First Trimester (Months 1-3)
MONTH ONE:
1st week 1-7 days:
1ST day following fertilization:
On the first day following fertilization, the human embryo is identifiable as a specific human being on a molecular level.
1ST day following fertilization:On the first day following fertilization, the human embryo is identifiable as a specific human being on a molecular level.
2nd week 8-14 days:
The umbilical cord, composed of two arteries and one larger vein, surrounded by a thick jelly, has formed and becomes a lifeline transporting nutrients and wastes to and from the embryo and placenta.
The umbilical cord, composed of two arteries and one larger vein, surrounded by a thick jelly, has formed and becomes a lifeline transporting nutrients and wastes to and from the embryo and placenta.
3rd week 15-21 days
The heart is formed at 20 days and starts to beat at 21 to 22 days. A primitive intestine a neural tube is also visible at this age. The circulation system for the brain has begun. By the end of the third week, the backbone, spinal column, and nervous system are forming.
The heart is formed at 20 days and starts to beat at 21 to 22 days. A primitive intestine a neural tube is also visible at this age. The circulation system for the brain has begun. By the end of the third week, the backbone, spinal column, and nervous system are forming.
4th week 22-28 days:
The embryo may float freely in the uterus for about 48 hours before implanting. Upon implantation, complex connections between the mother and embryo develop to form the placenta. The embryo produces hormones, which stop the mother's menstrual cycle.
The embryo may float freely in the uterus for about 48 hours before implanting. Upon implantation, complex connections between the mother and embryo develop to form the placenta. The embryo produces hormones, which stop the mother's menstrual cycle.
The gut track is visual by the end of the fourth week, and a recognized mouth is visible. The brain is forming at a rapid rate. In the fourth week cells of the neural crest migrate throughout the body and form an astounding array of structures, including the sensory and autonomic nerves, pigment cells, and most of the bones and connective tissue and neck. In the head, the earliest recognizable traces of the future eyes and inner ear are readily distinguishable. By the end of the fourth week the unborn baby has a highly functional circulation with three sets of blood vessels.
By day 21, the embryo's tiny heart has begun beating. At 22 days of age the major blood vessels that enter and leave the heart are visualized.
5th week 29-35 days:
The fifth week is characterized by profound changes in almost all organ systems of the human being. The brain becomes subdivided in 5 parts, corresponding to the major divisions of the adult brain, and nerve cells are forming. The eyes have formed a lens, and the nerves in the retina are taking shape. An olfactory placode, the precursor of the organ of smell in the nose is prominent.
The fifth week is characterized by profound changes in almost all organ systems of the human being. The brain becomes subdivided in 5 parts, corresponding to the major divisions of the adult brain, and nerve cells are forming. The eyes have formed a lens, and the nerves in the retina are taking shape. An olfactory placode, the precursor of the organ of smell in the nose is prominent.
At this stage, the embryo is the size of a raisin. The neural tube enlarges into three parts, soon to become a very complex brain. The placenta begins functioning. The spine and spinal cord grows faster than the rest of the body at this stage and give the appearance of a tail. This disappears as the child continues to grow.
At Five weeks, the eye socket is formed. Within five weeks, the hand begins to form as a flipperlike growth from the trunk. The head is disproportionately large at this time. The umbilical cord joins the embryo to the placenta and to the yolk sac, which manufacturer blood cells during the five week�s of the embryo�s life. A future brain is also detected, as the front of the primitive neural tube is enlarged into three parts that will soon become five.
During the sixth week after fertilization the unborn child can respond to local tactile stimulation by reflex movements. At the end of the sixth week, the unborn child is clearly recognizable as a human being by gross morphological observation. The spread of cutaneous receptors is preceded by the development of synapses between sensory fibers and interneurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, which first appear during the sixth week of gestation. Spontaneous movement begins somewhere in the 6th to 7th week.
Arms and legs are extremely short but starting to take shape.
Brain waves can be detected, recorded and read at approximately 40 days.
