Source: bing.comAs expectant mothers, it is natural to be curious and anxious about the development of your baby. Every week, your baby is growing and changing, and it can be overwhelming to keep track of all the changes. That is why we have put together this comprehensive guide on the development of your baby per week.
Table of Contents
Week 1-2
During the first two weeks of pregnancy, you are not actually pregnant yet. This is because fertilization of the egg by the sperm usually happens around the end of the second week. At this stage, your baby is just a tiny ball of cells, but it is already starting to divide and grow.
Week 3
By the third week, your baby’s cells have started to differentiate into different types of cells. This is the beginning of the formation of the placenta, which is the organ that will nourish and protect your baby throughout the pregnancy.
Week 4
By the fourth week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a poppy seed. The heart is already starting to form, and the neural tube is closing, which is the beginning of the development of the brain and the spinal cord.
Week 5
By the fifth week, your baby is about the size of a sesame seed. The arms and legs are starting to form, and the heart is beating at a regular rhythm. The eyes, ears, and nose are starting to take shape as well.
Week 6
By the sixth week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a lentil. The fingers and toes are starting to separate, and the bones are beginning to form. The brain is also growing rapidly, and the lungs are starting to develop.
Week 7
By the seventh week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a blueberry. The arms and legs are getting longer, and the fingers and toes are more defined. The brain is continuing to develop, and the teeth and taste buds are starting to form.
Week 8
By the eighth week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a raspberry. The eyelids are forming, and the ears are moving to their final position on the head. The genitals are also starting to form, although it may not be visible yet on an ultrasound.
Week 9
By the ninth week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a cherry. The fingers and toes are fully formed, and the nails are beginning to grow. The organs are starting to function, and the baby is starting to move around.
Week 10
By the tenth week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a kumquat. The body is now proportional, and the baby is starting to look more like a human. The digestive system is starting to function, and the kidneys are starting to produce urine.
Week 11-12
By the eleventh and twelfth week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a lime. The baby is becoming more active, and you may be able to feel tiny movements. The baby is also starting to produce hormones, and the vocal cords are developing.
Week 13-16
By the thirteenth to sixteenth week of pregnancy, your baby is growing rapidly. The baby is about the size of an avocado, and the body is starting to plump up. The baby’s bones are becoming harder, and the skin is starting to produce a waxy coating called vernix. The baby is also starting to suck its thumb and make facial expressions.
Week 17-20
By the seventeenth to twentieth week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a mango. The baby’s movements are getting stronger, and you may be able to feel kicks and punches. The baby’s hair is starting to grow, and the ears are starting to function. The baby’s sex may be visible on an ultrasound.
Week 21-24
By the twenty-first to twenty-fourth week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe. The baby’s lungs are starting to produce surfactant, which is a substance that helps the lungs expand and contract. The baby’s brain is rapidly developing, and the baby is starting to form memories. The baby is also starting to develop a sleep-wake cycle.
Week 25-28
By the twenty-fifth to twenty-eighth week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a cauliflower. The baby’s eyes are opening for the first time, and the baby can now see light and shadow. The baby’s immune system is starting to develop, and the baby is starting to put on more weight. The baby’s movements may be more coordinated, and you may be able to tell if the baby is awake or asleep.
Week 29-32
By the twenty-ninth to thirty-second week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a butternut squash. The baby’s movements may be less frequent but stronger, and the baby is starting to settle into a head-down position in preparation for birth. The baby’s bones are fully formed, but they are still soft and pliable. The baby’s skin is also starting to become less transparent.
Week 33-36
By the thirty-third to thirty-sixth week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a pineapple. The baby is now almost fully developed and is starting to put on more weight. The baby’s head is also starting to engage in the pelvis, which is a sign that the baby is getting ready for birth. The baby’s movements may be less frequent, but you should still feel regular movements every day.
Week 37-40
By the thirty-seventh to fortieth week of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a watermelon. The baby is now considered full-term and is ready to be born at any time. The baby’s movements may slow down as the baby runs out of room in the uterus. The baby’s head may also engage deeper in the pelvis, which can cause discomfort for the mother.
In conclusion, the development of your baby per week is a fascinating journey. From a tiny ball of cells to a fully formed human being, every week brings new changes and milestones. As an expectant mother, it is important to stay informed and take care of yourself and your baby. Enjoy this incredible journey, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can I find out the sex of my baby?
A: The sex of your baby can usually be determined on an ultrasound around the seventeenth to twentieth week of pregnancy.
Q: When will my baby start to move?
A: You may start to feel your baby’s movements around the thirteenth to sixteenth week of pregnancy, although this can vary for each woman.
Q: When is my baby considered full-term?
A: Your baby is considered full-term at thirty-seven weeks of pregnancy.
Q: What can I do to help my baby’s development?
A: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular prenatal care, and avoiding alcohol, drugs, and smoking can all help to promote your baby’s development.
Q: What should I expect during labor and delivery?
A: Labor and delivery can vary for each woman, but your doctor or midwife can provide you with information and support to help you prepare for this exciting event.