Fetal development during pregnancy:
###first Trimester (Weeks 1-12) - Weeks 1-2: Counted from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Ovulation and conception occur, forming a zygote. Fertilized egg begins to divide and travel down the fallopian tube. Week 3: The fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining. Cells begin to differentiate into the embryo and placenta. Week 4: Embryo is the size of a poppy seed. The neural tube, which will develop into the brain and spinal cord, begins to form. Week 5: Heart starts to beat, and basic structures of the brain begin to develop. Embryo is about the size of a sesame seed. Week 6: Facial features start to emerge, and limb buds form, indicating where arms and legs will develop. Embryo is about the size of a lentil. Week 7: Major organs, liver and kidneys, begin to develop. Embryo is roughly the size of a blueberry. Week 8: The embryo is now referred to as a fetus. Most organs are formed, facial features become distinct. Fetus is about the size of a grape. Week 9: All major organs now present, the fetus begins to move, but the mother may not feel it yet. The fetus is around the size of a cherry. Week 10: Fetus starts to grow nails, its heart is fully formed. It is about the size of a kumquat. Weeks 11-12: Fetus is about 2-3 inches long. The risk of miscarriage decreases significantly now.
###secondtrimester (Weeks 13-26)
Weeks 13-14: Fetus develops fine hair (lanugo) and begins to form facial expressions. It is about the size of a lemon. Weeks 15-16: Fetus makes movements and may start sucking its thumb. It is about the size of an avocado. Weeks 17-18: Mother may start feeling the first movements of the fetus, described as "quickening." Fetus is now developing more distinct features and is about the size of a sweet potato. Weeks 19-20: Development of the senses begins, with taste buds forming. Fetus is responding to sounds. Ultrasound may be performed during this period to check for the baby's sex. Fetus is approximately the size of a banana. Weeks 21-22: Fetus skin is still thin and translucent. It starts to develop fat under the skin, which helps regulate body temperature. Fetus is about the size of a carrot. Weeks 23-24: Fetus is becoming more active, and mother may feel distinct movements. Lungs are developing, the fetus is about the size of a cantaloupe. Weeks 25-26: Fetus can open and close its eyes and responds to light and sound. It has a more developed nervous system and is about the size of a head of cauliflower.
### Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40) Weeks 27-28: Fetus begins to accumulate fat, which will help with temperature regulation after birth. Brain continues to develop rapidly, and the fetus is about the size of an eggplant. Weeks 29-30: Fetus's bones are hardening, but the skull remains soft to facilitate delivery. It is about the size of a butternut squash and may start to turn into a head-down position in preparation for birth. Weeks 31-32: Fetus is developing a more robust immune system and is about the size of a pineapple. Movements may feel more restricted as space in the uterus decreases. Weeks 33-34: Fetus continues to gain weight and is about the size of a cantaloupe. Lungs are maturing, and it is practicing breathing movements. Weeks 35-36: Fetus is getting closer to its birth weight and is about the size of a honeydew melon. Skin is becoming less wrinkled. Weeks 37-38: Fetus is considered full-term at 37 weeks. It is about the size of a pumpkin and may be preparing for labor by dropping lower into the pelvis. Weeks 39-40: Fetus is ready for birth. Most babies are born between 37 and 42 weeks. Fetus typically weighs between 5.5 to 8.8 pounds (2.5 to 4 kg) and measures about 19 to 21 inches (48 to 53 cm) in length. ### Final Stages of Development: - Week 39: The baby's organs are fully developed, and the lungs are ready for breathing air. Baby a head-down position (vertex position) in preparation for delivery. Mother may experience increased pressure in her pelvis and Braxton Hicks contractions as her body prepares for labor. Week 40: As the due date approaches, the baby's movements may slow down due to space constraints, but are still active. Mother's body may show signs of labor, such as the "nesting" instinct or loss of the mucus plug. If the baby has not yet arrived, healthcare providers may discuss options for inducing labor.
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