7th week 43-49 days:
In the seventh week, facial features are visible, including a mouth and tongue and the eyes have a retina and lens. The major muscle system is developed, and the unborn child practices moving. The child has its own blood type, distinct from the mother's. The liver produces these blood cells now instead of the yolk sac.
In the seventh week, facial features are visible, including a mouth and tongue and the eyes have a retina and lens. The major muscle system is developed, and the unborn child practices moving. The child has its own blood type, distinct from the mother's. The liver produces these blood cells now instead of the yolk sac.
By the seventh week a lens forms over the eye as well as a cornea and an iris. You can often see a black circle in the head which is the retina seen through the future lens of the eye. The hand will grow into a web shape. Fingers take shape, grow and will lengthen. Nose, Mouth, and Ears take form. The embryo is about three-quarters of an inch long, 40,000 times larger than where it began.
The liver is developing by this stage and will often show as a dark mass. The yolk sac gradually gives over to the liver the task of forming blood cells. The yolk sac and the little tube that joined it to the embryo will disappear. Now the fetus will produce it�s own blood. It has a network of arteries and veins, oxygen is provided though the blood coming and going between the embryo and the placenta. The circulation system is now perfectly formed.
Somewhere between the second and third month, the fetus� external genital organs develop and become obvious.
Spontaneous movements are seen shortly after the completion of the seventh week. Cutaneous sensory receptors appear in the perioral area of the human fetus in the 7th week of gestation.
Just before the eighth week of gestation, an embryo develops its first sensitivity to touch. The unborn child, called a fetus at this stage, is about half an inch long. The amniotic sac, filled with fluid protects the tiny person. Inside, the child swims and moves gracefully. The arms and legs have lengthened, and fingers can be seen. The toes will develop in the next few days. Brain waves can be measured.
During the eighth week the heartbeat is approximately 160 beats per minute. The unborn baby has the ability to open his jaw, move his tongue, and even hiccup (8-10weeks). Movement by the fetus away from cutaneous stimulation and brain activity has been observed in the 8th week. Also at 8 weeks local stimuli may produce the following movements; squinting, opening the mouth, partial finger closure, and plantar flexion of the toes. A basic sensory loop is clearly present.
At eight weeks almost all the organs are almost formed and in place. Outer cells are becoming nerves and deep within the embryo the cells are becoming organs, bones, muscles, and blood vessels. A simple intestinal tube is forming. A rudimentary heart is now formed as well as an eye.
By eight weeks skin begins to fold over the eye creating a lid.
"Years ago, while giving an anesthetic for a ruptured tubal pregnancy (at two months) I was handed what I believed to be the smallest human being ever seen. The embryo sac was intact and transparent. Within the sac was a tiny human male, swimming extremely vigorously in the amnionic fluid, while attached to the wall by the umbilical cord. The tiny human was perfectly developed, with long, tapering fingers, feet and toes. It was almost transparent as regards to the skin, and the delicate arteries and veins were prominent to the ends of the fingers. The baby was extremely alive and did not look at all like the photos and drawings of 'embryos' which I have seen."- Paul E. Rockwell
9th week 57-63 days:
The first detectable brain activity in response to noxious ( or pain stimuli) is elicited in the thalamus of the brain between the 9th and 10th weeks. By nine weeks, a developing fetus can hiccup and react to loud noises.
The first detectable brain activity in response to noxious ( or pain stimuli) is elicited in the thalamus of the brain between the 9th and 10th weeks. By nine weeks, a developing fetus can hiccup and react to loud noises.
The fetus� genitals show a clear sexual differentiation and already contain primitive egg or sperm cells. The fetus now sleeps and awakes, drinks the amniotic fluid for nutrition, and excretes waste.
Around the ninth week of pregnancy, the baby starts making her first movements. Those movements are probably visible with an ultrasound, even though they can't be felt for several more weeks.
