen pregnancy by a female age 13 to 19, which is understood to occur in a girl who hasn't completed her core education has a few or no marketable skills, is financially dependent upon her parents and or continues to live at home and is mentally immature." It turns out that the United States has the highest teen pregnancy and birth rates of comparable countries. This means that approximately 7500,000 American […]

Related topic

Additional example essays.

• Educational Journey
• The Mental Health Stigma
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Substance Abuse and Mental Illnesses
• The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food
• PTSD in Veterans
• Drunk Driving
• Homelessness Problem In LA
• How Do You See Yourself Contributing to the Nursing Profession: A Vision of Innovation, Advocacy, and Mentorship
• Junk Food Should be Taxed
• Social Media Thesis Statement: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• Animal Testing: Is it Ethical?

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• J Perinat Educ
• v.17(4); Fall 2008

The Journey of Becoming a Mother

Nature intends that the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy insure the growth and development not just of the baby but of the mother. The physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and, then, labor, birth, and breastfeeding play vital roles in guiding women on the journey of becoming a mother. Standard prenatal care and medicalized labor and birth interfere in powerful ways with nature's plan and, consequently, women's ability to negotiate this journey. In this column, these issues are explored, and implications for childbirth education are discussed.

READER'S QUESTION

The women I teach go through pregnancy intensely worried that something might go wrong. They follow all the prenatal nutritional rules (avoid caffeine and alcohol; take prenatal vitamins; stay away from a myriad of cheeses, deli meats, and fish), have every test available, and, by the time they start childbirth classes, they seem quite willing to do whatever the doctor and hospital say is best during labor and birth. I wonder if “worried pregnancy” sets the stage for women's reluctance to choose normal birth, and I wonder what effect all of this has when it's time to care for their babies.

COLUMNIST'S REPLY

Your concerns highlight for me what we have almost forgotten: Nature intends that the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy insure the growth and development not just of the baby but of the mother. The physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and, then, the experience of labor, birth, and breastfeeding play vital roles as women make the transition to motherhood. The journey of pregnancy and labor and birth (and all the physiological and psychosocial changes inherent in the process) are intended to build the foundation for women's ability to give to their babies in the sacrificial and profound way that Rubin (1984) and Mercer (1995) describe. Sheila Kitzinger (1992) points out, “Everything that happens once a baby is born is the outcome of all that has come before” (p. 82). I believe that the fear the current maternity care system creates and fosters contributes in powerful ways not just to women's reluctance to choose normal birth but to women's difficulty negotiating the important tasks of pregnancy and, ultimately, the transition to motherhood.

The physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and, then, the experience of labor, birth, and breastfeeding play vital roles as women make the transition to motherhood.

Changes in Pregnancy and Tasks of Pregnancy

Rubin's (1984) and, then, Mercer's (1995) research identified the tasks that women accomplish during pregnancy, which are critical as they make the transition to becoming a mother. The physical and emotional changes of pregnancy are not just unfortunate side effects of changing hormones and an enlarging uterus. They are changes that help women make the transition to becoming mothers, not just physically but emotionally and psychologically. The hormonal orchestration of pregnancy is as exquisite and deliberate as that of labor, birth, and breastfeeding (Buckley, in press). High levels of estrogen and progesterone and their complex interaction with each other and with less well known hormones contribute to the pregnant woman's increased sensitivity and emotionality, the tendency to be fearful, and heightened concern for her own safety and that of her baby. These changes propel the pregnant woman to seek safe passage for herself and her baby, foster her attachment to her growing baby, and, ultimately, guide her through the important process of giving more and more of herself during first her pregnancy, then labor and birth, then breastfeeding and care of her baby (Buckley, in press; Mercer, 1995 ; Rubin, 1984 ).

What effects do changes in prenatal care have on the achievement of the tasks of pregnancy and the transition to becoming a mother? What influence does contemporary prenatal care have on women's decision making, and what appears to be women's reluctance to choose normal birth and willingness to be satisfied with suboptimal maternity care?

Traditional Care in Pregnancy

Traditionally, across time and cultures, pregnant women have been surrounded by knowledgeable women, family, and close friends, who supported the transition to motherhood with affirmation and great excitement. Pregnant women were treated differently, given the best food, and protected as much as possible from stress and overly hard physical work. The woman knew she was pregnant when she noticed physical changes: a missed period, sore breasts, darkened areola, nausea, aversion to certain foods, fatigue. Her due date was determined by noting the start of those signs and, then, the timing of first movements of her baby. She got to know her baby through his movements. The pregnant woman was considered the expert in her pregnancy. She was encouraged to pay careful attention to her changing body, heart, and mind, and to her growing baby. Family rituals insured support during pregnancy and labor and the postpartum period. Pregnancy and birth were family events, and the care and support the pregnant woman received were from people she knew and who knew her well. Although pregnancy and birth carried more risks than today, women developed strong attachments to their unborn babies and worked with family, friends, and caregivers to insure safe passage of their babies.

Contemporary Prenatal Care

Today, pregnancy and birth are treated as medical events rather than as normal life events. Women take commercial, at-home pregnancy tests to find out if they are pregnant and, then, anxiously visit a care provider to confirm the fact of the pregnancy. Right from the start, the pregnant woman affirms that the obstetrician is the expert who must be consulted to find out every detail of how things are going. Because of this, women typically worry from one prenatal visit to the next that everything is “okay.” “Expecting trouble” has become the hallmark of contemporary prenatal care ( Strong, 2000 ). The experts exaggerate the risks of pregnancy and birth and increase women's fears for themselves and their babies. “Expecting trouble” has resulted in an exaggerated concern for safety, “intervention-intensive” pregnancy as well as labor and birth, and, not surprisingly, an escalating cesarean rate and, most recently, a rise in maternal mortality.

Kitzinger (1992) states, “The undermining and systematic disorientation of women who are becoming mothers starts with prenatal care” (p. 82). Routine lifestyle restrictions, routine prenatal testing, and exaggerated concerns for safety undermine women's confidence in their ability to grow their babies and hurl women into a maze of escalating fear. Pregnancy has become a time of rules and worry even for healthy women who have no reason to “expect trouble.”

Lifestyle restrictions

Strong (2000) points out that contemporary prenatal care developed piecemeal, without much evidence that any of its many interventions actually worked. A look at research reported in The Cochrane Library supports Strong's (2000) assertion that there is little evidence that prenatal interventions actually make any difference. For example, although women are told to take prenatal vitamins, no evidence supports the value of routine vitamin supplementation for pregnant women; women are told to eliminate all alcohol during pregnancy, although consuming moderate amounts of alcohol during pregnancy has not been associated with adverse perinatal and infant outcomes ( Armstrong, 2003 ; Enkin et al., 2000 ). There is no evidence that dietary restriction of any sort confers any benefit to pregnant women or their babies ( Enkin et al., 2000 ). Most disturbing is that routine and excessive lifestyle restrictions contribute to the escalation of women's normal, natural fears during pregnancy and to the deterioration of women's confidence in their inherent ability to grow and nourish their developing babies.

