Source: bing.comBabies are amazing little creatures that grow and develop in the womb before making their grand entrance into the world. But have you ever wondered what exactly happens during those nine months of pregnancy? If you’re a new mom-to-be or just curious about the process, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what babies develop first in the womb.
Table of Contents
The First Trimester: Weeks 1-12
The first trimester is the most critical period of fetal development. It is during this time that the fertilized egg implants itself into the lining of the uterus and begins to grow and develop into a tiny human being. Here’s a closer look at what happens during the first trimester:
Weeks 1-4
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, the fertilized egg divides into multiple cells and travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. Once it reaches the uterus, the egg implants itself into the uterine lining and begins to grow.
Weeks 5-8
By week 5, the embryo has developed a heartbeat and is about the size of a grain of rice. The heart begins to pump blood, and the brain and other major organs start to form. By week 8, the embryo is called a fetus and has grown to about an inch long.
Weeks 9-12
During this time, the fetus starts to look more like a tiny human. The arms, legs, fingers, and toes are all visible, and the fetus begins to move around. The digestive system also begins to develop, and the fetus starts to produce urine.
The Second Trimester: Weeks 13-28
The second trimester is a time of rapid growth and development. The fetus becomes more active, and the mother can feel movements. Here’s what happens during this trimester:
Weeks 13-16
During this time, the fetus grows to about 3-4 inches long and weighs around 1 ounce. The bones begin to harden, and the fetus starts to make sucking motions with its mouth. The eyes and ears also move into their proper positions.
Weeks 17-20
The fetus grows to about 6 inches long and weighs around 7 ounces. The skin becomes less transparent, and fine hair called lanugo starts to grow on the head. The fetus can also hear sounds from outside the womb.
Weeks 21-24
The fetus grows to about 10-12 inches long and weighs around 1 pound. The lungs start to produce surfactant, which helps them expand and contract properly. The eyelids also begin to open and close.
Weeks 25-28
During this time, the fetus grows to about 14 inches long and weighs around 2 pounds. The brain continues to develop, and the fetus starts to have periods of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The fetus is also able to blink its eyes and grip objects.
The Third Trimester: Weeks 29-40
The third trimester is a time of continued growth and development. The fetus becomes more crowded in the uterus, which can lead to discomfort for the mother. Here’s what happens during this trimester:
Weeks 29-32
The fetus grows to about 15-17 inches long and weighs around 3-4 pounds. The bones are fully formed, but they are still soft and pliable. The fetus also starts to develop a regular sleep and wake cycle.
Weeks 33-36
The fetus grows to about 18-19 inches long and weighs around 5-6 pounds. The lungs are almost fully developed, and the fetus can regulate its body temperature. The fetus also starts to move into a head-down position in preparation for birth.
Weeks 37-40
During this time, the fetus is considered full term and is ready for birth. The fetus grows to about 19-21 inches long and can weigh anywhere from 6-9 pounds. The fetus continues to develop its immune system and prepare for life outside of the womb.
Source: bing.comIn conclusion, babies develop rapidly in the womb, and it’s amazing to see how much they grow and change in just nine months. From a tiny fertilized egg to a fully-formed human being, the process of fetal development is truly incredible. If you’re expecting a baby, be sure to take care of yourself and your little one during this special time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the first thing a baby develops in the womb?
A: The first thing a baby develops in the womb is the neural tube, which eventually becomes the brain and spinal cord.
Q: When do babies start to move in the womb?
A: Babies start to move in the womb around week 7 or 8 of pregnancy, but these movements are too small to feel until later in the second trimester.
Q: What is the most critical period of fetal development?
A: The most critical period of fetal development is the first trimester, when the major organs and systems are forming.
Q: What is lanugo?
A: Lanugo is fine hair that grows on a fetus’s body during the second trimester. It usually falls off before birth.
Q: When is a fetus considered full-term?
A: A fetus is considered full-term at 37 weeks of pregnancy.