10th week 64-70 days:
The heart is almost completely developed and very much resembles that of a newborn baby. An opening the atrium of the heart and the presence of a bypass valve divert much of the blood away from the lungs, as the child's blood is oxygenated through the placenta. Twenty tiny baby teeth are forming in the gums.
The heart is almost completely developed and very much resembles that of a newborn baby. An opening the atrium of the heart and the presence of a bypass valve divert much of the blood away from the lungs, as the child's blood is oxygenated through the placenta. Twenty tiny baby teeth are forming in the gums.
Neuronal multiplication occurs mainly from the 10-12 weeks, after which no new nerve cells are formed, though neuronal arborization and the information reorganization of synapses continue with adulthood. General fetal movements appear in the 8th week. More complex movements appear such as: sucking, swallowing, and breathing appear in the 10th to 12th week.
"As early as eight to 10 weeks' gestation,
and definitely by thirteen and a half weeks,
the human fetus experiences organic pain."Dr. Vincent J. Collins,
a diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiologists
and definitely by thirteen and a half weeks,
the human fetus experiences organic pain."Dr. Vincent J. Collins,
a diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiologists
The embryo is now about 1 inch in length. Facial features, limbs, hands, feet, fingers, and toes become apparent. The nervous system is responsive and many of the internal organs begin to function.
11th week 71-77 days:
The fetus measures about 3 inches. It does not use its lungs yet, oxygen is supplied by the placenta. The umbilical cord, which attaches the fetus to the mother, delivers about one-half pint of blood every minute.
The fetus measures about 3 inches. It does not use its lungs yet, oxygen is supplied by the placenta. The umbilical cord, which attaches the fetus to the mother, delivers about one-half pint of blood every minute.
Cutaneous sensory receptors spread to the rest of the face, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet by the 11th week
Vocal chords are complete, and the child can and does sometimes cry (silently). The brain is fully formed, and the child can feel pain. At twelve weeks gestation, the thalamus, third ventricle, midbrain, brain stem, and cerebellar hemispheres are developed.
Before the end of the first trimester (3-months) the hands are clearly formed and visible. By the third or fourth month the hand can grab and the foot can make small kicks for the mother to feel against the womb.
Second Trimester (Months 4-6)
MONTH FOUR:
13th week: 85-91 days:By thirteen weeks, your baby may be able to put a thumb in her mouth, although the sucking muscles aren't completely developed yet. By the thirteenth week the eye is fully developed and the lid has shut. It will remain closed until the fetus is about seven-month gestation. At four months feet and toes are developed and the legs are beginning to take their natural proportions.
Recent studies using electron microscopy and immunocytochemical methods show that the development of various types of cells in the dorsal horn (along with their laminar arrangement, synaptic interconnections, and specific neurotransmitter vesicles) begins before 13 to 14 weeks of gestation and is completed by 30 weeks
14th week: 92-98 days
The fetus is now 3 inches long and weighs almost an ounce. Muscles lengthen and become organized at this point. Fist signs of movement are becoming evident. The arms, legs, knees and elbows will be move constantly. The hand will find the mouth and sucking may be seen. The hand close-up will seem perfectly formed although they are translucent and cartilage is still visible.
The fetus is now 3 inches long and weighs almost an ounce. Muscles lengthen and become organized at this point. Fist signs of movement are becoming evident. The arms, legs, knees and elbows will be move constantly. The hand will find the mouth and sucking may be seen. The hand close-up will seem perfectly formed although they are translucent and cartilage is still visible.
The Epidermis (outer skin) has now replaced the first protective membrane. The heart is well formed, it beats rapidly at 140 pulsations a minute.
15th week: 99-105 days
Cutaneous sensory receptors spread to the trunk and proximal parts of the arms and legs by the 15th week
Cutaneous sensory receptors spread to the trunk and proximal parts of the arms and legs by the 15th week
The fetus has an adult's taste buds and may be able to savor the mother's meals.
16th week:106-112 days
Five and a half inches tall and only six ounces in weight, eyebrows, eyelashes and fine hair appear. The child can grasp with his hands, kick, or even somersault.