Prenatal testing

Long gone are the days of a few simple prenatal tests. Routine sonograms, sometimes done at every prenatal visit, and an ever-increasing number of routine screening tests are considered standard prenatal care today. Of particular concern are screening tests that lead to large numbers of “positive” results. In most cases, a positive screening result does not mean that there is a problem; in fact, there probably isn't one. The way to find out is, of course, to do more tests, and these further tests become increasingly invasive and risky. Most women feel pressured, once on the merry-go-round, to keep going. Women find themselves having to make decisions they never expected or wanted to be in a position to consider.

Barbara Katz-Rothman's (2001) research in the Netherlands provides interesting insights into the potential harm of routine prenatal testing. The Dutch midwives described pregnancy as a time not only of making a baby, but of making a family and making a mother. The midwives (and, until recently, most women) know that birth, like life, does not ever come with guarantees. Prenatal testing highlights and escalates uncertainty. The midwives described “knowing ahead” if there are problems as “spoiling” the pregnancy and burdening the mother with untimely grief. The midwives worry about the cost of ruining a pregnancy.

What effect does ruining the pregnancy have on women's ability to achieve the tasks of pregnancy and be ready for labor and birth and becoming a mother? At the very least, there is a delay in attachment until all the tests come back “okay.” Perhaps most troubling is that women describe attaching to their babies for the first time when seeing their baby on sonogram, in stark contrast to the slow, steady, natural attachment that happens as women get to know their babies over the days and months of pregnancy—better than anyone else and in a deeper way than any sonogram picture can inspire—through the baby's movement and touch and each mother's own special ways of communicating with her baby.

Although better maternal nutrition, improved hygiene, and the availability of antibiotics are responsible for the dramatic decrease in both infant and maternal morbidity and mortality in the past 100 years, women are encouraged to erroneously believe that obstetric and hospital care are what have made birth safer for women and their babies ( Rooks, 1997 ). As a result, women seek safe passage for themselves and their babies by “following the rules.” Their decisions are often based on “not taking any chances,” thereby avoiding potential blame and regret.

In contrast, Edwards's (2005) study of women planning to give birth at home in Scotland found that the women planning home births believed that they held the key to safety for themselves and their babies. The decision to plan a home birth was influenced by the belief that the women themselves, not the experts, insured safe passage for their babies. The women believed that they would know best if something was wrong because they know their bodies best. They also believed that being relaxed and comfortable, confident and positive, and being able to trust those around them (not blind trust, but the trust that happens between those who really know and respect each other) would reduce risk and increase safety. Devaluing women's knowledge was identified as a major obstacle to safe birth. Edwards discovered that, within the context of the trusting relationship (with the midwife), women are free to become the expert in their pregnancy and birth, and this reduces risk, increases safety, and becomes the foundation for decision making. How different from blindly following rules and making decisions based on avoiding blame and regret!

Conclusions

Contemporary prenatal care interferes with women's ability to accomplish the tasks of pregnancy and, combined with “intervention-intensive” care during labor and birth, has the potential to seriously disrupt women's transition to becoming a mother. Nature's plan—the gradual, hormonally encouraged “falling in love” that happens as a woman gets to know her baby intimately as he grows within her body—guides women on the journey of becoming a mother. The woman's ability to attach to her growing baby in natural, everyday ways is routinely disregarded. Too little value is placed on a woman's knowledge of herself or her growing baby. Women's normal fears are intentionally increased. Women are told over and over again that the only way to insure safety for themselves and their babies is to follow the advice of their care provider, including giving birth in a hospital.

Contemporary prenatal care interferes with women's ability to accomplish the tasks of pregnancy and, combined with “intervention-intensive” care during labor and birth, has the potential to seriously disrupt women's transition to motherhood.

Prenatal care needs to respect and honor both the tasks that women need to accomplish in pregnancy and the ways in which nature helps them on this journey. The woman needs to develop a strong attachment to her baby in natural, normal ways. She needs to be supported so that her normal fears spur her to take good care of herself and her baby, but do not escalate so that she is paralyzed by them and willing to hand over responsibility to the experts. She needs to know that she is the expert in her pregnancy, that she knows her baby and her body best. She needs to know that she, not the care provider, holds the key to safety for herself and her baby.

Accomplishing the tasks of pregnancy is the foundation for becoming a mother. It is probably also the foundation for being willing to experience normal labor and birth, the next important step in nature's exquisite plan for the continuing journey of becoming a mother. The hormonal orchestration of normal, physiologic labor and birth insures that the baby arrives alert, calm, and ready to competently breastfeed, and that the mother greets her baby alert, interested, and eager to care for him right from the first moments after birth (Buckley, in press; Lothian & DeVries, 2005 ).

Implications for Childbirth Education

The transition to motherhood that begins with pregnancy is a momentous journey for women. Childbirth educators can play an important role in assisting women on this journey. According to Kitzinger (2001) , in most traditional cultures women believe they can prepare for a safe and easy birth by what they do throughout their pregnancy. Preparing for birth in today's culture needs to start early in pregnancy because what happens in pregnancy does indeed influence women's ability to give birth safely and easily.

Preparing for birth begins with accomplishing the tasks of pregnancy. We need to be with women every step of the way through pregnancy: helping women manage normal fears, develop strong attachments to the baby, and develop confidence in themselves and the process of birth. It takes the whole pregnancy for these things to happen. The end of pregnancy is too late to begin attending childbirth classes, reading the Lamaze: Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond magazine and The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence, and learning about evidence-based maternity care. Falling in love with her baby and developing confidence in herself and in her ability to give birth is intended to happen slowly as the woman's pregnancy unfolds. The 40-week pregnancy e-mail, “Lamaze…Building Confidence Week by Week,” is an important way to be with women from the beginning of pregnancy. We need additional ways to engage women early in pregnancy beyond traditional early pregnancy classes.

Perhaps most important, we have a role to play in helping women embrace the belief that they hold the key to safety for themselves and their babies. This is the foundation for women being able to make critical decisions about care provider and place of birth and, ultimately, being able to experience normal, natural birth. But it takes time for the woman to develop the confidence that she knows her body and her baby better than anyone else, and then to realize that this knowledge plays an important role in keeping her baby and herself safe during pregnancy and birth.

I am becoming convinced that the key to changing the culture of birth starts not with birth but with pregnancy. And with a deeper understanding and appreciation of what happens on the journey of becoming a mother.

The key to changing the culture of birth starts not with birth but with pregnancy.

