Source: bing.comAs an expecting mother, you must be excited to see your developing baby on a sonogram. The sonogram is also known as an ultrasound, and it is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your baby. The sonogram is an essential tool that helps your healthcare provider to monitor your baby’s growth and detect any potential problems. In this article, we’ll discuss your baby’s development week by week through the sonogram.
Table of Contents
Weeks 4-5
During these early weeks of pregnancy, the sonogram may not show much as your baby is still too small. However, the sonogram can detect the gestational sac, which is a fluid-filled structure that surrounds your developing baby. It is also at this stage that the sonographer can detect the fetal heartbeat.
Weeks 6-7
At six weeks, your baby is about the size of a lentil, and the sonogram can detect the yolk sac that provides nutrition to your baby. The sonographer may also see the fetal pole, which is the earliest sign of your baby’s developing body. At seven weeks, your baby is about the size of a blueberry, and the sonogram can detect the limb buds that will eventually become your baby’s arms and legs.
Weeks 8-9
At eight weeks, your baby is about the size of a raspberry, and the sonogram can detect more of your baby’s features, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. It is also at this stage that your baby’s fingers and toes start to form. At nine weeks, your baby is about the size of a cherry, and the sonogram can detect the development of the placenta, which is your baby’s lifeline to you.
Weeks 10-11
At ten weeks, your baby is about the size of a strawberry, and the sonogram can detect that your baby is starting to move around. It is also at this stage that your baby’s genitals start to develop, although it may be too early to tell the sex of your baby. At eleven weeks, your baby is about the size of a lime, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s fingers and toes are separated.
Weeks 12-13
At twelve weeks, your baby is about the size of a plum, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s kidneys are working, and your baby is producing urine. It is also at this stage that your baby’s face starts to look more human-like. At thirteen weeks, your baby is about the size of a peach, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s vocal cords are developing, and your baby can make sounds.
Weeks 14-15
At fourteen weeks, your baby is about the size of an apple, and the sonogram can detect that your baby is growing hair all over their body. It is also at this stage that your baby starts to practice breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. At fifteen weeks, your baby is about the size of an orange, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s limbs and body are in proportion to each other.
Weeks 16-17
At sixteen weeks, your baby is about the size of an avocado, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s eyes can move, and they can make facial expressions. It is also at this stage that your baby starts to develop a sense of touch, and your baby can feel the sensation of their own skin. At seventeen weeks, your baby is about the size of a turnip, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s hearing is developing, and your baby can hear your voice.
Weeks 18-19
At eighteen weeks, your baby is about the size of a bell pepper, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s brain is developing rapidly, and your baby is making new brain cells. It is also at this stage that your baby’s taste buds are developing, and your baby can taste the amniotic fluid. At nineteen weeks, your baby is about the size of a large mango, and the sonogram can detect that your baby is starting to grow eyebrows and eyelashes.
Weeks 20-21
At twenty weeks, your baby is about the size of a banana, and the sonogram can detect that your baby is swallowing more amniotic fluid, which helps your baby’s digestive system to mature. It is also at this stage that your baby has a unique set of fingerprints. At twenty-one weeks, your baby is about the size of a pomegranate, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s bone marrow is starting to produce red blood cells.
Weeks 22-23
At twenty-two weeks, your baby is about the size of a spaghetti squash, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s sense of taste is fully developed, and your baby can distinguish between sweet, salty, and bitter flavors. It is also at this stage that your baby’s eyelids start to open, and your baby can see light and shadows. At twenty-three weeks, your baby is about the size of a grapefruit, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s skin is starting to become less wrinkly as they put on more fat.
Weeks 24-25
At twenty-four weeks, your baby is about the size of an ear of corn, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s lungs are developing, and your baby can practice breathing more regularly. It is also at this stage that your baby’s brain is developing more complex neural connections. At twenty-five weeks, your baby is about the size of a rutabaga, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s hair and nails are growing rapidly.
Weeks 26-27
At twenty-six weeks, your baby is about the size of a head of lettuce, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s eyes are fully formed. It is also at this stage that your baby’s taste buds are fully developed, and your baby can appreciate different flavors. At twenty-seven weeks, your baby is about the size of a cauliflower, and the sonogram can detect that your baby’s immune system is developing, and your baby is producing antibodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do I have a sonogram during my pregnancy?
A: It depends on your healthcare provider and your specific pregnancy. Generally, you’ll have a sonogram at least once during your first trimester and once during your second trimester. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may have more frequent sonograms.
Q: Is the sonogram safe for my baby?
A: Yes, the sonogram is safe for your baby. It uses sound waves that do not harm your baby or you.
Q: Can the sonogram tell me the sex of my baby?
A: Yes, usually, the sonogram can tell you the sex of your baby. However, it depends on the position of your baby and their development.
Q: How long does the sonogram take?
A: The sonogram usually takes around 30 minutes. However, it can take longer if your baby is not in a good position.
Q: Do I need to do anything to prepare for the sonogram?
A: Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the sonogram. Generally, you’ll need to drink lots of water and have a full bladder.
In conclusion, the sonogram is an essential tool that helps your healthcare provider to monitor your baby’s growth and detect any potential problems. By understanding your baby’s development week by week through the sonogram, you can better appreciate the miracle of life growing inside you. So, enjoy seeing your baby on the sonogram, and remember to cherish every moment of your pregnancy.