Congratulations! You’re expecting a baby, and undoubtedly, you’re curious about the development of your little one. One question that comes to mind is, “What the first baby part developed?” It’s an exciting and fascinating question that every mom-to-be should know!
Table of Contents
Embryonic Development
Embryonic development is the first stage of conception, which begins with fertilization and ends at the eighth week of pregnancy. It’s a critical period where the baby’s body and organs start to develop.
The first thing to develop in the embryo is the heart. It starts to form about three weeks after conception. It’s an essential organ that pumps blood throughout the body, providing the developing baby with oxygen and nutrients.
After the heart, the neural tube develops. It’s the precursor to the brain and spinal cord. The neural tube develops from the ectoderm, which is the outermost layer of the embryo. The neural tube starts to form about four weeks after conception.
At the same time, the digestive system also starts to develop. The mouth, throat, and intestines begin to form during the fourth week of pregnancy.
Fetal Development
After the eighth week of pregnancy, the embryo becomes a fetus. The fetal stage is a period of growth and refinement. The body systems that started to develop during the embryonic stage become more complex and functional.
During fetal development, the limbs, fingers, and toes start to form. The fetus also begins to develop skin, hair, and nails. The eyes and ears become more prominent, and the baby starts to move around in the womb.
As the fetal stage progresses, the baby’s brain becomes more sophisticated, and the respiratory system develops. The lungs begin to produce a substance called surfactant, which helps the air sacs in the lungs to inflate and deflate.
The digestive system also becomes more complex during fetal development. The liver and pancreas start to produce digestive enzymes, and the intestines become more specialized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first baby part to develop is the heart. It’s an essential organ that starts to form about three weeks after conception. After the heart, the neural tube develops, followed by the digestive system. During fetal development, the baby’s body systems become more complex and refined, and the baby starts to grow and move around in the womb.
Now that you know what the first baby part developed, you can track your baby’s growth throughout your pregnancy. It’s an exciting journey filled with surprises and awe-inspiring moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the heart start to beat?
A: The heart starts to beat about three weeks after conception.
Q: When does the neural tube develop?
A: The neural tube starts to form about four weeks after conception.
Q: When does the fetus become a baby?
A: The fetus becomes a baby after the eighth week of pregnancy.
Q: When do the limbs, fingers, and toes start to form?
A: The limbs, fingers, and toes start to form during fetal development.
Q: When does the digestive system become more complex?
A: The digestive system becomes more complex during fetal development.