• Armstrong E. 2003. Conceiving risk, bearing responsibility: Fetal alcohol syndrome and the diagnosis of moral disorder. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press. [ Google Scholar ]
• Buckley S. Physiology of pregnancy, labor and birth. in press. New York: Childbirth Connection. [ Google Scholar ]
• Edwards N. P. 2005. Birthing autonomy: Women's experience of planning home births. New York: Routledge. [ Google Scholar ]
• Enkin M, Keirse M, Neilson J, Crowther C, Duley L, Hodnett E. 2000. A guide to effective care in pregnancy and childbirth. et al. New York: Oxford University Press. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Katz-Rothman B. 2001. Spoiling the pregnancy: Prenatal diagnosis in the Netherlands. In R. DeVries, C. Benoit, E. Van Teijlingen, & S. Wrede (Eds.), Birth by design: Pregnancy, maternity care, and midwifery in North America and Europe (pp. 180–200). New York: Routledge.
• Kitzinger S. 1992. Ourselves as mothers: The universal experience of motherhood. New York: Addison-Wesley. [ Google Scholar ]
• Kitzinger S. 2001. Rediscovering birth. New York: Pocket Books. [ Google Scholar ]
• Lothian J, DeVries C. 2005. The official Lamaze guide: Giving birth with confidence. Minneapolis, MN: Meadowbrook Press. [ Google Scholar ]
• Mercer R. 1995. Becoming a mother. New York: Springer. [ Google Scholar ]
• Rooks J. 1997. Midwifery & childbirth in America. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. [ Google Scholar ]
• Rubin R. 1984. Maternal identity and maternal experience. New York: Springer. [ Google Scholar ]
• Strong T. 2000. Expecting trouble: The myth of prenatal care in America. New York: New York University Press. [ Google Scholar ]

• Free Samples
• Premium Essays
• Editing Services Editing Proofreading Rewriting
• Extra Tools Essay Topic Generator Thesis Generator Citation Generator GPA Calculator Study Guides Donate Paper
• Essay Writing Help
• About Us About Us Testimonials FAQ
• Studentshare
• Health Sciences & Medicine
• Stages of Pregnancy

Stages of Pregnancy - Essay Example

• Subject: Health Sciences & Medicine
• Type: Essay
• Level: Undergraduate
• Pages: 8 (2000 words)
• Downloads: 1
• Author: binsjustina

Extract of sample "Stages of Pregnancy"

• Cited: 0 times
• Copy Citation Citation is copied Copy Citation Citation is copied Copy Citation Citation is copied

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Stages of Pregnancy

Obama talks about abortion, the issue of abortion, the conflict regarding the legality of abortion, abortion and infanticide, abortion and judith jarvis thomson, imaging modality: ultrasound, analyzing data and buying behavior of customers, placental development issues.

• TERMS & CONDITIONS
• PRIVACY POLICY
• COOKIES POLICY

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essays Examples >
• Essay Topics

Essays on Stages Of Pregnancy

5 samples on this topic

Our essay writing service presents to you an open-access catalog of free Stages Of Pregnancy essay samples. We'd like to emphasize that the showcased papers were crafted by skilled writers with relevant academic backgrounds and cover most various Stages Of Pregnancy essay topics. Remarkably, any Stages Of Pregnancy paper you'd find here could serve as a great source of inspiration, valuable insights, and content structuring practices.

It might so happen that you're too pressed for time and cannot allow yourself to spend another minute browsing Stages Of Pregnancy essays and other samples. In such a case, our website can offer a time-saving and very practical alternative solution: a fully original Stages Of Pregnancy essay example written exclusively for you according to the provided instructions. Get in touch today to learn more about practical assistance opportunities offered by our buy an essay service in Stages Of Pregnancy writing!

Free Essay On Pregancy And Pain

THE COMFORT AND PAIN RELIEF NEEDS

Essay On Pregnant Womens Health

Labor and delivery research paper sample.

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Stages of Pregnancy Essay Example

• Pages: 7 (1842 words)
• Published: May 9, 2017
• Type: Essay

Pregnancy for woman is a very wonderful feeling and an essence of motherhood. It takes nine months for a fetus to fully develop into a child and each day; the development of a child is very crucial for mother. These nine months are divided into three stages: The first thirteen weeks of pregnancy is the stage of the First Trimester, where a baby is still an embryo but is developing different organs. This first stage is very important for the development of the fetus. We cannot see much change in the mother’s physical appearance but inside number of changes are taking place.

As the embryo implants itself in the wall of the uterine, some major developments begin to take place. Fetus is surrounded with amniotic sac. This sac has amniotic fluid made up of fetus and the amni

on, which is a membrane covering the placenta. The amniotic sac gives a protecting cover to the fetus from any injury and regulates the temperature of fetus. The second is flat cake like shape organ known as placenta, which is only grown at the time of pregnancy. It helps in the exchange of diet having nutritious value and waste with the blood of the mother.

The tiny projections called villi helps placenta to attach to the uterine wall and helps in the growth of the fetal blood vessels, which are separated from the mother blood vessels with the help of membrane. There is also an umbilical cord; containing two arteries and a vein. It joins fetus to placenta and act as a vehicle to carry oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and waste products away from it. (University of Virgini

Health System 2007) The First Trimester is very crucial for a mother, as at this stage, fetus is more at risk of danger from alcohol, drugs, certain medicines and illnesses like rubella (German disease).

Each fetus develops differently just like as each child grows and matures at different rates and at different times. Some major changes are seen by the end of the first four weeks: the entire major systems and organs begin to form and the shape of the embryo looks like a tadpole in the pond. The neural tube becomes the brain and the spinal cord, and there is also the formation of the digestive system and circulatory system. The heart starts beating, eyes and ears begin to get its shape and the tiny limb buds also appears. (University of Virginia Health System 2007)

At the end of eight weeks, the development and functioning of all the important body systems including circulatory, nervous, digestive, and urinary systems continue and the embryo begins to take a human form, though the head is slight bigger than the body. The tooth buds begin to appear in the mouth and the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, arms and legs also become quite visible. The fingers and toes are webbed but we can clearly differentiate these. Bones also begin to grow and become stronger, and nose and jaws also take its shape. We can hear the heart beat of the baby with the help of Doppler.

There are movements in embryo though the mother cannot feel at this stage. (University of Virginia Health System 2007) After eight weeks, embryo is referred as fetus (meaning offspring) and now weighs ? to one ounce

with an average height of three to four inches. Between nine to twelve weeks, all the external genital organs are developed, fingernails and toenails are also formed, eyelids appear, arms and legs are developed, the voice box known as larynx starts forming in the trachea and the movements of the fetus begin to increase.

University of Virginia Health System 2007) Some physical symptoms and changes are also seen in the mother’s body. The rise in the quantity of hormones, estrogen and progesterone make the mammary glands increase leading to the swelling of breasts and at the same time making it tender for breastfeeding. The woman’s areolas are also increased. These are the pigmented areas around nipples of breasts and sometimes are surrounded by the white bumps called Montgomery’s tubercles (enlarged sweat glands). Uterus also increases in size causing women to urinate quite often.

Due to changes in hormones, many women may experience mood swings; irritability, morning sickness, constipation and muscles may contract in the intestines causing heartburn, indigestion, constipation and gas. (University of Virginia Health System 2007) In the Second Trimester, all organs have developed and the next six months are spent on growth. The weight of the fetus will be more than seven times in the next few months. At this stage, fetus is now kicking, moving here and there, taking turn from one side to another; eyes, ears are approaching at their exact location, and now fetus can hear the voice of mother.

There is also one creamy white substance known as vernix caseosa, or simply vernix that comes on the fetus to protect its skin. Now certain senses also begin to develop, and reflexes from

swallowing and sucking also begin to grow, placenta is fully appeared and the color of the skin is red which is covered with soft, downy hair known as lanugo. Hair also begin to grow on the head, fat is formed, fetus begins to open eyelids with eyebrows and eyelashes and fingerprints and toeprints also make its appearance.

