Stages Of Pregnancy & Fetal Development
Fetal Development Stages: Month by Month
As the fertilized egg grows, a water-tight sac forms around it,
gradually filling with fluid. This is called the amniotic sac, and it helps
cushion the growing embryo.
The placenta also develops. The placenta is a round, flat organ
that transfers nutrients from the mother to the baby, and transfers wastes from
the baby.
A primitive face will take form with large dark circles for
eyes. The mouth, lower jaw, and throat are developing. Blood cells are taking
shape, and circulation will begin. The tiny "heart" tube will beat 65
times a minute by the end of the fourth week. By the end of the first month,
your baby is about 1/4 inch long – smaller than a grain of rice!
laser hair removal during pregnancy
laser hair removal during pregnancy
Growth chart for Month 2
Your baby's facial features continue to develop. Each ear begins
as a little fold of skin at the side of the head. Tiny buds that eventually
grow into arms and legs are forming. Fingers, toes and eyes are also forming.
The neural tube (brain, spinal cord and other neural tissue of
the central nervous system) is well formed. The digestive tract and sensory
organs begin to develop. Bone starts to replace cartilage.
The head is large in proportion to the rest of the baby's body.
By the end of the second month, your baby is about 1 inch long
and weighs about 1/30 of an ounce.
At about 6 weeks, your baby's heart beat can usually be
detected.
After the 8th week, your baby is called a fetus instead of an
embryo.
Here you watched the Stages of fetal growth in the womb
Growth chart for Month 3
Your baby's arms, hands, fingers, feet, and toes are fully
formed. Your baby can open and close its fists and mouth. Fingernails and toenails
are beginning to develop and the external ears are formed. The beginnings of
teeth are forming. Your baby's reproductive organs also develop, but the baby's
gender is difficult to distinguish on ultrasound.
By the end of the third month, your baby is fully formed. All
the organs and extremities are present and will continue to mature in order to
become functional. The circulatory and urinary systems are working and the
liver produces bile.
At the end of the third month, your baby is about 4 inches long
and weighs about 1 ounce.
Fetal Development Stages
Fetal Development Stages
Since your baby's most critical development has taken place,
your chance of miscarriage drops considerably after three months.
Growth chart for Month 4
Your baby heartbeat may now be audible through an instrument
called a doppler. The fingers and toes are well-defined. Eyelids, eyebrows,
eyelashes, nails, and hair are formed. Teeth and bones become denser. Your baby
can even suck his or her thumb, yawn, stretch, and make faces.
The nervous system is starting to function. The reproductive
organs and genitalia are now fully developed, and your doctor can see on ultrasound
if you are having a boy or a girl.
By the end of the fourth month, your baby is about 6 inches long
and weighs about 4 ounces.
Growth chart for Month 5
You may begin to feel your baby move, since he or she is
developing muscles and exercising them. This first movement is called
quickening.
Hair begins to grow on baby's head. Your baby's shoulders, back,
and temples are covered by a soft fine hair called lanugo. This hair protects
your baby and is usually shed at the end of the baby's first week of life.
The baby's skin is covered with a whitish coating called vernix
caseosa. This "cheesy" substance is thought to protect baby's skin
from the long exposure to the amniotic fluid. This coating is shed just before
birth.
By the end of the fifth month, your baby is about 10 inches long
and weighs from 1/2 to 1 pound.
Growth chart for Month 6
Your baby's skin is reddish in color, wrinkled, and veins are
visible through the baby's translucent skin. Baby's finger and toe prints are
visible. The eyelids begin to part and the eyes open.
Baby responds to sounds by moving or increasing the pulse. You
may notice jerking motions if baby hiccups.
If born prematurely, your baby may survive after the 23rd week
with intensive care.
By the end of the sixth month, your baby is about 12 inches long
and weighs about 2 pounds.
Growth chart for Month 7
Your baby will continue to mature and develop reserves of body
fat. Your baby's hearing is fully developed. He or she changes position
frequently and responds to stimuli, including sound, pain, and light. The
amniotic fluid begins to diminish.
At the end of the seventh month, your baby is about 14 inches
long and weighs from 2 to 4 pounds.
If born prematurely, your baby would be likely to survive after
the seventh month.
Growth chart for Month 8
Your baby will continue to mature and develop reserves of body
fat. You may notice that your baby is kicking more. Baby's brain is developing
rapidly at this time, and your baby can see and hear. Most internal systems are
well developed, but the lungs may still be immature.
Your baby is about 18 inches long and weighs as much as 5
pounds.
Growth chart for Month 9
Your baby continues to grow and mature: the lungs are nearly
fully developed.
Your baby's reflexes are coordinated so he or she can blink,
close the eyes, turn the head, grasp firmly, and respond to sounds, light, and
touch. Baby is definitely ready to enter the world!
You may notice that your baby moves less due to tight space.
Your baby position changes to prepare itself for labor and delivery. The baby
drops down in your pelvis. Usually, the baby's head is down toward the birth
canal.