Although the baby's first muscle movements were involuntary, the first voluntary muscle movements occur around week 16. After this point, awake or asleep, the baby moves 50 times or more each hour, flexing and extending her body, moving her head, face, and limbs, and exploring her warm, wet compartment by touch. A baby may touch her face, touch one hand to the other hand, clasp her feet, touch her foot to her leg, or her hand to the umbilical cord
By the end of the Fourth month, the baby will be eight to ten inches long and could weigh one pound or more. The baby will move around inside the sac seeking comfortable positions. Bone marrow is also forming at this stage, the heart can be plainly heard and is pumping up to twenty-five quarts of blood a day.
17th week:113-119 days:
The nails on the hand have grown by the seventeenth week and the forearm and upper arm have lengthened. Between the fifth and sixth month, the baby will be able to fully grasp the umbilical cord, and will recognize sounds and voices. Oil and sweat glands now function. The entire body is covered by fine hair. Vernis, Latin for �varnish� covers the baby in a protective layer. This white greasy substance will stay on the baby until it is born. Baby�s born premature, can survive outside of the womb at this point.
The nails on the hand have grown by the seventeenth week and the forearm and upper arm have lengthened. Between the fifth and sixth month, the baby will be able to fully grasp the umbilical cord, and will recognize sounds and voices. Oil and sweat glands now function. The entire body is covered by fine hair. Vernis, Latin for �varnish� covers the baby in a protective layer. This white greasy substance will stay on the baby until it is born. Baby�s born premature, can survive outside of the womb at this point.
18th week: 120-126 days
The fetus is now about 5 inches long. The child can blink, grasp, and move her mouth. Hair grows on the head and body. The nerve tissue begins to mature. The fetus is growing rapidly and only has room to move when the mother is at rest. When the mother moves, the fetus will curl into a self-protective position. The mother may begin to feel the life now growing within her. As early as week 18, when the eyes are still closed, a baby's retinas can detect a small amount of light filtering through a mother's tissue if she's out in the bright sun or under strong lights.
The fetus is now about 5 inches long. The child can blink, grasp, and move her mouth. Hair grows on the head and body. The nerve tissue begins to mature. The fetus is growing rapidly and only has room to move when the mother is at rest. When the mother moves, the fetus will curl into a self-protective position. The mother may begin to feel the life now growing within her. As early as week 18, when the eyes are still closed, a baby's retinas can detect a small amount of light filtering through a mother's tissue if she's out in the bright sun or under strong lights.
19th week:127-133 days
At 15 centimeters crown to rump, and weighing eight ounces, the baby is growing fast! This week, permanent teeth buds form behind the milk teeth buds.
At 15 centimeters crown to rump, and weighing eight ounces, the baby is growing fast! This week, permanent teeth buds form behind the milk teeth buds.
20th week:134-140 days
The child can hear and recognize it�s mother's voice. Though still small and fragile, the baby is growing rapidly and could possibly survive if born at this stage. Fingernails and fingerprints appear. Sex organs are visible. Using an ultrasound device, the doctor can tell if the child is a girl or a boy. Fingerprints on the hands now exist.
The child can hear and recognize it�s mother's voice. Though still small and fragile, the baby is growing rapidly and could possibly survive if born at this stage. Fingernails and fingerprints appear. Sex organs are visible. Using an ultrasound device, the doctor can tell if the child is a girl or a boy. Fingerprints on the hands now exist.
Cutaneous sensory receptors spread to all cutaneous and mucous surfaces by the 20th week
Twins at 20 weeks' gestation can be seen developing certain gestures and habits that persist into their postnatal years. In one case, a brother and sister were seen playing cheek-to-cheek on either side of the dividing membrane. At one year of age, their favorite game was to take positions on opposite sides of a curtain, and begin to laugh and giggle as they touched each other and played through the curtain.
21st week:141-147 days
At about six months, the lungs are ready to start performing their function. From this moment the fetus is capable of breathing.
