• heartbeat begins
• arm and leg buds appear
• primitive digestive system develops
• embryo is 5 mm (1/5th of an inch) long

Your baby's brain, skull and spine form during the first few weeks of pregnancy, before you even know you are expecting! In order for them to form properly, you must have enough folic acid. Folic Acid is essential to the normal development of your baby's spine, brain and skull, especially during the first four weeks of pregnancy. Schedule a check-up in your first trimester to have your teeth cleaned and your oral health assessed.

Throughout your pregnancy remember the following...

Nutrition
Grain products are important. You need to include grain products as part of your daily diet.
Check out Canada's Food Guide to see how many servings of each food group you need each day.

Folic Acid
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which multivitamin is right for you.

Alcohol and Pregnancy
If you drink alcohol while you are pregnant you are at risk of giving birth to a baby with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Physical Activity
You should refrain from being active outdoors on overly hot or humid days.
The type of activity you choose is up to you, as long as you feel comfortable doing it and your doctor says it's okay.

Smoking and Pregnancy
A smoke-free environment is best for both of you and your developing baby.

Oral Health
Eating well is important for your oral health. It can also help build strong teeth and bones in your developing baby.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush using fluoride toothpastes. Don't forget to floss!

Emotional Health
Stay away from stress. If certain people or situations cause you stress, avoid them as much as possible.
If you are worried, upset, sad or anxious, talking about it can help.

 

• brain, liver, kidneys, bloodstream, and digestive system are developing
• limbs develop
• embryo has become a fetus: it is about 2.9 cm (1 and 1/8th inches) long and weighs 0.9 g (1/30th of an ounce)

Your baby's brain, skull and spine form during the first few weeks of pregnancy, before you even know you are expecting! In order for them to form properly, you must have enough folic acid. Folic Acid is essential to the normal development of your baby's spine, brain and skull, especially during the first four weeks of pregnancy. Schedule a check-up in your first trimester to have your teeth cleaned and your oral health assessed.

Throughout your pregnancy remember the following...

Nutrition
Have milk and milk alternatives for strong bones. Milk and alternatives are important for your growing baby.
You need to eat food from a variety of sources to make sure you get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrient you and your developing baby need.

Folic Acid
Take a folic acid supplement daily

Alcohol and Pregnancy
There is no safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Physical Activity
Build physical activity into your daily routine.
Regular physical activity during pregnancy is great!

Smoking and Pregnancy
Avoid second hand smoke. Make your home and car smoke-free spaces.

Oral Health
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush using fluoride toothpastes. Don't forget to floss!
Regular dental check ups and cleanings by your dental professional are the best ways to detect and prevent periodontal disease.

Emotional Health
If you are worried, upset, sad or anxious, talking about it can help.
One in ten women suffers from bouts of depression during pregnancy.

 

• facial features are present, the nose and outer ears are formed
• movement such as head turning or sucking begins
• all internal organs are developing
• fetus is about 7.5 cm (3 inches) long and weighs 30 g (1 ounce)

Your baby's brain, skull and spine form during the first few weeks of pregnancy, before you even know you are expecting! In order for them to form properly, you must have enough folic acid. Folic Acid is essential to the normal development of your baby's spine, brain and skull, especially during the first four weeks of pregnancy. Schedule a check-up in your first trimester to have your teeth cleaned and your oral health assessed.

Throughout your pregnancy remember the following...

Nutrition
Aim for three meals a day with healthy snacks in between.
You need to eat food from a variety of sources to make sure you get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrient you and your developing baby need.

Folic Acid
Take a folic acid supplement daily

Alcohol and Pregnancy
There is no safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Physical Activity
You should refrain from being active outdoors on overly hot or humid days.
Build physical activity into your daily routine.

Smoking and Pregnancy
Avoid second hand smoke. Make your home and car smoke-free spaces.

Oral Health
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush using fluoride toothpastes. Don't forget to floss!
Morning sickness can cause tooth decay.

Emotional Health
If you are tired don't skip sleep. Put your feet up, take a nap or just slow down. You'll feel better physically and mentally.
One in ten women suffers from bouts of depression during pregnancy.

 

• strong heart beat begins
• lanugo or fine body hair develops
• fetus is about 15 cm (6 inches) long and weighs 110 g (4 ounces)

Know what you need. During your second and third trimesters of pregnancy, you need more calories each day to support the growth of your baby. For most women, this means an extra two or three Food Guide servings daily.

