Source: bing.comCongratulations, you are pregnant! You’re probably wondering what is happening to your baby each week. Here is a week by week guide on how your baby is developing in the womb:
Table of Contents
Week 1-2: Conception and Implantation
In these first two weeks, your baby is not technically formed yet. During week one, the egg is fertilized by the sperm and forms a single cell. Then, during the second week, the fertilized egg travels to the uterus and implants itself in the uterine wall.
Week 3-4: Formation of the Placenta and Embryo
During week three, the placenta begins to form, which will provide oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby. At the same time, the embryo starts to develop, and the brain, spinal cord, heart, and other organs begin to form. By the end of week four, the embryo is about the size of a grain of rice.
Week 5-6: Heartbeat and Limb Buds
During week five, your baby’s heart begins to beat, and blood begins to circulate. By week six, limb buds start to appear, and the baby’s arms and legs begin to take shape.
Week 7-8: Facial Features and Organ Development
During week seven, your baby’s facial features start to form, including the eyes, nose, and mouth. The baby’s organs are also continuing to develop. By week eight, the baby is about the size of a kidney bean.
Week 9-10: Fingers and Toes Form
During week nine, your baby’s fingers and toes start to form, and the baby’s eyelids begin to fuse together. By week ten, the baby is about the size of a strawberry.
Week 11-12: Reflexes and Gender
During week eleven, your baby’s reflexes start to develop, and the baby can move its limbs. By week twelve, your doctor may be able to determine your baby’s gender.
Week 13-14: Vocal Cords and Teeth
During week thirteen, your baby’s vocal cords start to form, and the baby can make some small sounds. By week fourteen, your baby’s teeth start to develop.
Week 15-16: Hair and Eyebrows
During week fifteen, your baby’s skin starts to become more opaque, and the baby’s hair begins to grow. By week sixteen, your baby’s eyebrows start to form, and your baby’s eyes can move.
Week 17-18: Brain Development and Hearing
During week seventeen, your baby’s brain is continuing to develop, and the baby can make facial expressions. By week eighteen, your baby can hear sounds, including your voice.
Week 19-20: Baby Movements and Vernix
During week nineteen, you may start to feel your baby move, and your baby is covered in a protective substance called vernix. By week twenty, your baby is about the size of a banana.
Week 21-22: Taste Buds and Eyelashes
During week twenty-one, your baby’s taste buds start to form, and your baby can taste the amniotic fluid. By week twenty-two, your baby’s eyelashes start to form.
Week 23-24: Lung Development and Footprints
During week twenty-three, your baby’s lungs are starting to develop, and the baby is forming footprints. By week twenty-four, your baby’s skin is becoming less transparent, and your baby can hear even more sounds.
Week 25-26: Brain Waves and Breathing
During week twenty-five, your baby’s brain is developing rapidly, and your baby can start to breathe amniotic fluid. By week twenty-six, your baby’s eyes are becoming more sensitive to light, and your baby is starting to develop a sleep cycle.
Week 27-28: Weight Gain and Hiccups
During week twenty-seven, your baby is starting to gain weight, and the baby’s lungs are continuing to develop. By week twenty-eight, your baby may start to have hiccups.
Week 29-30: Body Fat and Senses
During week twenty-nine, your baby’s body fat is starting to increase, and your baby is developing more fully functioning senses. By week thirty, your baby is about the size of a cabbage.
Week 31-32: Bones and Immune System
During week thirty-one, your baby’s bones are becoming stronger, and the baby’s immune system is starting to develop. By week thirty-two, your baby is starting to develop a regular sleep schedule.
Week 33-34: Amniotic Fluid and Brain Growth
During week thirty-three, your baby is starting to produce less amniotic fluid, and the baby’s brain is continuing to grow. By week thirty-four, your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe.
Week 35-36: Body Position and Fingernails
During week thirty-five, your baby is starting to move into the head-down position, and the baby’s fingernails are fully formed. By week thirty-six, your baby’s skin is becoming smoother, and your baby is starting to shed some of the vernix.
Week 37-38: Baby’s Weight and Size
During week thirty-seven, your baby is considered full-term, and the baby’s weight and size are continuing to increase. By week thirty-eight, your baby is about the size of a watermelon.
Week 39-40: Ready for Birth
During week thirty-nine and forty, your baby is fully developed and ready for birth. Congratulations on bringing a new life into the world!
In conclusion, every week of pregnancy is an exciting new milestone in your baby’s development. By understanding how your baby is developing in the womb, you can better prepare for the arrival of your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the baby start to develop?
A: The baby starts to develop at conception, but significant development occurs during the first eight weeks of pregnancy.
Q: When can I feel my baby move?
A: You may start to feel your baby move around week 19-20, but it can vary from woman to woman.
Q: When can I find out the gender of my baby?
A: Your doctor may be able to determine your baby’s gender during an ultrasound around week 11-12.
Q: When is my baby considered full-term?
A: Your baby is considered full-term at 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Q: When is my baby ready for birth?
A: Your baby is fully developed and ready for birth between week 39-40 of pregnancy.