You are now
- Week 1
- Week 2
- Week 3
- Week 4
- Week 5
- Week 6
- Week 7
- Week 8
- Week 9
- Week 10
- Week 11
- Week 12
- Week 13
- Week 14
- Week 15
- Week 16
- Week 17
- Week 18
- Week 19
- Week 20
- Week 21
- Week 22
- Week 23
- Week 24
- Week 25
- Week 26
- Week 27
- Week 28
- Week 29
- Week 30
- Week 31
- Week 32
- Week 33
- Week 34
- Week 35
- Week 36
- Week 37
- Week 38
- Week 39
- Week 40
Days 36 to 42
- Your baby
The fluid-filled space that was inside the blastocyst is now developing into the amniotic sac - the bag of waters that will protect your baby for the rest of your pregnancy - and break at the end! The embryo has a blood circulatory system that links with yours through the chorionic villi (the little fingers belonging to the cells embedded in the lining of your womb). Your baby's spine is starting to form, with the very beginnings of the central nervous system. Blood vessels are also forming into what will become the umbilical cord - the vital link between you and your baby.
Darling buds
Tiny little buds on the embryo are the first signs of your baby's arms and legs. Your baby's facial features are forming while depressions in the outline of the embryo show the early development of your baby's chest and body. Your baby's digestive system is starting to form too, beginning with the first cells of the stomach and the intestine. At this point your baby is no bigger than a baked bean - a bouncing baby bean!
See how your baby grows in our week by week image gallery.
You'll probably be feeling more tired and maybe a tad irritable (warn your partner!). Your breasts may also be larger and more tender. The hormones flooding your body to help your baby grow may mean that you feel sick in the morning, though many women have 'morning sickness' during the day. You may also wee more often as your womb swells and puts pressure on your bladder. Avoid certain foods like raw or undercooked meat, soft cheeses or raw or runny eggs as these may contain bugs that could harm your baby. The little nasties! If you work and your job involves a risk to your pregnancy, your employer should carry out an assessment and if necessary transfer you (with no loss of pay) to a safer job. Find out more about your pregnancy rights.
Pregnancy health: got a pet cat? Avoid emptying kitty litter during pregnancy as cats' faeces may contain Toxoplasma - an organism which causes toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can harm your unborn baby. If you feel you may have been at risk, discuss it with your midwife If you catch toxoplasmosis while pregnant, treatment is available. And don't worry, most women have had it before pregnancy and will be immune - just take care.
Disclaimer
All content within BBC Health is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the BBC Health website. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
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