What happens when I’m pregnant?

Let’s say you already know you are pregnant. You are wondering about that little being inside you…what exactly is it doing? Well, this entry is just for you. Below is information about the day of conception through the first 6 weeks after conception.

Conception Day- The egg and sperm most often unite in the fallopian tube to form a single cell called a zygote. This tiny new cell contains all the genetic information for every detail of the new life- color of the hair and eyes, the intricate fine lines of the fingerprint, the physical appearance, the gender, the height and skin tone.

Days 3-4- This life is now called an embryo and arrives at the uterus where the lining of the uterus is preparing to receive it.

1 week- The embryo begins to implant in the lining of the uterus. Hormones trigger the mother’s body to nurture the pregnancy and stop her monthly period.

2 weeks- A pregnancy test can measure the hCG hormone in the mother’s urine to tell her if she is pregnant. The embryo is attached, drawing nourishment from its mother.

3 weeks- The heart, about the size of a poppy seed, is the first organ to function. The first signs of brain development are evident, and the foundation for every organ system is already established and begin to develop.

4 weeks- The eyes are developing, and the arm and leg buds are visible. The beating heart can be seen on an ultrasound.

5 weeks- Depending on the baby’s gender, the testicles or ovaries are beginning to form.

6 weeks- The baby is ½ of an inch long. Elbows and fingers can be seen. Lungs begin developing and taste buds from on the tongue.

If you want more information about the stages of development or want to take a free pregnancy test to know if you are pregnant, call us anytime at 652-8343.

Hope PCC is a non-medical facility that shares with women and men accurate information about fetal development, as well as their options. The information provided above comes from the brochure, The First 9 Months, developed by Focus on the Family and approved by the Physicians Research Council.