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Week 1
Sperm fertilizes the egg in the Fallopian tube. This is called conception. The zygote forms and begins to grow by cell division. After a few days, the zygote has slowly moved to the opening of the uterus. This is the beginning of the Germinal stage. -
Week 2
The uterus's lining has thickened enough for the zygote to implant. The zygote implants and it is covered by the by the lining. It is about the size of the head of a pin at this stage. This is the last stage in the Germinal stage. -
Week 3
At this point, the embryonic stage begins. This stage lasts from the 3rd week to the 8th week. Cells begin to separate and form the heart, lungs, bone, and muscles, but they are not ready to function. -
Week 4
In this stage, the neural tube begins to close and this becomes the spinal cord and the brain. The placenta and the amniotic sac have both formed. The placenta is tissue that contains the baby to the uterus and provides the baby with oxygen and nutrients. The amniotic sac is a fluid-filled sac that forms around the embryo that protects it. -
Month 2
At this point, the embryo is about 1/4th of an inch long. The face, eyes, limbs, and ears all take shape. The heart begins to functions and the baby is moving, but it cannot be felt by the mother. -
Month 3
The fetus is about and inch long and the nostrils, mouth, lips, and eyelids are formed. The eyes are almost fully developed. Buds for all 20 baby teeth appear and the fingers and toes are almost complete. All of the organs are present, but they are not functioning. The heart beat can be heard at 10 weeks using a Doppler. -
Month 4
The fetus is about 3 inches long and weighs around 1 ounce. Reflexes begin to develop, and the embryo can suck its thumb and swallow. The facial features become clearer and the gender in identifiable. -
Month 5
The fetus is about 6 and a half to 7 inches long and weighs about 4-5 ounces. Hair begins to grow on the head and teeth continue to develop. Organs are maturing and the embryo becomes more active. -
Month 6
The fetus is about 8-10 inches long and weighs around 8-12 ounces. Fat begins to deposit under the skin, but it still appears wrinkled. The skin is covered by a protective covering called vernix Breathing movements begin and the eyes sometimes open for short periods of time. -
Month 7
The fetus is now between 10-12 inches long and weighs around 1 and a half to 2 pounds. There are periods of activity followed by periods of rest. The taste buds form and fat layers form under the skin, but it is still wrinkled. -
Month 8
The fetus is now 14-16 inches long and weighs 2-3 ponds. The rapid weight gain continues and it may react to loud noises by jerking. Its kidneys are matured and the movements can be visible outside. Most of the organs have already developed at this point except the lungs. -
Month 9
The fetus is about 17-18 inches long and weighs 5-6 pounds.The skin becomes smooth and movement decreases as there is not much room left. The lungs are fully developed It gains disease fighting antibodies from the mother's blood and descends into the pelvis, ready for birth.