Different Stages Of Development Of Fetus During Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is a wonderful journey of a mother and baby that lasts 40 weeks from conception. It starts with the joining together of the egg and sperm. With each passing month, the fetus develops rapidly and goes through unique changes and consistent growth. Knowing how your baby grows and completes this miraculous journey will be a pleasant experience for you.

Different Stages Of Development Of Fetus During Pregnancy

First Month

During first month of the pregnancy, the processes of conception, fertilization of egg and implantation take place. The egg is generally fertilized within 24 hours of ovulation. The sperm and the egg meet in the outer layer of the Fallopian tube and begin to multiply rapidly. This stage is known as a zygote. From here, implantation occurs in the uterine lining.  The inner cells grow into embryo and outer cells began to form the umbilical cord, amniotic sac and placenta.

Second Month

The second month is considered to be very important for fetal development. The major organs like heart, arms, legs, neural tube and liver of the baby begin to form. By the 6th week, the baby’s heart begins to beat slowly. The placenta as well as eyes, mouth, ears and bones also starts forming.

By the end of the month, the baby’s finger and toes also appear but not in its complete form.  Baby’s sex organ becomes visible but not without genetic screening. The cranial nerves and the brain also start forming. Baby now measures ½ inch to ¾ inch long and at the end of the 2nd month weigh approximately 1-2 grams.

Third Month

The development of all major organs and heart is completed by the ending of this month. The sex organ of the baby is still on the process of development but still not complete enough to differentiate the gender. Your baby has now become a fetus from embryo. The tail is also no more there. The baby’s muscles begin to harden. His/her face takes its form with the development of eyes and external ears. The weight of your baby becomes approximately 1 ounce and he/she grows to 3-4 inches long.

Fourth Month

During this month, the baby’s hair and teeth also starts forming. The baby begins to move and you may feel baby’s movement. Baby now has a digestive system and intestine. Baby’s first stool known as meconium is there in the intestine. By the ending of this month, the baby weighs 5 to 8 ounce and his/her length becomes approximately 5-7 inches.

Fifth Month

The fine hair known as lanugo starts to develop and covers the baby’s body. Now his/her eyebrows and eyelashes starts appearing and fingers and toes start forming. The baby begins to swallow and suck. A white covering called vernix covers the baby to protect the skin. Baby’s ears are now fully developed. She can hear now and can get startled by loud noise.  Baby becomes 7-9 inches long and starts weighing almost 2 to 3 pounds.

Sixth Month

The baby’s immune system start to develop by this month and the baby creates its own antibodies. His / her lungs start developing and alveoli start forming. The baby gets a look by the ending of this month. His/her length increases up to 9-10 inches and weighs 2-3 pounds.

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Seventh Month

The baby becomes active and you can feel his/her movement and can cry as well. His / her bones are completely developed and the body fat increases. The baby begins to turn his/her head and can sense light and dark. Length develops up to 10-11 inches and weight becomes 3 to 4 pounds.

Eighth Month

At this stage, the baby starts getting ready to born.  Amniotic fluid is present till now and baby urinates in this daily. The length of your baby is about 13-14 inches and the baby’s weight increased to 5-6 pounds.

Ninth Month

The baby is preparing herself/himself for birth and facing the head down. The baby’s weight and length varies at the time of birth; but in most cases, it ranges between the length of 19-21 inches and weight of 7-8 pounds.