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Baby size chart in womb


Fetus size by week: Your baby's weight throughout pregnancy

Find out how big your baby is during each week of their development with our fetal growth chart. From early in pregnancy, babies grow at different rates, so your baby's actual size by week may vary substantially – but look how they grow! At 20 weeks your baby may be just over 10 inches long and weigh less than 12 ounces, but by 32 weeks they'll reach almost 17 inches and top 4 pounds. At 33 weeks they may be over 17 inches and closer to 5 pounds, and by 37 weeks they'll reach 19 inches and about 6.5 pounds.

How do you determine fetus size by week?

There are different methods for estimating how big a fetus is, which is why you'll find different numbers depending on the source.

Experts have formulas they use to come up with the estimated fetal weight (EFW) and height of a fetus, and the formulas aren't always the same. The measurements that are used in equations to estimate weight usually include biparietal (head) diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur (thigh bone) length (FL).

Height is a straightforward measurement, but the method of measuring it changes after the first trimester. For the first 13 weeks, the height measurement is taken from the top of the head to the baby's bottom. After the first 13 weeks, the measurement is taken from the top of the head to the baby's heel – explaining why, on the chart below, your baby appears to grow 3 inches from week 13 to week 14!

Hadlock, the main source we use in our fetal growth chart, provides one of the most commonly used – and most accurate – equations for estimating fetal height and weight. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine (SMFM) use Hadlock's figures to diagnose and manage fetal growth conditions, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

The numbers on our chart should coincide with the numbers your healthcare provider will be checking against when they measure your baby using ultrasound. (Providers don't measure height after 13 weeks, however, so don't expect to get those numbers at your ultrasound appointments. )

Note that the data used by Hadlock was gathered from middle-class Caucasian women with no history of maternal diseases known to affect fetal growth and no evidence of congenital anomalies. Your provider may make adjustments based on your individual circumstances.

Fetal growth chart

Wondering how big your baby is during each week of pregnancy? The numbers in our chart below can give you a sense of your baby's size. Keep in mind that your baby may be much smaller or larger than these averages. That's okay – after all, healthy babies can weigh less than 5 pounds or more than 9 pounds at birth.

Boy's measurements are different than girl's measurements, even this early. For the numbers on our chart, we've taken an average of boys and girls. And remember, the height measurements up to 13 weeks are head-to-bottom estimates, while the height measurements starting at week 14 are head-to-toe estimates.

Gestational age Length (US) Weight (US) Length (cm) Mass (g)
(head to bottom) (head to bottom)
8 weeks 0. 62 inches 0.71 ounces 1.57 cm 20 grams
9 weeks 0.91 inches 0.95 ounces 2.30 cm 27 grams
10 weeks 1.22 inch 1.23 ounces 3.1 cm 35 grams
11 weeks 1.61 inch 1.59 ounces 4.1 cm 45 grams
12 weeks 2.13 inches 2.05 ounces 5.4 cm 58 grams
13 weeks 2.64 inches 2.58 ounces 6.7 cm 73 grams
(head to toe) (head to toe)
14 weeks 5.79 inches 3.28 ounces 14.7cm 93 grams
15 weeks 6.57 inches 4.13 ounces 16.7 cm 117 grams
16 weeks 7. 32 inches 5.15 ounces 18.6 cm 146 grams
17 weeks 8.03 inches 6.38 ounces 20.4 cm 181 grams
18 weeks 8.74 inches 7.87 ounces 22.2 cm 223 grams
19 weeks 9.45 inches 9.63 ounces 24.0 cm 273 grams
20 weeks 10.12 inches 11.68 ounces 25.7 cm 331 grams
21 weeks 10.79 inches 14.07 ounces 27.4 cm 399 grams
22 weeks 11.42 inches 1.05 pounds 29.0 cm 478 grams
23 weeks 12.05 inches 1.25 pounds 30.6 cm 568 grams
24 weeks 12.68 inches 1. 48 pounds 32.2 cm 670 grams
25 weeks 13.27 inches 1.73 pounds 33.7 cm 785 grams
26 weeks 13.82 inches 2.01 pounds 35.1 cm 913 grams
27 weeks 14.41 inches 2.33 pounds 36.6 cm 1055 grams
28 weeks 14.80 inches 2.67 pounds 37.6 cm 1210 grams
29 weeks 15.47 inches 3.04 pounds 39.3 cm 1379 grams
30 weeks 15.95 inches 3.44 pounds 40.5 cm 1559 grams
31 weeks 16.46 inches 3.86 pounds 41.8 cm 1751 grams
32 weeks 16.93 inches 4.30 pounds 43. 0 cm 1953 grams
33 weeks 17.36 inches 4.77 pounds 44.1 cm 2162 grams
34 weeks 17.84 inches 5.24 pounds 45.3 cm 2377 grams
35 weeks 18.23 inches 5.72 pounds 46.3 cm 2595 grams
36 weeks 18.62 inches 6.20 pounds 47.3 cm 2813 grams
37 weeks 19.02 inches 6.68 pounds 48.3 cm 3028 grams
38 weeks 19.41 inches 7.13 pounds 49.3 cm 3236 grams
39 weeks 19.72 inches 7.57 pounds 50.1 cm 3435 grams
40 weeks 20.08 inches 7.98 pounds 51.0 cm 3619 grams
41 weeks 20. 39 inches 8.35 pounds 51.8 cm 3787 grams

