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When is baby fully developed in womb


Fetal development: Month-By-Month Stages of Pregnancy

When does a pregnancy start?

The start of pregnancy is actually the first day of your last menstrual period. This is called the gestational age, or menstrual age. It’s about two weeks ahead of when conception actually occurs. Though it may seem strange, the date of the first day of your last period will be an important date when determining your due date. Your healthcare provider will ask you about this date and will use it to figure out how far along you are in your pregnancy.

How does conception work?

Each month, your body goes through a reproductive cycle that can end in one of two ways. You will either have a menstrual period or become pregnant. This cycle is continuously happening during your reproductive years — from puberty in your teen years to menopause around age 50.

In a cycle that ends with pregnancy, there are several steps. First, a group of eggs (called oocytes) gets ready to leave the ovary for ovulation (release of the egg). The eggs develop in small, fluid-filled cysts called follicles. Think of these follicles as small containers for each immature egg. Out of this group of eggs, one will become mature and continue on through the cycle. This follicle then suppresses all the other follicles in the group. The other follicles stop growing at this point.

The mature follicle now opens and releases the egg from the ovary. This is ovulation. Ovulation generally happens about two weeks before your next menstrual period begins. It’s generally in the middle of your cycle.

After ovulation, the opened (ruptured) follicle develops into a structure called the corpus luteum. This secretes (releases) the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone helps prepare the endometrium (lining of the uterus). This lining is the place where a fertilized egg settles to develop. If you don’t become pregnant during a cycle, this lining is what is shed during your period.

On average, fertilization happens about two weeks after your last menstrual period. When the sperm penetrates the egg, changes occur in the protein coating of the egg to prevent other sperm from entering.

At the moment of fertilization, your baby’s genetic make-up is complete, including its sex. The sex of your baby depends on what sperm fertilizes the egg at the moment of conception. Generally, women have a genetic combination of XX and men have XY. Women provide each egg with an X. Each sperm can be either an X or a Y. If the fertilized egg and sperm is a combination of an X and Y, it’s a boy. If there are two Xs, it’s a girl.

What happens right after conception?

Within 24 hours after fertilization, the egg begins rapidly dividing into many cells. It remains in the fallopian tube for about three days after conception. Then the fertilized egg (now called a blastocyte) continues to divide as it passes slowly through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Once there, its next job is to attach to the endometrium. This is called implantation.

Before implantation though, the blastocyte breaks out of its protective covering. When the blastocyte makes contact with the endometrium, the two exchange hormones to help the blastocyte attach. Some women notice spotting (slight bleeding) during the one or two days when implantation happens. This is normal and isn’t something you should worry about. At this point, the endometrium becomes thicker and the cervix (the opening between your uterus and birth canal) is sealed by a plug of mucus.

Within three weeks, the blastocyte cells ultimately form a little ball, or an embryo. By this time, the first nerve cells have formed.

Your developing fetus has already gone through a few name changes in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Generally, it's called an embryo from conception until the eighth week of development. After the eighth week, it's called a fetus until it’s born.

How early can I know I’m pregnant?

From the moment of conception, the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) will be present in your blood. This hormone is created by the cells that form the placenta (food source for the growing fetus). It’s also the hormone detected in a pregnancy test. Even though this hormone is there from the beginning, it takes time for it to build within your body. It typically takes three to four weeks from the first day of your last period for the hCG to increase enough to be detected by pregnancy tests.

When should I reach out to my healthcare provider about a new pregnancy?

Most healthcare providers will have you wait to come in for an appointment until you have had a positive home pregnancy test. These tests are very accurate once you have enough hCG circulating throughout your body. This can be a few weeks after conception. It’s best to call your healthcare provider once you have a positive pregnancy test to schedule your first appointment.

When you call, your healthcare provider may ask you if you are taking a prenatal vitamin. These supplements contain folic acid. It’s important that you get at least 400mcg of folic acid each day during a pregnancy to make sure the fetus's neural tube (beginning of the brain and spine) develops correctly. Many healthcare providers suggest that you take prenatal vitamins with folic acid even when you aren’t pregnant. If you weren’t taking prenatal vitamins before your pregnancy, your provider may ask you to start as early as possible.

What’s the timeline for fetal development?

