Month one of pregnancy diary
Amazing changes are already taking place as you embark upon the journey of pregnancy. Early on, soon after conception, a fertilised egg cell has travelled down a fallopian tube eventually to embed into the lining of your womb, or uterus. During the first month that cell has been dividing at a phenomenal pace and becomes known as an embryo. This is the very beginning of your baby, its placenta, and umbilical cord.
Month two of pregnancy diary
Chances are no one else can tell that you are pregnant and you may look no different, but the 'hidden' developments going on are most significant. Roundabout this time your baby's tiny heart will be dividing into different chambers, and will start to beat and pump blood around its body. By the end of this month, the beginnings of all the major structures are present - your baby's head will have rapidly grown, hugely when compared with the rest of its body, to accommodate its developing brain. Its kidneys and liver are present, the digits (fingers) of its hands have separated and lengthened. Yet it measures approximately 30 millimetres. Up until the second month (eighth week) you may hear your baby being referred to as an embryo.
Month three of pregnancy diary
As well as feeling pregnant, during this month you may also begin to look different, the extent of this will depend upon your body shape to begin with and how many children you have had already. You may notice your waist gradually increasing, and even though you have not got a 'bump', because the hormone progesterone leads to certain muscles being softened, the slowing down of digestion can make you feel bloated, or give you indigestion or heartburn.
Month four of pregnancy diary
If you have been feeling sick for the last few weeks, hopefully this will be beginning to subside; in fact, during this month you may well have more energy than before and begin to feel fit and healthy. You might start to develop cravings for all sorts of different foods, some that you don't normally eat.
Month five of pregnancy diary
For many women, things may be settling down to something more like normality, particularly if the earlier nausea and vomiting has passed. Your uterus will be growing unmistakeably now, the extent of which will depend on your pre-pregnancy size, how many other babies you have had and how many you are carrying now.
Month six of pregnancy diary
Many niggling discomforts from the earlier months will have resolved, only to be replaced by new ones.
The months of the second trimester (the middle period from the forth to the sixth month) may be the best to plan a holiday: you are not too large to be uncomfortable and if you want to travel by air, some companies will have restrictions about carrying women in the later months of pregnancy.
Month seven of pregnancy diary
You will probably be aware of increased weight gain now, unless you fancy what your partner wears you may have to invest in some maternity clothes for the first time. You will continue to expand as your pregnancy progresses and this will exacerbate those aches and pains you have been feeling.
Month eight of pregnancy diary
Your baby will be busier than ever. She still has room to move about in. You will know her pattern of movement, when she usually sleeps and when she is usually busy wriggling around.
Month nine (plus!) of pregnancy diary
If you have planned a home birth, or want a water birth, it will be fine to do so once you have reached 37 weeks; at this point your baby is considered to be a 'term'. If you are expecting twins or more, be ready! They will probably be born soon.
Reassure yourself that only about 4 in 100 babies arrive on their due date. Most are born within 14 days afterwards.
