SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATIONS
- Shantay Davies-Balch
- Apr 1, 2024
- 0 min read
Updated: Jul 4, 2024
Pregnancy & Uterus Growth: Weeks 4, 8, 16, 40
During pregnancy, the lining of the uterus thickens, and its blood vessels enlarge. As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus expands. While in a non-pregnant state, the uterus is about 1 ounce, it can be to 2 pounds when the baby is born.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Pregnancy Anatomy Week 40
The length of a full-term pregnancy is typically about 40 weeks. Labor for most full-term pregnancies begins between 38 and 41 weeks.
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Fetal Development: Fertilization To Week 8
Conception occurs around two weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period. After fertilization, which takes place in the fallopian tube, the fertilized egg is called a zygote. It travels for several days before it reaches the uterus. Within 24 hours after fertilization, rapid cell division begins, forming the embryo. For 8 weeks after fertilization, it is called an embryo. From 9 weeks after fertilization until birth, it is called a fetus.
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Fetal Development: Weeks 9 to 16
During the second trimester, the fetus continues to grow rapidly. It develops toes and elbows, which become capable of bending. The umbilical cord becomes visible. In week 14, the second trimester begins. By the early to mid-second trimester, the baby's organs are formed, although they continue to develop and mature.
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Fetal Development: Weeks 17 to 24
During week 17-24, soft, downy hair called lanugo starts to form and cover the body. Towards the late second trimester, around 20-22 weeks, many pregnant mothers begin to feel fetal movement. Fat also starts forming under the baby's skin.
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Fetal Development: Weeks 25 to 32
The baby's brain and vision are developing quickly. Their skin is becoming less wrinkly and smoothing out. Week 28 marks the beginning of the third trimester.
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Fetal Development: Weeks 33 to 40
By the final weeks of pregnancy, the baby's bones harden. The skull remains soft and flexible. The baby’s lungs, brain, nervous, musculoskeletal, and circulatory systems are done developing or finishing their development.
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Growing Uterus: Fetal Development Week 12
Nearing the end of the first trimester, at 12 weeks, the liver begins to form and the kidneys start producing urine. The pancreas begins to produce insulin. Fingernails start to form. By the end of week 12, the fetus is about 2 inches long and weighs about 0.5oz.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Growing Uterus: Fetal Development Week 28
During this week, more fat is being added to the baby's body, resulting in smoother skin. Vernix, a greasy substance, is forming as a waterproof barrier to protect the baby's delicate skin. The baby will begin to respond to familiar sounds, such as the mother's voice.
By the end of week 28, the baby is nearly 15 inches long and weighs about 2.5 pounds. Babies born before 28 weeks of pregnancy are considered extremely preterm.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Growing Uterus: Fetal Development Week 40
Around the 40th week of pregnancy, the baby's musculoskeletal and circulatory systems have finished developing. The brain, nervous system, and lungs continue to develop. Fat is being added to keep the baby warm after birth. Typically, a full-term baby is about 20 inches long and may weigh between 7.5-8 lbs.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Breastfeeding: Cross-Cradle Hold
The cross-cradle position is particularly beneficial for premature babies or those with a weak suck. It provides additional head support and may assist the baby in maintaining a good latch.
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Breastfeeding: Football Hold
The football hold position is often recommended for mothers who are recovering from a C-section or have larger breasts. This position can be useful for tandem feeding, which involves feeding two children of different ages simultaneously, or for feeding twins.
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Breastfeeding: Good Latch / Attachment
A "good latch" is crucial for successful breastfeeding. During feeding, the baby's chest should be gently pressed against the mother's body, and there should be minimal or no areola showing while the baby is latched. A good latch is comfortable for both the mother and baby.
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Breastfeeding: Side-Lying Position
The side-lying breastfeeding position involves the mother lying on her side with the baby positioned facing her breast. This position allows the mother have some rest during breastfeeding. This position is safe when the mother is awake. Please do not fall asleep!
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Madelyn Neufield
Breastfeeding: Side-Lying Position
The side-lying breastfeeding position involves the mother lying on her side with the baby positioned facing her breast. This position allows the mother to breastfeed. This position is safe when the mother is awake. Please do not fall asleep!