At about six months, the lungs are ready to start performing their function. From this moment the fetus is capable of breathing.
22nd week:148-154 days
The fetus now weighs approximately 1/2 a pound and spans about 8-10 inches from head to toe. Sweat glands develop, and the external skin has turned from transparent to opaque. By the 22nd week of development, a human fetus has all of its hair follicles formed - roughly 5 million on the whole body, a million on the head and 100,000 on the scalp.
The fetus now weighs approximately 1/2 a pound and spans about 8-10 inches from head to toe. Sweat glands develop, and the external skin has turned from transparent to opaque. By the 22nd week of development, a human fetus has all of its hair follicles formed - roughly 5 million on the whole body, a million on the head and 100,000 on the scalp.
23rd week:155-161 days
The fetus has grown to 8-10 inches and now weighs 3/4 to 1 lb. Fetal hair begins to grow (including eyebrows and eyelashes) and fetal movement (�twitches�) may be felt by the mother. The organs continue to mature functionally but are still immature.
The fetus has grown to 8-10 inches and now weighs 3/4 to 1 lb. Fetal hair begins to grow (including eyebrows and eyelashes) and fetal movement (�twitches�) may be felt by the mother. The organs continue to mature functionally but are still immature.
24th week:162-168 days
The fetus is now 12- 14 inches long and weighs 1 1/2 to 2 lb. If born during this period, he/she has a good chance for survival. Eye movement (opening and closing) begins. Babies can be seen on ultrasound sucking their thumbs.
The fetus is now 12- 14 inches long and weighs 1 1/2 to 2 lb. If born during this period, he/she has a good chance for survival. Eye movement (opening and closing) begins. Babies can be seen on ultrasound sucking their thumbs.
By the end of the second trimester it can hear.
Third Trimester (Months 7-9)
MONTH SEVEN:
25th week:169-175 days
The fetus can now inhale, exhale and even cry. Eyes have completely formed, and the tongue has developed taste buds. Under intensive medical care the fetus has over a 50% chance of surviving outside the womb. In the last trimester: the baby�s skin thickens as it prepares for its life outside the womb. The baby also forms a layer of fat for both insulation as well as food. Antibodies that give immunity from diseases are being built up. The baby absorbs a gallon of amniotic fluid each day and the fluid is being replaced every three hours. The heart pumps three hundred gallons of blood per day and the placenta begins to age.
The fetus can now inhale, exhale and even cry. Eyes have completely formed, and the tongue has developed taste buds. Under intensive medical care the fetus has over a 50% chance of surviving outside the womb. In the last trimester: the baby�s skin thickens as it prepares for its life outside the womb. The baby also forms a layer of fat for both insulation as well as food. Antibodies that give immunity from diseases are being built up. The baby absorbs a gallon of amniotic fluid each day and the fluid is being replaced every three hours. The heart pumps three hundred gallons of blood per day and the placenta begins to age.
