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Fetal Growth Month By Month |
With each passing month of pregnancy, monumental changes are occurring to your baby. The amazing transformation from embryo to fetus to full-term baby is nothing short of astonishing. Here is a month-by-month look at your growing baby.
Month One
By the time you miss your period and find out that you are actually pregnant, a tiny embryo that will become your baby has formed and begins growing at an incredibly rapid rate. In fact, the embryo is now 10,000 times larger than a single fertilized egg. As well, the placenta, baby’s heart, spinal cord, and digestive system are all beginning to develop.
Month Two
By the end of this month, the embryo has grown to approximately 2.5 cm long. The heart is now functioning, and facial features are beginning to appear. While the embryo is moving, you won’t feel anything for another couple of months.
Month Three
Now, the embryo is officially called a fetus and measures about 7 cm in length. His or her arms, legs, hands, and feet are fully formed. At this stage, your midwife or doctor can probably detect a heartbeat using a device called a Doppler.
Month Four
Growth continues rapidly, and your baby’s sex is now determinable. While looking human in appearance at this point, your baby will still need much more time before he or she could survive outside of your body.
Month Five
At about 25 cm long, your baby is beginning to grow hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. He or she is also growing a type of fine hair called lanugo that will cover the body until it is shed shortly before or after birth.
Month Six
Fetal movement is becoming more and more pronounced as muscles strengthen. Eyelids begin to part and the eyes will open occasionally. Also, hearing has developed to the point of being able to hear sounds from outside of the womb.
Month Seven
The average seven-month-old fetus is 38 cm long and 1 kg in weight. If born at this stage, your baby would be premature but would have a good chance of survival.
Month Eight
Growth is especially rapid this month, with tremendous development of the brain, lungs, and other organs. Your baby will most likely turn head down during this time to prepare for delivery.
Month Nine
Congratulations! Your baby is ready to be born. He or she likely weighs between 3 and 4 kg and measure 47 to 55 cm in height. The lungs and other organs are completely mature and the skin is pink and smooth. Don’t forget that most babies are not born on their exact due date. Anytime from the 38th to the 42nd week of pregnancy is optimal.
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