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 โ 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: โ Folic acid intake (400-800ใ/day). โก No alcohol, smoking, caffeine. โข Careful medication use. โฃ Avoid strenuous exercise. โค Regular checkups (maternity handbook). โฅ 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: โ Iron intake (anemia prevention). โก Weight management (within 0.5kg/week). โข Moderate exercise (walking, swimming). โฃ Gestational diabetes test (24-28 weeks). โค 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: โ Know early labor signs. โก Prepare delivery items. โข Take childbirth education. โฃ Hospital immediately if fetal movement decreases. โค Adequate rest. โฅ 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.