Fetal Development

1
Fetal Development

• Month by Month

2
First Month

• By the end of the two weeks, the zygote is about
  the size of a pin head. The heart, which is no
  larger than a poppy seed, has begun beating. The
  egg has attached itself to the lining of the
  uterus.

3
First Month
4
Two Months

• The zygote is about 1/4 inch long and has
  distinct, slightly webbed fingers. Face, eyes,
  ears, and limbs have developed. Veins are
  clearly visible. The heart has divided into right
  and left chambers.
• Zygote changes into an embryo at the end of
  eight weeks.

5
Two Months
6
Three Months

• By now the fetus is 1 inch long and is fully
  formed. He/she has begun swallowing and kicking.
  All organs and muscles have formed and are
  beginning to function.

7
Four Months

• Baby is covered with a layer of thick, downy hair
  called lanugo. His/her heartbeat can be heard
  clearly. This is when the mother may feel baby's
  first kick. Size about 3 inches long.

8
4 months
9
Five Months

• A protective coating called vernix caseosa begins
  to form on baby's skin. At this time the baby is
  about 6 ½-7 inches long and weighs almost 4-5
  ounces.

10
Six Months

• Eyebrows and eyelids are visible. The baby's
  lungs are filled with amniotic fluid, and he/she
  has started breathing motions. If the mother
  talks or sings, the baby can hear. 8-10 inches,
  about 8-12 ounces.

11
6 Months
12
Seven Months

• At the beginning of the seventh month, the baby
  weighs about 1 ½ pounds and is about 14-16
  inches long. His/her body is well-formed.
  Fingernails cover the fingertips.

13
Eight Months

• Baby is gaining about half a pound per week, and
  layers of fat are piling on. He/she has probably
  turned head-down in preparation for birth. He/she
  weighs between 2 1/2 and 3 pounds.

14
8 months
15
Nine Months

• Baby is a hefty 5 to 6 pounds and measures
  between 17 and 18 inches. As he/she becomes more
  crowded, the mother may feel baby move around
  less.

16
Summary

• List one important fact from each month. Share
  and discuss.