Becoming a mom is an amazing and miraculous experience. One of the incredible things about pregnancy is how a tiny embryo develops into a full-fledged human being. The journey from a single cell to a fully-formed baby is an incredible process that takes place over nine months. Here is a month by month timeline of the development of an embryo baby.
Table of Contents
Month One
The first month of pregnancy is the most critical. During this time, the embryo is forming and implanting in the uterus. The embryo begins to develop the placenta, which will provide nutrients and oxygen to the growing baby. The neural tube, which will eventually become the nervous system, also begins to form. At the end of the first month, the embryo is about the size of a grain of rice.
Month Two
During the second month, the embryo begins to look more like a baby. The head, arms, and legs start to form, and the heart begins to beat. The face starts to take shape, with eyes, ears, and a nose becoming visible. The fingers and toes begin to form, and the digestive and respiratory systems start to develop. By the end of the second month, the embryo is about an inch long and weighs less than a gram.
Month Three
By the third month, the embryo is officially a fetus. The fetus can move its arms and legs, although the movements are too small to feel. The fingers and toes are fully formed, and the nails start to grow. The ears are fully formed, and the fetus can hear sounds from the outside world. The digestive system is fully formed, and the fetus can swallow and digest amniotic fluid. By the end of the third month, the fetus is about three inches long and weighs about an ounce.
Month Four
During the fourth month, the fetus continues to grow and develop. The skin becomes less transparent, and the hair and eyebrows start to grow. The fetus can suck its thumb and make facial expressions. The uterus and placenta have grown to accommodate the growing fetus, and the amniotic fluid provides a cushion for the developing baby. By the end of the fourth month, the fetus is about six inches long and weighs about four ounces.
Month Five
By the fifth month, the fetus is more active and can be felt moving. The bones begin to harden, and the baby can hiccup. The eyelids can open and close, and the fetus can see light filtering through the uterine wall. The baby’s skin is covered in lanugo, a fine hair that protects the skin. By the end of the fifth month, the fetus is about ten inches long and weighs about a pound.
Month Six
During the sixth month, the fetus continues to develop and gain weight. The baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled, and the eyes can open and close. The respiratory system continues to develop, and the fetus can practice breathing amniotic fluid. The baby’s brain continues to grow and develop, and the baby can dream. By the end of the sixth month, the fetus is about a foot long and weighs about two pounds.
Month Seven
By the seventh month, the baby is almost fully formed and is getting ready for life outside the womb. The baby’s lungs are fully formed, and the baby can breathe air. The baby’s digestive system is also fully formed and can digest breast milk or formula. The baby’s skin becomes less transparent and more opaque, and the baby begins to store fat. By the end of the seventh month, the fetus is about fourteen inches long and weighs about four pounds.
Month Eight
During the eighth month, the baby continues to grow and gain weight. The baby’s brain is developing rapidly, and the baby can recognize voices and sounds from the outside world. The baby’s eyes can move and focus, and the baby can see light and dark. The baby is getting ready for birth and may move into the head-down position. By the end of the eighth month, the fetus is about eighteen inches long and weighs about six pounds.
Month Nine
The final month of pregnancy is all about getting ready for birth. The baby’s head grows to prepare for delivery, and the baby’s lungs are ready to breathe air. The baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled, and the baby is covered in vernix, a waxy substance that protects the skin. The baby is ready to meet the world and is typically born between thirty-eight and forty-two weeks of pregnancy.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with wonder and amazement. Watching an embryo develop into a fully-formed baby is a testament to the power of life. Knowing the month by month timeline of the development of an embryo baby can help you appreciate the miracle of life even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an embryo baby?
A: An embryo baby is a developing human being from conception until the end of the eighth week of pregnancy.
Q: What is a fetus?
A: A fetus is a developing human being from the ninth week of pregnancy until birth.
Q: What happens to the embryo during the first month of pregnancy?
A: During the first month of pregnancy, the embryo forms and implants in the uterus. The neural tube, which will eventually become the nervous system, also begins to form.
Q: When is the baby’s respiratory system fully formed?
A: The baby’s respiratory system is fully formed by the seventh month of pregnancy.
Q: When is the baby ready to be born?
A: The baby is typically ready to be born between thirty-eight and forty-two weeks of pregnancy.