Source: bing.comPregnancy is a miraculous time when a new life is growing inside a woman’s womb. It is fascinating to know how a tiny egg and sperm turn into a fully formed baby in nine months. During this period, the baby goes through various stages of development, and every day is crucial in shaping its future. Let’s take a closer look at the day by day baby development in the womb.
Table of Contents
Weeks 1-4
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, the fertilized egg travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus and implants itself in the uterine lining. The cells start to divide, forming a cluster called a blastocyst. The blastocyst consists of two parts – the inner cell mass, which will become the embryo, and the outer ring, which will form the placenta. By the end of the fourth week, the embryo is about the size of a poppy seed.
Weeks 5-8
This is a crucial period of fetal development when the baby’s organs start to form. By the end of the fifth week, the heart begins to beat, and blood starts to flow through the circulatory system. The baby’s brain, spinal cord, and nervous system develop rapidly during this period. The buds that will become the arms and legs start to appear, and the baby’s facial features begin to take shape. By the end of the eighth week, the baby is about an inch long and weighs less than a gram.
Weeks 9-12
During this period, the baby’s growth accelerates, and it starts to look more like a human. The baby’s fingers and toes become distinct, and nails start to form. The baby can make reflex movements and even suck its thumb. The digestive system develops, and the baby starts to produce urine. The baby’s sex organs become visible, and it is possible to determine the gender through ultrasound. By the end of the twelfth week, the baby is about two inches long and weighs around 14 grams.
Weeks 13-16
This is a period of rapid growth and development for the baby. The baby’s bones start to harden, and the muscles become stronger. The baby’s skin is still translucent and covered in fine hair called lanugo. The baby’s senses start to develop, and it can hear sounds from outside the womb. The baby starts to move more frequently, and the mother can feel the fluttering movements known as quickening. By the end of the sixteenth week, the baby is about four inches long and weighs around 100 grams.
Weeks 17-20
The baby’s growth slows down during this period, but it continues to develop rapidly. The baby’s taste buds and olfactory receptors start to form, and it can taste and smell the amniotic fluid. The baby’s bones become harder, and the skin becomes less transparent. The hair on the baby’s head grows longer, and its eyebrows and eyelashes become more defined. The mother can feel the baby’s movements more frequently, and the baby may even respond to external stimuli such as light or sound. By the end of the twentieth week, the baby is about six inches long and weighs around 300 grams.
Weeks 21-24
During this period, the baby’s organs start to function, and it becomes more responsive to external stimuli. The baby’s lungs start to develop, and it can practice breathing movements by inhaling and exhaling the amniotic fluid. The baby’s eyes start to open, and it can distinguish light and dark. The baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled, and fat starts to accumulate under the skin. By the end of the twenty-fourth week, the baby is about 12 inches long and weighs around 600 grams.
Weeks 25-28
This is a period of significant growth and development for the baby. The baby’s brain develops rapidly, and it can regulate its body temperature and control its breathing movements. The baby’s eyes start to blink, and it can see more clearly. The baby’s body becomes more proportional, and its skin becomes less transparent. The baby’s movements become more coordinated, and it may even respond to its mother’s voice. By the end of the twenty-eighth week, the baby is about 14 inches long and weighs around 1.2 kilograms.
Weeks 29-32
During this period, the baby’s growth slows down, and it prepares for birth. The baby’s bones become stronger, and its skin becomes less wrinkled. The baby’s movements become more restricted, but it can still kick and stretch. The baby’s lungs continue to mature, and it can practice breathing on its own. The baby’s eyes become more sensitive to light and can distinguish colors. By the end of the thirty-second week, the baby is about 16 inches long and weighs around 1.8 kilograms.
Weeks 33-36
This is a period of final growth and development for the baby before birth. The baby’s brain develops rapidly, and it can remember and respond to external stimuli. The baby’s immune system starts to develop, and it can produce antibodies. The baby’s movements become more restricted due to the lack of space in the womb, but it can still turn and kick. The baby’s lungs become fully mature, and it can breathe on its own if born prematurely. By the end of the thirty-sixth week, the baby is about 18 inches long and weighs around 2.6 kilograms.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a miraculous journey that transforms a woman’s body and gives birth to a new life. The day by day baby development in the womb is a fascinating process that shows how a tiny fertilized egg turns into a fully formed baby in nine months. Every day is crucial in shaping the baby’s future, and it is essential to take care of both the mother and the baby during this period. With proper care, love, and support, a healthy and happy baby can be born into this world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the baby get oxygen in the womb?
A: The baby gets oxygen through the placenta, which is connected to the mother’s uterus. The placenta transfers oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s bloodstream to the baby’s bloodstream through the umbilical cord.
Q: Can the baby feel the mother’s emotions?
A: Yes, the baby can respond to the mother’s emotions and stress levels. High levels of stress hormones in the mother’s bloodstream can affect the baby’s development and behavior.
Q: Can the baby hear sounds outside the womb?
A: Yes, the baby’s hearing develops during the second trimester, and it can hear sounds outside the womb, such as the mother’s voice, music, and other noises.
Q: How does the baby practice breathing movements in the womb?
A: The baby inhales and exhales the amniotic fluid, which helps develop its lungs and breathing muscles. The baby can practice breathing movements from as early as the sixteenth week of pregnancy.
Q: When can the gender of the baby be determined?
A: The gender of the baby can be determined through ultrasound as early as the twelfth week of pregnancy. However, it is more accurate to determine the gender during the twentieth week of pregnancy.