The fetus will change a lot throughout a typical pregnancy. This time is divided into three stages, called trimesters. Each trimester is a set of about three months. Your healthcare provider will probably talk to you about fetal development in terms of weeks. So, if you are three months pregnancy, you are about 12 weeks.

You will see distinct changes in the fetus, and yourself, during each trimester.

Traditionally, we think of a pregnancy as a nine-month process. However, this isn’t always the case. A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks, or 280 days. Depending on what months you are pregnant during (some are shorter and some longer) and what week you deliver, you could be pregnant for either nine months or 10 months. This is completely normal and healthy.

Once you get close to the end of your pregnancy, there are several category names you might hear regarding when you go into labor. These labels divide up the last few weeks of pregnancy. They’re also used to look out for certain complications in newborns. Babies that are born in the early term period or before may have a higher risk of breathing, hearing or learning issues than babies born a few weeks later in the full term time frame. When you’re looking at these labels, it’s important to know how they’re written. You may see the week first (38) and then you’ll see two numbers separated by a slash mark (6/7). This stands for how many days you currently are in the gestational week. So, if you see 38 6/7, it means that you are on day 6 of your 38th week.

The last few weeks of pregnancy are divided into the following groups:

  • Early term: 37 0/7 weeks through 38 6/7 weeks.
  • Full term: 39 0/7 weeks through 40 6/7 weeks.
  • Late term: 41 0/7 weeks through 41 6/7 weeks.
  • Post term: 42 0/7 weeks and on.

Talk to your healthcare provider about any questions you may have about gestational age and due date.

Stages of Growth Month-by-Month in Pregnancy

First trimester

The first trimester will span from conception to 12 weeks. This is generally the first three months of pregnancy. During this trimester, the fertilized egg will change from a small grouping of cells to a fetus that is starting to have a baby’s features.

Month 1 (weeks 1 through 4)

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.

During this time, the placenta also develops. The placenta is a round, flat organ that transfers nutrients from the mother to the fetus, and transfers wastes from the fetus. Think of the placenta as a food source for the fetus throughout your pregnancy.

In these first few weeks, 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, the fetus is about 1/4 inch long – smaller than a grain of rice.

Month 2 (weeks 5 through 8)

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 now. The digestive tract and sensory organs begin to develop too. Bone starts to replace cartilage.

The head is large in proportion to the rest of the body at this point. At about 6 weeks, a heartbeat can usually be detected.

After the 8th week, healthcare providers refer to it as a fetus instead of an embryo.

By the end of the second month, the fetus is about 1 inch long and weighs about 1/30 of an ounce.

Month 3 (weeks 9 through 12)

The arms, hands, fingers, feet and toes are fully formed. At this stage, the fetus is starting to explore a bit by doing things like opening and closing its fists and mouth. Fingernails and toenails are beginning to develop and the external ears are formed. The beginnings of teeth are forming under the gums. The reproductive organs also develop, but sex is still difficult to distinguish on ultrasound.

By the end of the third month, the fetus is fully formed. All the organs and limbs (extremities) are present and will continue to develop in order to become functional. The circulatory and urinary systems are also working and the liver produces bile.

At the end of the third month, the fetus is about 4 inches long and weighs about 1 ounce.

Since the most critical development has taken place, your chance of miscarriage drops considerably after three months.

Second trimester

This middle section of pregnancy is often thought of as the best part of the experience. By this time, any morning sickness is probably gone and the discomfort of early pregnancy has faded. The fetus will start to develop facial features during this month. You may also start to feel movement as the fetus flips and turns in the uterus. During this trimester, many people find out whether their baby will be designated male or female at birth. This is typically done during an anatomy scan (an ultrasound that checks physical development) around 20 weeks.

Month 4 (weeks 13 through 16)

The fetal 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. The fetus 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 the fetus will be designated male or female at birth.

By the end of the fourth month, the fetus is about 6 inches long and weighs about 4 ounces.

Month 5 (weeks 17 through 20)

At this stage, you may begin to feel the fetus moving around. The fetus is developing muscles and exercising them. This first movement is called quickening and can feel like a flutter.

Hair begins to grow on the head. The shoulders, back and temples are covered by a soft fine hair called lanugo. This hair protects the fetus and is usually shed at the end of your baby's first week of life.