Thanks to Dr. Mark Curran, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, for his help preparing this chart.

Fetal weight by week: How it changes

Your baby steadily gains weight over the course of your pregnancy, but it's not always at the same rate. If you're having one baby (not twins or multiples), your baby's rate of growth accelerates until 35 weeks, then decelerates.

Here are some highlights, based on estimations:

  • Up until 16 weeks, a fetus grows an average of about 19 grams per week, gradually increasing from 7 grams per week at 8 weeks to 15 grams per week at 12 weeks and 29 grams per week at 16 weeks.
  • By 20 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 59 grams per week (just over 2 ounces).
  • By 30 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 175 grams each week (more than 6 ounces).
  • At 35 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 215 grams each week, or about 7.5 ounces. At this point their growth rate peaks.
  • After 35 weeks, growth slows to about 188 grams per week, or 6.6 ounces. (Twins slow earlier, at around 28 weeks, and then average about 170 grams each week.)
  • In the last few weeks of pregnancy, the growth rate continues to gradually slow to about 168 grams (a little less than 6 ounces) per week by week 40.

Using a tape measure stretched over your belly, your provider will use a fundal height measurement to check your baby's size at your prenatal visits. Beginning at about 24 weeks, the measurement in centimeters should roughly match the gestational age of your baby. If you're 26 weeks pregnant, for example, your fundal height should be about 26 cm, give or take a centimeter in each direction.

If your provider is concerned that your baby is too small, they'll monitor your baby's size with ultrasound, which is more accurate. Using ultrasound, your practitioner can take various measurements (head circumference and diameter, abdomen circumference, femur length) and use them to estimate your baby's size. They may also use a Doppler ultrasound to look at the blood flow to your placenta.

If your baby's estimated weight is less than the 10th percentile for their gestational age, they may be diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), also called fetal growth restriction (FGR). IUGR can happen at any time during pregnancy. Some babies with IUGR just turn out to be small for their age, but sometimes there's a problem that's preventing the baby from growing properly.

At birth, a baby with IUGR is called "small for gestational age." While most SGA babies who are otherwise healthy grow just fine, some (especially those born prematurely) are at higher risk of problems such as c-section, jaundice, low blood sugar, and even long-term developmental and health problems.

Your baby's size by week

Here are some highlights of your baby's growth during pregnancy:

At 20 weeks, about the midpoint in your pregnancy, your baby is transmitting taste signals to their brain. And you may feel them hiccupping. Your baby's weight at 20 weeks is about 11.68 ounces, and they're about the length of a (10.12-inch) banana.

At 32 weeks, your baby's lungs are developing fast, and your baby's storing minerals like iron for their first 6 months of life. Your baby's weight at 32 weeks is 4.30 pounds, and their length is 16.93 inches, about the size of a jicama.

At 33 weeks, things are getting snug in there! Your baby's skin is becoming less wrinkled as they fill in – your baby's weight at 33 weeks is about 4.77 pounds. At 17.36 inches, your baby is now about the size of a pineapple.