Over and above, now the baby is sleeping and waking in phases and along with that, its size and weight is also growing. Now at the 20the week, mother is half way of her pregnancy. (University of Virginia Health System 2007) This stage is fully enjoyed by Mother. Level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone is reduced to a considerable degree. She no longer feels morning sickness and fatigue and breast becomes less tender. Mothers feel hungrier than before, an essence of motherhood is increased in the heart and soul of mother when she for the first time begins to feel the movement of her child.

The height of the uterus is increased making the belly protrude. There may be itching on the skin of belly and mother may feel pain on the sides of the body and on the lower abdomen when the uterus is stretched. There may or may not be certain complications like congestion of nose and may experience nosebleeds due to increase in the level of hormones. The gums of woman may get spongy and bleed. Varicose veins and hemorrhoids may get visible and a woman may have vaginal discharge of white color known as leukorrhea.

The increase in weight may also cause backache, and the pigmentation of the skin may change on the face or abdomen

because of the pregnancy but heart burning, indigestion, and constipation may continue. (University of Virginia Health System 2007) The Third Semester is the stage whereby mother should prepare herself for the delivery of the baby. There is a continuous growth of size and weight of a baby. The lungs are developing and the position of fetus is now head-down. By the end of this trimester, the fetus is 19 to 21 inches long and weighs six to nine pounds.

The fetus at this stage can fully and properly see and hear everything. The brain, kidneys and lungs continue to develop and when the lady reaches 36th week, the head may “engage,” means “drop itself into the pelvic area”, and this process is known as lightening. The skull bones are lighter in weight as it is much easier for a baby to pass through birth canal. The irises of many babies are blue and it is only after several days or weeks of the birth that the permanent eye color of a baby appears. The lanugo of fetus has disappeared after 38 to 40 weeks and lungs are now completely matured.

The baby is still enveloped with vernix vaseosa, which is a protective covering on the skin. Now it is the time when baby is sucking its thumb and has the capability to cry. And during the last weeks of the stage of pregnancy, the head of the child will turn upside down. (University of Virginia Health System 2007) Now the mother is finally preparing to welcome her baby and naturally she may also face number of changes in her body. Now when the fetus is growing, it

may cover the abdominal cavity and may result in mother having problem in deep breathing.

Mother may face increase in skin temperature and may feel hot due to the body heat being radiated out by fetus. The frequency rate of urinary may increase due to the increase in pressure in bladder and the blood pressure may become less mainly because of the pressure exerted on the main vein returning blood to the heart. Ankles, hands and face may swell, cramps in legs may become frequent and hair may begin to grow on arms, legs and face, as stimulation of hormone may increase in hair follicles. There may be occurrence of false labor pains known as Braxton-Hicks contractions.

This occurs due to the preparation of childbirth. Many women may face stretch marks. A fluid known as Colostrum, which nourishes the baby until the breast milk becomes available, may begin to leak from the nipples. The skin may get dry and itchy particularly on the abdomen. A sexual derive of woman may become less. Skin pigmentation may become more apparent and white-colored vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) containing more mucous may get increased; backaches, Hemorrhoids and varicose veins may persist and increase in severity.

But certain steps and precautions should be taken care of by mother to bring healthy child in this world. For this purpose, health of a mother herself is very paramount to ensure the health of a child. A mother should take prenatal vitamins, try to keep and maintain healthy weight, perform regular exercises, manage to reduce the stress or lead a happy and stress free life, go for regular prenatal check ups and never take any medications without

doctor’s advise.

She should not indulge in smoking, drinking or illicit drugs and adopt nutritious and healthy diet including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins consisting of foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products like breads or cereals, meat, fish or milk and other diary products etc. She should avoid having canned and processed and spicy foods, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sugary foods such as cakes, cookies, candies, sodas and colas and as far as possible mothers should avoid use of salt.

There should be intake of variety of food but not in excess. Three meals every day or six smaller meals are best. Calorie intake should be 2,200 or 2,800 for a healthy pregnancy. Besides, mothers should also take iron, calcium and folic acid, as advised by doctors during their routine medical check ups. (Insel, Turner & Ross 2005) If these few and simple steps are followed, then the child birth will add to the pleasures of mother, father and whole family as not only the child will be healthy but the mother will also be healthy to take care and rear her child.

• Abortion: An Immoral Act Essay Example
• A Mother’s Touch Essay Example
• North Country Essay Example
• Preconception Care Essay Example
• Women and Pregnancy in Bom Jesus Essay Example
• The Amish Way of Life Essay Example
• Twins: Identical and Fraternal Essay Example
• Waterboard Essay Example
• The Importance Of Breakfast To Us Essay Example
• Robert Mapplethorpe: Photographers Work Essay Example
• Hypercholesterolemia Essay Example
• American Comedy Drama Film Pleasantville Essay Example
• Luncheon on the Grass Essay Example
• Victoria Climbie Essay Example
• The Concept of “Resilience” Essay Example
• Anatomy and Physiology essays
• Addiction essays
• Biodegradation essays
• Dental Care essays
• Disease essays
• Disorders essays
• Health Care essays
• Intelligence Quotient essays
• Nutrition essays
• Olfaction essays
• Public Health essays
• Women's Health essays
• World health organization essays
• Cancer essays
• Infectious Disease essays
• Lung Cancer essays
• Neurology essays
• Physical Exercise essays
• Medicine essays
• Inquiry essays
• Disability essays
• Poison essays
• Action Potential essays
• Nervous System essays
• Childbirth essays
• Puberty essays
• Blood essays
• Kidney essays
• Neuron essays
• Body essays
• Glucose essays
• Sense essays
• Heart essays
• Skeleton essays
• Human Physiology essays
• Immune System essays
• Muscle essays
• Skin essays
• Brain essays
• Central Nervous System essays
• Human Skin Color essays
• Digestive System essays
• Common sense essays
• Respiration essays
• alcoholism essays
• Smoking essays
• Casino essays
• Tobacco essays

Haven't found what you were looking for?

Search for samples, answers to your questions and flashcards.

• Enter your topic/question
• Receive an explanation
• Ask one question at a time
• Enter a specific assignment topic
• Aim at least 500 characters
• a topic sentence that states the main or controlling idea
• supporting sentences to explain and develop the point you’re making
• evidence from your reading or an example from the subject area that supports your point
• analysis of the implication/significance/impact of the evidence finished off with a critical conclusion you have drawn from the evidence.

Unfortunately copying the content is not possible

Tell us your email address and we’ll send this sample there..

By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions .

A-Plus Homework Help For College Students

Stages of Pregnancy Essay

Document Type : Essay

Subject Area : Health Care

Ovulation is a process that takes place in the female human body in a cycle of one month where the ovary releases an ovum that moves along the fallopian tube towards the uterus immediately after fertilization, changes start to occur in the body of the expectant mother. Such changes are being caused by hormones that are produced following the fertilization to prepare the mother's body to start accommodating the new creature in her body. Such hormones help to build the placenta with a layer of blood where the already fertilized ovum with be implanted. CONCEPTION AND IMPLANTATION The ovary after releasing the ovum along the fallopian tubes and the sperm cell meet, the process of fertilization takes place to produce a zygote.

