Week 8 | Week 13 | Week 20 | Week 26 | Week 28 & 30 | Week 32 & 34 | Week 36 & 37 | Week 38 | Week 39 | Week 40 | Breast Feeding
Use these links to jump to different topics

DOWNLOAD FULL PRENATAL GUIDE

---

FETUS DEVELOPMENT AND
PRENATAL APPOINTMENT GUIDE

SUGGESTED PRENATAL APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE

•  8-28 weeks (About 1 visit per month)
  • 8-12 weeks
    • Pregnancy confirmation Ultrasound to confirm Full physical
    • Medical history Fetal heartbeat
    • Blood work and tests
  •  20 weeks
    • In-depth ultrasound
    • Sex of fetus determined
•  26-28 weeks
  • Glucose testing
  •  28 weeks
    • If Rh negative RhoGam shot given
•  28-36 weeks (Appointments every 2 weeks)
•  36-40 weeks (Appointments weekly up to delivery)

 

FETAL DEVELOPMENT & APPOINTMENT GUIDE WEEK 8

At this point the fetus:

• is the size of a kidney bean
• has fingers and toes
• is developing facial features

You should have your first prenatal appointment this week. You might also have your first ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.

Topics to discuss with your health care provider:

• your due date
• things that should not be done during pregnancy
• ultrasound and/or any other testing
• any symptoms you’re having or a family history of pregnancy complications and birth defects
• any questions you have
• safe and unsafe food practices

Contact the Health Department about programs such as Nurse- Family Partnership, Bright Beginnings, WIC, and CHP+

 

FETAL DEVELOPMENT & APPOINTMENT GUIDE WEEK 13

At this point the fetus:

• is nearly 3 inches long and weighs about ¾ ounces
• is about the length of a peapod
• has fingerprints and teeth-buds

You should have your second prenatal appointment between weeks 13 and 17.

 Topics to discuss with your health care provider:

• AFP test
• amniocentesis
• pregnancy limitations
• medication/supplements during pregnancy

 

FETAL DEVELOPMENT & APPOINTMENT GUIDE WEEK 20

At this point the fetus is:

• about 6.5 inches from crown to rump, and weighs about 10 ounces
• stretching out in your uterus
• beginning to move around and be more active
• beginning to develop sex organs that you can see on ultrasound if you wish

You should have your third prenatal appointment this week.

You should have your mid-pregnancy ultrasound between weeks 18 and 22. During this detailed session:

• the technician will measure each part of the fetus, placenta, and uterus
• they will watch for different movements such as opening and closing fists
• this should be a very special experience for you and your family
• they will photograph the ultrasound images
• ask how many family members can be in the room with you and enjoy this first photo session!

 

FETAL DEVELOPMENT & APPOINTMENT GUIDE WEEK 26

At this point the fetus is:

• the size of a head of lettuce
• starting to open its eyes
• strengthening its immune system

You should have your fourth prenatal appointment between 26-28 weeks.

Topics to discuss with your health care provider:

• ideas on how you can stay healthy
• exercise routine
• diet and weight gain
• risks of preeclampsia
• glucose screening test and gestational diabetes
• kick counts
• any questions or concerns you have

 

FETAL DEVELOPMENT & APPOINTMENT GUIDE WEEKS 28 & 30

At this point the fetus is:

• gaining body fat
• nearing its birth length
• undergoing rapid brain development
• forming harder bones
• over 3 pounds
• strong enough to grasp your finger
• dreaming

In weeks 28 and 30 you should have your fifth and sixth prenatal appointments.

Topics to discuss with your health care provider:

• birth plans
• what to expect during delivery
• birthing classes
• request a tour of the birthing facility
• what RH positive or negative means
• any questions or concerns you have

 

FETAL DEVELOPMENT & APPOINTMENT GUIDE WEEKS 32 & 34

At this point your baby is:

• growing stronger
• about the size of a cantaloupe
• getting smoother skin and more fat cells
• hearing many noises outside womb
• comforted by your voice talking or singing

In weeks 32 and 34 you should have your seventh and eighth prenatal appointments.

Topics to discuss with your health care provider:

• car seat safety
• sleeping arrangements for baby
• crib safety
• how to reduce risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
• any questions or concerns you have

*Montezuma County Health Department can help with car seat issues and provide affordable car seats.*

 

FETAL DEVELOPMENT & APPOINTMENT GUIDE WEEKS 36 & 37

At this point your baby is:

• considered full-term
• practicing sucking, swallowing and “breathing” (amniotic fluid)
• probably in the birth position

During weeks 36 to 40 you should have one prenatal appointment per week

Topics to discuss with your health care provider:

• Braxton Hicks contractions
• what to expect when water breaks
• how to prepare for labor and delivery

 

FETAL DEVELOPMENT & APPOINTMENT GUIDE WEEK 38

At this point your baby:

• weighs anywhere from 6 to 9 pounds
• about the size of a small pumpkin

You should have your eleventh prenatal appointment around this time.

Topics to discuss with your health care provider:

• breastfeeding at the hospital
• the importance of skin-to-skin contact right after birth
• cesarean section
• cleaning and routine care of your baby after birth
• in-hospital lactation (breastfeeding) consultants
• “what is colostrum?”
• any other questions or concerns you have

 

BABY DEVELOPMENT & APPOINTMENT GUIDE WEEK 39

At this point your baby:

• has reached final birth weight and measurements
• is ready to come into the world
• is experiencing rapid brain development and will continue to do so into early childhood

In week 39 you should have your twelfth prenatal appointment.

Topics for discussion with your health care provider:

• resources or books to read about infant care
• community resources such as WIC
• when to call the office or go to the hospital
• any symptoms you are feeling
• any questions or concerns

 

BABY DEVELOPMENT & APPOINTMENT GUIDE WEEK 40

At this point your baby is:

• ready to meet you

Week 40 should be your thirteenth prenatal appointment.

Topics for discussion with your health care provider:

• how long you and your baby should be in the hospital 6 any concerns you have about bringing baby home
• how to prevent or deal with baby blues and post-partum depression
• when to be seen for a post delivery check up
• concerns about going past your due date
• newborn screening tests
• when your baby should have his first well child check with the family health care provider

* Remember: all babies grow/mature at different rates.*

---

IF SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS

If your baby’s birth did not go as planned:

• Talk first with your health care provider
• You are not alone – resources and support are available

For information and resources on complications, NICU (Neonatal  Intensive Care Unit), and loss contact the March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.com or call the Colorado March of Dimes at  (303) 692-0011.

For information about early intervention for special needs visit –                     http://www.eicolorado.org/ or call 888-777-4041.

 

BREAST FEEDING

Please consider breastfeeding for at least the first year of your child’s life. There are many benefits for both you and your baby, including but not limited to:

• the health of your child, especially a stronger immune system and easier digestion
• bonding between you and your baby
• the economic benefit of not needing to pay for formula
• a faster return to your pre-pregnancy weight
• freshly expressed breast milk can last in the freezer for up to three months

If you return to work while your baby is still nursing, you can express breast milk with a breast pump so you and your baby continue to receive the benefits:

• in Colorado, employers are required to provide unpaid breaks for breastfeeding mothers to express milk for up to two years after childbirth. Employers also must provide a private room other than a bathroom stall for breastfeeding moms to pump milk
• visit the Le Leche League website, www.llli.org for updates on legislation

Pumping your milk is also a good option if you are uncomfortable or unable to breastfeed

• this is a very common practice for mothers of NICU babies that cannot latch onto the breast and must eat through a bottle, nasal-gastric tube, or even a gastric-tube

Breast milk provides great health benefits even if it is only part of a baby’s diet.