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Congenital unconditioned reflexes of newborns. The main conditioned and unconditioned congenital reflexes in children - an independent check. What you should pay attention to

This calendar is compiled on the basis of the actual gestational age, that is, from conception. The obstetric term, which is set by gynecologists, is 2 weeks ahead of the real one. Consider this.

In the first week of pregnancy, the ovum and sperm merge, a zygote is formed, from which the chorion (placenta) and the embryo (unborn child) will subsequently form. At conception, the sex of the baby is determined.

The second week of a baby's life is marked by the fact that the zygote finds a place in the woman's body, where it will develop. It is implanted into the wall of the uterus or other organ (then an ectopic pregnancy occurs). Chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is determined in the urine and blood of a woman.

In the third week, pregnancy tests "strip", the woman begins to delay menstruation and toxicosis. On ultrasound, most likely, the ovum will not yet be seen, it is too small. But signs of pregnancy are already emerging. And a very tiny embryo begins its development. He has a clearly defined body and head.

At the 4th week, the length of the embryo is 2-4 mm, and the length of the ovum is about 1 cm or slightly more. On good equipment for ultrasound studies, they are clearly visible. If everything is normal, the fertilized egg has an even shape. If there is a detachment of the ovum, the doctor puts the threat of spontaneous miscarriage. Most often, pregnancies are terminated at this time due to severe chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus.

In the fifth week, the heart begins to work in the fetus, and it is his beats that are the main evidence that pregnancy is developing. It's time to get registered with a gynecologist and be sure to read the calendar by weeks of pregnancy.


At 6 weeks, the embryo weighs about 5 grams and has a length of about 20 mm. It grows by a millimeter per day. Almost all of its organs are formed. There are even convolutions in the brain. And the facial features become more and more distinct.

At 7 weeks, doctors stop calling the little man an embryo. Now he is a fruit. And it will remain for them until the very birth. The baby is very mobile in the uterus, moves with might and main, surrounded by amniotic fluid, but mommy does not yet feel his movements. The fruit is already very small.

At 8 weeks old, the size of a baby can be compared to a prune. While a crumb, but the body is already formed. There are even tiny nails on the hands. In the future, all organs and systems will only be improved.
Nine weeks is the minimum period during which the doctor can see the so-called genital tubercle in the fetus and suggest its gender. The accuracy of this "prediction" depends on the experience of the physician and the quality of the equipment used.

The next week marks the first screening - an ultrasound scan plus a blood test. The baby has grown so much that the doctor can diagnose possible chromosomal abnormalities with high accuracy.

Week 11 is the last week when screening will be informative. Don't forget to go through! The kid is growing at a fast pace. Blood began to form on his head, and colorless vellus hairs appeared on his head.

With a 2D ultrasound at twelve weeks, the baby now looks more like a small humanoid, but with a 3D one, facial features are visible. True, there is still not enough fatty tissue, and the baby's face looks very thin. The first congenital reflexes and facial expressions appear.

All 9 months of pregnancy in 4 minutes.

The next week, some moms begin to feel the first movements of the babies. Mostly these are women who are not carrying their first baby. The growth of children reaches 10 centimeters, and the weight is 50 grams.

At 14 weeks on ultrasound, the sex of the child is clearly visible. There should be no mistakes. However, sometimes it cannot be determined if the baby is in an uncomfortable position. Babies at this gestational age begin to breathe and squint if a source of bright light is directed at their mother's belly.

By the fifteenth week, Mom begins to develop a pregnant tummy. You have to buy clothes for expectant mothers or suitable for a rounded tummy.
The placenta is fully formed by this time, protects the fetus from infections and serves as a transmitter of nutrition and oxygen from the mother's body.

16 weeks is a special period in the development of a child, since the thymus gland is forming in him - this is a temporary organ that gradually, over the course of 30 years of life, disappears in all people. In addition, the brain is actively developing, and the bones begin to accumulate calcium.

At seventeen weeks, some moms will notice that their shoes are too small or tight for them. This is due to the swelling of the legs. Temporary phenomenon.
The fetus develops the rudiments of molars. He already has tactile sensations, touch. Therefore, he likes to feel his body.

18 weeks is the ideal time for a second ultrasound screening. The baby is already large and most of the markers of chromosomal abnormalities are visible. Almost all women already feel fetal movements and it is at this time, at an ultrasound scan, that they find out who they are waiting for - a boy or a girl. The approximate growth of the fetus is 20 cm, and its weight is close to 400 grams.

The baby is becoming more and more like an ordinary newborn, albeit very small and thin. At nineteen weeks, he already swallows amniotic fluid and pees in them. Spinning in the uterus with might and main. It can change the head position to a transverse or pelvic position every day. At this time, doctors do not pay attention to the presentation of the fetus.

Twenty weeks of gestation marks an improvement in the baby's hearing. He quite clearly, as far as possible, hears the beat of the mother's heart and her voice. You can understand how a child hears if you completely lower your head into the water and ask someone to say something. This is how he hears through the amniotic fluid. And also, this is the period when the fetus reaches a weight of 500 grams, and if it is born now, doctors will be obliged to fight for its life.

By the 21st week of pregnancy, the fetal heartbeat is easily audible using a special wooden tube - an obstetric stethoscope. The kid continues to grow. Fat is deposited around his organs. This is necessary for their normal functioning after birth.

At 22 weeks, the weight of the fetus is about 700 grams, and the height is 22 cm. The intrauterine regime of the day is formed. Usually the baby sleeps during this period during the day, involuntarily rocked by his mother, and is awake at night.

By the age of twenty-three weeks, your baby's hearing has improved so much that he can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar voices. Vocal cords are formed, and subcutaneous fat is deposited. If you now do a three-dimensional ultrasound, you can clearly see the child's face and understand which parent he looks more like.


At 24 weeks, the child can distinguish between light and darkness, reacts to flashes of light. But the eyes are still devoid of pigment. It will appear in about a month. But the final color of the eye will form only 4-6 months after birth.

At 25 weeks, the weight of the fetus approaches one kilogram, and the height is about 40 cm.In the future, the baby will not grow so actively in length, at birth, full-term babies have an average height of 50-55 cm, but they will gain at least another 1.5- 2 kg.

At the 26th week of pregnancy, fetal hair acquires an individual shade, they are no longer snow-white. The lungs are actively developing, but if the baby is born now without medication (injections of dexamethasone to his mother), then he will be able to breathe only on a ventilator.

At twenty-seven weeks, the fetus occupies the entire uterine cavity, therefore it is less likely to turn upside down and back. However, it is too early to worry about his presentation. By the way, the doctor can easily determine the position of the fetus at this time by palpating the belly of the pregnant woman on the couch.

If you do an ultrasound at the twenty-eighth gestational week, then mom can see her baby sucking a finger! This habit will remain with him after birth. The sucking reflex is very important for the first months of a baby's life. And the fetus also learned to cry, and sometimes real tears flow from its eyes!

At 29 weeks, the weight of the fetus is about 1.5 kg, and the height is about 45 cm. There is no particular development of organs anymore. In fact, only the lungs develop. They form a surfactant - a substance that will prevent them from sticking together after birth.

Thirty weeks is the ideal time to complete the mandatory third ultrasound. The doctor looks at how and how exactly the child is developed, whether the uterine-fetal blood flow is in order, whether there is enough amniotic fluid. And also, puts the approximate weight of the fetus. Depending on these data, it can be assumed whether there is a tendency to give birth to a large child.