26th week:176-182 days
The baby now weighs between 1.5 and 2 pounds/ 680 and 900 grams and is approximately 9 inches/ 23 centimeters long from crown to rump. He makes breathing movements but has no air in his lungs yet. At 26 weeks, fetal brain scans show response to touch. If you shine a light on the mother�s abdomen, the baby may turn his head, which according to researchers, means his optic nerve is working. At 26 to 28 weeks a fetus: is rapidly developing its brain, controls some body functions, has eyelids which open and close, has a rapidly developing respiratory system
The baby now weighs between 1.5 and 2 pounds/ 680 and 900 grams and is approximately 9 inches/ 23 centimeters long from crown to rump. He makes breathing movements but has no air in his lungs yet. At 26 weeks, fetal brain scans show response to touch. If you shine a light on the mother�s abdomen, the baby may turn his head, which according to researchers, means his optic nerve is working. At 26 to 28 weeks a fetus: is rapidly developing its brain, controls some body functions, has eyelids which open and close, has a rapidly developing respiratory system
27th week:183-189 days
The baby may now Measure 15 inches/ 38 centimeters from top to toe with his legs extended; from crown to rump he is about 10 inches/25.5 centimeters. He weighs a little more than 2 pounds/ 900 grams. The baby's eyes begin opening about this time. Response to sound grows more consistent toward the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to the ear is complete. He also continues to take small breaths and although he's only breathing in water and not air, it's still good practice for when he's born. From 27 weeks on the fetus finishes development and prepares for delivery
The baby may now Measure 15 inches/ 38 centimeters from top to toe with his legs extended; from crown to rump he is about 10 inches/25.5 centimeters. He weighs a little more than 2 pounds/ 900 grams. The baby's eyes begin opening about this time. Response to sound grows more consistent toward the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to the ear is complete. He also continues to take small breaths and although he's only breathing in water and not air, it's still good practice for when he's born. From 27 weeks on the fetus finishes development and prepares for delivery
28th week:190-196 days
The baby now weighs about 2.5 to 3 pounds/ 1.1 to 1.3 kilograms and measures 10.5 inches/ 26 centimeters from crown to rump (15.5 inches/ 39 centimeters from top to toe). Her eyes open and close, she sleeps and wakes at regular intervals and she may suck a finger or thumb. By 28 weeks the eye is so sensitive to light that if a physician peers into the uterus with a telescope, the fetus will try to shield its eyes with its hands.
The baby now weighs about 2.5 to 3 pounds/ 1.1 to 1.3 kilograms and measures 10.5 inches/ 26 centimeters from crown to rump (15.5 inches/ 39 centimeters from top to toe). Her eyes open and close, she sleeps and wakes at regular intervals and she may suck a finger or thumb. By 28 weeks the eye is so sensitive to light that if a physician peers into the uterus with a telescope, the fetus will try to shield its eyes with its hands.
29th week:197-203 days
By week 29, the mother will probably be feeling the baby move at least 10 times an hour
By week 29, the mother will probably be feeling the baby move at least 10 times an hour
The baby weighs nearly 3 pounds/ 1.3 kilograms and may measure 16.5 inches/ 42 centimeters from top to toe. At about this time, the baby can open his eyes and turn his head in utero if he notices a continuous, bright light shining from the outside. His fat layers are forming and his fingernails appear.
30th week:204-210 days
For several months, the umbilical cord has been the baby's lifeline to the mother. Nourishment is transferred from the mother's blood, through the placenta, and into the umbilical cord to the fetus. If the mother ingests any toxic substances, such as drugs or alcohol, the baby receives these as well. This is generally the time the baby stops growing and drops. Usually head down, into the pelvic cavity awaiting its birth. The fetus is usually capable of living outside the womb and would be considered premature at birth
For several months, the umbilical cord has been the baby's lifeline to the mother. Nourishment is transferred from the mother's blood, through the placenta, and into the umbilical cord to the fetus. If the mother ingests any toxic substances, such as drugs or alcohol, the baby receives these as well. This is generally the time the baby stops growing and drops. Usually head down, into the pelvic cavity awaiting its birth. The fetus is usually capable of living outside the womb and would be considered premature at birth
31st week:211-217 days
The baby�s lungs and digestive tract are almost fully developed. The baby may soon slow up growing in length, (he measures about 17.25 inches/ 45 centimeters from crown to toe by now), he will continue to gain weight until he's born. The baby continues to open and shut his eyes. He can probably see what's going on in utero, distinguish light from dark and even track a light source. If the mother shines a light on her stomach, the baby may move his head to follow the light or even reach out to touch the moving glow. Some researchers think baring the mother�s stomach to light stimulates visual development. A pint and a half/around a liter of amniotic fluid now surrounds the baby but that volume decreases as he gets bigger and has less room in the uterus.
