Your Baby The baby measures between .04 and .06 inch (1.0-1.5 mm) from head to tail, tiny enough to rest on the point of a ballpoint pen.
The forerunner of the brain and spinal cord (the ‘primitive streak’) has appeared. It is now possible to identify the head and tail sections of your baby’s body.
The implanted embryo can be now be detected by ultrasound!
The genetic blueprint in each cell tells the cell what to do and orders its migration to the spot in the baby’s body where the development will take place, but most developmental processes depend on a precisely coordinated interaction of genetic and environmental factors (like nutrition and the mother’s habits).
The first system to function in your developing baby is its cardiovascular system (the heart and blood vessels.) The function of this tiny heart is identical to its mature counterpart: to move around the oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood cells that will feed your baby’s developing tissues.
The fold of tissue that will form the baby’s head can now be identified. Because the central part of the embryo grows more rapidly than the peripheral part, it begins to fold inward to create your baby’s central nervous system.
You The quality of your diet is especially important now, since the next thirty-nine days mark a critical period in the development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord. Low-calorie or low-carbohydrate dieting even for short periods during pregnancy can reduce the amount of glucose available, which the baby’s brain needs for development. 'Critical periods' are so named because they represent times when the baby’s organs and systems are growing most rapidly. Your health-conscious behavior can support periods of intense growth.
Take Note:
Most changes that accompany pregnancy are normal, and although they may be uncomfortable, they are no cause for alarm. However, some symptoms need to be reported as soon as they occur so your practitioner can determine their importance. Be sure to contact your practitioner if you experience vaginal bleeding, menstrual-like cramps, or lower abdominal pain. |