At 31 weeks, the fetus is so developed that it is able to see and hear well. True, in utero his eyes are almost always closed, since keeping them open in water is not very comfortable. In boys, the testicles descended into the scrotum. And the appearance of the genitals in girls became common - the large labia closed the small ones.

The next week, the fetus has a leap in the development of the immune system. She actively produces antibodies. The adrenal glands, which form the steroid hormone, also function.

At 33 weeks, the baby weighs about 2400 grams, almost as full-term. And, most likely, she will be able to breathe on her own if she is born at this time. Nevertheless, while he is immature, and mommy should try to "hold out" for at least 3 more weeks.

The next week is the beginning of the last month of pregnancy, the eighth. The weight of the fetus is about 2700 grams, and some babies have already gained 3 kilograms. The bones on the baby's head are mobile to make it easier for him to be born. Almost all the children lay down with their heads down. But even if the baby at this time is in breech presentation, there is still hope for his overturn, if there is not too little amniotic fluid.

Thirty-eight weeks from conception or forty obstetric weeks - the first day of this week - is the estimated due date as set by the doctor based on the first day of the last menstrual period. The weight of the fetus is already over 3 kg or even over 4 kg.

For some women, labor begins at 39 weeks. More often these are those who ovulated a little later than the standard 12-14 days of the cycle. In this case, babies are born of a completely normal weight. If the fetus feels good according to ultrasound, is actively moving, the woman's cervix is ​​not "oak", she is placed in a hospital and awaits the independent start of labor.

40 weeks of pregnancy from conception or 42 obstetric, the last that doctors can give while waiting for the onset of labor. But more often this week, they are stimulated.


Pregnancy brings the expectant mother not only the joy of expectation, but also quite understandable excitement. Especially if this is the first pregnancy. A young woman wants to know how the baby is developing, what changes will take place over the long nine months, and when the baby will be born.

Determining the exact date of birth, as well as the duration of pregnancy, is actually not easy. Few can name the exact date of conception, especially since there is no particular need for this. In gynecology, the first day of the last menstrual period is taken as the "starting point".

Our online calculator will help you, without the participation of a doctor, determine the duration of pregnancy by menstruation:

    Enter the date in the calculator string

You will know the result instantly. The calculation of the gestational age by weeks on the website in the overwhelming majority of cases coincides with the data of a medical examination and diagnostic studies, including ultrasound data.

Why you need to know how many weeks of pregnancy you are currently:

    for timely access to a gynecologist and subsequent registration with a antenatal clinic;

    for the correct management of pregnancy and understanding how the child develops at a certain time;

    to calculate the date of going on maternity leave;

    to determine and / or clarify the expected date of delivery.

The online pregnancy weekly calculator will redirect you to a page detailing the stage of your baby's development that you are currently going through. You will receive recommendations on how to eat during your period, what foods should be limited, and what it is better to refuse altogether.

For each week, there are health practitioners' advice on vitamin and nutritional supplementation. You will find out which vitamins and minerals, and in what dosage, are now needed for the development of the child and your health. Naturally, before you start taking vitamin complexes, you need to consult your doctor.

To calculate pregnancy by the last menstrual period in an online calculator, it is not necessary to remember the beginning of menstruation with an accuracy of the day, an error of 1-2 days is quite acceptable. The obstetric week will be defined correctly anyway.

The pregnancy calculator by the date of the last menstruation will help you determine the due date and start preparing for the birth of your baby, planning and adjusting your life for the future family member.

Enter the first day of your last period:


Select pregnancy week:

Fetal development:

Conception and the first days of pregnancy

Fetal development:

During conception, the embryo attaches to the inner wall of the uterus and begins to develop there, gradually increasing in size. Since it is quite difficult to determine the time of conception in obstetrics and gynecology, it is customary to calculate that the age of the embryo and fetus is from the first day of the last menstrual period. The gestational age calculated in this way is commonly referred to as the "gestational period."

During the first 10 days of the menstrual cycle, what is called "ovulation" occurs. At this time, the ovum descends from the ovaries through the fallopian tube, where it meets the sperm cell (a male cell contained in sperm) and fertilization occurs, or as it is called, conception.

Conception occurs when a sperm is fused with an egg and thus a fertilized egg is formed, or as it is called, a zygote. In this case, the fusion of the genetic material (chromosomes) of the mother's cell (egg) and the father's (sperm): the genetic material of the fetus is formed, which is equally represented by the chromosomes of the mother and father. Subsequently, the zygote divides into two cells, then into four, eight, sixteen, etc.

Fetal development:

Second and third weeks of pregnancy

Fetal development:

In order to fertilize, the egg moves along the fallopian tubes far enough to meet the sperm and fertilize. The semen released during intercourse contains about 20 million sperm. For fertilization to take place, the egg must be surrounded by 10,000 sperm. However, only one of them meets with the egg and, merging with it, causes fertilization. When fertilization occurs, the outer shell of the egg (membrane) becomes impermeable to other sperm.

The sperm, inserted inside the egg, causes serious changes, which are primarily aimed at the fusion of genetic material, resulting in the formation of a complete set of 46 chromosomes, represented by both maternal and paternal chromosomes. The genetic material obtained in this way provides the basic personal characteristics of the future individual, such as the color of the eyes, skin, hair, psychological characteristics, etc.

The process of fusion of the egg with the sperm ends with the formation of an egg - a zygote, which is prone to subsequent division with the formation of a multicellular organism.

All this happens already in the uterine cavity.

Fourth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

The zygote divides into two cells during the first 30 hours after fertilization, then into four cells - within 40 hours and 12-16 hours within 3 days. As it divides, the zygote moves down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. This is due to the contractions of the fallopian tube muscles.

About 72 hours after fertilization, the future fetus, now called a blastocyst, enters the uterus. This is where the future organs of the fetus begin to form. At the same time, special hormones cause changes in the surface of the uterus, making it softer and more permeable.

This allows the blastocyst to invade the wall of the uterus and attach to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the unborn fetus. In order to facilitate this process, a special formation, called a chorion, is formed in the uterus, the purpose of which is to provide the future fetus with the necessary nutrients for the next 9 months until birth.

Fifth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

Having tightly attached to the wall of the uterus, the blastocyst begins to increase in size and gradually turns into an embryo. Over the next few days, the blastocyst doubles in size every day and gradually divides into the embryo and placenta - what is called the "afterbirth" during childbirth.

In the development of the embryo, division into three layers is noted, each of which will subsequently give rise to various organs. The inner layer will give the development of such organs as the lungs, bladder, stomach, etc. The middle layer will then turn into the heart, genitals, bones, muscles. Finally, the outer layer will give rise to the skin, the nervous system.

The embryo acquires a rounded size somewhat expanded at the end, which will subsequently turn into the head of the fetus. In this case, you can see a small groove, which subsequently divides the brain into right and left hemispheres.

Sixth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

The embryo at this stage is about the size of a pea and consists of about a million cells that continue to divide to form complex organs and tissues. As the placenta matures, the embryo continues to depend on the supply of nutrients through the chorion.

Small islets appear inside the chorion, which will subsequently give rise to blood cells and blood vessels. At the same time, the heart begins to form, which at first has only two chambers.

Already on the 21st day after fertilization, such a heart begins to beat. Thus, the first organ begins to function. At the same time, the nervous system, eyes, ears and a number of other organs are formed.

