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! Although your baby was
just conceived, he or she 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 will provide the
developing embryo with nutrients and will remove wastes. Over time,
this implantation site will develop into the
placenta
.
Your Body
Adequate intake of certain nutrients, such as folic acid,
protein, calcium, and iron, is essential for nourishing your baby.
A folic acid supplement - which, ideally, you've been taking
since before you conceived - 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. In addition, calcium is necessary
for the development of bones and teeth, so make sure you're
getting a good dose of dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and
legumes. Iron is essential during pregnancy as you support the
continual increase of your baby's blood volume. Good sources of
iron include red meat, legumes, eggs, and leafy green
vegetables.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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