Throughout your pregnancy remember the following...

Nutrition
Check out Canada's Food Guide to see how many servings of each food group you need each day.
Fruits and vegetables are a must! Pregnant women need fruits and vegetables every day.

Folic Acid
Take a folic acid supplement daily

Alcohol and Pregnancy
If you drink alcohol while you are pregnant you are at risk of giving birth to a baby with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Physical Activity
Regular physical activity during pregnancy is great!
Drink lots of water before, during and after physical activity to avoid overheating and dehydration.

Smoking and Pregnancy
Avoid second hand smoke. Make your home and car smoke-free spaces.

Oral Health
Taking care of your teeth and gums is very important when you are pregnant.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush using fluoride toothpastes. Don't forget to floss!

Emotional Health
Staying active and eating well can help keep your moods in check.
Accept offers of help from friends.

 

• finger and toe nails formed
• responds to noise
• hair and eyebrows are growing
• movements become increasingly vigorous
• fetus is about 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches long), half its length at birth and weighs 220 to 450 g (8 ounces to 1 pound)

Know what you need. During your second and third trimesters of pregnancy, you need more calories each day to support the growth of your baby. For most women, this means an extra two or three Food Guide servings daily.

Throughout your pregnancy remember the following...

Nutrition
Check out Canada's Food Guide to see how many servings of each food group you need each day.
Have milk and milk alternatives for strong bones. Milk and alternatives are important for your growing baby.

Folic Acid
Take a folic acid supplement daily

Alcohol and Pregnancy
If you drink alcohol while you are pregnant you are at risk of giving birth to a baby with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Physical Activity
Regular physical activity during pregnancy is great!
Build physical activity into your daily routine.

Smoking and Pregnancy
A smoke-free environment is best for both of you and your developing baby.

Oral Health
Regular dental check ups and cleanings by your dental professional are the best ways to detect and prevent periodontal disease.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is very important when you are pregnant.

Emotional Health
Stay away from stress. If certain people or situations cause you stress, avoid them as much as possible.
If you are worried, upset, sad or anxious, talking about it can help.

 

• eyes are open
• a creamy substance called vernix covers the skin
• skin is wrinkled and the fetus appears very thin
• fetus is about 28 to 36 cm (11-14 inches) long and weighs 0.7 kg (1 1/2 pounds)

Know what you need. During your second and third trimesters of pregnancy, you need more calories each day to support the growth of your baby. For most women, this means an extra two or three Food Guide servings daily.

Throughout your pregnancy remember the following...

Nutrition
You need to eat food from a variety of sources to make sure you get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrient you and your developing baby need.
Aim for three meals a day with healthy snacks in between.

Folic Acid
Take a folic acid supplement daily

Alcohol and Pregnancy
There is no safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Physical Activity
Regular physical activity during pregnancy is great!
Build physical activity into your daily routine.

Smoking and Pregnancy
A smoke-free environment is best for both of you and your developing baby.

Oral Health
Morning sickness can cause tooth decay.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush using fluoride toothpastes. Don't forget to floss!

Emotional Health
Accept offers of help from friends.
Staying active and eating well can help keep your moods in check.

 

• fetus weighs about 1.1 kg (2.5 pounds) and is approximately 37 cm (15 inches) in length

Know what you need. During your second and third trimesters of pregnancy, you need more calories each day to support the growth of your baby. For most women, this means an extra two or three Food Guide servings daily.

Throughout your pregnancy remember the following...

Nutrition
Include meat and meat alternatives. Eating meat and alternatives each day will help you and your baby stay healthy.
Check out Canada's Food Guide to see how many servings of each food group you need each day.

Folic Acid
All women who could become pregnant should take a multivitamin containing 0.4 mg of folic acid every day.

Alcohol and Pregnancy
There is no safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Physical Activity
You should refrain from being active outdoors on overly hot or humid days.
The type of activity you choose is up to you, as long as you feel comfortable doing it and your doctor says it's okay.

Smoking and Pregnancy
A smoke-free environment is best for both of you and your developing baby.

Oral Health
Eating well is important for your oral health. It can also help build strong teeth and bones in your developing baby.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is very important when you are pregnant.

