8 Incredible Facts About Pregnancy, Delivery, And Newborns

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From the moment a woman learns she’s pregnant, a mix of emotions follows — joy, excitement, anticipation, and sometimes uncertainty. While research and preparation help, nothing can fully prepare you for the changes that come with pregnancy, delivery, and parenthood.

Here are some fascinating pregnancy facts to help you better understand the process and what to expect.

Only 5% of Babies Are Born on Their Due Date

Despite the emphasis on due dates, only about 5% of babies actually arrive on the exact date predicted. Most babies are born within a week of their due date, but many arrive earlier or later. If you’re not scheduled for a C-section, be prepared for your baby to arrive any time within a few weeks of your estimated date.

Newborns Have More Bones Than Adults

Adults have 206 bones, but newborns are born with about 300. As babies grow, many bones fuse together — especially in the skull — reducing the total number as they reach adulthood.

Babies Can Hear in the Womb

Around the third trimester, babies can hear sounds from outside the womb. They recognize voices, music, and other noises, which is why a newborn often finds comfort in their mother’s voice right after birth.

Pregnancy Increases Blood Volume by Up to 50%

During pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume rises by 40–50% to support the baby’s growth and provide extra oxygen. This increase plays a vital role in a healthy pregnancy.

The Uterus Expands Significantly

By the third trimester, the uterus can grow from the size of an orange to the size of a watermelon and weigh around two pounds compared to its pre-pregnancy weight of just one ounce.

Your Baby Is Only Part of Pregnancy Weight Gain

While an average baby weighs around eight pounds at birth, other contributors to weight gain include amniotic fluid, the placenta, increased blood volume, and essential fat stores.

Babies Develop Taste Buds in the Womb

By eight weeks of gestation, taste buds begin to form, and by fourteen weeks, babies can detect flavors in the amniotic fluid.

Pregnancy Requires Extra Calories — But Not as Many as You Think

Pregnancy increases calorie needs by about 300 per day, but nutrient quality matters. Focus on nutrient-rich foods rather than empty calories to ensure your baby gets what they need.

Schedule An Appointment

If you’re looking to learn more about pregnancy, delivery, and newborns or are looking for an experienced OBGYN for your upcoming pregnancy, Dr. Tepper and the team at Alex Tepper MD is more than happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have.

To schedule an appointment, call our New York, NY office today at 212-828-0900 or use our online contact form.