How a baby develops in the womb.
8 weeks pre-born |
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Day 1 - Conception takes place.
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.
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.
Week 6 - The embryo is about 1/5 of an inch in length. A primitive heart is beating.
Head, mouth, liver, and intestines begin to take shape.
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Week 10 - The embryo is now about 1 inch 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.
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14 weeks pre-born |
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Week 14 - The fetus is now 3 inches 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.
Week 18 - The fetus is now about 5 inches long. The child blinks, grasps, and moves
her mouth. Hair grows on the head and body.
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20 week pre-born |
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Week 22 - The fetus now weighs approximately 1/2 a pound and spans about 10 inches
from head to toe. Sweat glands develop, and the external skin has turned from
transparent to opaque.
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 over a 50% chance of surviving outside the womb.
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Week 30 - The fetus is usually capable of living outside the womb and would be
considered premature at birth.
Week 40 - This marks the end of the normal gestational period. The child is now
ready to live in outside of his mother's womb. |
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