As soon as a woman is pregnant, the baby starts to develop. The baby’s development can be divided into weeks. Every week, the baby grows and develops new organs and features. Let’s take a look at the week by week fetal development.
Table of Contents
Week 1 – 2: Conception
During this time, the egg is fertilized by the sperm. The fertilized egg then travels down the fallopian tube and implants itself in the uterus. The baby is now a zygote and starts to divide into more cells.
Week 3 – 4: The beginning of life
The zygote now becomes an embryo. The embryo starts to form the basic organs such as the brain, spinal cord, and heart. The placenta also starts to form, which will provide nutrients to the baby.
Week 5 – 6: The formation of limbs
During this time, the baby’s limbs start to form. The fingers and toes start to appear, along with the eyes and ears. The baby’s heart also starts to beat.
Week 7 – 8: Facial features form
The baby’s facial features start to form during this time. The nose and lips start to take shape, and the eyes move to the front of the face. The baby’s reproductive organs also start to develop.
Week 9 – 10: Baby has a skeleton
The baby’s skeleton starts to form during this time. The bones start to harden, and the baby’s movements become more coordinated. The baby’s teeth also start to form.
Week 11 – 12: Baby is almost fully formed
By this time, the baby is almost fully formed. The baby’s sex can be determined during this time. The baby’s reflexes also start to develop, and the baby can suck its thumb.
Week 13 – 14: Baby starts to move
The baby starts to move during this time. The baby’s muscles start to develop, and the baby can make facial expressions. The baby’s vocal cords also start to develop.
Week 15 – 16: Baby has hair and nails
The baby starts to grow hair and nails during this time. The baby’s ears also start to develop, and the baby can hear sounds.
Week 17 – 18: Baby can hiccup
The baby starts to hiccup during this time. The baby’s skin becomes less transparent, and the baby starts to accumulate fat.
Week 19 – 20: Baby has a sense of touch
The baby starts to develop a sense of touch during this time. The baby’s eyebrows and eyelashes start to grow, and the baby can blink its eyes.
Week 21 – 22: Baby can taste
The baby starts to develop taste buds during this time. The baby’s lungs also start to develop, and the baby can breathe in small amounts of amniotic fluid.
Week 23 – 24: Baby has a regular sleep cycle
The baby starts to have a regular sleep cycle during this time. The baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled, and the baby’s brain starts to develop more.
Week 25 – 26: Baby’s eyes start to open
The baby’s eyes start to open during this time. The baby’s hearing becomes more developed, and the baby can recognize its mother’s voice.
Week 27 – 28: Baby can distinguish light and dark
The baby can start to distinguish between light and dark during this time. The baby’s immune system also starts to develop, and the baby can start to produce red blood cells on its own.
Week 29 – 30: Baby starts to gain weight rapidly
The baby starts to gain weight rapidly during this time. The baby’s movements become more restricted, and the baby can no longer do somersaults.
Week 31 – 32: Baby has a regular sleep schedule
The baby starts to have a regular sleep schedule during this time. The baby’s fingernails become long, and the baby’s bones become stronger.
Week 33 – 34: Baby’s brain develops rapidly
The baby’s brain develops rapidly during this time. The baby’s movements become more coordinated, and the baby can respond to touch and sound.
Week 35 – 36: Baby moves into position for birth
The baby moves into position for birth during this time. The baby’s lungs are almost fully developed, and the baby can now control its body temperature.
Week 37 – 38: Baby is considered full-term
The baby is considered full-term during this time. The baby’s movements become less frequent, and the baby prepares for birth.
Week 39 – 40: Baby is ready for birth
The baby is ready for birth during this time. The baby’s head moves down into the pelvis, and the baby’s organs prepare for life outside of the womb.
Conclusion
The week by week fetal development is an amazing process to witness. The baby grows and develops new features each week, and by the end of the pregnancy, the baby is ready for life outside of the womb. It is important to take care of the mother’s health during pregnancy to ensure the best outcome for the baby.
FAQs
1. How does the baby’s development affect the mother?
The baby’s development affects the mother in many ways. The mother may experience physical changes such as weight gain and back pain. The mother may also experience emotional changes such as mood swings and anxiety.
2. How can I ensure a healthy pregnancy?
To ensure a healthy