Pregnancy is a beautiful journey that every woman looks forward to. It’s a time where a tiny human is growing inside you, and every week is crucial to their development. As a mother, it’s natural to be curious about what’s happening inside your body and how the baby is progressing. In this article, we will take you through the development of a baby week by week in pregnancy.
Table of Contents
Week 4-5
At this stage, the baby is just a tiny ball of cells called an embryo. It’s the time when the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterine wall. During these weeks, the embryo’s brain, spinal cord, and heart start to form. The placenta, which will supply the baby with oxygen and nutrients, also begins to develop.
Week 6-7
By this time, the baby’s heart is beating and starting to pump blood. The embryo’s arms, legs, and eyes are also beginning to form. The neural tube, which will ultimately become the baby’s brain and spinal cord, is closing.
Week 8-9
At this stage, the embryo is now called a fetus. The fetus’s arms and legs are more developed, and fingers and toes are visible. The earlobes, eyelids, and nose are also taking shape, and the baby’s sex organs are beginning to form.
Week 10-11
The baby has grown to about 1.5 inches long and is now starting to grow hair. The baby’s teeth buds are also forming underneath the gums, and their intestines are starting to move from the umbilical cord to the abdomen.
Week 12-13
During these weeks, the baby’s vocal cords are forming, and the baby can make tiny movements like flexing their fingers and toes. The fetus is now about 3 inches long and can open and close its mouth.
Week 14-15
By this stage, the baby can make facial expressions like frowning and squinting. The baby’s skin is still translucent, but it’s starting to produce pigment. The baby is also starting to grow hair on its scalp.
Week 16-17
The baby is now about 5 inches long, and its skeleton is starting to harden. The baby’s eyes are moving, and it’s starting to sense light. The baby’s sweat glands are also forming.
Week 18-19
During these weeks, the baby’s hearing is developing, and it can now hear the mother’s voice. The baby is also starting to form its own unique fingerprints. The baby is now about 6 inches long and weighs around 7 ounces.
Week 20-21
At this stage, the baby’s digestive system is starting to work, and it’s swallowing some of the amniotic fluid. The baby’s eyebrows and eyelashes are also now visible. The baby is also starting to develop its own immune system.
Week 22-23
The baby’s lungs are now developing, and it’s starting to practice breathing movements. The baby’s brain is also growing quickly, and the baby is starting to develop its own sleep and wake cycles. The baby is now about 11 inches long and weighs around 1 pound.
Week 24-25
At this stage, the baby’s eyelids are opening, and it can now see light. The baby’s taste buds are also forming, and it’s starting to taste the amniotic fluid. The baby’s skin is less translucent and is now becoming more opaque. The baby is around 13 inches long and weighs around 1.5 pounds.
Week 26-27
The baby’s brain is developing rapidly, and its nervous system is maturing. The baby’s immune system is also getting stronger. The baby is now around 14 inches long and weighs around 2 pounds.
Week 28-29
The baby’s eyes can now detect light and dark, and it’s starting to blink. The baby’s lungs are almost fully developed, and its brain is developing billions of neurons. The baby is now around 15 inches long and weighs around 2.5 pounds.
Week 30-31
The baby’s body is starting to plump up, and its skin is becoming less wrinkled. The baby’s bones are also getting stronger. The baby is now around 16 inches long and weighs around 3 pounds.
Week 32-33
The baby’s central nervous system is now fully developed, and it’s starting to regulate its own body temperature. The baby is also starting to practice sucking and swallowing in preparation for breastfeeding. The baby is now around 17 inches long and weighs around 4 pounds.
Week 34-35
During these weeks, the baby is gaining weight rapidly and is starting to fill out. The baby is also starting to position itself head down in preparation for birth. The baby is now around 18 inches long and weighs around 5.5 pounds.
Week 36-37
At this stage, the baby is considered full-term, and it’s ready for birth. The baby’s head is now engaged in the pelvis, and it’s starting to put on a layer of fat to regulate its body temperature after birth. The baby is now around 19 inches long and weighs around 6.5 pounds.
Week 38-39
During these weeks, the baby is continuing to put on weight and is getting ready to meet its mother. The baby’s lungs are fully developed, and it’s starting to produce surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs expand after birth. The baby is now around 20 inches long and weighs around 7.5 pounds.
Week 40
In most cases, the baby will be born during this week or in the following week. The baby is fully developed and ready to make its grand entrance into the world.
In conclusion, pregnancy is a magical time where a tiny human is growing inside you. Every week is crucial to the baby’s development, and it’s fascinating to see how the baby grows and changes week by week. As a mother, it’s important to take care of yourself and your baby during this time, and to enjoy the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
Yes, it’s safe to exercise during pregnancy. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise routine and to choose exercises that are appropriate for your stage of pregnancy.
Q: Can I eat sushi during pregnancy?
It’s best to avoid raw or undercooked fish during pregnancy to prevent foodborne illnesses. You can still eat cooked sushi rolls, but it’s important to choose options that are low in mercury.
Q: Can I dye my hair during pregnancy?
There is no evidence that hair dye is harmful to a baby during pregnancy. However, it’s best to wait until after the first trimester to dye your hair since the baby’s organs are still developing during this time.
Q: How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
The amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy weight. In general, women with a healthy weight should gain 25-35 pounds during pregnancy.
Q: When should I start prenatal care?
It’s best to start prenatal care as soon as you find out that you’re pregnant. Your doctor can help you monitor your health and the baby’s development throughout your pregnancy.