Seventh week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

At this stage, the embryo resembles a tadpole, somewhat twisted in the form of a comma and with a small tail, which is the end of the forming neural tube.

The development of the brain and heart is significantly ahead of the development of other organs. At this stage, these organs occupy almost half of the body of the embryo.

By the 28th day after fertilization, the heart of the embryo begins to acquire developed outlines and contains four chambers, as in adults. The rudiments of future upper and lower extremities also appear.

Eighth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

The development of the heart and blood vessels slightly outstrips the development of the fetus, since they stimulate the development of all other organs. At the 6th week, you can already discern a heart that begins to beat. Up to this point, the human embryo is not much different from the embryos of mice, birds or dogs.

However, after that, serious differences begin to appear. With its tiny size (about 10 - 14 mm) and weighing no more than an ordinary paper clip, the embryo begins to acquire human features. The jaws and eyelids of the eyes, the nose begin to form. The ears develop in and out. The eyes begin to acquire color, while the optic nerve and retina of the eye are formed, which in the future will provide vision.

The embryo at this stage gradually straightens; at the same time, the trunk, neck and bone tissue appear. The tail begins to shrink, fingers and toes, hands and feet appear.

Ninth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

Measuring 17 - 22 cm (the size of a grape), the embryo begins to acquire human features. You can distinguish between fingers and toes, knees and elbows. As the size of the legs increases, the tail gradually disappears. The embryo acquires the ability to move the limbs, despite the fact that they are tiny in size. The embryo acquires the ability to move the limbs, despite the fact that they are tiny in size.

Serious changes also occur inside: in the embryo, you can find almost all internal organs (although not fully developed), as well as muscles. At the same time, nerve fibers that pass through the entire body become visible.

At the same time, sexual characteristics develop, blood begins to circulate through the blood vessels, supplying nutrients and oxygen, and removing unnecessary substances - metabolic products. The lungs do not function until birth, but the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the embryo and fetus is entirely dependent on the mother through the umbilical cord.

Tenth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

This is a very important week for the embryo as the embryo will become fetus at the end of this week. Although the size and weight are kept quite small (28 - 20 mm and 9 grams), this period is characterized by intensive growth and development of the embryo.

Outwardly, it no longer resembles a sea creature: the tail part disappears, and the fingers and toes take on their usual shapes. The eyes move from the side of the head to the middle. At the same time, they begin to be partially covered with skin (future eyelids), which protects the delicate cornea. The upper lips begin to form and the outer ears take on the usual shapes.

At the same time, the internal organs develop. The heart and blood vessels take on their usual shapes, a diaphragm is formed, the lungs are divided into lobes, an intestine is formed, which extends from the umbilical cord into the internal cavity.

Eleventh week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

At the 11th week, the fetus measures 3.4 to 5 cm (the size of a plum). It has all the major organs and systems, such as the cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems.

Organs should not only develop and grow in size; it is important to coordinate their activities so that immediately after birth, the newborn could breathe, feed and move blood through the blood vessels on its own. In the next 7 months, very big changes will occur: the weight will increase 1000 times, and in only 3 weeks (from 9 to 12 weeks of age) the size of the fetus will double.

The most striking changes are associated with the appearance: the fetus becomes more and more like a person. The dimensions of the head remain large compared to other parts of the body; the neck appears. The skin becomes thicker and less transparent; tiny hair follicles appear as well as fingernails and toenails.

Twelfth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

In the 12th week, a number of organs are developed to such an extent that they can perform certain functions. The thyroid gland begins to work, which regulates the metabolism. Two important digestive glands also begin to function - the pancreas, which secretes digestive enzymes, and the liver, which secretes bile into the digestive tract.

The fruit is about 6 cm long (the size of a lemon) and weighs about 14 grams. Moreover, the liver takes up about 10 percent of the weight of the fetus. Together with the spleen, the liver produces blood cells.

As the nerve fibers acquire the ability to interact with muscle tissue, the muscles begin to respond to nerve signals emanating from the brain and the fetus begins to move - kicking, clenching the knees, bending and unbending, clenching fists. Also, the fetus can change facial expressions - frown, curl lips and frown forehead. However, all of this does not provide for any goals, and there is no connection between stimulus and response.

At this stage, your doctor can assess the progress of the pregnancy using an ultrasound signal and let you listen to the fetal heart rate, which is about 160 beats per minute.

Thirteenth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

This week, the main news is related to the digestive system of the unborn child - the liver, stomach, pancreas and intestines are actively developing. The fetus floats in the amniotic fluid; at the same time, oxygen is supplied to it through the umbilical cord and metabolic products are excreted.

At this stage, the lips and nose of the fetus are fully formed. At the same time, the jaws become denser and small bulges appear, which in the future will give growth to the teeth.

The vocal cords located in the larynx are also formed. However, they will remain dormant until the baby is born and air enters the lungs and he can make sounds. The external genitals become distinguishable enough to be able to determine the sex: this is a boy or a girl.

Fourteenth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

This period marks the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. The fruit is about 9 cm in size and weighs 43 grams. At the 14th week, the intensive development of the fetus is noted. The first hair appears.

The placenta takes on developed forms and provides the fetus with the necessary nutrients, while removing unnecessary metabolic products. In addition, the placenta produces hormones important for fetal growth, such as estrogen and progesterone.

The placenta also protects the fetus from the mother's immune system, which would otherwise recognize the fetus as a foreign creature and could destroy it.

Fifteenth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

This week marks the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by the fact that the fetus begins to show some personality traits due to different facial expressions.

Scientific studies have shown that at 15 weeks, the fetus can smile and even suck a thumb. The fetal brain acquires a characteristic structure and increases significantly in size.

The fetus becomes more and more human-like: the eyes continue to move to the middle of the face, and the ears to the lateral parts of the head. The neck becomes straighter and stronger, so the fetus begins to turn its head. In general, the fetus moves more and more in the amniotic fluid, although the mother does not often feel such movements.

Sixteenth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

At this stage, the fetus is 12 cm long and weighs about 11 grams, while bones begin to develop rapidly, although most of them remain unconnected. Bones lengthen and harden in such a way that they are able to support the newborn's body by the time of delivery.

However, it will take quite a few weeks before the entire skeletal system and the mechanism of ligaments and cartilages are developed so that the child can move and crawl in a coordinated manner, and then walk.

At 16 weeks, fetal movements (such as kicking, bending) become more coordinated. However, it is still too early for the mother to feel all these movements.

The fetus begins to move the eyeballs, although they remain closed. It is also important news that the fetus acquires the ability to grab objects - a property characteristic of humans and other primates.

Seventeenth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

Adipose tissue begins to accumulate under the skin. This allows you to keep warm and provide the baby with the necessary energy after delivery. The size of the baby is already quite significant and the mother can feel when the baby starts kicking or moving his knees.

At this stage, the fruit acquires the ability to distinguish between tastes, for example, to distinguish salty from bitter and sweet. Speaking of food, the fetus at this age begins to secrete the so-called meconium - a dark green mass that accumulates in the intestines as food is digested.

Eighteenth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

At this age, the fetus is 14 cm long and weighs about 200 grams. At the same time, the growth of the head slows down in comparison with other parts of the body. From this point on, the main growth falls on the trunk and legs, and to a lesser extent on the arms.

The umbilical cord also increases in length and thickness, which allows it to deliver sufficient nutrients to the fast-growing fetus. Accordingly, the space inside the uterus becomes more and more limited. Therefore, the fetus is no longer able to move freely as before and begins to "curl" more and more, acquiring a typical intrauterine position.

