Your Developing Baby - American Pregnancy Association

Baby Development Month By Month (VIDEO)

A great way to bond with your baby during pregnancy is to track your baby’s development month by month.

16 Ways To Bond With Your Baby While Pregnant

There is nothing like having a BFF there for you through everything you experience. This feeling can happen for the 9 months of pregnancy too. Here are 16 ways to bond with your baby during pregnancy.

Uterus Size During Pregnancy

Before pregnancy, the uterus is about the size of an orange and will grow exponentially during pregnancy. Learn more about uterus size changes during pregnancy.

Fetal Development: First Trimester

During the first trimester, the fetus will make the most dramatic changes and significant development. Learn more about first trimester fetal development.

Fetal Development: Second Trimester

During the second trimester, the fetus will grow to reach up to 14 inches long and weigh up to 2 1/2 pounds. Learn more about second trimester fetal development.

Fetal Development: Third Trimester

During the third trimester, the fetus will develop rapidly, reaching up to 21 inches long and weighing up to 10 pounds. Learn more about third trimester fetal development.

Kick Counts

Setting aside time every day to count your baby’s kicks, swishes, rolls, and jabs may help identify potential problems. Learn about kick counts and the prevention of stillbirth.

First Fetal Movement: Quickening

Quickening is the first detection of movement and can be felt from 13-25 weeks. Learn more about quickening and what to expect from your baby’s first movements.

Fetal Development

Fetal development is generally divided into three trimesters, which last 12-14 weeks each. Learn more about general guidelines for determining stages of fetal development.

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): The Pregnancy Hormone

The pregnancy hormone hCG is used to monitor the health of the baby. Here is some basic information about typical average levels at the different stages of pregnancy.

The Fetal Life-Support System: Placenta, Umbilical Cord, and Amniotic Sac

The placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic sac each play critical roles in your baby’s survival inside the womb. Learn about your baby’s fetal life-support system.

Calculating Conception

Calculating the conception date of your baby can be done in more than one way. Learn about the methods and difficulties in calculating conception.