Day 2

Development from 4-8 Weeks
Embryo inside is about 3/8" and weighs less than 1 gram.
Outpouching from anterior brain - early eyes - limb buds of arms and legs
Nose and lips formation begins.
Brain is developed into 5 components and lumen of spinal cord is continuous with brain vesicles allowing free cerebral spinal fluid flow.
Major organs begin development.
Now about size of hen's egg.
Embryo is 1" long and about 4 grams.
Hands and feet are seen.
Baby is extremely reactive to its environment.
Male sex hormone (testosterone) produced by testes
Masculine development in males - no change in females.


Changing of Mother
At 8 weeks pregnant the mother can have their first antenatal check-up which will take place either at the GP's surgery or at the hospital where the mother plans to give birth.
Pregnancy hormones have flooded the mothers system at 8 weeks pregnant and the mother may be experiencing full-blown morning sickness. The mothers uterus is now the size of an orange and the mother may feel some cramping.

Odds of Having Twins or Triplets
Twins: 1.2 per 100 live births
Triplets occur 1 per 6,889 births

Twinning rate increases in women over 35. Obesity is also a factor for twinning. Black women have the highest rate of twins while Asian women have the lowest.

Doctor/Midwife or Home Birth?

One of the best ways to decide is to find a practice that has both midwives and doctors. Many facilities will allow you to rotate between doctor and midwife until you decide your preference for delivery. Perhaps the biggest reason women choose a midwife over a doctor is the difference in approach to labor. Generally speaking, doctors are present only for the actual delivery of the baby and periodic checks through labor. Midwives are typically present through the duration of labor and childbirth. Choosing between a doctor and a midwife is a very personal decision. It may help to write down your goals for pregnancy and delivery and see which model of care your goals for pregnancy fall into.

A home birth is a decision that the parents have to deciede for themselves, there are some risks and benefits that come to a home birth.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

1. Eat five or six well-balanced meals each day.

2. Take a prenatal vitamin each day as directed by your obstetrician.

3. Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight to ten glasses a day, avoiding caffeine and artificial coloring.

4. Don't drink alcohol.

5. Don't smoke or allow yourself to be exposed to second-hand smoke.

6. Exercise--it's important for your general health, and also to reduce stress. Take a pregnancy exercise class or walk at least 15 to 20 minutes every day at a moderate pace. Walk in cool, shaded areas or indoors in order to prevent overheating.

7. Get adequate sleep--at least eight hours a night. If you're suffering from sleep disturbances, take naps during the day and see your physician for advice.

8. Wear comfortable, non-restricting shoes and put your feet up several times a day to prevent fatigue and swelling of the feet, legs, and ankles.

9. Continue to wear a safety belt while riding in motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the shoulder portion of the restraint should be positioned over the collar bone. The lap portion should be placed under the abdomen as low as possible on the hips and across the upper thighs, never above the abdomen. Also, pregnant women should sit as far from the air bag as possible.

10. Don't take over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies without first consulting your obstetrician