Fetal Development in Pregnancy: Baby Growth at Each Stage
Fetal development during pregnancy is a miraculous process. Every week, the baby enters a new phase and undergoes significant changes. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, it is very important to know how the fetus develops. In this article, we will understand in detail the growth of the fetus from conception to birth.
1. First Month of Pregnancy (1 to 4 Weeks)
Pregnancy begins with fertilization. The fertilized egg (zygote) slowly divides to form a blastocyst and attaches to the uterine wall. At this time:
The baby is just a single cell mass.
The placenta and amniotic sac begin to form.
The size of the embryo is less than 1 mm.
2. Second Month (5 to 8 Weeks)
This is a crucial time in the development of the fetus, as the formation of major organs begins during this time.
The heart starts beating.
The spinal cord, nervous system, and brain start developing.
The eyes, nose, ears, and fingers start forming.
The size of the embryo is 1 to 2 centimeters.
3. Third month (9 to 12 weeks)
Now the embryo starts growing rapidly and is called a ‘fetus’.
The arms and legs start developing completely.
Internal organs like liver, kidneys, and intestines start functioning.
The baby’s movement can be seen in the ultrasound.
The fetus weighs about 14 grams and is 6-7 centimeters long.
4. Fourth month (13 to 16 weeks)
The second trimester has begun, and at this time the mother starts feeling her pregnancy more.
The baby starts moving fingers, opening the mouth, and blinking.
Hair and nails start growing.
The sex of the baby can be seen in the ultrasound.
The fetus weighs about 100 grams and is 10-12 cm long.
5. Fifth month (17 to 20 weeks)
This is the time when the mother starts feeling the baby’s movements.
The baby starts kicking and moving in the stomach.
The protective ‘vernix’ and ‘lanugo’ start forming on the skin.
The ability to hear develops, which allows the baby to recognize the mother’s voice.
The fetus weighs 250-300 grams and is about 16-20 cm long.
6. Sixth month (21 to 24 weeks)
Now the baby starts becoming more active.
The eyelids develop and the eyes start opening.
The lungs develop rapidly, although they are not fully functional yet.
The baby can suck its thumb in the womb and may also have hiccups.
The fetus weighs about 600-700 grams and is 30 cm long.
7. Seventh month (25 to 28 weeks)
Now the chances of the baby being born increase.
The baby’s brain develops rapidly and it starts responding to light and sound.
The lungs start functioning to some extent.
If premature birth occurs at this time, the baby is likely to survive.
The fetus weighs about 1-1.2 kg and is 35-38 cm long.
8. Eighth month (29 to 32 weeks)
This is the time when the baby grows the fastest.
The muscles and bones start getting stronger.
The skin becomes smooth and fat starts accumulating.
The head starts moving downwards, which makes delivery easier.
The fetus weighs about 1.5-2 kg and is 40-42 cm long.
9. Ninth month (33 to 40 weeks)
Now your baby is fully ready to be born.
The lungs and other organs are fully developed.
The baby’s head comes down.
The mother starts feeling the symptoms of labor.
The fetus weighs 2.5-3.5 kg and is 45-50 cm long.
Things to keep in mind during pregnancy:
✅ Eat a healthy diet – Eat green vegetables, fruits, dairy products and protein-rich food.
✅ Exercise regularly – Do light yoga and stretching as advised by the doctor.
✅ Avoid stress – Do meditation and pranayama to maintain mental peace.
✅ Get regular checkups – Get ultrasound and other tests done from time to time as advised by the doctor.
✅ Get enough rest – Have a good sleep of 7-8 hours and avoid over fatigue.