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Breastfeeding: The Cradle Hold
Similar to the cross cradle hold, the cradle hold offers support for baby's head. It is a close comfortable feeding position and is beneficial if the baby needs guidance to latch.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Breastfeeding: The Football Hold
The football hold position is often recommended for mothers who are recovering from a C-section or have larger breasts. This position can be useful for tandem feeding, which involves feeding two children of different ages simultaneously, or for feeding twins.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Anatomy of the Breast
The female breast is composed of various anatomical structures. Many of them are hidden under the skin. The adipose tissue, lobes, mammary ducts, blood vessels all work together to facilitate lactation.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Baby Positioned Ready for Birth
During labor, a physical examination of the abdomen is conducted to assess the size and position of the fetus. The cervix is also examined, and the mother's blood pressure, temperature, as well as the frequency and intensity of contractions, are monitored.
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Birth with a Baby Showing Dilation of the Cervix
During labor, continuous and progressive contractions of the uterus help the cervix to dilate, allowing the fetus to move through the birth canal. A fully dilated cervix is typically around 10 cm in diameter.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Birth with a Baby in Transverse Lie Position
One of the breech positions is the transverse lie. In this position, the baby during labor is positioned horizontally. This may prompt a Cesarean delivery.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Birth with a Baby in Vertex Anterior Position
Until the end of pregnancy, the babies change position. The most common and an "ideal" fetal presentation for vaginal delivery is known as the anterior position. In this position, the baby's head is down and facing the pregnant person's spine.
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Birth with a Baby in Vertex Posterior Position
Breech presentation is when the baby during labor is positioned feet or bottom first in the uterus. Breech babies can be in a few different positions.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Birth with Baby with Cardinal Movements
Cardinal movements refer to a series of rotational movements necessary to guide the fetus through the pelvis during vaginal delivery.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Black Mama in Nature
Patrece Robinson, a mother participating in the Black Infant Health Program (BIH), is feeding her 4-month-old baby. The photo was taken in 2023. during a meetup with other BIH mothers.
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Cardinal Movements of Labor
During labor, the baby's head rotates. These movements help the head and the shoulders navigate the birth canal.
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Cervical Effacement & Dilation
Changes to the cervix that signal the onset of labor include effacement, which is the thinning of the cervix, and dilation, which is the opening of the cervix. These changes allow the baby to move through the birth canal.
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Delivery Aided Vacuum
In assisted delivery, the laboring person gives birth to the baby through the vagina, but the provider utilizes special tools to aid in the process. During a vacuum-assisted delivery, the provider inserts a cup into the vagina and attaches it to the baby's head. The mother continues pushing while the provider guides the baby through the birth canal.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Epidural and Spinal Anesthesia Procedure
Spinal and epidural blocks are common types of pain relief. In an epidural, a needle is inserted into the lower back, followed by a thin tube. Medication is administered through the tube. Patients can control the supply. Pain relief may begins within 10 to 20 minutes. In a spinal block, medication is given as a single shot into the fluid around the spinal cord using a thinner needle. It provides quick pain relief but lasts only for a couple of hours.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Internal Monitoring
During internal monitoring, a small wire that is attached to the scalp of the fetus. This device tracks the baby's heart rate. Uterine contractions can also be monitored with a tube inserted through the vagina into the uterus. This special tube is called an intrauterine pressure catheter. Internal monitoring is used after the amniotic sac ruptures.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Lordotic Curve
The human spine curves a little in the neck, upper back, and lower back. During pregnancy, the spine adjusts to realign the pregnant person's center of gravity.
Designed exclusively for BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Joanna Culley
Ma'sah's Lunch Time
Monita Porter, a mother participating in the Black Infant Health Program (BIH), is feeding Ma'sah, her 2-month-old baby. The photo was taken in 2023 during a meetup with other BIH mothers.
Shared exclusively with BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Monita Porter
Positions of an Active Birth
Most laboring mothers change positions frequently. It can help manage pain and optimize the positioning of the baby during labor.
Commons positions include: side-lying, standing, sitting, walking, etc.
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Uterus Cross Section Showing Fertilization
The sperm and egg fuse, combining genetic materials to form a zygote. This new cell travels down the fallopian tube and implants on the uterine wall about 3-4 days later.
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Zoey and Tatiana Outdoors
Tatiana Jordan, a mom participating in the Black Infant Health Program is feeding her baby, Zoey. The photo was taken in 2024. Zoey is 8 months old.
Shared exclusively with BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center by Tatiana Jordan
