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Conception
Fertilization happens when a sperm meets and penetrates an egg. In this stage the genetic makeup is complete including sex of the baby, The fertilized egg is dividing into many cells. It passes through the Fallopian tube into the uterus and attaches to the uterine wall. -
1st month
At this point the baby is developing the structures that will eventually form his face and neck. The heart and blood vessels continue to develop. And the lungs, stomach, and liver start to develop. A home pregnancy test would show positive. -
2nd month
The baby is now a little over half an inch in size. Eyelids and ears are forming, and you can see the tip of the nose. The arms and legs are well formed. The fingers and toes grow longer and more distinct. -
3rd month
The baby measures about 2 inches and starts to make its own movements. Kidneys begin to start. Your doctor may hear the baby's heartbeat with special instruments. The sex organs of the baby should start to become clear. -
4th month
The baby now measures about 4.3 to 4.6 inches and weighs about 3.5 ounces. You should be able to feel the top of your uterus about 3 inches below your belly button. The baby's eyes can blink and the heart and blood vessels are fully formed. The baby's fingers and toes have fingerprints. -
5th month
Hair begins to grow on eyelashes, eyebrows and scalp. The baby weighs about 10 ounces and is a little more than 6 inches long. Your uterus should be at the level of your belly button. The baby can suck a thumb, yawn, stretch, and make faces. Soon -- if you haven't already -- you'll feel your baby move, which is called "quickening." -
6th month
The fetus is very active. Baby can now hear sounds. You can finally get an ultrasound to see the movements and heartbeat. -
7th month
The baby weighs about 2 pounds, 6 ounces, and changes position often at this point in pregnancy. If you had to deliver prematurely now, there is a good chance the baby would survive. Ask your doctor about preterm labor warning signs. Now is the time to register for birthing classes. Birthing classes prepare you for many aspects of childbirth, including labor and delivery and taking care of your newborn. -
8th month
The baby weighs almost 4 pounds and is moving around often. The baby's skin has fewer wrinkles as a layer of fat starts to form under the skin. Between now and delivery, your baby will gain up to half his birth weight.You may notice a yellowish fluid leaking from your breasts. That is colostrum, and it happens to get your breasts ready for making milk. -
9th month
On average, a baby at this stage is about 18.5 inches and weighs close to 6 pounds. The brain has been developing rapidly. Lungs are nearly fully developed. The head is usually positioned down into the pelvis by now. He's getting ready to come out. -
Birth
Based on this, pregnancy can last between 38 and 42 weeks with a full-term delivery happening around 40 weeks. You gave birth to a beautiful baby!