The skin is covered with a whitish coating called vernix caseosa. This "cheesy" substance is thought to protect fetal skin from the long exposure to the amniotic fluid. This coating is shed just before birth.

By the end of the fifth month, the fetus is about 10 inches long and weighs from 1/2 to 1 pound.

Month 6 (weeks 21 through 24)

If you could look inside the uterus right now, you would see that the fetus's skin is reddish in color, wrinkled and veins are visible through translucent skin. The finger and toe prints are visible. In this stage, the eyelids begin to part and the eyes open.

The fetus responds to sounds by moving or increasing the pulse. You may notice jerking motions if the fetus hiccups.

If born prematurely, your baby may survive after the 23rd week with intensive care.

By the end of the sixth month, the fetus is about 12 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds.

Month 7 (weeks 25 through 28)

The fetus continues to mature and develop reserves of body fat. At this point, hearing is fully developed. The fetus changes position frequently and responds to stimuli, including sound, pain and light. The amniotic fluid begins to diminish.

If born prematurely, your baby would be likely to survive after the seventh month.

At the end of the seventh month, the fetus is about 14 inches long and weighs from 2 to 4 pounds.

Third trimester

This is the final part of your pregnancy. You may be tempted to start the countdown till your due date and hope that it would come early, but each week of this final stage of development helps the fetus prepare for birth. Throughout the third trimester, the fetus gains weight quickly, adding body fat that will help after birth.

Remember, even though popular culture only mentions nine months of pregnancy, you may actually be pregnant for 10 months. The typical, full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks, which can take you into a tenth month. It’s also possible that you can go past your due date by a week or two (41 or 42 weeks). Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely as you approach your due date. If you pass your due date, and don’t go into spontaneous labor, your provider may induce you. This means that medications will be used to make you go into labor and have the baby. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider during this trimester about your birth plan.

Month 8 (weeks 29 through 32)

The fetus continues to mature and develop reserves of body fat. You may notice more kicking. The brain developing rapidly at this time, and the fetus can see and hear. Most internal systems are well developed, but the lungs may still be immature.

The fetus is about 18 inches long and weighs as much as 5 pounds.

Month 9 (weeks 33 through 36)

During this stage, the fetus continues to grow and mature. The lungs are close to being fully developed at this point.

The fetus has coordinated reflexes and can blink, close the eyes, turn the head, grasp firmly, and respond to sounds, light and touch.

The fetus is about 17 to 19 inches long and weighs from 5 ½ pounds to 6 ½ pounds.

Month 10 (Weeks 37 through 40)

In this final month, you could go into labor at any time. You may notice that less movement because space is tight. At this point, The fetus's position may have changed to prepare for birth. Ideally, it's head down in your uterus. You may feel very uncomfortable in this final stretch of time as the fetus drops down into your pelvis and prepares for birth.

Your baby is ready to meet the world at this point. They are about 18 to 20 inches long and weigh about 7 pounds.

Fetal development Information | Mount Sinai

Zygote; Blastocyst; Embryo; Fetus

Learn how your baby is conceived and how your baby develops inside the mother's womb.

At 3.5 weeks, the fetus will have formed the heart, begins development of the brain and spinal cord, and starts forming the gastrointestinal tract.

At 7.5 weeks, the eyes move forward on the face and eyelids begin to form, the palate is nearing completion and the tongue begins to form, the gastrointestinal tract separates from the genitourinary tract, and all essential organs have begun to form.

At 8.5 weeks, the embryo now resembles a human. Facial features continue to develop, the beginnings of external genitalia form, the anal passage opens although the rectal membrane is intact, circulation through the umbilical cord is well developed, and long bones begin to form.

A fetus at 10 weeks of development has fully formed eyelids and well-formed digits and ears.

A fetus at 12 weeks can make a fist and suck its thumb.

At week 16, the fetus reaches a length of about 6 inches, makes active movements, and makes sucking motions with the mouth.

At 24 weeks, the fetus has fully developed eyes, has a hand and startle reflex, is forming footprints and fingerprints, and is forming alveoli in the lungs.

At 26 to 30 weeks, a fetus is rapidly developing its brain controls and some body functions. The fetus has eyelids which open and close and has a rapidly developing respiratory system.

