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Fetal Development
Week 2 Conception is the moment at which the sperm penetrates the ovum. Once fertilized it is called a zygote, until it reaches the uterus 3-4 days later. Fertilization happens when the sperm and egg join in the fallopian tube to form a unique human being. Forty-six chromosomes combine, pre-determining this new person's physical characteristics. Week 3 Once in the uterus, the developing embryo, called a blastocyst, searches for a place to implant, where it actually burrows beneath the surface of the uterus. The yolk sac produces blood cells during these early weeks. The unborn child is only 1/6" long, but is rapidly developing. The backbone, spinal column, and nervous system are forming. The kidneys, liver, and intestines are taking shape. By day twenty-one, the embryo's tiny heart has begun beating. Week 4 The embryo may float freely in the uterus for about 48 hours before implanting. Upon implantation, complex connections between the mother and embryo develop to form the placenta. The embryo produces hormones which stop the mother's menstrual cycle. Week 5 The embryo is the size of a peanut. The neural tube enlarges into three parts, soon to become a very complex brain. The placenta begins functioning. The spine and spinal cord grows faster than the rest of the body at this stage and give the appearance of a tail. This "tail" disappears as the child continues to grow. Week 6 The embryo is about 1/5" in length. A primitive heart is beating. Head, mouth, liver, and intestines begin to take shape. Week 7 Facial features are visible, including a mouth and tongue. The eyes have a retina and lens. The major muscle system is developed, and the unborn child practices moving. The child has its own blood type, distinct from the mother's. These blood cells are produced by the liver now instead of the yolk sac. Week 8 The unborn child, called a fetus at this stage, is about 1/2" long. The tiny person is protected by the amnionic sac, filled with fluid. Inside, the child swims and moves gracefully. The arms and legs have lengthened, and fingers are now visible. The toes will develop in the next few days. Brain waves can be measured. Week 10 The embryo is now about 1" 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. The heart is almost completely developed and very much resembles that of a newborn baby. An opening the atrium of the heart and the presence of a bypass valve divert much of the blood away from the lungs, as the child's blood is oxygenated through the placenta. Twenty tiny baby teeth are forming in the gums. Week 12 Vocal chords are complete, and the child can and does sometimes cry (silently). The brain is fully formed, and the child can feel pain. The fetus may even suck his thumb. The eyelids now cover the eyes, and will remain shut until the seventh month to protect the delicate optical nerve fibers. Week 14 The fetus is now 3" 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. Muscles lengthen and become organized. The mother will soon start feeling the child move and kick. Week 15 The fetus has an adult's taste buds and may be able to savor the mother's meals. Week 16 Only six ounces in weight, eyebrows, eyelashes and fine hair appear. The child can grasp with his hands and possibly do somersaults. Week 18 The fetus is now about 5" long. The child blinks, grasps, and moves his/her mouth. Hair grows on the head and body. Week 20 The child can hear and recognize her mother's voice. Though still small and fragile, the baby is growing rapidly and could possibly survive if born at this stage. Fingernails and fingerprints appear. Sex organs are visible. Using an ultrasound device, the doctor can tell if the child is a girl or a boy. Week 22 The fetus now weighs approximately 1/2 lb. and spans about 10" from head to toe. Sweat glands develop, and the external skin has turned from transparent to opaque. Week 24 The unborn child is covered with a fine, downy hair called lanugo. Its tender skin is protected by a waxy substance called vernix. Some of this substance may still be on the child's skin at birth at which time it will be quickly absorbed. The child practices breathing by inhaling amnioni fluid into developing lungs. Week 26 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 a more than a 50% chance of survival outside the womb. Week 30 For several months, the umbilical cord has been the baby's lifeline to the mother. Nourishment is transferred from the mother's blood, through the placenta, and into the umbilical cord to the fetus. If the mother ingests any toxic substances, such as drugs or alcohol, the baby receives these as well. Week 32 The fetus sleeps 90-95% of the day, and sometimes experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming. Week 40 This is the end of the normal gestational period. The baby, now approximately seven and a half pounds, is ready for life outside its mother's womb. At birth, the placenta will detach from the side of the uterus and the umbilical cord will cease working as the child takes his first breaths of air. The child's breathing will trigger changes in the structure of the heart and bypass arteries which will force all blood to now travel through the lungs. |
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