The baby�s lungs and digestive tract are almost fully developed. The baby may soon slow up growing in length, (he measures about 17.25 inches/ 45 centimeters from crown to toe by now), he will continue to gain weight until he's born. The baby continues to open and shut his eyes. He can probably see what's going on in utero, distinguish light from dark and even track a light source. If the mother shines a light on her stomach, the baby may move his head to follow the light or even reach out to touch the moving glow. Some researchers think baring the mother�s stomach to light stimulates visual development. A pint and a half/around a liter of amniotic fluid now surrounds the baby but that volume decreases as he gets bigger and has less room in the uterus.
32nd week:218-224 days
The baby's arms, legs and body continue to fill out � and they are finally proportional in size to her head. She weighs about 4 pounds/1.8 kilograms and looks more like a newborn. She measures about 18 inches/ 45 centimeters from crown to toe. This is the most rapid period of body growth. Hair follicles develop. If born, baby has excellent chance of survival. He/She begins to move down into the pelvis in preparation for birth. The fetus sleeps 90-95% of the day, and sometimes experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming.
The baby's arms, legs and body continue to fill out � and they are finally proportional in size to her head. She weighs about 4 pounds/1.8 kilograms and looks more like a newborn. She measures about 18 inches/ 45 centimeters from crown to toe. This is the most rapid period of body growth. Hair follicles develop. If born, baby has excellent chance of survival. He/She begins to move down into the pelvis in preparation for birth. The fetus sleeps 90-95% of the day, and sometimes experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming.
33rd week:225-231 days
The baby now weighs approximately 4.5 pounds/ 2 kilograms and is about 18.5 inches / 46 centimeters long from head to toe. Although his lungs won't be fully developed until just before birth, the baby is inhaling amniotic fluid to exercise his lungs and practice breathing. Also by week 33, the pupils of the eye can now detect light and constrict and dilate, allowing your baby to see dim shapes. Studies shining a bright light on the belly of a woman at 37 weeks have shown a baby's heart rate speeding up in response, or the baby turning toward the light. (Note: Exposing a fetus or premature infant to bright light before it's ready can damage its eyes.)
The baby now weighs approximately 4.5 pounds/ 2 kilograms and is about 18.5 inches / 46 centimeters long from head to toe. Although his lungs won't be fully developed until just before birth, the baby is inhaling amniotic fluid to exercise his lungs and practice breathing. Also by week 33, the pupils of the eye can now detect light and constrict and dilate, allowing your baby to see dim shapes. Studies shining a bright light on the belly of a woman at 37 weeks have shown a baby's heart rate speeding up in response, or the baby turning toward the light. (Note: Exposing a fetus or premature infant to bright light before it's ready can damage its eyes.)
34th week:232-238 days
At about 34 weeks the baby's head will move down into the mother�s pelvis as the baby gets into the right position for birth. The baby now weighs about 5 pounds / 2.2 kilograms and measures approximately 19 inches/ 48 centimeters from head to toe. The baby's skull is still quite pliable and not completely joined, in part so he can ease out of the relatively narrow birth canal. But the bones in the rest of his body are hardening. The baby's skin is also gradually becoming less red and wrinkled.
At about 34 weeks the baby's head will move down into the mother�s pelvis as the baby gets into the right position for birth. The baby now weighs about 5 pounds / 2.2 kilograms and measures approximately 19 inches/ 48 centimeters from head to toe. The baby's skull is still quite pliable and not completely joined, in part so he can ease out of the relatively narrow birth canal. But the bones in the rest of his body are hardening. The baby's skin is also gradually becoming less red and wrinkled.
35th week:239-245 days
The baby now weighs more than 5.5 pounds/ 2.5 kilograms and is 19.5 inches/ over 49 centimeters from top to toe. She's filling out and getting rounder � she'll need her fat layers later to regulate her body temperate. At 35 weeks her hearing is fully developed. Some evidence shows that newborns pay closer attention to high-pitched tones. Just like newborns, fetuses spend most of their time sleeping. At 32 weeks, the baby sleeps 90 to 95 percent of the day.
