Development of a fetus from the day of conception till the birth

The development of a fetus from conception to birth is an amazing process and a beautiful journey of motherhood. In the olden days, mothers were not aware or exposed to the development of the growing fetuses in their wombs. Thanks to science and technology, a step-by-step guide from conception till birth is available to all mothers.

Listed below are the stages of development of the fetus from conception to birth.

Conception

The due date of a pregnant woman is generally calculated from the first day of her last menstrual period. Conception generally happens 2 weeks later and that is when a woman is turned pregnant. Fertilization occurs when one successful sperm penetrates into the egg and forms an embryo.

24 hours after fertilization, the egg starts multiplying into many cells and remains in the fallopian tube for 3 days.  The egg continues to divide as it slowly passes into the uterus. With the exchange of hormones, the egg comes in contact with the uterus’s endometrium and attaches to the uterine wall. This is called the embryo or the fetus. The cervix is sealed by a mucus plug.

Stages of Growth: Month 1 to Month 9

Month 1: The embryo continues to grow and a water-filled sac forms around it. This is called the amniotic sac which protects the embryo. The placenta is also formed during this stage. The placenta helps in the transfer of nutrients from the mother to the fetus. The fetus will form a primitive face where the mouth, jaws, throat, and eyes are developing. The blood circulation process will begin. The heart is in the shape of a tiny tube and beats 65 times a minute by end of 4 weeks.

Month 2: At month 2, the facial features of the fetus continue to develop. Tiny buds that will form the limbs later begin to develop. The neural tube that consists of the brain, spinal cord, and other nerve cells forms during this stage. The sensory organs and digestive system begin to develop. At about 6 weeks, the first heartbeat of the baby can be heard. By end of the second month, the fetus will grow up to 1 inch long.

Month 3: The fetus’s arms, legs, toes, feet, and fingers are fully developed at month 3. Your baby will begin to close and open its fists. External ears are formed during this stage. Fingernails, toenails, teeth, and reproductive organs also start to develop. By end of month 3, the fetus is fully formed. All the extremities and organs are present and will continue to mature in the following months. The hepatic, urinary, and circulatory systems begin to work. By the end of month 3, your baby is 4 inches long

Month 4: This is the month all parents wait for. This is mainly because you will know if you are having a boy or a girl. The reproductive organs are fully formed and the genitals can be seen through an ultrasound. The nervous system also begins to function at this stage. Teeth, bones, eyelids, nails, and hair are also fully formed. Your baby can yawn, stretch, and even suck his or her thumb now.

Month 5: Month 4 to 6 is called the second trimester and is the most wonderful phase of every mother. This is mainly because the chances of miscarriage and complications reduce after crossing 3 months. Also, at the beginning of month 5, the mother can slowly start feeling the baby inside her and move around. Since your baby starts developing muscles, he or she will start exercising them.

Pregnancy Journey 

Month 6: At month 6, your baby starts becoming aware of the outside surroundings. The fetus starts responding to sounds and movements that happen outside. The Baby’s skin is reddish in color and appears wrinkled. The eyelids slowly part and the eyes open. The movements start increasing and mothers can notice the increase in frequency.

Month 7: Month 7 to 9 marks the third and last trimester for both the mother as well as the baby. The mother should take utmost care during this period. The growing fetus starts developing body fat and continues to mature. Your baby can fully respond to all stimuli. As the pregnancy phase comes to an end, the amniotic fluid slowly reduces.

Month 8:  At month 8, your baby is kicking and moving more often. The baby continues to grow and put on more weight. All the internal systems are well developed. The brain develops at a rapid rate.

Month 9: This is the last month of pregnancy and the development of the fetus. Labor can occur anytime and the mother can give birth to the baby. As long as the baby is inside, it continues to grow and mature. The lungs are fully developed and prepared to breathe when he or she comes outside. The baby’s movements may reduce due to its growth and restricted space in the uterus. Month 9 also makes the change in the baby’s position in the womb. The baby slowly drops down into the pelvis and fixes its head down into the birth canal.

At the ending of month 9, you can expect to deliver at any time. The process of labor will begin when the uterus begins to contract and the amniotic water bag breaks.

Be prepared for the process of labor and delivery beforehand. Soon, the journey and wait of 9 months are going to end, and you are going to have your little one in your arms. The development of a fetus from conception to birth is indeed a life-changing experience and emotion for a mother. Wishing you the best for your journey ahead with your little bundle of joy.

This post is part of #halfmarathon by Blogchatter. 

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