Table of Contents
- 1 What happens to the fetus in the first trimester?
- 2 What is the main risk to a fetus?
- 3 During which trimester is the fetus at greatest risk?
- 4 What are the risks in the first trimester of pregnancy?
- 5 Why is the first trimester a critical period of development?
- 6 Is the first trimester of pregnancy the hardest?
What happens to the fetus in the first trimester?
A baby develops rapidly during the first trimester. The fetus begins to develop a brain and spinal cord, and the organs begin to form. The baby’s heart will also begin to beat during the first trimester. Arms and legs begin to bud in the first few weeks, and by the end of eight weeks, fingers and toes start to form.
What is the main risk to a fetus?
Fetal risks include macrosomia, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), stillbirth, birth injury, and, with poor glycemic control near the time of delivery, neonatal acidemia and hypoglycemia.
At what age does pregnancy become a risk?
A woman’s peak reproductive years are between the late teens and late 20s. By age 30, fertility (the ability to get pregnant) starts to decline. This decline becomes more rapid once you reach your mid-30s. By 45, fertility has declined so much that getting pregnant naturally is unlikely for most women.
During which trimester is the fetus at greatest risk?
It is during this first trimester that the fetus is most susceptible to damage from substances, like alcohol, drugs and certain medicines, and illnesses, like rubella (German measles). During the first trimester, your body and your baby’s body are changing rapidly.
What are the risks in the first trimester of pregnancy?
Because organs, facial features, skeletal tissue and limbs are developing at this time, any negative affect on the fetus can result in serious birth defects.
When does the first trimester of pregnancy begin?
The first trimester is the time in between fertilization of the egg by the sperm (conception) and week 12 of a pregnancy. A woman’s body goes through many changes during the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy.
Why is the first trimester a critical period of development?
Harmful exposures during the first trimester have the greatest risk of causing major birth defects. This is because many important developmental changes take place during this time. The major structures of the body form in the first trimester.
Is the first trimester of pregnancy the hardest?
PrintCancel The first trimester of pregnancy can often be the hardest. Pregnancy hormones, extreme fatigue, nausea and vomiting, tender breasts, and perpetually needing to wee make life growing a human no easy feat.