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Ovulation
This occurs every month when an ovum, or egg cell, is released with specific hormones that prepares the uterus in the event that the egg is fertilized. -
Conception
Conception occurs as soon as sperm, the male cell, reaches the fallopian tube, and penetrates and fertilizes the ovum. Sperm must fertilize the ovum for conception to occur. Pregnancy begins at this time, and cell division begins. -
Month 1 Development
During the first month, the baby is the size of a pinhead. The egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. This is a critical stage for brain and spinal cord development. The internal organs and circulatory system begin to form at this time, along with the heart starting to beat. The first trimester only lasts about two weeks and is called the germinal stage. During the last two weeks the second trimester, or embryonic stage, begins. -
Month 2 Development
The baby is now about 1/4 inch long. It's face, eyes, ears, and limbs are beginning to take shape. The bones also begin forming at this time. The second trimester, or embryonic stage, is still taking place up until the end of this month. -
Month 3 Development
The baby is now about 1 inch long. It's nostrils, mouth, and eyelids are forming at this time. Also, buds for baby teeth appear, and fingers and toes are almost developed. Organs are present at this time, but are immature. This month is the start of the 3rd trimester, also known as the fetal stage. -
Month 4 Development
The baby is now around 3 inches long, and weighs 1 ounce. It can now suck it's thumb, swallow, hiccup, and move around. The facial features become more clear during this stage. This is also part of the 3rd trimester, or fetal stage. -
Month 5 Development
The baby is now 6 1/2 to 7 inches long, and weighs 4 to 5 ounces. The baby's hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows appear, and the organs are maturing. The baby also becomes more active. This is also part of the 3rd trimester, or fetal stage. -
Month 6 Development
The baby is 6-8 inches long, and weighs 8 to 12 ounces. The baby appears wrinkled, and breathing movements begin. This is also part of the 3rd trimester, or fetal stage. -
Month 7 Development
The baby is now 10-12 inches long, and weighs 1 1/2 to 2 pounds. It will have periods of activity followed by periods of rest and quiet. This is also part of the 3rd trimester, or fetal stage. -
Month 8 Development
The baby is 14 to 16 inches long, and is weighing 2 1/2 to 3 pounds. It will now begin gaining weight rapidly, and moving to the head-down position.At this time, we are nearing the end of the 3rd trimester, or fetal stage. -
Month 9 Development
The baby is 17 to 18 inches log, and weighs about 5 or 6 pounds. Movements will decrease during this month, while it is developing disease-fighting antibodies, and descending into the pelvis. This is the last month of the 3rd trimester, or fetal stage. The baby should soon be born.
