As a new parent, you may be curious about what’s going on inside your baby’s body. One of the most common questions asked is, “What is the first thing that develops on a baby?” Understanding the answer can give you a better appreciation for the miraculous process of pregnancy and childbirth. In this article, we’ll explore the early stages of fetal development and what you can expect in the first few weeks of your baby’s life.
Table of Contents
Week 1-2
The first two weeks of pregnancy are actually not when your baby begins to develop. It’s during this period that your body prepares for conception by producing and releasing an egg from one of your ovaries. If sperm is present, it can fertilize this egg, and pregnancy begins.
Week 3-4
During the third week of pregnancy, the fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube and begins to divide into multiple cells. By the fourth week, the embryo has implanted in the uterus and the placenta begins to form. The placenta is an organ that connects the developing baby to the mother’s blood supply and provides nutrients and oxygen.
Week 5-6
By the fifth week of pregnancy, the embryo has grown to about the size of a grain of rice. The heart begins to beat, and the eyes and ears begin to form. By the end of the sixth week, the arms, legs, and internal organs have started to develop. At this point, the embryo is referred to as a fetus.
Week 7-8
In the seventh week of pregnancy, the fetus begins to move and respond to touch. The brain is also developing rapidly, and the face becomes more defined. By the eighth week, the fingers and toes have formed, and the fetus is now about the size of a grape.
Week 9-10
The ninth week of pregnancy marks the end of the embryonic stage and the beginning of the fetal stage. The fetus is now about one inch long and has all of its major organs. By the tenth week, the fetus can make facial expressions and can swallow and urinate. The sex organs also begin to develop.
Week 11-12
By the eleventh week of pregnancy, the fetus has grown to about two inches long and is starting to look more like a baby. The skeleton is beginning to harden, and the digestive system is starting to function. By the twelfth week, the fetus can make a fist and has fully formed genitals.
In conclusion, the first thing that develops on a baby is the fertilized egg, which begins to divide into multiple cells during the third week of pregnancy. From there, the embryo develops into a fetus and undergoes a rapid period of growth and development. By understanding the timeline of fetal development, you can better appreciate the incredible process of bringing a new life into the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the first thing that forms on a baby?
A: The first thing that forms on a baby is the fertilized egg, which begins to divide into multiple cells during the third week of pregnancy.
Q: When does a baby’s heart start beating?
A: A baby’s heart starts beating around the fifth week of pregnancy.
Q: When do a baby’s fingers and toes start to form?
A: A baby’s fingers and toes start to form around the eighth week of pregnancy.
Q: When can a baby make facial expressions?
A: A baby can make facial expressions by the tenth week of pregnancy.
Q: When do a baby’s sex organs start to develop?
A: A baby’s sex organs start to develop by the tenth week of pregnancy.