Pregnancy Week by Week: The Stages of Fetal Development
Every woman who has been pregnant can attest to the life-changing experience of carrying a baby for nine months. During this time, a fertilized egg develops into a fully-formed baby, complete with all the organs and features necessary for life outside the womb. But what exactly happens during those nine months of fetal development? This infographic breaks down each stage of the journey, from conception to birth.
Weeks 1-4: Conception and Implantation
At the start of week 1, a woman’s menstrual period begins, and a new cycle begins. Around day 14, ovulation occurs, and if sperm is present, a fertilized egg may result. During the first week, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube and begins to divide, forming a ball of cells. By week 2, the ball of cells reaches the uterus and begins to implant itself in the uterine lining.
Weeks 5-8: Embryonic Period
By week 5, the embryo is about the size of a sesame seed and has a recognizable shape. The heart, brain, and spinal cord begin to form, and tiny limb buds appear. By week 6, the embryo is about the size of a lentil, and the heart is beating. The eyes, ears, nose, and mouth begin to take shape. By week 7, the embryo is about the size of a blueberry, and fingers and toes are beginning to form. Organs such as the liver and kidneys begin to function, and the embryo begins to move. By week 8, the embryo is about the size of a raspberry, and all major organs are present. The embryo is now called a fetus.
Weeks 9-12: First Trimester
By week 9, the fetus is about the size of a grape and has distinct fingers and toes. Bones and cartilage begin to form, and the fetus begins to make movements that can be felt by the mother. By week 10, the fetus is about the size of a kumquat, and tooth buds are forming. The fetus can now swallow and will begin to produce urine. By week 11, the fetus is about the size of a lime, and facial features become more refined. Fingernails and toenails begin to form. By week 12, the fetus is about the size of a plum, and the sex can be determined. The fetus can now make a fist and suck its thumb.
Weeks 13-16: Second Trimester
By week 13, the fetus is about the size of a lemon, and the skin becomes transparent. The fetus begins to grow hair and eyelashes. By week 14, the fetus is about the size of a nectarine, and the mother may begin to feel kicks and movements. The fetus can now make facial expressions and may have hiccups. By week 15, the fetus is about the size of an orange, and the bones begin to harden. The fetus can now hear and may respond to sound. By week 16, the fetus is about the size of an avocado, and the eyes can move back and forth. The fetus may begin to suck its thumb.
Weeks 17-20: Mid-Pregnancy
By week 17, the fetus is about the size of a turnip, and fat begins to accumulate under the skin. The fetus can now blink and has fully-formed fingerprints. By week 18, the fetus is about the size of a bell pepper, and the mother may begin to feel Braxton Hicks contractions. The fetus can now yawn and hiccup regularly. By week 19, the fetus is about the size of a mango, and the skin is covered in vernix, a protective coating. The fetus can now hear and distinguish sounds. By week 20, the fetus is about the size of a banana, and the mother may begin to feel more intense movements. The fetus can now suck its thumb and respond to light.
Weeks 21-24: Third Trimester
By week 21, the fetus is about the size of a carrot, and the eyes can now open and close. The fetus can now taste and has well-formed lungs. By week 22, the fetus is about the size of a papaya, and the mother may begin to experience Braxton Hicks contractions more frequently. The fetus can now respond to touch and may react to loud noises. By week 23, the fetus is about the size of a grapefruit, and the brain is rapidly developing. The fetus can now recognize voices and sounds. By week 24, the fetus is about the size of an ear of corn, and the eyes are fully formed. The fetus can now grasp and release objects.
Weeks 25-28: Late Pregnancy
By week 25, the fetus is about the size of a rutabaga, and the lungs are developing and producing surfactant, a crucial substance for breathing. The fetus can now open and close its eyes and is becoming more sensitive to light and sound. By week 26, the fetus is about the size of a head of lettuce, and the eyes are now blue. The fetus is growing rapidly and is now viable outside the womb with medical support. By week 27, the fetus is about the size of a cauliflower, and the lungs are almost fully developed. The fetus can now dream and has a regular sleep cycle. By week 28, the fetus is about the size of an eggplant, and the eyes can now see.
Weeks 29-32: Final Trimester
By week 29, the fetus is about the size of an acorn squash, and the brain is growing rapidly. The fetus can now control its body temperature and has a sense of taste. By week 30, the fetus is about the size of a large cabbage, and the body is becoming chubbier. The fetus can now open and close its eyes and blink. By week 31, the fetus is about the size of a coconut, and the brain is developing more rapidly. The fetus is now in the head-down position for birth. By week 32, the fetus is about the size of a honeydew melon, and all major organs are fully formed. The fetus can now regulate its own heartbeat and has formed a layer of fat for insulation.
Week 40+: Labor and Delivery
By week 40, the fetus is fully-formed and considered full-term. The mother’s cervix begins to thin and dilate, and contractions signal the start of labor. The average time of labor is 12-24 hours for first-time mothers and 6-12 hours for subsequent deliveries. The baby is born when the mother’s cervix is fully dilated, and the baby is pushed through the birth canal. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and the baby takes its first breath outside the womb.
In conclusion, pregnancy is a miraculous journey that transforms a fertilized egg into a fully-formed baby. Each week of fetal development is filled with new milestones and changes, leading up to the momentous occasion of birth. This infographic provides a fascinating glimpse into the stages of pregnancy, from conception to delivery.
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