Emotional Health
Stay away from stress. If certain people or situations cause you stress, avoid them as much as possible.
Accept offers of help from friends.

 

• Fetus weighs about 2.2 kg (5 pounds) and is 40 to 45 cm (16 to 18 inches) long

Know what you need. During your second and third trimesters of pregnancy, you need more calories each day to support the growth of your baby. For most women, this means an extra two or three Food Guide servings daily.

Throughout your pregnancy remember the following...

Nutrition
Check out Canada's Food Guide to see how many servings of each food group you need each day.
Grain products are important. You need to include grain products as part of your daily diet.

Folic Acid
All women who could become pregnant should take a multivitamin containing 0.4 mg of folic acid every day.

Alcohol and Pregnancy
If you drink alcohol while you are pregnant you are at risk of giving birth to a baby with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Physical Activity
Don't over do it! You should be able to carry on a normal conversation during physical activities. If you're feeling more tired than normal, take it easy and rest for the day.
The type of activity you choose is up to you, as long as you feel comfortable doing it and your doctor says it's okay.

Smoking and Pregnancy
If you are currently smoking the best step you can take is to quit! Your baby will get more oxygen and nutrients, which will help the baby's birth weight and health.

Oral Health
Regular dental check ups and cleanings by your dental professional are the best ways to detect and prevent periodontal disease.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is very important when you are pregnant.

Emotional Health
Staying active and eating well can help keep your moods in check.
Share your thoughts and feelings with others.

 

• fetus weighs 3.2 to 3.6 kg (7 or 8 pounds) and may be more than 50 cm (20 inches) long
• skin wrinkles become less pronounced
• eyes open and close
• fetus responds to light

Know what you need. During your second and third trimesters of pregnancy, you need more calories each day to support the growth of your baby. For most women, this means an extra two or three Food Guide servings daily.

Throughout your pregnancy remember the following...

Nutrition
Include meat and meat alternatives. Eating meat and alternatives each day will help you and your baby stay healthy.
Check out Canada's Food Guide to see how many servings of each food group you need each day.

Folic Acid
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which multivitamin is right for you.

Alcohol and Pregnancy
There is no safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Physical Activity
The type of activity you choose is up to you, as long as you feel comfortable doing it and your doctor says it's okay.
Drink lots of water before, during and after physical activity to avoid overheating and dehydration.

Smoking and Pregnancy
Avoid second hand smoke. Make your home and car smoke-free spaces.

Oral Health
Eating well is important for your oral health. It can also help build strong teeth and bones in your developing baby.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush using fluoride toothpastes. Don't forget to floss!

Emotional Health
Accept offers of help from friends.
Stay away from stress. If certain people or situations cause you stress, avoid them as much as possible.

 

• Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in your life, and, at the same time, one of the most daunting. There are many changes to adjust to and many unknowns to face. With this in mind, it is important to remember that the most precious gift you can give your child is a healthy start in life. New parents can visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's Healthy Pregnancy Web site for more information on specific topics in order to reduce the risk of injury and illness and to promote the healthy development of their infants. www.healthycanadians.ca/pregnancy
  
  
• 1 800 O-Canada

Know what you need. During your second and third trimesters of pregnancy, you need more calories each day to support the growth of your baby. For most women, this means an extra two or three Food Guide servings daily.

Throughout your pregnancy remember the following...

Nutrition
Have milk and milk alternatives for strong bones. Milk and alternatives are important for your growing baby.
Check out Canada's Food Guide to see how many servings of each food group you need each day.

Folic Acid
All women who could become pregnant should take a multivitamin containing 0.4 mg of folic acid every day.

Alcohol and Pregnancy
If you drink alcohol while you are pregnant you are at risk of giving birth to a baby with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Physical Activity
Drink lots of water before, during and after physical activity to avoid overheating and dehydration.
Don't over do it! You should be able to carry on a normal conversation during physical activities. If you're feeling more tired than normal, take it easy and rest for the day.

Smoking and Pregnancy
A smoke-free environment is best for both of you and your developing baby.

Oral Health
Taking care of your teeth and gums is very important when you are pregnant.
Regular dental check ups and cleanings by your dental professional are the best ways to detect and prevent periodontal disease.

Emotional Health
Stay away from stress. If certain people or situations cause you stress, avoid them as much as possible.
Share your thoughts and feelings with others.