What happens in 9 months?

Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey, accompanied by many physical and emotional changes. Over the nine months of pregnancy, a fertilized egg develops into a little human being ready to enter the world. In this guide, we take a look at what happens in the body of the expectant mother during these nine months and how the baby develops.

The first month spans from the fertilization of the egg to the end of the fourth week. During this time, fertilization occurs, and the fertilized egg travels to the uterus, where it implants itself. At the beginning, the pregnancy is not yet noticeable for the mother.

Important Developments:

1. The fertilized egg divides and develops into an embryo.
2. The placenta begins to form to provide the baby with nutrients and oxygen.
3. The embryo's heart begins to beat, and the first important organs, such as the brain and spinal cord, start to develop.

Symptoms for the Mother:

1. Missed period.
2. Possible early signs such as fatigue, nausea, and sensitive breasts.
3. Frequent urination due to the increasing hormone levels.

In the second month, the embryo grows rapidly and continues to develop. At this point, all major organs are formed, even though they are not yet fully developed. The mother can now more clearly notice the first signs of pregnancy.

Important Developments:

1. The embryo develops into a fetus.
2. The limbs begin to take shape, and tiny fingers and toes become visible.
3. Organs such as the heart, lungs, and stomach begin to function.

Symptoms for the Mother:

1. Nausea and vomiting (also known as "morning sickness").
2. Mood swings due to hormonal changes.
3. Increased breast sensitivity and possibly the first weight gain.

At the end of the third month, the baby is about 6–7 cm long and weighs around 20 grams. At this stage, most organs are already fully developed, and the baby begins to move more. For the mother, the first challenging symptoms, such as nausea, often come to an end.

Important Developments:

1. The baby now has a complete, but still delicate, skeleton.
2. The heart beats strongly, and the baby's first movements can be seen on an ultrasound.
3. External features such as the eyes, ears, and nose take their final shape.

Symptoms for the Mother:

1. The end of morning sickness for many women.
2. Growing uterus, the first visible changes in the belly.
3. Possibly more energy and less fatigue.

In the fourth month, the second trimester begins, which is the most comfortable phase of pregnancy for many women. The belly becomes visibly larger, and the baby grows rapidly.

Important Developments:

1. The baby is now about 12–15 cm long and weighs 80–100 grams.
2. The baby's movements may be felt by the mother for the first time.
3. The baby develops fine hair, called lanugo, and begins to swallow amniotic fluid.

Symptoms for the Mother:

1. Growing waist and visible changes in the belly.
2. Less nausea and increased appetite.
3. Possibly beginning skin changes, such as the appearance of a pregnancy mask (melasma).

In the fifth month, the baby begins to become active, and the mother can feel the first gentle movements, described as "fluttering." The baby's development progresses rapidly.

Important Developments:

1. The baby now weighs about 250–300 grams and is 20–25 cm long.
2. The baby has fingerprints, and its skin is still translucent.
3. The brain grows rapidly, and the sensory organs, such as hearing, continue to develop.

Symptoms for the Mother:

1. Increasing waist size and stretch marks may become visible.
2. Possibly first back pain due to the growing baby.
3. More energy and the feeling of adjusting to pregnancy.

In the sixth month, the baby continues to develop and grows rapidly. The organs mature, and the baby now has the ability to respond to sounds from the outside world.

Important Developments:

1. The baby now weighs about 500–600 grams and is 30 cm long.
2. The skin is less translucent, and the eyes can open and close.
3. The lungs continue to develop, but the baby is not yet able to breathe outside the womb.

Symptoms for the Mother:

1. Increasing belly size and possibly more movements of the baby.
2. Frequent urination and sleep problems.
3. Possible skin changes such as pigmentation spots or stretch marks.

In the seventh month, the baby continues to grow and gains more and more weight. It begins to move more strongly, and the mother can feel the movements more clearly.

Important Developments:

1. The baby now weighs about 1 kg and is 35–40 cm long.
2. The organs continue to mature, and the baby may begin to prepare for birth.
3. The baby begins to build up more fat reserves.

Symptoms for the Mother:

1. Increasing discomforts such as heartburn and back pain.
2. Stronger and more frequent movements of the baby.
3. Frequent urination and possibly sleep disturbances.

In the eighth month, the baby continues to grow and prepares to enter the world. It is now the size of a small baby and is almost fully developed.

Important Developments:

1. The baby now weighs about 1.5–2 kg and is 40–45 cm long.
2. The baby now has the ability to breathe independently, but its lungs are not yet fully mature.
3. The baby’s body continues to store fat to support birth and life outside the womb.

Symptoms for the Mother:

1. Frequent contractions (Braxton Hicks contractions) that prepare the body for birth.
2. Increasing fatigue and physical discomforts such as back pain and leg swelling.
3. Difficulty sleeping due to the growing belly.

In the last month of pregnancy, the baby is almost ready for birth. It has reached its final size and is preparing to leave the uterus.

Important Developments:

1. The baby now weighs about 2.5–3 kg and is 45–50 cm long.
2. The lungs are now fully mature, and the baby can breathe independently.
3. The baby assumes a head or pelvic position to prepare for birth.

Symptoms for the Mother:

1. Frequent contractions and the feeling that birth is imminent.
2. The belly drops lower, which can relieve breathing but puts more pressure on the bladder and pelvis.
3. Constant anticipation and possibly also nervousness.