At 37 weeks, your baby's brain and lungs are still maturing, and they're still moving a lot, despite the close quarters. Your baby's weight at 37 weeks is about 6.68 pounds, and they're about the length of a bunch of Swiss chard, 19.02 inches.

Once your baby is born, they'll be weighed and measured, and your provider will continue to monitor their growth. While the average newborn weight is a little over 7 pounds, most newborns lose about 5 to 10 percent of their weight in the first days. No worries – they gain it back by the time they're about 2 weeks old, and by 4 months they usually double their birth weight.

Learn more:

  • To-do lists for the first, second, and third trimesters
  • Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
  • Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
  • How to understand pregnancy weeks, months, and trimesters

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Fetal Chart from Baby My Baby

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(crown to rump measurements)

Gestational Age Length (inches) Weight (oz/lb) Length (cm) Mass (g)
8 weeks 0.63 0.04 oz 1.6 1
9 weeks .9 0.07 oz 2.3 2
10 weeks 1.22 0.14 oz 3.1 4
11 weeks 1. 61 0.25 oz 4.1 7
12 weeks 2.13 0.49 oz 5.4 14
13 weeks 2.19 0.81 oz 7.4 23
14 weeks 3.42 1.52 oz 8.7 43
15 weeks 3.98 2.47 oz 10.1 70
16 weeks 4.57 3.53 oz 11.6 100
17 weeks 5.12 4.94 oz 13 140
18 weeks 5.59 6.70 oz 14.2 190
19 weeks 6.02 8.47 oz 15.3 240
20 weeks 6.46 10.58 oz 16.4 300
21 weeks 10.51 12.70 oz 26.7 360
22 weeks 10.94 15.17 oz 27.8 430
23 weeks 11. 38 1.10 lb 28.9 501
24 weeks 11.81 1.32 lb 30 600
25 weeks 13.62 1.46 lb 34.6 660
26 weeks 14.02 1.68 lb 35.6 760
27 weeks 14.41 1.93 lb 36.6 875
28 weeks 14.80 2.22 lb 37.6 1005
29 weeks 15.2 2.54 lb 38.6 1153
30 weeks 15.71 2.91 lb 39.9 1319
31 weeks 16.18 3.31 lb 41.1 1502
32 weeks 16.19 3.75 lb 42.4 1702
33 weeks 17.20 4.23 lb 43.7 1918
34 weeks 17.72 4.73 lb 45 2146
35 weeks 18. 19 5.25 lb 46.2 2383
36 weeks 18.66 5.78 lb 47.4 2622
37 weeks 19.13 6.30 lb 48.6 2859
38 weeks 19.61 6.80 lb 49.8 3083
39 weeks 19.96 7.25 lb 50.7 3288
40 weeks 20.16 7.63 lb 51.2 3462
41 weeks 20.35 7.93 lb 51.7 3597
42 weeks 20.28 8.12 lb 51.5 3685
43 weeks 20.20 8.19 lb 51.3 3717

English

Child development by weeks | Regional Perinatal Center

Expectant mothers are always curious about how the fetus develops at a time when it is awaited with such impatience. Let's talk and look at the photos and pictures of how the fetus grows and develops week by week.

What does the puffer do for 9 whole months in mom's tummy? What does he feel, see and hear?

Let's start the story about the development of the fetus by weeks from the very beginning - from the moment of fertilization. A fetus up to 8 weeks old is called embryo , this occurs before the formation of all organ systems.

Embryo development: 1st week

The egg is fertilized and begins to actively split. The ovum travels to the uterus, getting rid of the membrane along the way.

On the 6th-8th days, implantation of eggs is carried out - implantation into the uterus. The egg settles on the surface of the uterine mucosa and, using the chorionic villi, attaches to the uterine mucosa.

Embryo development: 2-3 weeks


Picture of embryo development at 3 weeks.

The embryo is actively developing, starting to separate from the membranes. At this stage, the beginnings of the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems are formed. Therefore, this period of pregnancy is considered important.

Embryo development: 4–7 weeks


Fetal development by week in pictures: week 4


Fetal development by week photo: week 4




Photo of an embryo before the 6th week of pregnancy.

