Source: bing.comPregnancy is an exciting time for expectant mothers. As your baby grows and develops, you may wonder what is happening inside your womb. A baby carried to full term has typically developed for 40 weeks or nine months. During this time, your baby undergoes incredible changes from a tiny fertilized egg to a fully-formed newborn. Let’s explore the stages of development your baby goes through during pregnancy.
Table of Contents
Weeks 1-4
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, your baby is just a tiny ball of cells. At week one, your baby is a fertilized egg that has not yet implanted in your uterus. By week four, your baby’s heart begins to beat, and the placenta starts to form. Your baby is now about the size of a poppy seed.
Weeks 5-8
During weeks five to eight, your baby is now called an embryo. Your baby’s brain, spinal cord, and organs start to form. By week eight, your baby has all of its major organs, and the heart is beating at a regular rhythm. Your baby is now about the size of a raspberry.
Weeks 9-12
During weeks nine to twelve, your baby is now called a fetus. Your baby’s fingers and toes are fully formed, and the nails start to grow. Your baby can also open and close its fists and mouth. The fetus can also yawn, stretch, and make facial expressions. By week twelve, your baby is about the size of a plum.
Weeks 13-16
During weeks thirteen to sixteen, your baby’s movements become more coordinated. Your baby can suck its thumb, and the ears start to stand out from the head. Your baby’s skin is also transparent, and you can see the blood vessels underneath. By week sixteen, your baby is about the size of an avocado.
Weeks 17-20
During weeks seventeen to twenty, your baby’s growth slows down. Your baby’s skin becomes less transparent, and you can feel your baby’s movements. Your baby’s eyebrows and eyelashes start to grow, and the hair on the head gets thicker. By week twenty, your baby is about the size of a banana.
Weeks 21-24
During weeks twenty-one to twenty-four, your baby’s lungs start to develop. Your baby’s body is covered in a fine, downy hair called lanugo, and the skin is wrinkled. Your baby’s eyes start to open, and the baby can now hear sounds from the outside world. By week twenty-four, your baby is about the size of an ear of corn.
Weeks 25-28
During weeks twenty-five to twenty-eight, your baby’s brain is developing rapidly. Your baby’s eyes can move in their sockets, and the baby can now see light. Your baby’s body fat starts to increase, and the skin becomes less wrinkled. By week twenty-eight, your baby is about the size of an eggplant.
Weeks 29-32
During weeks twenty-nine to thirty-two, your baby’s movements become more restricted. Your baby’s bones are fully formed, and the baby’s body fat continues to increase. Your baby’s lungs are almost fully developed, and the baby can now breathe air. By week thirty-two, your baby is about the size of a butternut squash.
Weeks 33-36
During weeks thirty-three to thirty-six, your baby’s growth slows down even more. Your baby’s immune system is developing, and the baby’s skin becomes less red and wrinkled. Your baby drops down into the pelvis in preparation for birth. By week thirty-six, your baby is about the size of a head of romaine lettuce.
Weeks 37-40
During weeks thirty-seven to forty, your baby is considered full-term. Your baby’s organs are fully developed, and the baby is now ready for life outside the womb. Your baby is now about the size of a watermelon, and it’s time for you to meet your little one.
The Amazing Journey of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an incredible journey that results in the birth of a beautiful new life. It’s amazing to think that your baby goes from a tiny fertilized egg to a fully-formed newborn in just nine months. As your baby grows and develops, take time to marvel at the miracle unfolding inside your womb. And soon, you’ll be holding your precious bundle of joy in your arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is a pregnancy?
A: A pregnancy typically lasts for 40 weeks or nine months.
Q: How does a baby develop during pregnancy?
A: A baby undergoes incredible changes during pregnancy, from a tiny ball of cells to a fully-formed newborn. The development occurs in stages, with different organs and features forming at different times.
Q: When is a baby considered full-term?
A: A baby is considered full-term at 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Q: What are some important milestones during pregnancy?
A: Some important milestones during pregnancy include the baby’s first heartbeat, the formation of major organs, and the baby’s movements becoming more coordinated.
Q: What can I do to help my baby develop during pregnancy?
A: Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and getting enough rest can all help your baby develop during pregnancy. It’s also important to attend all of your prenatal appointments and follow your doctor’s advice.