A released ovum from the ovary can only be fertilized within 12-24 hours after which fertilization cannot take place. THE GERMINAL STAGE The zygote is the immediate product of fertilization. This immediate mix forms a combination of cells that begin to multiply and develop in form of specialization. Both the sperm and the ovum initially contain chromosomes that fuse in the fertilization process to form one compound of cells. During the germinal stage, the mother experiences changes that include enlarged tender breasts with nipples sticking out. The stage is characterized by certain feelings such as mood swings, headache, morning nausea, and headache. However, some women may not experience any discomfort during this period. From the first week until the twelfth week, it is difficult to physically point out the differences that occur in the woman's body.

THE EMBRYO STAGE This stage is also known as the second trimester is the longest of all three stages with fifteen weeks (week 13-week 28) and the most critical stage of pregnancy. During this stage, the zygote has changed to an embryo that is characterized by more developed features and that of the expectant mother. First, the layer of blood in the uterus of the woman forms a link channel between the mother and the embryo. Therefore, the mother should be very careful during this period to ensure that the embryo development is not interfered with. Some of the infections during this stage and complications include Neural tube defects and Amelia. Deafness can also occur during this stage due to malformed ears.

During the heart formation, a complexity may occur referred to as the ventricular septal defect. Generally, the embryonic stage of development is the stage where most of the body organs and organ systems are formed. The fetus fully takes the shape of a human with all body parts fully grown. Some of the body changes that occur to the mother during this stage include shortness of breath, ankles and face swell. The tender breasts start to leak a watery pre-milk referred to as colostrum. The mother may experience trouble in sleeping with the large belly and buttocks may stick out. In the last days of this stage, the baby drops lower in the abdomen and may lead to contractions felt as significant pains in the abdomen.

Some mothers may experience more extreme pains while others only a little pain. To help reduce the labor pains the doctors may use specialized anesthetics. Natural ways of reducing labor pains are based on physical practice. An expectant mother is advised to keep doing some physical activities to keep her muscles active but such activities should not be strenuous as they can affect the health of the mother or injure the baby before it’s born. In a normal birth, the baby is supposed to be facing downwards with the head coming out first. "Consequences of confirmed maternal rubella at successive stages of pregnancy. " The Lancet 320. Miller, Elizabeth, JohnE Cradock-Watson, and ThomasM Pollock. "Consequences of confirmed maternal rubella at successive stages of pregnancy.

From $10 to earn access

Only on Studyloop

Original template

Downloadable

Content type: User generated

Words : 1683

Level: High School

Language: English

Reference list: Yes

Formatting : AMA

Uploaded by : Marcus D

Similar Documents

Words : 2087

Words : 2433

Words : 2156

Words : 1947

Words : 2199

Words : 2297

Words : 1507

Words : 1661

Words : 4579

Personalize Your Experience

Log in or create an account for a personalized experience based on your selected interests.

Already have an account? Log In

Free standard shipping is valid on orders of $45 or more (after promotions and discounts are applied, regular shipping rates do not qualify as part of the $45 or more) shipped to US addresses only. Not valid on previous purchases or when combined with any other promotional offers.

Register for an enhanced, personalized experience.

Receive free access to exclusive content, a personalized homepage based on your interests, and a weekly newsletter with topics of your choice.

Home / Pregnancy / Are we there yet? What to know in your final weeks of pregnancy

Are we there yet? What to know in your final weeks of pregnancy

An excerpt from Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

Please login to bookmark

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by Myra Wick, M.D., Ph.D. , provides valuable insight and information on a wide range of pregnancy-related topics for those who are expecting. This guidebook is the perfect way to learn and prepare for the pregnancy journey. While each pregnancy experience differs, detailed explanations by Mayo Clinic experts are used to describe, clarify, and demystify many possible milestones, scenarios, and potential problems, such as in the following excerpt.

You’ve reached 36 weeks of pregnancy — you’re in the homestretch. Birth may happen at any time now.

However, keep in mind that while pregnancy is officially considered to be 40 weeks, that’s not a guaranteed end date. It often goes even a little longer before your baby arrives.

Here are some key things to know as you prepare to welcome your baby.

Baby’s Growth

In these final weeks, your uterus finishes expanding and your baby gets plump. During the final weeks, weight gain varies, depending on the child. Some babies put on more weight than others.

By the end of this week, your baby is considered early term. They aren’t quite done growing yet, but the rate of weight gain is slowing a bit. As your baby’s body builds more fat, it is slowly becoming rounder.

A baby’s sex seems to play some role in determining size at birth. If you have a boy, he’ll likely weigh a bit more than a baby girl born to you at a similar length of gestation.

In recent weeks, your baby’s development has focused mainly on improving organ functioning. Your baby’s brain and nervous system are working better every day. This developmental process continues through childhood and even through the teen years. This month, your baby’s brain has prepared to manage the complicated jobs of breathing, digesting, eating and maintaining a proper heart rate.

At 38 weeks into pregnancy, the average baby weighs in at about 7 pounds and is nearing 14 inches long from crown to rump.

Almost there — at the end of this week, you’ll have a full-term baby. Baby has now lost most of the vernix and lanugo that used to cover their skin, although you may see traces of them at birth. Your baby now has enough fat laid down under the skin to hold their body temperature as long as there’s a little help from you. This fat gives your baby a healthy, chubby look at birth.

The rest of the body has been catching up, but the head is still the largest part of your baby’s body. That’s why it’s important for your baby to be headfirst in a vaginal birth.

You continue to supply your baby with antibodies — protein substances that help protect against bacteria and viruses. During the first months of life, these antibodies help baby’s immune system stave off infections. Some antibodies are also provided through breast milk. If you haven’t gotten your tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster yet (see page 171), now is the time, so that baby will have those protective antibodies after birth.

By this point in pregnancy, babies vary quite a bit in size. A 39-week-old baby typically weighs 6 to 9 ½ pounds.

Congratulations! Your due date arrives this week. Most people don’t deliver right on their due dates — only about 4% do, by some estimates — but you’re probably ready to meet your little one. Keep in mind that it’s just as normal to have your baby a week late as it is to have your baby a week early. Try to be patient, although with all the work you’ve done, that may not be easy.

As labor approaches, your baby will experience many changes in order to prepare for birth, including a surge in hormones. This may help maintain blood pressure and blood sugar levels after birth. It may also have something to do with communicating to your uterus that the time has come.

With labor, the blood flow to the placenta will decrease a bit during each contraction. But by now, the baby can tolerate these interruptions so long as they aren’t too frequent and don’t last too long. Your little one is ready for all the amazing changes they will experience at birth.

At 40 weeks, the average baby weighs 7 ½ to 8 pounds and measures about 20 inches long with legs fully extended. Your own baby may be smaller or larger and still be normal and healthy.

Prenatal Checkup

You’ll likely see your healthcare team weekly this month until baby arrives. A routine pelvic exam is not typically part of this checkup, but your healthcare team may check your cervix if they think you may be in the early stages of labor. This exam is reported in numbers and percentages. For example, your healthcare team may tell you that you’re 3 centimeters (cm) dilated and 30% effaced. When you’re ready to push your baby out, your cervix will be 10 cm dilated and 100% effaced.