At 30 to 32 weeks, a fetus has increased central nervous system control over body functions and rhythmic breathing movements. It is still developing lungs and is partially in control of body temperature.

Information

WEEK BY WEEK CHANGES

Gestation is the period of time between conception and birth when a baby grows and develops inside the mother's womb. Because it's impossible to know exactly when conception occurs, gestational age is measured from the first day of the mother's last menstrual cycle to the current date. It is measured in weeks.

This means that during weeks 1 and 2 of pregnancy, a woman is not yet pregnant. This is when your body is preparing for a baby. A normal gestation lasts anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks.

Week 1 to 2

  • The first week of pregnancy starts with the first day of a woman's menstrual period. She is not yet pregnant.
  • During the end of the second week, an egg is released from an ovary. This is when you are most likely to conceive if you have unprotected intercourse.

Week 3

  • During intercourse, sperm enters the vagina after the man ejaculates. The strongest sperm will travel through the cervix (the opening of the womb, or uterus), and into the fallopian tubes.
  • A single sperm and the mother's egg cell meet in the fallopian tube. When the single sperm enters the egg, conception occurs. The combined sperm and egg is called a zygote.
  • The zygote contains all of the genetic information (DNA) needed to become a baby. Half the DNA comes from the mother's egg and half from the father's sperm.
  • The zygote spends the next few days traveling down the fallopian tube. During this time, it divides to form a ball of cells called a blastocyst.
  • A blastocyst is made up of an inner group of cells with an outer shell.
  • The inner group of cells will become the embryo. The embryo is what will develop into your baby.
  • The outer group of cells will become structures, called membranes, which nourish and protect the embryo.

Week 4

  • Once the blastocyst reaches the uterus, it buries itself in the uterine wall.
  • At this point in the mother's menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus is thick with blood and ready to support a baby.
  • The blastocyst sticks tightly to the wall of the uterus and receives nourishment from the mother's blood.

Week 5

  • Week 5 is the start of the "embryonic period." This is when all the baby's major systems and structures develop.
  • The embryo's cells multiply and start to take on specific functions. This is called differentiation.
  • Blood cells, kidney cells, and nerve cells all develop.
  • The embryo grows rapidly, and the baby's external features begin to form.
  • Your baby's brain, spinal cord, and heart begin to develop.
  • Baby's gastrointestinal tract starts to form.
  • It is during this time in the first trimester that the baby is most at risk for damage from things that may cause birth defects. This includes certain medicines, illegal drug use, heavy alcohol use, infections such as rubella, and other factors.

Weeks 6 to 7

  • Arm and leg buds start to grow.
  • Your baby's brain forms into 5 different areas. Some cranial nerves are visible.
  • Eyes and ears begin to form.
  • Tissue grows that will become your baby's spine and other bones.
  • Baby's heart continues to grow and now beats at a regular rhythm. This can be seen by vaginal ultrasound.
  • Blood pumps through the main vessels.

Week 8

  • Baby's arms and legs have grown longer.
  • Hands and feet begin to form and look like little paddles.
  • Your baby's brain continues to grow.
  • The lungs start to form.

Week 9

  • Nipples and hair follicles form.
  • Arms grow and elbows develop.
  • Baby's toes can be seen.
  • All baby's essential organs have begun to grow.

Week 10

  • Your baby's eyelids are more developed and begin to close.
  • The outer ears begin to take shape.
  • Baby's facial features become more distinct.
  • The intestines rotate.
  • At the end of the 10th week of pregnancy, your baby is no longer an embryo. It is now a fetus, the stage of development up until birth.

Weeks 11 to 14

  • Your baby's eyelids close and will not reopen until about the 28th week.
  • Baby's face is well-formed.
  • Limbs are long and thin.
  • Nails appear on the fingers and toes.
  • Genitals appear.
  • Baby's liver is making red blood cells.
  • The head is very large -- about half of baby's size.
  • Your little one can now make a fist.
  • Tooth buds appear for the baby teeth.

Weeks 15 to 18

  • At this stage, baby's skin is almost transparent.
  • Fine hair called lanugo develops on baby's head.
  • Muscle tissue and bones keep developing, and bones become harder.
  • Baby begins to move and stretch.
  • The liver and pancreas produce secretions.
  • Your little one now makes sucking motions.

