Pregnancy Week-by-Week Guide: Due Date Calculation and Fetal Development
2025-01-04
1. Pregnancy Week Calculation
Pregnancy weeks are calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. Pregnancy lasts 40 weeks (280 days), divided into 3 trimesters of 3 months each. Example: Last period Jan 1, 2025 → Due date Oct 8, 2025. Accurate due date confirmed by ultrasound. Divided into early (1-13 weeks), mid (14-27 weeks), late (28-40 weeks).
2. Early Pregnancy (1-13 weeks)
1-4 weeks: Fertilized egg implantation, morning sickness begins. 5-8 weeks: Heartbeat starts, limbs form. 9-13 weeks: Major organs complete, fetus takes shape. Precautions: ① Folic acid intake (400-800㎍/day). ② No alcohol, smoking, caffeine. ③ Careful medication use. ④ Avoid strenuous exercise. ⑤ Regular checkups (maternity handbook). ⑥ Manage morning sickness (eat small frequent meals).
3. Mid Pregnancy (14-27 weeks)
14-17 weeks: Fetal movement starts (first-time moms 18-20 weeks). 18-22 weeks: Gender identification possible. 23-27 weeks: Hearing develops, eyes begin opening. Features: Morning sickness decreases, weight gain accelerates, belly grows. Precautions: ① Iron intake (anemia prevention). ② Weight management (within 0.5kg/week). ③ Moderate exercise (walking, swimming). ④ Gestational diabetes test (24-28 weeks). ⑤ Fetal anomaly screening.
4. Late Pregnancy (28-40 weeks)
28-32 weeks: Rapid weight gain, breathing development. 33-36 weeks: Lung maturation, head turns down. 37-40 weeks: Full term, delivery possible anytime. Symptoms: Back pain, edema, frequent urination, shortness of breath, insomnia. Precautions: ① Know early labor signs. ② Prepare delivery items. ③ Take childbirth education. ④ Hospital immediately if fetal movement decreases. ⑤ Adequate rest. ⑥ Delivery possible anytime after 37 weeks.
5. Health Management During Pregnancy
Nutrition: High-protein low-fat diet, vegetables/fruits, dairy, folic acid/iron/calcium supplements. Exercise: Light walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, Kegel exercises. Prohibitions: Vigorous exercise, sauna, hair dye/perm, raw fish/meat, excessive caffeine. Regular checkups: Every 4 weeks (early), every 2 weeks (mid), weekly (late). Stress management and sufficient sleep are important.
6. Delivery Preparation
Delivery signs: Regular contractions (10-min intervals), bloody show/water breaking, decreased fetal movement. Delivery items: Mother (postpartum pads, nursing wear, toiletries), Baby (newborn clothes, diapers, swaddling), Documents (ID, maternity handbook). Delivery method: Natural vs C-section (consult doctor). Decide hospital early and know route. Share delivery plan with guardian. Positive mindset is important.