The heart, head, arms, legs and tail are formed in the embryo :) . Gill slit is defined. The length of the embryo at the fifth week reaches 6 mm.


Fetal development by week photo: week 5

At the 7th week, the rudiments of the eyes, stomach and chest are determined, and fingers appear on the handles. The baby already has a sense organ - the vestibular apparatus. The length of the embryo is up to 12 mm.

Fetal development: 8th week


Fetal development by week photo: week 7-8

The face of the fetus can be identified, the mouth, nose, and auricles can be distinguished. The head of the embryo is large and its length corresponds to the length of the body; the fetal body is formed. All significant, but not yet fully formed, elements of the baby's body already exist. The nervous system, muscles, skeleton continue to improve.



Fetal development in the photo already sensitive arms and legs: week 8

The fetus developed skin sensitivity in the mouth (preparation for the sucking reflex), and later in the face and palms.

At this stage of pregnancy, the genitals are already visible. Gill slits die. The fruit reaches 20 mm in length.

Fetal development: 9–10 weeks


Fetal development by week photo: week 9

Fingers and toes already with nails. The fetus begins to move in the pregnant woman's stomach, but the mother does not feel it yet. With a special stethoscope, you can hear the baby's heartbeat. Muscles continue to develop.


Weekly development of the fetus photo: week 10

The entire surface of the fetal body is sensitive and the baby develops tactile sensations with pleasure, touching his own body, the walls of the fetal bladder and the umbilical cord. It is very curious to observe this on ultrasound. By the way, the baby first moves away from the ultrasound sensor (of course, because it is cold and unusual!), And then puts his hands and heels trying to touch the sensor.

It's amazing when a mother puts her hand to her stomach, the baby tries to master the world and tries to touch with his pen "from the back".

The development of the fetus: 11–14 weeks


Development of the fetus in the photo of the legs: weeks 11

The baby, legs and eyelids are formed, and the genitals become distinguishable (you can find out the gender (you can find out the gender child). The fetus begins to swallow, and if something is not to its taste, for example, if something bitter got into the amniotic fluid (mother ate something), then the baby will begin to frown and stick out his tongue, making less swallowing movements.

Fruit skin appears translucent.

Fruit development: Week 12


Photo of the fetus 12 weeks per 3D Uzi


Development of the fetus for weeks: Week 14 9000 9000

buds are responsible for production for production urine. Blood forms inside the bones. And hairs begin to grow on the head. Moves more coordinated.

Fetal development: 15-18 weeks


Fetal development by weeks photo: week 15

The skin turns pink, the ears and other parts of the body, including the face, are already visible. Imagine, a child can already open his mouth and blink, as well as make grasping movements. The fetus begins to actively push in the mother's tummy. The sex of the fetus can be determined by ultrasound.

Fetal development: 19-23 weeks


Fetal development by week photo: week 19

Baby sucks his thumb, becomes more energetic. Pseudo-feces are formed in the intestines of the fetus - meconium , kidneys begin to work. During this period, the brain develops very actively.


Fetal development by week photo: week 20

The auditory ossicles become stiff and now they are able to conduct sounds, the baby hears his mother - heartbeat, breathing, voice. The fetus intensively gains weight, fat deposits are formed. The weight of the fetus reaches 650 g, and the length is 300 mm.

The lungs at this stage of fetal development are so developed that the baby can survive in the artificial conditions of the intensive care unit.

Fetal development: 24-27 weeks

Lungs continue to develop. Now the baby is already falling asleep and waking up. Downy hairs appear on the skin, the skin becomes wrinkled and covered with grease. The cartilage of the ears and nose is still soft.


Fetal development by week photo: week 27

Lips and mouth become more sensitive. The eyes develop, open slightly and can perceive light and squint from direct sunlight. In girls, the labia majora do not yet cover the small ones, and in boys, the testicles have not yet descended into the scrotum. Fetal weight reaches 900–1200 g, and the length is 350 mm.

9 out of 10 children born at this term survive.

Fetal development: 28-32 weeks

The lungs are now adapted to breathe normal air. Breathing is rhythmic and body temperature is controlled by the CNS. The baby can cry and responds to external sounds.

