During the 1st month of pregnancy the baby is half an inch long. The head, mouth, liver, and intestines begin to take shape. There are 4 different menstrual phases.

Menstrual phase: regular natural change that makes pregnancy possible. This is required for preparation of uterus for pregnancy.

Post menstrual phase: Follows and extends from the end of menstruation to approximately 2-3 days prior to the midcycle.

Ovulation phase: An increase in the luteinizing hormone level causes mature follicle to burst and release the egg. Usually around day 14.

Premenstrual phase: Normally lasts 13-15 days. From ovulation until menstrual bleeding starts a new cycle.

During the 2nd month of pregnancy the baby is an inch long and vital organs are formed.

Fertilization/conception: Fertilization is the process of fertilizing an egg. It occurs in the fallopian tubes. The result is the production of a zygote cell or fertilized egg. At conception, hereditary traits can be determined.

During the 3rd month, the baby is 2 and a half inches long and is fully formed. All muscles and organs are formed and functioning.

The end of the 1st trimester is around 3 months. Some highlights that occur during the 1st trimester: the heartbeat can be heard, bones, muscles, and organs have formed, and the baby grows the fastest in this trimester.

During the 4th month, the baby is 6-7 inches long and the heartbeat can be heard.

There are tests mothers can take around 18 weeks to check for birth defects. A birth defect is a physically or biochemical abnormality that is present at birth and that may be inherited or the result of environmental influence. Some birth defects include congenital heart disease, down syndrome, cleft lip, clubfoot, Edward's syndrome, and many more.

During the 5th month, the baby is 8 inches long and weighs one pound.

There are many things you can and can't do while being pregnant. Some things you shouldn't do are drink, smoke, do drugs, drink a lot of caffeine, eat raw meat and fish, and dye your hair. Some things you can do is exercise at your own risk, take prenatal vitamins, have small amounts of herbal tea, and get manicures and pedicures.

During the 6th month, the baby can hear the outside world.

The end of the 2nd trimester is around 6 months. Some highlights during the 2nd trimester: the baby can start to hear and swallow, the baby will start to move around, and will develop sleeping and waking cycles that the mother will begin to notice.

During the 7th month, the baby weighs 3 and a half pounds and is 15 inches long.

There are different options for delivering a baby.

Home birth is a birth done at home sometimes in a kiddie pool in the house. This is usually done either for religious or for the experience.

Vaginal delivery is when a mother delivers a baby in the normal manner.

Cesarian section is the use of surgery to deliver one or more babies. Often necessary when a vaginal delivery would put the mother or baby at risk.

During the 8th month, the baby gains half a pound per week and weighs 4-6 pounds.

The end of the 3rd trimester ends when the baby is delivered. Some highlights of the 3rd trimester are: the baby will open their eyes, they gain a lot of weight and prepare for delivery, they will kick and stretch, their hair grows, the baby also practices breathing and detects light.