First trimester and Garbh Sanskar

Weeks 1–13: the foundation. Organs form, hormones shift, and the mother's body adapts. Rest, nourishment and emotional calm are the heart of Garbh Sanskar in these weeks.

Week by week

• Week 1 — size of a tiny seed of possibility

  Your cycle begins; the body prepares a welcoming home. Pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last period.

• Week 2 — size of a poppy seed

  Ovulation approaches. The egg that may become your baby is maturing.

• Week 3 — size of a sesame seed

  Conception. A single cell begins dividing, carrying everything that makes your baby unique.

• Week 4 — size of a mustard seed

  The blastocyst settles into the uterine lining. The placenta and amniotic sac begin forming.

• Week 5 — size of a peppercorn

  The neural tube — future brain and spinal cord — starts to form. A tiny heart begins to take shape.

• Week 6 — size of a lentil (masoor dal)

  A heartbeat flickers. Buds that will become arms and legs appear.

• Week 7 — size of a blueberry

  The brain grows rapidly. Facial features — eyes, nostrils, mouth — begin to form.

• Week 8 — size of a rajma bean

  Fingers and toes start separating. Baby begins small, spontaneous movements.

• Week 9 — size of a cherry

  All essential organs have begun forming. Tiny muscles allow baby to move.

• Week 10 — size of a strawberry

  The embryo becomes a fetus. Vital organs are in place and begin to function.

• Week 11 — size of a lime

  Baby's head is about half its body length. Hair follicles and nail beds form.

• Week 12 — size of a plum

  Reflexes develop — fingers curl, toes flex. The kidneys begin producing urine.

• Week 13 — size of a lemon

  Vocal cords form. Fingerprints begin to appear on tiny fingertips.