Table of Contents
Week 4-5: The Beginning
At the beginning of your pregnancy, your baby is just a tiny ball of cells. By the end of week 4, the embryo has implanted into the lining of your uterus. The neural tube, which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord, is forming.
Week 6-7: The Heartbeat
By week 6, your baby’s heart is beating and blood is beginning to flow through the circulatory system. The fingers and toes are beginning to form, and the eyes are beginning to develop. By week 7, your baby is about the size of a blueberry.
Week 8-9: Major Organs
By week 8, all major organs have begun to form. The baby is now called a fetus. The head is still larger than the body, but the arms and legs are beginning to lengthen. By week 9, the baby’s eyelids are forming and the ears are moving into place.
Week 10-11: Growing Rapidly
By week 10, the baby is growing rapidly and is about the size of a strawberry. The fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and the baby can move them. By week 11, the baby is about the size of a lime and is growing hair, nails, and teeth.
Week 12-13: Gender Reveal
By week 12, the baby has all of its organs and is about the size of a plum. The baby can now suck its thumb and make facial expressions. By week 13, the baby’s gender can usually be determined through an ultrasound.
Week 14-15: Growing Hair
By week 14, the baby is about the size of a lemon and is growing hair on its head. The baby is also beginning to produce urine, which is released into the amniotic fluid. By week 15, the baby is about the size of an apple and can make facial expressions.
Week 16-17: Movement
By week 16, the baby is about the size of an avocado and is beginning to move around more. The baby can also hear sounds, including your voice. By week 17, the baby is about the size of a pear and can make sucking and swallowing movements.
Week 18-19: Taste Buds
By week 18, the baby is about the size of a sweet potato and is developing taste buds. The baby can also hiccup and may startle in response to loud noises. By week 19, the baby is about the size of a mango and is covered in vernix, a waxy substance that protects the skin.
Week 20-21: Halfway There
By week 20, the baby is about the size of a banana and is halfway through the pregnancy. The baby can now hear your heartbeat and the sound of blood flowing through the placenta. By week 21, the baby is about the size of a pomegranate and is developing more fat under the skin.
Week 22-23: Rapid Brain Development
By week 22, the baby is about the size of a spaghetti squash and is growing rapidly. The baby’s brain development is also rapidly advancing. By week 23, the baby is about the size of a grapefruit and can hear more sounds, including your voice and music.
Week 24-25: Breathing Practice
By week 24, the baby is about the size of an ear of corn and is practicing breathing movements. The baby’s lungs are not yet mature, but this practice helps to prepare them for breathing outside of the womb. By week 25, the baby is about the size of a rutabaga and is developing more complex sleep patterns.
Week 26-27: Senses
By week 26, the baby is about the size of a head of lettuce and is developing more advanced senses, including vision and touch. The baby’s eyes can now open and close. By week 27, the baby is about the size of a cauliflower and is gaining weight quickly.
Week 28-29: Kicking
By week 28, the baby is about the size of an eggplant and is kicking and moving around more frequently. The baby’s hair is also growing longer. By week 29, the baby is about the size of a butternut squash and is beginning to turn into the head-down position in preparation for birth.
Week 30-31: Eyes Open
By week 30, the baby is about the size of a large cabbage and is opening and closing its eyes. The baby’s bones are also hardening. By week 31, the baby is about the size of a coconut and is developing more fat under the skin.
Week 32-33: Getting Ready
By week 32, the baby is about the size of a jicama and is getting ready for birth. The baby’s digestive system is developing and the lungs are maturing. By week 33, the baby is about the size of a pineapple and is practicing breathing movements more frequently.
Week 34-35: Growing Rapidly
By week 34, the baby is about the size of a cantaloupe and is growing rapidly. The baby’s movements may be more restricted due to lack of space in the uterus. By week 35, the baby is about the size of a honeydew melon and is gaining about half a pound per week.
Week 36-37: Final Preparations
By week 36, the baby is about the size