Your Baby's Development
Even though you may not feel that you're pregnant yet, you have a baby growing
and developing inside of you!
Your baby was just conceived, but already is working overtime. The fertilized egg
goes through a process of cell division. About 30 hours after fertilization, it divides
into two cells, then four cells, then eight, and continues to divide as it moves from
the fallopian tube to the uterus. By the time it gets to the uterus, this group of
cells looks like a tiny ball and is called a morula.
The morula becomes hollow and fills with fluid — it is
then known as a blastocyst. Near the end of this week, the blastocyst will attach
itself to the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. This is called implantation.
The implantation in the uterus creates an essential connection — the endometrium
provides the developing embryo with nutrients and removes wastes. Over time, this
implantation site will develop into the placenta.

Your Body
Getting enough of certain nutrients, such as folic
acid, protein, calcium, and iron, is essential for your baby's development. A
folic acid supplement is particularly important because folic acid helps prevent defects
of the neural tube (the structure that gives rise to the brain and spinal cord), which
forms very early in pregnancy.
Your intake of protein, which is used to create new tissue, should increase during
pregnancy. Calcium aids the development of bones and teeth, so make sure you're getting
a good dose of dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and legumes (beans, peas, lentils,
etc.). Iron is essential during pregnancy as you support your baby's increasing blood
volume. Good sources of iron include red meat, legumes, eggs, and leafy green vegetables.
PREGNANCY CALENDAR: A week-by-week
guide
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3