As the auditory functions develop, the fetus becomes more aware and sensible of the environment. Nerves running from the brain to the inner ear allow the fetus to hear the mother's heartbeat, and even loud sounds from the outside.

The retina of the eye becomes sensitive to bright light. Fingerprints begin to form that are unique to each individual. Even completely identical twins have different fingerprints.

Nineteenth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

At the 19th week, the fetus is 15 cm long and weighs 255 grams. The muscles in the neck and back are sufficiently developed to support the head.

At the same time, the bones of the spine, chest and shoulder are strengthened. The skin of the fetus remains thin and wrinkled. It has a reddish color because the blood vessels are visible through them.

The female fetus develops the female reproductive organs - the fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.

Twentieth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

The twentieth week marks the end of the first half of pregnancy. The fruit is over 16 cm in size and weighs about 32 grams. At this stage, you can often feel the movement of the fetus.

In addition, fetal movements can be seen during ultrasound examination. The skin of the fetus is covered with a waxy mass that protects the delicate and thin skin of the fetus from amniotic fluid. It also makes it easier for the fetus to pass through the birth canal during labor.

At this stage, the placenta reaches its maximum thickness. As the fetus develops, the pregnant woman feels more pressure on the lungs, stomach, kidneys, and bladder. In this case, the abdomen increases significantly in size, and the woman often feels short of breath.

Twenty-first week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

By the 21st week of pregnancy, the fetus reaches 17 centimeters long and weighs about 380 grams. He becomes more mobile; moreover, these movements, breathing and heartbeat are cyclical, that is, the fetus has certain periods during the day when it is asleep or awake.

Unfortunately, these cycles do not always coincide with those of the mother: the fetus may begin to move actively late at night when his mother is about to go to bed.

At this time, some important events are noted, namely, the fetus acquires the ability to swallow, which allows him to consume glucose and water from the amniotic fluid. However, essential nutrients continue to flow through the placenta. Although the liver and spleen remain the main suppliers of blood cells, the fetal bone marrow gradually takes over the function of hematopoiesis.

Twenty-second week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

By this time, the limbs of the fetus (arms and legs) become more proportional in relation to the body - the fetus resembles a miniature child. The length of the fetus by the 22nd week of pregnancy is 19 cm, and the weight is 460 grams. By the middle of pregnancy, the weight of the child is 7 to 8 times less than the weight of the newborn, that is, the baby still has significant growth and development.

In a male fetus, the testicles begin to move from the abdominal cavity towards the scrotum. In a female fetus, the uterus and ovaries are filled with immature eggs, and the formation of the vagina begins. The surface of the skin of the fetus is covered with a thin fluff, which allows you to keep the surface protective mucous lubricant.

By this time, it becomes possible to communicate with the fetus, which begins to respond to rhythm and melody. It is believed that after birth, the child reacts to the same songs and melodies that he heard in the prenatal period.

Twenty-third week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

At the 23rd week, the fetus significantly gains weight (more than 70 grams). The next 5 weeks is a period of intense growth. At this time, the convolutions of the brain begin to form.

Other areas of the brain are also formed that are responsible for emotions, feelings of hunger, sex drive, balance, and other basic instincts and impulses. Around this time, the so-called phenomenon of rapid eye movement (REM) appears, which is characteristic of adults in a state of sleep, when dreams occur.

Twenty-fourth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

At this stage, the length of the fetus is 20 cm, and the weight is 630 grams; the cardiovascular system is actively developing, in particular the blood vessels of the lungs. The skin remains transparent and superficial blood vessels are visible through it. The eyes also develop and a number of hand reflexes appear.

At the 24th week, the lungs are actively prepared for spontaneous breathing in the extrauterine state. In particular, the lungs begin to secrete a substance called surfactant, which, when exhaled, prevents the walls of the alveoli, the microscopic lung cavities that provide breathing, from sticking together.

By the way, children born prematurely at this stage have a certain chance of survival, thanks to modern methods of intensive nursing of newborns, which includes, among other things, the use of a surfactant.

Twenty-fifth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

At this stage, the main body parts of the fetus are considered to be sufficiently formed. In particular, the hands, albeit small in size, already have a characteristic appearance.

However, hand movements remain insufficiently coordinated due to the fact that the connection of the nerves with the brain is still undeveloped. In the 25th week of pregnancy, the brain is actively developing, in particular its cortex, which is responsible for conscious functions, emotions, planning, causation and the ability to solve problems.

The development of the brain is accompanied by the addition of a number of convolutions and folds, which contributes to the expansion of the total area of ​​the cerebral cortex, providing interactions between nerve cells and nerve fibers.

The result is that the unborn child responds more adequately to external stimuli, in particular, to various sounds. The fetus may start kicking due to loud noises. Also on the ultrasound examination, you can see how the fetus applies its miniature hands to the ears.

Twenty-sixth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

The size of the fetus at this stage is 23 cm in length, and the weight is 820 grams. The unborn baby can already hear external sounds, as well as have taste sensations and recognize various smells.

Scientific studies have shown that adding a little sugar to the amniotic fluid will cause the fetus to swallow more of this fluid. Conversely, the introduction of substances with a bitter taste leads to the fact that the fetus swallows less amniotic fluid.

It should be noted that substances that you eat, such as garlic, are able to "aromatize" the amniotic fluid in which the fetus is located. At the 26th week, the eyelids of the fetus, which were previously tightly closed, can now open and the future baby is able to examine the space around him.

Despite the small age, the lungs of the fetus become sufficiently developed. Alveoli become pronounced - microscopic sacs that make up the lungs, and which, after birth, will be responsible for the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen.

The skin of the unborn baby has many folds and wrinkles, which allows fat to accumulate under it. The brain is actively developing at this stage and begins to consume a significant amount of energy - about 50 percent of all energy consumed by the fetus.

Twenty-seventh week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

The 27th week marks the end of the second semester of pregnancy, as well as the beginning of intensive growth and development. At this stage, the size of the fetus is 3 times larger than when it was 12 weeks old.

The bones of the fetus are already strong enough, but so far they are weakly connected to each other due to the fact that the tendons and ligaments remain undeveloped. At the same time, bones together with muscles allow the fetus to actively move inside the uterus.

Muscle coordination is sufficient for the fetus to be able to suck the thumb, but there is no need to worry about this, as this reflex allows the muscles of the jaws and cheeks to develop, which is important for the unborn baby when he is born and begins to suckle. At this stage, the development of the lungs and the immune system continues, which is designed to protect against bacteria and viruses.

Twenty-eighth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

The third trimester of pregnancy begins and you can breathe a sigh of relief. The fact is that babies born in the 28th week of pregnancy have an almost 90 percent chance of survival without any subsequent physical and neurological complications. At this stage, the length of the fetus is 25 cm, and the weight is about 1000 grams.

The fetal eyes are already well developed; they have retinas, which are a collection of nerve cells - the so-called optic rods and cones. Optical rods provide vision in low light, while cones allow you to see colors. Thus, the unborn baby is already showing the ability to respond to light of varying intensity, even though it is still in the womb, where light does not penetrate.

It is interesting to note that most often the eyes of the fetus are either brown or blue. However, the color of the eyes (especially blue) tends to change after birth, as the pigmentation of the eyes is finally formed as exposure to external light.