Don’t put too much stock in these numbers. You may go for weeks dilated at 3 cm, or you may go into labor without any dilation or effacement beforehand. However, measures of your cervix do help your healthcare team determine which medications or methods to use for induction of labor, should you need to be induced.

When to call

During the last month of pregnancy, these signs and symptoms require immediate medical attention:

Vaginal bleeding If you have bright red bleeding of more than a spot or two at any time this month, call your healthcare team right away. It could be a sign of placental abruption, a serious problem in which your placenta separates from the wall of your uterus. This condition is a medical emergency. However, try not to confuse this kind of bleeding with the slight bleeding you may have after a pelvic exam or with the blood and mucus you may see as the cervix thins.

Constant, severe abdominal pain If you have constant, severe abdominal pain, contact your healthcare team immediately. Although uncommon, this can be another sign of placental abruption. If you also have a fever and vaginal discharge along with the pain, you may have an infection.

Decreased movement It’s normal for the vigor of your baby’s activities to decrease somewhat during the last few days before birth. It’s almost as if your baby is resting and storing up energy for the big day. But the number of movements shouldn’t drop a great deal. Decreased frequency of movement may be a signal that something is wrong. To check your baby’s movements, lie on your left side and count how often you feel the baby move. If you notice fewer than four movements in an hour or if you’re otherwise worried about your baby’s decreased movement, call your healthcare team.

Induction at 39 weeks

As a result of recent studies, people with low-risk pregnancies are being offered labor induction at 39 to 40 weeks. Research indicates that inducing labor at this time may reduce several risks, including risks of having a stillbirth, having a large baby (macrosomia) and developing high blood pressure as the pregnancy advances. If you’re considering induction, it’s important that you talk with your health professional to make a decision.

Excerpted from Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by Myra Wick, M.D., Ph.D.

Relevant reading

Bedtime Book for Bump

This gorgeously presented keepsake is the perfect gift for expectant parents, allowing them to start bonding with their unborn baby.

Discover more Pregnancy content from articles, podcasts, to videos.

You May Also Enjoy

by Zaraq Khan, M.B.B.S., Samir Babayev, M.D., Chandra C. Shenoy, M.D.

by Myra Wick, M.D., Ph.D.

Privacy Policy

We've made some updates to our Privacy Policy. Please take a moment to review.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Pregnancy Development

Why Pregnancy Ultrasounds Are Done, Week by Week

When do you get ultrasounds during pregnancy, and why are they usually done? Here's what expectant parents should know about these important prenatal scans.

Why Do People Get Pregnancy Ultrasounds?

First trimester ultrasounds, second trimester ultrasound, third trimester ultrasound, baby ultrasounds for special situations, how many ultrasounds during pregnancy are safe, how much does an ultrasound cost.

During a pregnancy ultrasound , your health care provider or a skilled technician uses a plastic transducer to transmit high-frequency sound waves through your uterus. These sound waves send signals back to a machine that converts them into images of your baby.

Most pregnant people have only a couple of ultrasounds throughout their prenatal care, but some get them more frequently. Read on for a breakdown of the most common types of pregnancy ultrasounds, when you might get them, and what to expect during the prenatal scans.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), health care providers may use baby ultrasounds for the following reasons:

• Monitoring your baby's growth and development
• Detecting congenital anomalies
• Guiding chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis
• Helping predict your due date
• Determining whether you're carrying multiples
• Showing the position of your placenta
• Estimating your baby's size
• Measuring amniotic fluid
• Revealing your baby's genitals

How Many Ultrasounds Will You Get?

Uncomplicated pregnancies typically have fewer ultrasounds than high-risk pregnancies, but how many you receive over the course of your pregnancy will vary. Factors influencing the number of ultrasounds you'll receive include your preference, your provider's standard protocol, ultrasound machine access, medical history, and pregnancy complications.

GETTY IMAGES

Not everyone receives a first-trimester ultrasound during pregnancy. That said, a health care provider may sometimes use them for determining viability, dating the pregnancy, or ruling out suspected complications.

Early pregnancy (6–8 weeks)

Your first ultrasound, also known as a fetal ultrasound or sonogram, could occur as early as six to eight weeks into your pregnancy. In addition to a pregnancy test , some health care providers use ultrasounds for the following reasons.

Detecting the fetal heartbeat

The main reason to conduct an ultrasound this early on is to detect the fetal heartbeat . An abdominal ultrasound can usually detect a baby's heartbeat if you are at least 8 weeks into your pregnancy. If your pregnancy has a gestational age of less than 8 weeks (between 6 and 8 weeks), a transvaginal ultrasound (inserting the ultrasound probe into your vagina) is usually needed for accurate results.

Although the heart structures aren't yet fully developed at six weeks gestation, it's possible to see the electrical impulses of their developing heart (sometimes referred to as embryonic cardiac activity ).

Determining a due date

Evidence suggests that ultrasounds more accurately predict your due date  than using your last menstrual period, but only in the first trimester and early second trimester (until roughly 20 weeks). Early ultrasound due dates have a margin of error of roughly 1.2 weeks.

After 20 weeks of pregnancy, your estimated due date shouldn't change based on an ultrasound because it will be less accurate. And remember: It's an estimated due date; the vast majority of people don't deliver their babies the day they're due. In fact, it's thought that only around 4% of people give birth naturally on their due date.

Nuchal translucency ultrasound (10–13 Weeks)

A nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound occurs around weeks 10 to 13 of pregnancy. According to ACOG , this ultrasound measures the space at the back of a fetus' neck. Abnormal measurements can indicate Down syndrome and other congenital disabilities of the heart, abdomen, and skeleton. In addition to an abdominal ultrasound, an NT screening includes measuring hormones and proteins with a blood test.

A nuchal translucency ultrasound is optional for everyone who is pregnant. Sometimes, people choose to have this ultrasound to alleviate concerns about their baby's health. Other times, your health care provider might recommend it if you're at risk of complications or have a family history of congenital disorders.

In addition to screening for anomalies, this pregnancy ultrasound can offer the same information as an earlier scan, including an estimated due date , your baby's " crown-rump length " (measurement from head to bottom), the number of babies in the womb, and fetal cardiac activity.

According to the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), early pregnancy ultrasounds can also determine the following:

• Determine the number of fetuses
• Determine if multiples share a placenta and amniotic sac

But not everyone will get this early scan. ISUOG does not recommend routine early pregnancy ultrasounds unless there's a clinical indication of a complication. For example, some health care providers will only conduct early ultrasounds for certain high-risk pregnancy conditions like bleeding and abdominal pain, or to rule out ectopic pregnancy , congenital disorders, or miscarriage.

The second trimester is the most common time for a routine prenatal ultrasound. The anatomy scan, a thorough scan of your baby's developing body and organs, is offered to every pregnant person.

Anatomy scan (18–22 Weeks)

According to ACOG, this detailed pregnancy ultrasound generally happens between weeks 18 and 22 in the second trimester. It's the most thorough check-up your baby will have before they're born.

During the anatomy scan, also called a level II ultrasound, the health care provider will check your baby's heart rate and look for abnormalities in their brain, heart, kidneys, and liver, says Jane Chueh, MD, director of prenatal diagnosis and therapy at Lucile Children's Hospital Stanford , in Palo Alto, California. In other cases, such as  Down syndrome , however, ultrasound can't offer a firm diagnosis. Instead, it can show markers associated with a higher risk of various conditions.

