Fetal Development

1. Fetal Development

2. Ovum and Sperm

3. 4 Week Embryo • On average, the baby is about 3mm-6 mm. from coccyx to the tip of the head (the size of a large grain of rice).  For the first three months the developing baby is called an EMBRYO

4. 7 week embryo The embryo is about 1/5 of an inch in length. A primitive heart is beating. Head, mouth, liver, and intestines begin to take shape.

5. 8 week embryo

6. 9 week fetus The developing baby is now called a FETUS • The fetus is now about 1 inch in length. Facial features, limbs, hands, feet, fingers, and toes become apparent. The nervous system is responsive and many of the internal organs begin to function.

7. 11 weeks

8. 12 weeks Bones begin to replace cartilage

9. 14 week fetus • The fetus is now 3 inches long and weighs almost an ounce. The muscles begin to develop and sex organs form. Eyelids, fingernails, and toenails also form. The child’s spontaneous movements can be observed.

10. 16 weeks

11. 18 Weeks • The fetus is now about 5 inches long. The child blinks, grasps, and moves her mouth. Hair grows on the head and body.

12. 20 weeks

13. 26 weeks • The fetus can now inhale, exhale and even cry. Eyes have completely formed, and the tongue has developed taste buds. Under intensive medical care the fetus has over a 50% chance of surviving outside the womb.

14. 30 weeks • The fetus is usually capable of living outside the womb and would be considered premature at birth.

15. 32 weeks

16. 38 weeks On average, the baby is about 12.5 inches (32 centimeters) from crown to rump and weighs about 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms). The brain has been developing rapidly. Lungs are nearly fully developed. Baby moves less due to tight space. The head is usually positioned down into the pelvis by now                     <>

17. Approx. 40 weeks