Weeks 19 to 21

  • Your baby can hear.
  • The baby is more active and continues to move and float around.
  • The mother may feel a fluttering in the lower abdomen. This is called quickening, when mom can feel baby's first movements.
  • By the end of this time, baby can swallow.

Week 22

  • Lanugo hair covers baby's entire body.
  • Meconium, baby's first bowel movement, is made in the intestinal tract.
  • Eyebrows and lashes appear.
  • The baby is more active with increased muscle development.
  • The mother can feel the baby moving.
  • Baby's heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope.
  • Nails grow to the end of baby's fingers.

Weeks 23 to 25

  • Bone marrow begins to make blood cells.
  • The lower airways of the baby's lungs develop.
  • Your baby begins to store fat.

Week 26

  • Eyebrows and eyelashes are well-formed.
  • All parts of baby's eyes are developed.
  • Your baby may startle in response to loud noises.
  • Footprints and fingerprints are forming.
  • Air sacs form in baby's lungs, but lungs are still not ready to work outside the womb.

Weeks 27 to 30

  • Baby's brain grows rapidly.
  • The nervous system is developed enough to control some body functions.
  • Your baby's eyelids can open and close.
  • The respiratory system, while immature, produces surfactant. This substance helps the air sacs fill with air.

Weeks 31 to 34

  • Your baby grows quickly and gains a lot of fat.
  • Rhythmic breathing occurs, but baby's lungs are not fully mature.
  • Baby's bones are fully developed, but are still soft.
  • Your baby's body begins storing iron, calcium, and phosphorus.

Weeks 35 to 37

  • Baby weighs about 5 1/2 pounds (2.5 kilograms).
  • Your baby keeps gaining weight, but will probably not get much longer.
  • The skin is not as wrinkled as fat forms under the skin.
  • Baby has definite sleeping patterns.
  • Your little one's heart and blood vessels are complete.
  • Muscles and bones are fully developed.

Week 38 to 40

  • Lanugo is gone except for on the upper arms and shoulders.
  • Fingernails may extend beyond fingertips.
  • Small breast buds are present on both sexes.
  • Head hair is now coarse and thicker.
  • In your 40th week of pregnancy, it has been 38 weeks since conception, and your baby could be born any day now.

Feigelman S, Finkelstein LH. Assessment of fetal growth and development. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 20.

Ross MG, Desai M, Ervin MG. Fetal development, physiology, and effects on long-term health. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 2.

Last reviewed on: 7/13/2021

Reviewed by: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Child development by week | 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. nine0003

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. nine0003


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 on her stomach, the baby tries to master the world and tries to touch with his pen "from the back". nine0115

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. nine0003

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 weeks 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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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 :) . nine0003

Development of a child in the womb

Daily

1st day. The sperm connects with the egg. As a result, one “large” (less than a grain of salt) cell is formed, which contains 46 chromosomes inherited from parents (23 chromosomes from each). A fertilized egg carries all the genetic information about the future person: his gender, eye color, skin and hair, facial features.

3rd-9th days. The fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube into the uterus. The embryo is attached to its wall and soon begins to receive the necessary substances for nutrition and oxygen for breathing with maternal blood, which enters it through the umbilical cord and branched chorion (future placenta). nine0003

10th-14th days. The embryo increases by one tenth of its original size.

20th day. The process of laying the nervous system begins.

Day 21 . The heart starts beating.

28th day. The spine and muscles are being formed. Ultrasound shows arms, legs, eyes, ears.

30th day . Over the past month, the embryo has grown 10 thousand times and continues to develop actively. The heart pumps an increasing amount of blood through the circulatory system. nine0003

35th day. You can see the fingers on the baby's hand. The eyes darken because the child's body has already begun to produce pigment.

40th day. With the help of a special device, it can detect and record signals coming from the brain.

First trimester

6 weeks. The liver begins to produce blood cells, and the brain controls the movement of muscles and the work of the heart.

7 weeks. The eyelids begin to cover the baby's eyes, protecting them from light and dryness (from the 28th week, the baby will be able to open and close his eyes at will). At the same period of pregnancy, the inner ear of the baby is formed, the outer ear develops, the jaws are formed, the rudiments of teeth appear. But most importantly, the baby begins to move. However, the mother does not feel this, because the child is still too small. nine0003

8 weeks. The baby has grown to 2.5 centimeters. He already looks like an adult. The heart beats, the stomach produces gastric juice, the kidneys function. Muscles contract under the influence of impulses from the brain. By the blood of a child, you can determine his Rh-belonging. Fingers and knuckles formed. The baby's face acquires certain features, facial expressions develop. The child's body responds to touch.