Child opens eyes while awake and closes during sleep.

The skin becomes thicker, smoother and pinkish. Starting from this period, the fetus will actively gain weight and grow rapidly. Almost all babies born prematurely at this time are viable. The weight of the fetus reaches 2500 g, and the length is 450 mm.

Fetal development: 33-37 weeks


Fetal development by week photo: week 36

The fetus reacts to a light source. Muscle tone increases and the baby can turn and raise his head. On which, the hairs become silky. The child develops a grasping reflex. The lungs are fully developed.

Fetal development: 38-42 weeks

The fetus is quite developed, prepared for birth and considered mature. The baby has mastered over 70 different reflex movements. Due to the subcutaneous fatty tissue, the baby's skin is pale pink. The head is covered with hairs up to 3 cm.


Fetal development by weeks photo: week 40

The baby perfectly mastered the movements of his mother , knows when she is calm, excited, upset and reacts to this with her movements. During the intrauterine period, the fetus gets used to moving in space, which is why babies love it so much when they are carried in their arms or rolled in a stroller. For a baby, this is a completely natural state, so he will calm down and fall asleep when he is rocked.

The nails protrude beyond the tips of the fingers, the cartilages of the ears and nose are elastic. In boys, the testicles have descended into the scrotum, and in girls, the large labia cover the small ones. The weight of the fetus reaches 3200-3600 g, and the length is 480-520 mm.

After the birth, the baby longs for touching his body, because at first he cannot feel himself - the arms and legs do not obey the child as confidently as it was in the amniotic fluid. Therefore, so that your baby does not feel lonely, it is advisable to carry him in your arms, press him to you while stroking his body.

And one more thing, the baby remembers the rhythm and sound of your heart very well . Therefore, you can comfort the baby in this way - take him in your arms, put him on the left side and your miracle will calm down, stop crying and fall asleep. And for you, finally, the time of bliss will come :) .

Table of norms for the size of the fetus by weeks of pregnancy

The size of the child by weeks of pregnancy is the average data by which doctors monitor the development of the fetus in the tummy of the expectant mother. These figures are influenced by the genetic predisposition, the physical and emotional state of the woman.

Dimensional indicators by which changes in the fetus are determined, and where to get them

The growth of the baby in the mother's tummy, its changes in weight and length are important indicators of its development and health. By 7-8 weeks, the baby weighs about a gram. But every day it grows and gains mass. Up to 15 weeks there is a rapid mass gain, after which it slows down. From the 2nd trimester, the weekly increase is about 80 grams and from 28 to 30 weeks, the increase goes up to 300 grams per week.

There are two ways to find out the weight of a child during pregnancy - calculated and by ultrasound.

  1. Estimated. Before ultrasonic examination (ultrasound) was tightly included in the everyday life of doctors, the mass of the baby in the abdomen was determined by the calculation method. How they did it: the gynecologist measured the height of the fundus of the uterus and the circumference of the abdomen of the expectant mother with a centimeter tape. These values ​​were multiplied among themselves and received the approximate weight of the baby. This method did not take into account the amount of amniotic fluid, the constitution of the mother, the genetic predisposition and the presentation of the child. This calculation method gives fairly accurate readings after the 32nd week of pregnancy. Before this period, the error of the method is up to 200 grams.
  2. ultrasound. Ultrasound examination is planned for each woman 3 times during pregnancy (1 time per trimester). Unscheduled ultrasound is prescribed according to indications.

Doctors in polyclinics and antenatal clinics are guided by the data of ultrasound examinations. On ultrasound, the exact gestational age is established and the main indicators of the development of the baby in the mother's tummy are recorded.

By what indicators does an ultrasound specialist determine the intrauterine development of a child (abbreviation in English is given in brackets):

  • MP (FW) - fetal weight.
  • KTR (CRL) is the coccyx-parietal size. It determines the exact gestational age and size of the baby.
  • BPD (BPD) is the biparietal head size.
  • OFD is the distance from the frontal bone to the center of the occipital bone. According to the BPR and LZR indicators, the child's growth and development are assessed.
  • dB (FL) - the length of the femur.
  • OG (HC) - head circumference.
  • coolant (AC) - abdominal circumference.