Twenty-ninth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

Since at this stage there is an active accumulation of subcutaneous fatty tissue, the wrinkles in the fetus begin to smooth out. Fatty tissue is an important source of energy for the growing allod, and will also help maintain the required body temperature after birth.

Before birth, the function of maintaining body temperature is performed by the placenta, due to which the temperature in the fetus is slightly higher than after birth. The bones of the fetus are fully developed, but they remain somewhat flexible and continue to harden.

The future baby is able to breathe actively, but does not do it until he is born. At the 29th week, the fetus can already cry, producing tears. He also becomes a little acrobat doing somersaults inside the womb.

Thirtieth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

At this stage, the length of the fetus is 27 cm, and the weight is 1300 grams, while vision and auditory functions are actively developing. In particular, the fruit begins to blink frequently, due to its ability to react to light and darkness, and can also distinguish between high and low sounds.

This allows the expectant baby to better perceive different voices and even enjoy the singing of the expectant mother. The blood cells in the fetus are produced primarily by the bone marrow.

Although not yet supplying oxygen, the fetal lungs play an active role in fetal metabolism. The lungs are filled with a special fluid that is different from amniotic fluid. This fluid will allow the future, after birth, to empty the lungs in order to prepare for the first breath.

Thirty-first week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

The fetal respiration rate at the 31st week of pregnancy is 30-40% of the frequency that is necessary for full respiration in a newborn. The bones continue to harden. In order for the bones of the fetus to develop sufficiently, the expectant mother needs to take in sufficient amounts of calcium, which is a building material for bones.

Calcium is found in significant quantities in dairy products, especially in fermented milk. At this stage, the intensive development of the brain also takes place. From this age until birth, the weight of the fetus's brain will double.

At the 31st week of pregnancy (approximately 29th week after conception), active preparation for future generations takes place due to the fact that the fetus is increasingly showing sexual characteristics. If it is a boy, the testicles descend into the groin in order to fit into the scrotum.

If this is a girl, then the clitoris is quite distinguishable in the fetus. At the same time, the endocrine glands of the adrenal glands develop, which are capable of producing hormones such as steroids that promote the formation of genitals.

Thirty-second week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

Although it is still too early to give birth, the fetus is already actively preparing for birth. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are completely produced by the bone marrow. The hairline begins to fade, and at the same time hair begins to grow on the head.

The fruit is 28 cm long and weighs 1700 grams. As the fetus grows further, the internal space in the womb becomes more and more limited.

For this reason, the fetus increasingly pulls the legs to the abdomen, acquiring what is usually called the intrauterine position. At this time, the nails on the toes become clearly visible.

Thirty-third week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

At this stage, the fetus has more and more pronounced facial features, cilia and eyebrows appear. It looks more and more like a newborn baby. The number of convolutions of the brain continues to increase, and at the same time its functions become more developed.

Centers of the brain are formed that are responsible for vision, smell, auditory function, speech and walking. Although such complex functions as memory and imagination remain undeveloped, the brain is able to control the rhythm of breathing, the contractile function of the digestive organs, as well as body temperature, which is extremely important after leaving the womb.

The bones of the fetus continue to harden. The exception is the bones of the skull, which are still not sufficiently formed. The fetal skull consists of five unconnected flat bones - plates.

Such a device of the skull provides its flexibility during its passage through the birth canals - it can slightly decrease in diameter and lengthen, and then return to a rounded shape after birth. In a newborn baby, a soft area called the fontanelle is found on the crown of the head. It usually “grows over” within a year of birth.

Thirty-fourth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

Although the movements of the fetus are still not perceptible, by the 34th week its dimensions become quite impressive: the length is 30 cm, and the weight is 2100 grams. There is less and less space for him in the womb. The unborn baby begins to excrete urine, which enters the amniotic fluid with sweat and other biological fluids.

Fortunately, fetal urine is sterile. In addition, the amniotic fluid is completely renewed every 3 hours. The nails become fully formed so that the future baby can even scratch himself.

At this stage, the fetus usually takes the final, ready-to-birth position - head down. A pregnant woman may feel some pressure on the cervix. If the baby is born in the 34th week of pregnancy, the newborn has an excellent chance of survival, since the lungs and immune system are considered fully formed at this stage of development.

Thirty-fifth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

The main task of the unborn baby now is to gain as much weight as possible (lucky!). During these last weeks of intrauterine life, he will add 400 - 500 grams weekly. There are two types of adipose tissue that accumulates in the fetus.

The first type is the so-called brown fat. It makes up only 5 percent of all fat, but contains a large number of so-called mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production. They ensure the maintenance of a normal temperature in the newborn, protecting it from hypothermia. Usually brown fat accumulates on the back and shoulders of the unborn baby and newborn.

Another type of adipose tissue is the so-called white fat. It makes babies look plump, especially on their cheeks, arms and legs. Children lose this fat as they age.

The skin of the fetus is more and more covered with a special lubricant. It acts as a moisturizer to protect the delicate skin of the fetus. It also makes it easier for the fetus to pass through the birth canal.

Thirty-sixth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

At this stage, the fetus increasingly loses the fluff that covered its skin. His cheeks become even more plump, thanks to the accumulation of adipose tissue, as well as the development of muscles, which subsequently provide a sucking function, which is extremely important for a newborn, the main nutrients for which come through breast milk.

It is known that the food that the expectant mother consumes greatly influences the taste preferences of the future baby. Therefore, it is important to monitor your diet, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Thirty-seventh week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

If the baby was born this week, then it is considered that he was born on time. Its weight is 2500 grams. At this time, the future baby has a sufficient amount of fatty accumulations that provide warmth. Its internal organs can function independently. At this stage, he takes the final position ready for childbirth - usually head down.

The unborn baby can hear well and can learn and recognize voices. That is why, after birth, he can give preference to the voices that he recognizes. He can also recognize lullabies that he heard while still in utero. Amazingly, a newborn can even recognize texts that were read aloud while still in the womb and distinguish them from new information.

Thirty-eighth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

It is very difficult to predict the exact date of birth of a child. The term calculated by the obstetrician-gynecologist is only approximate. In 95 percent of cases, childbirth occurs 2 weeks earlier or 2 weeks later than expected.

The most striking thing about what happens after childbirth is that the newborn begins to breathe after 9 months in utero with little or no air. In the fetus, blood does not flow to the lungs, despite the heart and the presence of pulmonary blood vessels. Blood is delivered to the lungs only after the first breath, accompanied by a drop in blood pressure in the lungs, which allows blood to move into the blood vessels of the lungs. At the same time, some blood vessels begin to close, which provided blood circulation to the fetus in the prenatal period.

The center of the brain, responsible for breathing, begins to give signals that allow the muscles of the diaphragm to contract and the chest to expand. These processes are harmoniously coordinated, which will allow the unborn baby to breathe normally after birth.

Thirty-ninth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

If by this time the future baby does not move much, this is simply because there is not enough space for movement. The weight of the fetus at this stage averages about 3200 grams, but the weight usually varies significantly for many future babies. The hairline almost disappears, but usually persists on the back and shoulders.

In boys, the testicles should descend completely into the scrotum, and in girls, the vagina should form. The placenta continues to supply the unborn baby with antibodies that protect him from bacteria and viruses for 6 months after birth.