The baby now weighs more than 5.5 pounds/ 2.5 kilograms and is 19.5 inches/ over 49 centimeters from top to toe. She's filling out and getting rounder � she'll need her fat layers later to regulate her body temperate. At 35 weeks her hearing is fully developed. Some evidence shows that newborns pay closer attention to high-pitched tones. Just like newborns, fetuses spend most of their time sleeping. At 32 weeks, the baby sleeps 90 to 95 percent of the day.
36th week:246-252 days
The baby now weighs about 6 pounds/ 2.7 kilograms and measures approximately 20 inches/ 50 centimeters from head to toe. His elbow, foot or head may protrude from the mother�s stomach when he stretches and squirms about. Soon, as the wall of the women�s uterus and abdomen stretch thinner and let in more light, the baby will begin to develop daily activity cycles.
The baby now weighs about 6 pounds/ 2.7 kilograms and measures approximately 20 inches/ 50 centimeters from head to toe. His elbow, foot or head may protrude from the mother�s stomach when he stretches and squirms about. Soon, as the wall of the women�s uterus and abdomen stretch thinner and let in more light, the baby will begin to develop daily activity cycles.
37th Week:
By week 37, the baby has developed enough coordination so that he or she can grasp with the fingers. Along with these common movements, babies perform some odder activities, including licking the uterine wall and "walking" around the womb by pushing off with its feet. The baby is still gaining weight � about an ounce/ 28 grams a day. She weighs about 6.5 pounds/ 2.9 kilograms and is 20.5 inches/ 51 centimeters long from head to toe.
By week 37, the baby has developed enough coordination so that he or she can grasp with the fingers. Along with these common movements, babies perform some odder activities, including licking the uterine wall and "walking" around the womb by pushing off with its feet. The baby is still gaining weight � about an ounce/ 28 grams a day. She weighs about 6.5 pounds/ 2.9 kilograms and is 20.5 inches/ 51 centimeters long from head to toe.
Week 38-40:
This marks the end of the normal gestational period. The baby, now approximately seven and a half pounds, is ready for life outside its mother's womb. At birth the placenta will detach from the side of the uterus and the umbilical cord will cease working as the child takes his first breaths of air. The child's breathing will trigger changes in the structure of the heart and bypass arteries, which will force all blood to now travel through the lungs. Many babies now have a full head of hair, with locks maybe around one inch / 2.5 centimeters long
This marks the end of the normal gestational period. The baby, now approximately seven and a half pounds, is ready for life outside its mother's womb. At birth the placenta will detach from the side of the uterus and the umbilical cord will cease working as the child takes his first breaths of air. The child's breathing will trigger changes in the structure of the heart and bypass arteries, which will force all blood to now travel through the lungs. Many babies now have a full head of hair, with locks maybe around one inch / 2.5 centimeters long
Sources: When you were formed in Secret, By Gary Bergel , The First days of human life , CCC Publications Service, Conclusions determined from the testimony of Dr. Bruce Carlson, a leader in human embryology, Report of South Dakota Task Force to study abortion: December 2005/ The New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 317, Number 21: Pages 1321-1329,19 November 1987. Pain and its effects in the human neonate and fetus, By: K.J.S. Anand , M.B.B.S., D. PhilL., and P.R. Hickey , M.D / Conclusions determined from the testimony of Dr. Bruce Carlson, a leader in human embryology, Report of South Dakota Task Force to study abortion: December 2005/ South Dakota Task Force to study abortion: December 2005/ South Dakota Task Force to study abortion: December 2005/ Life Magazine August 1990: The first pictures: How life begins/ Westside Pregnancy Resource Center Website/ Expectant Mother�s Guid: Fetal Growth & Development How Your Baby Grows, Editorial provided by Dr. Charles Ingardia, Director, Fetal-Maternal Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hartford Hospital./Baby Centre: Fetal development/ Sources: The Nemours Foundation; Association for Pre- & Perinatal Psychology and Health; Janet L. Hopson, "Fetal Psychology," Psychology Today, September-October 1998-Discovery Health: Alertness in the womb
