Pregnancy

Pregnancy

First Nine Months

Fetal Development

  Week 8

• Formation of all major body organs and systems begin.

• Eyes, ears, nose, lips, tongue and buds for teeth are formed.
• Organs begin to be controlled by the brain. Fingers, toes, ankles and wrists are completely formed.

  The fetus weighs less than one ounce and is approximately .68 inch long by the end of Week 8.

  

   Week 12
  

• The fetus now has 20 buds that will one day be teeth.

• The complete formation of all major organs will now begin to mature and the fetus begins to gain weight throughout the pregnancy.
• The fetus can now move its arms and legs.
• The fetus weighs more than one ounce and is approximately 2-3 inches long by the end of Week 12.

   

Week 16

• Motion increases as the fetus moves its body and swallows. A voice can also be heard at this time.

• The skin is transparent and pink in color.
• The umbilical cord is now thick enough to carry nutrients from the mother to the fetus, as well as toxins and poisons from tobacco smoke, alcohol and other drugs.
• The fetus weighs about five ounces and is approximately four to five inches long by the end of Week 16.

   

Week 20

• The fetus can now turn its entire body side to side and front to back.

• Fingernails are now completely grown and reach the tips of the fingers.
• The fetus now has a regular sleeping pattern.
• Rapid growth in this month brings the fetus to weigh one-half to one pound and its length to approximately six to seven inches by the end of Week 20.