Topaz - One-third there

A mere two weeks ago I reported on Galena’s first trimester - which as we now know wasn't really a first trimester, as she didn't actually get pregnant (see the April 8 post).

Now Topaz is at that stage - and this time it will be for real, right?

Rather than repeat everything from the previous post (check out March 29 if you missed the details), I’ll give a brief re-cap. 

Initial development is very slow. It takes a good two weeks after ovulation for the eggs to be fertilized, reach the uterus, divide into 64 cells (a total of six divisions) and begin to differentiate, at first only into an outer shell and inner cell mass.

The third week sees the formation of the placentas and, finally, the basic structure of the puppy begins to really take shape, starting with the nervous system and a lengthening of the ovules.

In terms of behaviour, the early signs of pregnancy are picky eating and possible moodiness.