Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcoming a newborn into this world is one of the most magical moments in life. As parents, we want to know everything about our little ones, including their development milestones. One of the most frequently asked questions by new parents is, “What is the first thing a baby develops?” Well, let’s dive into this fascinating topic and find out!
Embryonic Development
The development of a baby begins long before birth. In fact, it starts at conception. At this stage, the fertilized egg divides into multiple cells, forming a blastocyst. The blastocyst then implants itself in the wall of the uterus, where it starts to develop into an embryo.The first thing that a baby develops during embryonic development is the neural tube. The neural tube is a structure that eventually forms the brain and spinal cord. The formation of the neural tube is critical because it lays the foundation for the nervous system, which controls all bodily functions.
Fetal Development
After the embryonic stage, the baby enters the fetal stage, which lasts until birth. During the fetal stage, the baby undergoes rapid growth and development. The first thing that a baby develops during the fetal stage is the heart.The heart starts to beat around six weeks after conception, and its development continues throughout fetal development. The heart is responsible for pumping blood and supplying oxygen to all parts of the body, making it a vital organ.
Sensory Development
As the baby continues to grow, it starts to develop its senses. The first sense that develops is touch. The baby’s skin is sensitive to touch, and it can respond to stimuli by moving or kicking.The second sense that develops is taste. The baby can taste the amniotic fluid that surrounds it, which can influence its food preferences later in life.The third sense that develops is smell. The baby can smell the amniotic fluid and the mother’s scent, which can help it recognize its mother after birth.The fourth sense that develops is hearing. The baby can hear sounds from the outside world, including its mother’s voice, music, and other noises.Finally, the fifth sense that develops is sight. The baby’s eyes start to form around four weeks after conception, but it’s not until the third trimester that the baby’s vision becomes clear enough to see.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first thing that a baby develops is the neural tube, which forms the foundation for the nervous system. The heart is the first organ to develop during fetal development and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. As the baby continues to grow, it develops its senses, including touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight.As a new parent, it’s essential to understand your baby’s development milestones and celebrate each one. Watching your little one grow and develop is a beautiful and exciting journey that you won’t want to miss!Frequently Asked Questions:Q: When does a baby’s heart start to beat?A: A baby’s heart starts to beat around six weeks after conception.Q: What is the first sense that a baby develops?A: The first sense that a baby develops is touch.Q: When does a baby’s vision become clear enough to see?A: It’s not until the third trimester that a baby’s vision becomes clear enough to see.Q: Can a baby taste the food that its mother eats?A: Yes, a baby can taste the amniotic fluid that surrounds it, which can influence its food preferences later in life.Q: What is the neural tube?A: The neural tube is a structure that eventually forms the brain and spinal cord, laying the foundation for the nervous system.