By the end of pregnancy, a newborn's brain is one-quarter of its final size. It consists of about 100 billion neurons - the main nerve cells. This is practically the final set of nerve cells, the number of which will no longer increase. The neurons of the brain are connected with the help of nerve fibers with 200 thousand nerve cells located in various parts of the body, creating the most extensive network in the body, ensuring the coordination of its main functions.

Fetal development:

Fortieth week of pregnancy

Fetal development:

If the baby has not yet been born, then this will happen very soon. In terms of physical sensations and experiences, pregnancy is perhaps the most amazing period in a woman's life. The same can be said about the unborn baby. Imagine that for 9 months he was in warm conditions, immersed in liquid.

Suddenly, all this disappears, as the fetal bladder bursts and the amniotic fluid flows out. Contractions of the uterus begin, stimulated by oxytocin, a brain hormone. At the same time, the cervix expands. Contractions of the uterus compress the body of the fetus, pushing it out of the womb.

After a while, the baby finds himself in a completely new environment. Moreover, all organs - the stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys - must immediately start working. The blood flow must change its course, entering the lungs and supplying oxygen from the outside air. The nervous system begins to respond to a huge stream of information coming from outside, especially through sight. Air enters the lungs for the first time, and the newborn cries out - a new life has begun. Congratulations to your mom - you have created a miracle!

How to eat during your pregnancy according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization

Increase in calories:

  • +200 kcal for 7-9 months

Legumes, meat, fish, eggs, nuts:

  • 2 servings a day.

Prohibited foods:

  1. Raw or undercooked eggs
  2. Raw or undercooked meats, poultry, and fish
  3. Cold smoked meats: salami, prosciutto, chorizo ​​and pepperoni
  4. Liver
  5. Pates
  6. Raw milk and dairy products from raw unpasteurized milk
  7. Soft cheese with a soft crust: brie and camembert cheese, chevre
  8. Soft blue cheeses: Danish blue, Gorgonzola and Roquefort.
  9. Fish oil and other sources of vitamins A
  10. Fish prohibited: shark, swordfish and marlin

Restrictions:

  1. Tuna no more than 140 g of boiled or 170 g of raw fish per week
  2. Fatty fish: no more than two servings per week. Fatty fish: salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna and herring.
  3. Caffeine: up to 200 mg per day.
  4. Herbal and green teas: up to 4 cups daily
  5. Do not use licorice root in medicines
  1. Folic acid (vitamin B 9). Eat folate-rich foods. These include spinach, lettuce, kale, cauliflower, green beans, and fortified cereals. For women at special risk of folate deficiency, an additional intake of vitamin B 9 in the amount of 400 mcg (0.4 mg) may be necessary, but in any case, you should first consult your doctor.
  2. Iron: Lean meat. Some green leafy vegetables, beans and peas also contain iron. To get this metal from plants, eat foods rich in vitamin C or folic acid at the same time (i.e. fruits, drinks, bell peppers, tomatoes, kefir). Tea and coffee reduce iron absorption, so drink between meals that are rich in metal.

Alcohol:

  • Forbidden

Pregnancy is a long-awaited and desired event for many women. And now it will be interesting for you to find out everything about your situation: how pregnancy develops by week, what happens in the body. And it is with the help of the pregnancy calendar that you can do this very quickly and easily.

The pregnancy calendar is a convenient and useful service for expectant parents of moms and dads, which will tell you about pregnancy in great detail by week. He can be your companion throughout the entire period of pregnancy right up to the birth itself.

Pregnancy is divided into 3 trimesters:

  1. First trimester - 1-13 weeks after conception
  2. Second trimester - 14-26 weeks
  3. Third trimester - 27-40 weeks

How does the fetus develop during each trimester? Our pregnancy calendar will give you the answer.

Why do you need a pregnancy calendar

The pregnancy calendar will tell expectant mothers about how their baby changes and grows at one time or another, how his organs develop, how the baby is gaining weight. Our pregnancy calendar will tell you what to do and what to abstain from at each stage of pregnancy, which doctors you need to visit, how to eat and what lifestyle to lead so that your baby is born healthy.

Also, our online pregnancy calendar will help you find out which week with the help of an ultrasound scan you can determine your girl or boy.

This is the weekly pregnancy calendar that gynecologists use when determining the age and development of the fetus. But there is also the age of the fetus, which differs from the menstrual gestation period by 2 weeks.

In addition, this online pregnancy calendar allows expectant mothers to communicate and exchange their feelings and impressions with friends in an interesting position every week of pregnancy. Leave your comments and you will find out who has the same feelings and what they can mean.

But you need to know that the body of every pregnant woman is different, and our calendar does not take into account the individual characteristics of the menstrual cycle, therefore the calendar contains information common to all. All dates are approximate, as the duration of the menstrual cycle is different for all women and can vary, as a rule, from 24 to 36 days. In addition, it must be borne in mind that the cycle may be irregular.

Reviews

Galina Chalaya
I very consciously approached the moment of conception and, of course, take a responsible attitude towards pregnancy. It is very important for me to know what happens to the baby at every stage of his development. After all, from the moment of conception, he is my child, whom I must take care of. Therefore, I am always happy to look at the pregnancy calendar and read how my son lives in my tummy.

Natalia Semerichko
For me, the most important thing was that while reading about my week of pregnancy, I could communicate on the forum and discuss feelings with other expectant mothers who are at the same time.

Maria Krylova
This calendar helped me find out a lot of useful information about my future baby. During this period, I was most interested in how he was there in my tummy. After all, this pregnancy was my first. Very convenient and helpful service. Many thanks!

Send your feedback on the Pregnancy Calendar at [email protected] site

Rabiyat Zainiddinova

Neonatologist,

Science Center

children's health RAMS

What is a reflex?

Any reflex is a response to the stimulus from the external or internal environment of the body. It sounds, it would seem, a little difficult, but let's try to figure it out. Any peripheral cell of any organ and any tissue of the child's body contains a receptor capable of perceiving irritation. The receptor transmits the received information further - along the sensitive fibers (processes) of nerve cells. The next links of the reflex arc - the central part - the nerve center, i.e. nerve cells that perceive excitement and transmit it further. Here the impulse is met by the motor nerve cells and they, in response to this impulse, set the muscle in motion. Thus, along the reflex arc, a kind of command, a certain action, is launched and executed. The reflex arc itself is a set of formations of the nervous system involved in the emergence of a reflex.

According to this principle, reflexes determine the life-activity of the body of any person, including a child. But in the case of unconditioned, innate reflexes, their reflex arc is laid down even before birth in the structure of the nervous system. The formation of conditioned reflexes occurs throughout life, on the basis of acquired life experience.

Let's take a simple example. The curious baby became interested in his mother's cup, which had not yet cooled down. Touching hot - and now the hand twitches reflexively. How does this happen? Information “hot! dangerous!" from a receptor located in the skin, it is transmitted to a sensitive neuron, and then along a chain - to a motor neuron, which will “feed” this or that muscle. The child's hand twitches. Such a simple chain is called a reflex arc, and only if it is preserved (that is, with the normal operation of all its components) a reflex can be realized. As an example of an unconditioned reflex, one can cite the reaction of a child in the first months of life to a slight dash irritation of the corner of the mouth; in response, the baby turns his head to the source of irritation and opens his mouth - this is how the search reflex is realized.

Most of the reflexes of newborns reflect the evolutionary and individual age-maturity of the child, which allows the doctor to judge the functional state of the baby's body as a whole and, in particular, the state of his nervous system. Only a few of them have a definite meaning for the maintenance of vital activity, for example, sucking and upper protective reflexes.