They'll also count your baby's fingers and toes, examine the placenta, and measure the amniotic fluid level. And they'll probably be able to see your baby's genitals to guess your baby's sex , although it's not a slam dunk. If you don't want to know about your baby's genitalia, be sure to inform the technician ahead of time.

Editor's Note

Even though people often look forward to this pregnancy ultrasound to learn their baby's gender, it's important to note that gender is a personal identity that exists on a spectrum, can change over the course of a person's lifetime—and most importantly—is something that a person defines for themselves. Sex is assigned at birth based on the appearance of a baby's genitalia. While sex assigned at birth often matches a person's gender (called cisgender), sometimes it does not.

Many parents-to-be don't need an ultrasound in the third trimester. But if your pregnancy is considered high-risk—or if you didn't get a screening during the first or second trimester—it may be recommended.

For example, if you have high blood pressure, bleeding, low levels of amniotic fluid, preterm contractions , or are over age 35, your doctor may perform in-office, low-resolution ultrasounds during some of your third-trimester prenatal visits for reassurance, says Dr. Chueh.

In addition, if an earlier scan found your placenta was near or covering the cervix ( called placenta previa ), you'll require additional ultrasounds to monitor its location.

Your health care provider may recommend an ultrasound during pregnancy outside of the situations mentioned above. For example, ultrasounds might be indicated if you have certain health conditions that warrant specific monitoring or if you have a procedure that uses ultrasound guidance.

Doppler ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound is a special imaging test showing blood moving through vessels. In pregnancy, a Doppler ultrasound can help determine if your baby's blood is circulating properly. According to a Cochrane review , Doppler ultrasound in high-risk pregnancies may reduce the risk of perinatal death and obstetric interventions.

Your health care provider may recommend fetal Doppler ultrasound in the following circumstances:

• You have diabetes
• You have high blood pressure
• You have heart or kidney problems
• The placenta does not develop properly
• Suspected fetal growth problems

Handheld fetal heart rate monitors also utilize Doppler technology. Health care providers commonly use these devices to monitor your baby's heartbeat during prenatal exams and labor. While these are available over the counter, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against using them at home due to lack of oversight and unnecessary ultrasound exposure.

Guiding ultrasounds

Your health care provider may also order other pregnancy tests that require ultrasounds for guidance. These might include chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, which screen the baby for congenital disorders. Fetal echocardiograms, which show the baby's heart rate and detect anomalies, also use ultrasound technology.

Ultrasound is considered safe for you and your baby when used for medical purposes. Although ultrasounds require no radiation, only a trained professional who can accurately interpret the results should perform them. Your technician should have education in obstetrical ultrasound, preferably at a center accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine .

Some medical practices offer 3D (high quality and lifelike) and 4D (moving picture) ultrasounds, which may help doctors detect specific fetal abnormalities and congenital disorders. However, these exams are also available at fetal portrait studios in places like shopping malls.

Experts discourage these "keepsake" ultrasounds since untrained personnel may give out inaccurate information, says Michele Hakakha, MD, an OB-GYN in Beverly Hills and author of Expecting 411: The Insider's Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth .

Plus, according to the FDA , although ultrasounds are safe in medical settings, they might heat tissues or produce bubbles (cavitation) during use if not performed correctly. Experts aren't sure about the long-term effects of heated tissues or cavitation, especially when not medically indicated. Therefore, the FDA advises that people use ultrasound scans judiciously—only when there is a medical need, based on a prescription, and performed by appropriately-trained health care providers.

Ultrasounds aren't cheap ; they can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on your location and health care provider. However, most health insurance plans will cover the cost of prenatal ultrasounds (at least partially) if they are for medical purposes. Always ask your health care provider and insurance company if you're unsure how much you will need to pay.

Ultrasound Exams , ACOG, 2021

Pregnancy Ultrasound Evaluation . StatPearls [Internet] . 2023.

Role of ultrasound in the evaluation of first-trimester pregnancies in the acute setting . Ultrasonography . 2020.

Pregnancy Dating . StatPearls Publishing. 2022.

Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests . American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . 2020.

ISUOG Practice Guidelines: performance of first-trimester fetal ultrasound scan . Wiley’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2012

Sonography 3rd Trimester and Placenta Assessment, Protocols, and Interpretation . StatPearls [Internet] . 2023.

Fetal and umbilical Doppler ultrasound in high-risk pregnancies . Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 6. Art . 2017.

Ultrasound Imaging . U.S. Food and Drug Administration . 2020.

Related Articles

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

What to know about the key policies that got airtime in the presidential debate

Ximena Bustillo

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden during a presidential debate hosted by CNN on Thursday in Atlanta. Gerald Herbert/AP hide caption

Thursday night’s presidential debate may be more remembered for how the candidates delivered remarks on stage and the digs they took at one another rather than the issues top of mind for voters this election year — but there was plenty of policy that got airtime.

President Biden often stumbled through his answers , derailing his train of thought. And former President Donald Trump ignored questions about addressing climate change , accepting the results of the election and he reiterated false claims about immigration and his criminal trial .

Still, immigration , abortion and the economy were among the election-year questions the candidates were asked in the 90-minute CNN presidential debate. Here are a few of the issues that took center stage.

The economy and inflation

The first question of the night focused on rising prices.

Biden said he inherited from Trump, his predecessor, an “economy that was in free fall” thanks to a pandemic that roiled the economy and tangled supply chains. It was up to his administration, Biden said, to “try and put things back together again.”

In fact, government spending in the U.S. under both Biden and Trump also may have contributed to rising prices, putting more money in people’s pockets and enabling them to keep spending in the face of high prices.

Many prices were depressed early in the pandemic, however, so the comparison is less flattering if you start the clock when Biden took office. Since early 2021, consumer prices have risen 19%, while average wages have risen 16%. Wage gains have been outpacing price increases for the last year, so that gap should eventually close.

The federal debt grew substantially under both Trump and Biden. While the pandemic accounts for much of that red ink, both presidents have overseen large deficits, including periods before and after the pandemic when the economy was in good shape.

First presidential race since Roe v. Wade was overturned

Access to abortion and varying state policy were at the center of a heated back and forth between Trump and Biden. When asked whether or not Trump would block abortion pills, which are used in about two-thirds of abortions, Trump said he agreed with a U.S. Supreme Court decision that rejected a challenge to abortion pill accessibility.

Trump ultimately took credit for bringing abortion policy “back to the states” and is a “person who believes in exceptions” for rape, incest and the life of the mother. However, some states have passed highly restrictive measures without such carve-outs.

Trump during the debate accused doctors of executing babies who are born alive after a failed abortion attempt many times. Federal data suggests that very few U.S. babies are born alive as a result of a failed abortion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 143 deaths during a 12-year period ending in 2014 involving infants born alive during attempted abortions.

The majority of abortions in the U.S. happen in the first trimester (first 12 weeks of pregnancy). Only about 1.3% take place after 21 weeks, according to the CDC , and many are not viable or may endanger the mother.

Biden accused Trump of “doing a terrible thing” — referring to the overturning of the landmark abortion rule — and argued against each state making its own rules.

