Fetal Development
One resource that many pregnant women turn to is a book that depicts the development of the fetus. It’s exciting to see and read about what the baby looks like and how the body is developing. Each month brings new and thrilling changes.
During the first month of pregnancy a woman isn’t showing yet and really hasn’t begun to feel any of the major changes that accompany pregnancy. Her breasts may be a bit tender and she may have a bout of morning sickness, but the baby has yet to grow enough for her to feel or see it. During the first month, the fetus is very small, on average about a quarter of an inch.
The second month is often when a woman really realizes she is pregnant. Many women have irregular menstrual cycles so they don’t seek medical advice until they’ve missed a second period. By the time this happens the fetus is over an inch in length and the tiny eyes and mouth have begun to be formed.
The third and fourth months are when many changes occur. This is when the expectant mother may begin to show. Her clothes will become tight and she’ll turn to the maternity clothing aisle for her wardrobe. By the end of the fourth month the fetus has grown to about seven inches in length and the fingers and toes are all formed. The baby’s skin is a very pale, translucent pink.
The fifth month also brings some changes to both the mother and the fetus. Her increasing waistline is a clear indicator that the baby is growing. It’s actually going to grow to a size of nine or ten inches. During this month the fetus also develops hair. One of the most amazing events for the expectant mother during the fifth month of pregnancy is that she will begin to feel the baby moving inside of her. This is truly amazing for both parents as the father can now truly share in the experience by placing his hand on the woman’s stomach to feel a “kick.”
By the sixth month the fetus is well developed and is averaging a length of about thirteen inches. He or she also weighs close to three pounds and will be active during certain parts of the day. One funny note during the sixth month of gestation is that the fetus can hiccup, a trait that lasts for an entire lifetime.
The seventh month is when the mother really begins to anticipate the arrival of her new baby. It’s steadily growing and changing each day. Its weight will have increased to three pounds and a half pounds by this point and it may be up to sixteen inches long. Babies born at this stage can survive but they are considered premature and will need lots of extra care and attention. They will also have to spend weeks in the hospital as their bodies mature and develop.
The eighth month brings with it still more exciting changes. This month the baby will grow by leaps and bounds and may reach a weight of up to six pounds. The baby’s brain really develops during this month as well. When the baby kicks it’s even possible for others to notice the mother’s stomach moving. She can sit still and her stomach will move all by itself. Well actually, it is the baby’s movements causing the commotion.
Once the ninth month arrives everyone, including the baby, is ready for the big day. The baby will move into the birth position of head down and it will reach its full birth weight. All of its organs have matured and it is ready to enter the world kicking and screaming.
Recent Comments