What the doctor will see

When examining a newborn child, the pediatrician needs to make sure that some basic unconditioned reflexes are preserved - sucking, swallowing, searching reflex, upper protective reflex, upper grasping reflex. And a pediatric neurologist at 1 month will conduct a full sequential neurological examination to make sure that there are no lesions in the still immature, but already structurally formed nervous system of the newborn.

To begin with, the doctor will assess the child's appearance. A healthy newborn has a semi-flexion position (legs and arms are semi-bent at the knees and elbows), which is associated with a physiological, that is, age-specific increase in muscle tone - flexors of the arms and legs. When awake, the baby makes spontaneous movements - periodically bends and unbends the legs, randomly waves his arms, reacts to loud sounds, bright light.

Premature babies have reduced spontaneous motor activity (chaotic movements of arms and legs, reaction to light, sounds) and muscle tone, and unconditioned reflexes (these are all reflexes of a newborn, which we will discuss below), as a rule, are depressed.

What reflexes are we talking about and how are they evaluated? The main physiological reflexes are divided into oral and spinal. The reflex arc of the former is closed at the level of the brain, and of the latter, at the level of the spinal cord.

Oral reflexes include:

Sucking- the baby's nipple or mother's breast inserted into her mouth begins to actively suck. It persists during the first year of life, then fades away.

Search (Kussmaul reflex)- in response to a slight line irritation of the corner of the mouth, the child turns his head to the source of irritation and opens his mouth. It fades away by the 6-7th week of life.

Proboscis- with a light and quick blow with a finger on the lips of the child, the lips protrude in the form of a proboscis (there is a contraction of the circular muscle of the mouth). It fades away by 2-3 months.

Palmar-oral (Babkin reflex)- refers to mixed, oral-spinal reflexes. When pressing on both palms, closer to the elevation of the thumb, the child opens his mouth, tilts his head, bends his shoulders and forearms, as if pulling himself up to the fists. It weakens by 2 months, fades away by 3 months of life.

The absence or suppression of these reflexes indicates damage to the central nervous system of various origins.

It should be noted that the severity of these reflexes is significantly influenced by whether the baby is hungry or full. A healthy, hungry baby will react actively, first looking for a source of irritation around the mouth and then greedily grabbing on the mother's nipple or breast. A well-fed baby will react less actively. Therefore, be sure to inform the doctor about the time of feeding the crumbs, as well as the amount of food taken.

We create conditions

In order for the visit to be as informative as possible for a specialist and comfortable for a child, it is better for mom to make sure that the room is warmed up to at least 22-24 ° C, it is advisable to inspect it no earlier than half an hour after feeding and with natural lighting.

Upper protective reflex- when laying on the stomach, the child turns his head to the side, makes several rocking movements and tries to raise his head, thus restoring free access of air to the nasal passages. The essence of the reflex is to prevent a violation of external respiration, for which there is a rise of the head and a change in its position in a newborn lying on his stomach. This is one of the most important reflexes, which, along with sucking, searching and swallowing, provides a tiny man with the ability to survive in a new environment for him. Normally, the protective reflex is expressed from the first hours of life, in children with damage to the nervous system, it is reduced or absent. It fades away by 1.5 months of age.

Reflex of support, straightening and automatic walking- if the baby is lifted by the armpits, then first the child bends his legs in all joints; when the child's legs touch the support, he straightens the torso and stands on bent legs on a full foot. The support reflex fades away by 3 months. If, at the same time, the child is slightly tilted forward, then he makes step movements along the surface, without accompanying them with movements of his hands (automatic gait of a newborn). The automatic gait reflex is physiological (normal) up to 1.5 months. By the age of 3 months, these reactions fade away, and only by the end of the first year of life does the ability to stand and walk independently appear. In children with damage to the nervous system, the automatic gait is delayed (remains) for a long time.

Crawl reflex (Bauer)- if the newborn is put on his stomach, then he begins to make crawling movements (spontaneous crawling), if at the same time put his palm to the soles of the child - he reflexively pushes off from it and crawls more actively. Normally, this reflex is triggered from the 3-4th day to 3-4 months of life, then it fades away.

Upper grasping reflex (Yanishevsky) and the suspension reflex (Robinson's) - the fingers of the mother or the doctor put into the baby's hand, the child grabs, firmly holds and squeezes. Sometimes the grasping of the adult's fingers nested in the child's palm is so strong that the baby can be lifted with outstretched arms. The reflex is physiological up to 3-4 months.

Lower grasping reflex (plantar, Babinsky reflex)- analogue of the upper grasping reflex. It is caused by pressing with the thumb on the sole at the base of the P-Sh toes. The child performs plantar flexion of the toes (presses the toes to the foot); if, with a finger, a stroke irritation of the sole along the outer edge of the foot in the direction from the heel to the toes occurs, then the back extension of the big toe and a fan-shaped divergence of the II-V fingers occur. It fades away by 12 months.

Hug reflex (grip, Moro reflex)-called by various techniques. In particular, by hitting the changing table with a hand at a distance of 15 cm from the baby's head or by a sudden noise. In response to this, the baby first spreads his arms, unclenches his fingers, straightens bent legs (reflex phase 1). After a few seconds, the hands return to their original position, the child can wrap his arms around himself (phase 2). Normally, the 1st and 2nd phase of the reflex, depending on the time of examination and the condition of the child, can be expressed differently. It is called from the first days of life, physiological up to 4-5 months.

Talent Reflex- when holding the thumb and forefinger along the spine of the child from both sides in the direction from the neck to the tailbone, he arches his back and head towards the irritant. The reflex is called from the 5-6th day of life and remains normal up to 3-4 months.

Perez reflex - a child lying on his stomach is held with a finger from the coccyx to the neck, lightly pressing on the spinous processes of the vertebrae. The child raises his head, he has lumbar lordosis (forward bending of the spinal column), he raises the pelvis, bends his arms and legs. Sometimes the child begins to cry, urination and defecation are observed. Normally, it is observed up to 3-4 months. With damage to the central nervous system, inhibition of the reflex is observed. Neurologist must be checked along with other spinal automatisms.

The suppression or absence of the above-described spinal automatisms is an alarming sign that speaks of a possible lesion of the central nervous system at the level of the spinal cord.

Posotonic reflexes

These reflexes characterize the ability of a newborn child to adequately redistribute muscle tone depending on changes in body position. Normally, they fade away as the child independently masters the basic motor skills - the ability to raise his head, sit, stand, walk.

Asymmetric tonic cervical reflex (Magnus - Klein)- is called when the child's head is passively turned to the side. The arms and legs are extended on the side to which the child's face is facing, and the opposite ones are flexed. The hand, to which the face is turned, straightens, the tone of the extensors of the shoulder, forearm, hand increases - the “fencer's” pose, and in the muscles of the hand to which the back of the head is turned, the tone of the flexors increases.

Symmetrical tonic cervical reflexes- with passive flexion of the newborn's head, the muscle tone of the flexors in the arms and extensors in the legs increases. When the head is extended, the opposite effect is observed - the arms are extended and the legs are bent. Asymmetric and symmetrical cervical reflexes are constantly observed in newborns. In premature babies, they are poorly expressed.

Labyrinth tonic reflex- in the position of the child on the stomach, the tone in the flexor muscles increases: the head is brought to the chest or tilted back, the back is arched, the arms are bent and also brought to the chest, the hands are compressed into fists, the legs are bent at all joints and brought to the stomach. After a few minutes, this posture is replaced by swimming movements, turning into a spontaneous crawling reflex.

