What are the early stages of dog pregnancy?

Weeks 1-2: Pre-implantation stage

* Sperm fertilizes the egg in the fallopian tubes.

* The fertilized egg travels to the uterus.

* The fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall.

* The embryo begins to develop.

* The corpus luteum, a gland that forms on the ovary after ovulation, produces progesterone, a hormone that helps maintain pregnancy.

Weeks 3-4: Embryonic stage

* The embryo's major organs begin to develop.

* The embryo is about the size of a grain of rice.

* The heart, brain, and other major organs begin to develop.

* The tail begins to grow.

* The eyelids and ears begin to form.

Weeks 5-8: Fetal stage

* The fetus is about the size of a grape.

* The fetus is fully formed and begins to move around.

* The fur begins to grow.

* The claws and teeth begin to develop.

* The sex organs begin to develop.

Weeks 9-12: Pregnancy

* The fetus is about the size of a golf ball.

* The fetus is fully developed and ready to be born.

* The mammary glands begin to produce milk.

* The bitch's abdomen begins to swell.

* The bitch may begin to show signs of nesting.

Weeks 13-14: Labor

* The bitch's water breaks.

* The bitch begins to push.

* The puppies are born.

* The bitch nurses the puppies.