The yolk sac will be the earliest source of nutrients for the developing fetus. Within this time period, a yolk sac can be seen inside the gestational sac. This is seen before a recognizable embryo can be seen. Gestational Age Week 5 (Fetal Age: Week 3)Īround 5 weeks, the gestational sac is often the first thing that most transvaginal ultrasounds can detect. Progesterone inhibits immune responses, decreases prostaglandins, and prevents the onset of uterine contractions. Sometimes, the failure of the corpus luteum to adequately support the pregnancy with progesterone can result in an early pregnancy loss. Progesterone is the hormone that helps maintain the pregnancy until birth. When the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum will continue to produce progesterone for the developing pregnancy until the placenta takes over around week 10. The corpus luteum will produce progesterone for about 12-16 days (the luteal phase of your cycle.) It will release progesterone that helps thicken and prepare the uterine lining for implantation. The follicle from which the egg was released is called the corpus luteum.
After implantation occurs, the hormone will begin to rise and should increase every 48-72 hours for the next several weeks. hCG can be detected through two different types of blood tests, or through a urine test.Ī quantitative blood test measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood, and a qualitative hCG blood test simply detects the presence of hCG.ĭoctors will often use the quantitative test if they are closely monitoring the development of a pregnancy. This hormone will signal that you are pregnant on a pregnancy test. Once implantation occurs, the pregnancy hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) will develop and begin to rise. This cannot always be detected by ultrasound-sometimes it may take a special eye or very good equipment to see this “reaction” in the endometrium lining.Ī key fact to remember when choosing an ultrasound is that a transvaginal ultrasound can detect development in the uterus about a week earlier than a transabdominal ultrasound. The endometrium lining thickens as the blastocyst burrows into it. The earliest change that can be seen through a vaginal ultrasound at this time will be the “decidual reaction,” which is the thickening of the endometrium. Gestational Age Weeks 3-4 (Fetal Age: 2 weeks) Anywhere from day 6 – 12 after conception, the blastocyst will embed into the uterine lining and begin the embryonic stage. The morula becomes a blastocyst and will eventually end up in the uterus. The fertilized egg, called a morula, spends a couple of days traveling through the fallopian tube toward the uterus and dividing into cells (this dividing process is where many chromosomal abnormalities occur). When conception takes place, the sperm will penetrate an egg and create a single set of 46 chromosomes called a zygote – the basis for a new human being. Sperm will travel through the cervix and into the fallopian tubes. During intercourse, several hundred million sperms are released into the vagina. For most women, ovulation takes place about 11 – 21 days from the first day of the last menstrual period. Gestational Age Week 1 & 2 (Fetal Age: Conception)Īt this stage, the menstrual period has just ended and your body is getting ready for ovulation. Most references to pregnancy are usually in gestational age rather than fetal age development, but we have included both so that it is clear what stage development is being discussed. Gestational age is the age of the pregnancy from the last normal menstrual period (LMP), and fetal age is the actual age of the growing baby. Ultrasounds can be used to visually see what development is taking place in the uterus and measure progress.īecause every women is different and every pregnancy develops differently, this information should be used as a general guide for healthy pregnancy development, although early fetal development may vary due to the mother’s health or a miscalculation of ovulation. A blood test can be used to monitor hCG levels and progesterone levels. If a possible complication in early fetal development is suspected, your health care provider will use a combination of blood tests and ultrasound tests to make a clear diagnosis. It is important to be informed in order to address any concerns regarding early fetal development. This early part of development lays the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. From the moment the egg and sperm meet, your baby is growing.
The development of a baby is a beautifully intricate process.
0 kommentar(er)