The reflex test is over. Your baby passed one of his first little exams, and we hope that he is excellent. However, if warning signs are identified (absence, weakening of one or more reflexes, or, on the contrary, their presence at the time when this or that reflex should already fade away), then the doctor will offer you an additional examination. Most often it is an ultrasound examination of the brain - echoencephalography. If the changes are identified by the pediatrician, then he prescribes a consultation with a neurologist, who, in turn, will carry out additional studies. If you or the doctor were alarmed by some deviations from the norm, then at the next examination, pay special attention to these particular nuances. Remember that a child at this age changes every day, and, as we have already mentioned, the manifestation of reflexes depends on a number of conditions (satiety, fatigue, and many others), a re-examination must necessarily take place after the appointed time - it may be different depending on the alleged nature of the pathology - from several days to a month, which will help to exclude existing suspicions or, if necessary, to carry out timely treatment.

Mindfulness and caution

Parents themselves should not check the baby's reflexes - the actions taken for this (in particular, to test the reflexes of Talent and Perez) can cause a sharp disc-fort and anxiety of the baby. And yet, if you think this or that baby's reaction is alarming, be sure to tell the doctor about it.

Only a doctor can correctly conduct an examination and draw the appropriate conclusions, who, when assessing the situation and the state of the baby, takes into account not only the specific manifestations, but also the conditions in which the study was carried out, other indicators of the baby's health, as well as the history of pregnancy, childbirth and still such a short, but still development of the crumbs.

Congenital physiological reflexes

The basic unconditioned reflexes of a newborn and an infant are divided into two groups:

    segmental motor automatisms

    spinal - provided by spinal cord segments

    oral - provided by segments of the brain stem

    suprasegmental posotonic automatisms

    myelencephalic postural reflexes - provided by the centers of the medulla oblongata

Segmental motor automatisms

Spinal motor automatisms

Protective reflex of the newborn

If the newborn is put on its stomach, then a reflexive turn of the head to the side occurs. This reflex is expressed from the first hours of life.

Stance reflex and automatic newborn gait

The newborn has no readiness to stand, but it is capable of supporting reaction. If you hold the child upright in weight, then he bends his legs at all joints. The child placed on a support straightens the torso and stands on bent legs on a full foot. A positive support reaction of the lower extremities is a preparation for stepping movements. If the newborn is slightly tilted forward, then he makes step movements (automatic newborn gait).

The reaction of support and automatic gait are physiological up to 1 - 1.5 months, then they are inhibited and physiological astasia-abasia develops. Only by the end of 1 year of life does the ability to stand and walk independently appear, which is considered as a conditioned reflex and for its implementation requires the normal function of the cerebral cortex.

Crawling reflex (Bauer) and spontaneous crawling

The newborn is placed on its stomach (head in the midline). In this position, he makes crawling movements - spontaneous crawling. If you put a palm to the soles, then the child reflexively pushes off from it with his feet and crawling increases. In the position on the side and on the back, these movements do not occur. In this case, coordination of movements of the arms and legs is not observed. Crawling movements in newborns become pronounced on the 3rd - 4th day of life. The reflex is physiological up to 4 months of life, then it fades away. Self-crawling is a precursor to future locomotive acts.

Grasp reflex

Appears in a newborn when pressed on his palm. Sometimes the newborn will grip the fingers so tightly that it can be lifted up (Robinson reflex). This reflex is phylogenetically ancient. Newborn monkeys are held by the grip of the hands on the hairline of the mother.

The reflex is physiological up to 3 - 4 months, then, on the basis of the grasping reflex, an arbitrary grasping of the object is gradually formed.

The same grasping reflex can be triggered from the lower extremities. Thumb pressure on the ball of the foot induces plantar flexion of the toes. If, with your finger, you apply line irritation to the sole of the foot, then dorsiflexion of the foot and fan-shaped divergence of the fingers occur ( PHYSIOLOGICAL REFLEX OF BABINSKY ).

Reflex Galant

When the skin of the back is irritated paravertebrally along the spine, the newborn bends the back, an arc is formed, open towards the stimulus. The leg on the corresponding side is often extended at the hip and knee joints. This reflex is well evoked from the 5th - 6th day of life. The reflex is physiological until the 3rd - 4th month of life.

Reflex Perez

If you run your fingers, lightly pressing, along the spinous processes of the spine from the tailbone to the neck, the child screams, raises his head, unbends the torso, bends the upper and lower limbs. This reflex causes a negative emotional reaction in the newborn. The reflex is physiological until the 3rd - 4th month of life.

Reflex Moro

It is caused by various techniques: hitting the surface on which the child lies, at a distance of 15 cm from his head, raising the extended legs and pelvis above the bed, sudden passive extension of the lower limbs. The newborn moves his arms to the sides and opens his fists - phase 1 of the Moro reflex. After a few seconds, the hands return to their original position - phase II of the Moro reflex. The reflex is expressed immediately after birth, it can be observed during the manipulation of the obstetrician. In healthy children, the reflex is well pronounced until the 4th - 5th month, then it begins to fade; after the 5th month, only some of its components can be observed

Oral segmental automatisms are

Sucking reflex

When the index finger is inserted into the mouth 3-4 cm, the child makes rhythmic sucking movements. The reflex is noted within 1 year of life.

Search reflex (Kussmaul reflex)

When stroking in the area of ​​the corner of the mouth, lowering of the lip occurs, deviation of the tongue and turning of the head towards the stimulus. Pressing on the middle of the upper lip opens the mouth and extends the head. When pressing on the middle of the lower lip, the lower jaw drops and the head bends. This reflex is especially pronounced 30 minutes before feeding. Pay attention to the symmetry of the reflex on both sides. The search reflex is observed up to 3-4 months, then fades away.

Proboscis reflex

A quick swipe of your finger to the lips causes the lips to be pulled forward. This reflex lasts up to 2-3 months.

Palmar-oral reflex (Babkin reflex)

Pressing the thumb on the area of ​​the newborn's palm, closer to the tenar, opens the mouth and bends the head. The reflex is pronounced in normal newborns. After 2 months. it fades away and by 3 months. disappears.

Suprasegmental posotonic automatisms Myelencephalic posotonic reflexes

Asymmetric cervical tonic reflex (Magnus-Klein)

If you turn the head of a newborn lying on the back so that the lower jaw is at shoulder level, then the limbs are extended, to which the face is turned and the opposite ones are flexed. The reaction of the upper extremities is more constant: the hand, to which the face is turned, straightens (the tone of the extensors of the shoulder, forearm, hand increases - the “fencer's” pose, and in the muscles of the hand, to which the back of the head is turned, the tone of the flexors increases.

Symmetrical tonic cervical reflexes

When bending the head of a newborn, the muscle tone of the flexors of the upper extremities and extensors of the lower extremities increases; when the head is extended, the muscle tone of the extensors of the arms and flexors of the legs increases. Asymmetrical and symmetrical cervical reflexes are constantly observed in newborns.

Tonic labyrinth reflex

In the supine position, the muscle tone of the extensors of the neck, back, legs increases; under the influence of the same reflex, in the prone position, the child takes the position of the embryo (the head is brought to the chest or tilted back, the arms are bent and also brought to the chest, the hands are in the fists, the legs are bent and brought to the abdomen).