Changes by week (with tables): norms

To monitor the intrauterine development of the baby, doctors use the norms of the child's weight by weeks of pregnancy, which use averaged data.

Gestational age (weeks) Approximate length of the child, (cm) Approximate weight of the child, (g)
7 3
8 5
9 7
10 9
11 4.1 11
12 5.4 19
13 7.4 31
14 8.7 52
15 10.1 77
16 11.5 118
17 13 160
18 14.2 217
19 15.3 270
20 25.8 345
21 26.7 410
22 27.8 506
23 28. 9 607
24 30 733
25 34.6 844
26 35.6 969
27 36.6 1 135
28 37.6 1 319
29 38.6 1482
30 39.9 1636
31 41.1 1 779
32 42.4 1930
33 43.8 2088
34 45 2 248
35 46.2 2414
36 47.4 2612
37 48.6 2820
38 49.8 2992
39 50.7 3 170
40 51.2 3 373

Parents receive more accurate data on the intrauterine development of their baby by ultrasound.

First trimester

The first trimester is the period from 1 to 13 weeks. By ultrasound, the size of the fetus is estimated from 10 to 11 weeks (before this period, ultrasound is not informative).

Table of normal development of the baby in the 1st trimester according to the results of ultrasound

Gestational age (weeks) Height, cm Weight, g dB, mm DGK, mm BPR, mm
11 6.8 11 7 20 18
12 8.2 19 9 24 21
13 10.0 31 12 24 24

Second trimester

The second trimester is the 14th to 27th week of gestation.

Average fetal weight by week of pregnancy in the table (according to ultrasound results)

Gestational age (weeks) Height, cm Weight, g dB, mm DGK, mm BPR, mm
14 12. 3 52 16 26 28
15 14.2 77 19 28 32
16 16.4 118 22 34 35
17 18.0 160 24 38 39
18 20.3 217 28 41 42
19 22.1 270 31 44 44
20 24.1 345 34 48 47
21 25.9 416 37 50 50
22 27.8 506 40 53 53
23 29.7 607 43 56 56
24 31.2 733 46 59 60
25 32. 4 844 48 62 63
26 33.9 969 51 64 66
27 35.5 1 135 53 69 69

Third trimester

The third trimester is the gestation period from the 28th week.

Approximate height and weight of the child by weeks of pregnancy in the table (determined by ultrasound results) Height, cm Weight, g dB, mm DGK, mm BPR, mm 14 12.3 52 16 26 28 15 14.2 77 19 28 32 16 16.4 118 22 34 35 17 18.0 160 24 38 39 18 20. 3 217 28 41 42 19 22.1 270 31 44 44 20 24.1 345 34 48 47 21 25.9 416 37 50 50 22 27.8 506 40 53 53 23 29.7 607 43 56 56 24 31.2 733 46 59 60 25 32.4 844 48 62 63 26 33.9 969 51 64 66 27 35.5 1 135 53 69 69 28 37.2 1 319 55 73 73 29 38. 6 1482 57 76 76 30 39.9 1636 59 79 78 31 41.1 1 779 61 81 80 32 42.3 1930 63 83 82 33 43.6 2088 65 85 84 34 44.5 2 248 66 88 86 35 45.4 2414 67 91 88 36 46.6 2612 69 94 89.5 37 47.9 2820 71 97 91 38 49.0 2992 73 99 92 39 50.2 3 170 75 101 93 40 51. 3 3 373 77 103 94.5

Is it possible to increase the weight of the fetus during pregnancy?

Let's figure out what determines the weight of the fetus during pregnancy, and how the expectant mother can correct the underweight of the crumbs:

  1. Nutrition. If the mother is malnourished, then the baby also receives less nutrients and slows down in development.
  2. Indolent diseases. If a mother has exacerbated chronic diseases during pregnancy, then her general condition can negatively affect the weight gain of the baby.
  3. Smoking. According to research by experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking mothers increase the risk of having babies with underweight.
  4. Stress, emotional overload of the mother reduce her appetite, metabolic rate and overall body tone. This directly affects the absorption of nutrients by the child. The more harmonious and calmer the emotional state of a woman, the easier the gestation and intrauterine development of the child.

    Learn more