10 weeks. The child is 4 centimeters tall and weighs approximately 2 grams. During this period, the baby begins to form external and internal genital organs. nine0003

12 weeks. The baby is growing. From time to time he sucks his thumb. During wakefulness, the child vigorously trains the muscles: turns his head, bends his fingers and toes, opens and closes his mouth. The kid already hears and sees: if he begins to be disturbed by sharp sounds coming from the outside world, he tries to close his ears with his hands, and tries to shield his palm from the beam of light directed into his eyes. If you touch his palm, it will shrink into a fist. All these movements are carried out due to the fact that the baby has formed a vestibular apparatus, which helps him navigate in space. nine0003

Second trimester

16 weeks. The child weighs approximately 150 grams and is 16-18 centimeters tall. Hair appears on the head, cilia and eyebrows appear on the face. The baby opens his mouth, swallows, sucks, smiles. During this period, the placenta begins to fully function, which connects him with his mother.

20 weeks. The growth of the baby reaches 30 centimeters, he has nails on his fingers and toes. Now my mother feels his movements, as from time to time he begins to engage in physical education: he pushes off from one wall of the uterus and swims to the other. In addition, the child may respond to a sharp sound or mother's excitement by jumping, which is perceived as active movement. If the baby begins to hiccup, the woman feels weak rhythmic tremors coming from the inside. At 20 weeks, doctors listen to the baby's heartbeat with a stethoscope. nine0003

24 weeks. The kid may already be angry. This is proved by a photograph of a child at this age. It shows his angry look, muscle tension around the eyes, wrinkled lips, it is clear that he is crying, expressing his displeasure. By the way, to rest at night, the baby goes to bed and ... dreams. The child weighs about 500 grams, which is not much, but he has just begun to gain weight. His skin is red and wrinkled. Since she is still very tender, the baby is protected from the effects of amniotic fluid with a special lubricant. By the 24th week of pregnancy, the fat and sweat glands begin to function, the lungs of the child mature. They form a film that prevents them from sticking together when breathing. If the child is born at this time and provided with the necessary care, he will be able to survive. nine0003

Third trimester

28 weeks. The child weighs about 1000 grams and is 35 centimeters tall. He has already developed all the senses - these data are confirmed by the study of brain biocurrents (EEG) of an unborn child. He begins to recognize his mother's voice. The baby performs the first elementary respiratory movements. His skin thickens (thickens) and becomes more like the skin of a newborn. If childbirth begins at this stage of pregnancy, then they will be called premature, but doctors will be able to help the child survive. nine0003

32 weeks. The child weighs about 2000 grams, he develops subcutaneous fat, the arms and legs become plump. The immune system is being laid down: the baby begins to receive immunoglobulins from the mother, which will protect him from diseases in the first months of life. The volume of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is one liter. Every three hours they are completely renewed, so the baby always swims in "clean" water, which can be swallowed painlessly.

34 weeks. The baby weighs 1800-2100 grams, his height reaches 40-41 centimeters. It becomes crowded in the uterus: he can no longer roll over and most often is located head down. His lungs are finally maturing, and in case of premature birth, the baby will breathe on his own. However, the subcutaneous fat layer is still poorly developed and poorly retains heat.

36-38 weeks. From the ninth month of pregnancy, the baby gains weight daily (up to 14 grams). Iron accumulates in his liver, which will help hematopoiesis in the first year of life. The fluff that covers the baby's skin (especially the shoulders and back) disappears by the time of birth. The child grows rapidly, the uterus becomes too tight, so his movements are felt more intensely. nine0003

Usually at 38 weeks its head descends towards the pelvic inlet. The baby is already ready for independent life and is counting the days until birth...

Childbirth

Childbirth that occurred at 38-40 weeks of gestation is considered timely. Typically, a baby is born with a weight of about 3000 grams or more and a height of about 50 centimeters. Barely born, he makes his first cry. The child breathes independently, his heart beats, he actively moves his arms and legs .

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