“The idea that states are able to do this is a little like saying we're going to turn civil rights back to the states, let each state have a different rule,” Biden said.

Foreign policy and foreign wars lead to insults

Since the last presidential election, Russia launched its attack on Ukraine, and the war between Israel and Hamas erupted.

Trump doubled down that if he was in office, the war in Ukraine never would have happened. Biden accused Trump of encouraging Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump criticized continued federal aid to Ukraine, making the claim that he will have the war between Russia and Ukraine settled before he takes office if elected.

"The difference is he never would have invaded Ukraine, never, just like Israel would have never been invaded in a million years by Hamas," Trump said.

Biden, in response, quipped, "I've never heard so much malarkey in my whole life."

On conflicts in the Middle East, Biden boasted about being the biggest “producer of support” for Israel in the world, condemned Hamas and said he denied Israel “2,000-pound bombs.”

Trump said Biden should let Israel “finish the job,” adding a jab that Biden is a “very bad Palestinian.”

Accepting the 2024 election results?

Trump dodged a question asking him to accept the results of the elections and to agree that political violence is unacceptable.

"Well, I shouldn't have to say that," he said. "But of course, I believe that it's totally unacceptable. And if you would see my statements that I made on Twitter at the time, and also my statement that I made in the Rose Garden, you would say it's one of the strongest statements you've ever seen, in addition to the speech I made in front of, I believe, the largest crowd I've ever spoken to."

Trump denied responsibility for the Jan. 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, doubling down on the argument that he encouraged people to be “peaceful and patriotic.”

4 takeaways from the first presidential debate

Moderator Dana Bash reiterated her question of whether or not he would accept the results regardless of who wins.

"If it's a fair and legal and good election, absolutely," Trump said. "I would have much rather accepted these, but the fraud and everything else was ridiculous, and if you want, we'll have a news conference on it in a week, or we'll have another one of these on in a week. But I will absolutely, there's nothing I'd rather do."

— NPR's Scott Horsley contributed to this story. All video clips credited to CNN Presidential Debate.

Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More

Continue in Browser

Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.

Please enter a valid zipcode.

Planned Parenthood says it will spend $40 million ahead of election

Planned Parenthood will spend $40 million ahead of November's elections to bolster President Joe Biden and leading congressional Democrats, betting that voters angry at Republican-led efforts to further restrict access to abortion can be the difference in key races around the country.

What You Need To Know

Planned parenthood says it will spend $40 million ahead of november's elections to bolster president joe biden and leading congressional democrats the organization is betting that voters angry at republican-led efforts to further restrict access to abortion can be the difference in key races around the country abortion continues to be one of the nation's most important political issues; voters in seven states sided with abortion-rights supporters on ballot measures, and the issue is credited with giving democrats a boost in the 2022 midterms it initially will target eight states: arizona, georgia, pennsylvania, wisconsin, north carolina, montana, new hampshire and new york sba pro-life america, one of the country's most prominent groups opposed to abortion rights, announced in february that it plans to spend $92 million targeting voters in eight battleground states: arizona, north carolina, pennsylvania, wisconsin, michigan, ohio, montana and georgia.

The political and advocacy arms of the nation's leading reproductive health-care provider and abortion rights advocacy organization shared the announcement with The Associated Press before its wider release Monday.

The group will initially target eight states: Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where Biden is seeking to defend 2020 victories, as well as North Carolina, which the Democratic president's campaign hopes to flip after Republican Donald Trump won it four years ago, and Montana, New Hampshire and New York, which have races that could help determine control of the Senate and House.

The push will try to reach voters with volunteer and paid canvassing programs, phone banking and digital, TV, and mail advertising.

"Abortion will be the message of this election, and it will be how we energize voters," said Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned Parenthood Votes. "It will be what enables us to win."

The spending plan is not an election cycle record for the group. It spent $45 million ahead of Biden defeating Trump in 2020 and $50 million before the 2022 midterms.

That's when Planned Parenthood's advocates focused on pouring money into contests where access to abortion was on the ballot months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that created a constitutional right to have an abortion, a decision handed down two years ago Monday.

"We continue to see the devastation that comes when anti-abortion politicians have power," Lawson said of the years since. "It's just gotten worse."

Abortion continues to be one of the nation's most important political issues, but dynamics around it have changed drastically since the Supreme Court ruling. After the ruling, most Republican-controlled states imposed new abortion restrictions, including some bans at every stage of pregnancy.

Meanwhile, voters in seven states — California, Michigan and Vermont, as well as usually reliably Republican Kansas, Kentucky, Montana and Ohio — sided with abortion-rights supporters on ballot measures.

In November, voters in several other states, including battleground Arizona and Nevada, will have abortion referendums on the ballot, as will Florida, a onetime presidential bellwether that has gotten increasingly Republican in recent cycles but where Biden's campaign is hoping turnout for the abortion ballot initiative can make things closer.

SBA Pro-Life America, one of the country's most prominent groups opposed to abortion rights, announced in February that it plans to spend $92 million targeting voters in eight battleground states: Arizona, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Montana and Georgia.

In addition to national efforts, local Planned Parenthood advocacy and political organizations in California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio are planning advocacy campaigns ahead of November.

Planned Parenthood advocacy efforts also will focus on some down-ballot rates, like aiding Democrats seeking a supermajority in the Nevada statehouse, or opposing two state supreme court justices up for reelection in Arizona after they voted to allow officials to enforce an 1864 law criminalizing nearly all abortions, which the state legislature has since voted to repeal.

"We can't just vote for ballot initiatives," said Lindsey Harmon, executive director for Nevada Advocates for Planned Parenthood Affiliates PAC. "We also have to support the infrastructure that makes abortion access possible."

Advertisement

A Raspy Biden Struggles in Prime Time

President Biden needed to calm concerns about his age and mental acuity. Instead, he inflamed them, raising questions about whether he could carry on as the Democratic nominee.

• Share full article

By Shawn McCreesh and Annie Karni

• June 27, 2024

From the very first question, President Biden’s voice was a muted rasp.

“You’ve got to take a look at what I was left when I became president” — cough — “what Mr. Trump left me.”

Mr. Biden, the 46th president, entered Thursday’s debate with the 45th, Donald J. Trump, needing to calm concerns about his own age and mental acuity. Instead, Mr. Biden’s incoherent performance inflamed those fears, raising questions from the start about whether he would be able to carry on as the Democratic nominee.

Any talk of Mr. Biden’s relying on performance-enhancing drugs to survive the debate seemed quaint by the time he opened his mouth on the debate stage and suffered what seemed like a prime-time meltdown.

Even Mr. Trump looked almost taken aback as his adversary stumbled and struggled to get his words out. “I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence,” Mr. Trump said after Mr. Biden answered a question about border security not 10 minutes into their debate. “I don’t think he knew, either.”

It was all the more startling considering Mr. Biden had cleared his calendar and holed up at Camp David for days to prepare. (White House officials said that Mr. Biden had a cold.)

Mr. Trump’s message was often factually incorrect, but it was one communicated clearly, fiercely and impatiently. Mr. Biden, in contrast, stood slack-jawed, his eyes darting back and forth, while his opponent spoke.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .