Fetal Development

  • Month 1

    Month 1
    -Size is around the size of a pin head
    -Egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, critical stage for brain and spinal chord development
    -Internal organs and circulatory system begins to form, heart begins to beat
  • Month 2

    Month 2
    -Size is about 1/4 in as the month begins
    -Face, eyes, ears, and limbs begin to shape
    -Bones begin to form
  • Month 3

    Month 3
    -Size is about 1 inch as the month begins
    -Nostrils, mouth, lips, and eye lids begin to form, fingers and toes are almost complete
    -Buds for all 20 baby teeth appear
    -All organs are present but still immature
  • Month 4

    Month 4
    -Size is about 3 inches long, and weighs about 1 ounce as month begins
    -Can suck thumb, swallow, hiccup, and move around
    -Facial features become clearer
  • Month 5

    Month 5
    -Size is about 6 1/2-7 inches long, wighs about 45 ounces as month begins
    -Hair, eyelashes, and eye brows appears, along with the teeth continuing to develop
    -Organs are maturing, becomes more active
  • Month 6

    Month 6
    -Size is about 8-10 inches long, and about 8-12 onces as month begins
    -Fat deposits under skin, but fetus appears wrinkled
    -Breathing movements begins
  • Month 7

    Month 7
    -Size about 10-12 inches long, weighs about 1 1/2-2 pounds as month begins
    --Has periods of activity followed by periods of rest and quiet
  • Month 8

    Month 8
    -Size is about 14-16 inches long, weighs about 2 1/2-3 pounds as month begins
    -Rapid weight gain continues
    -May react to loud noises with a reflex jerking action, moves into head-down position
  • Month 9

    Month 9
    -Size is about 17-18 inches long, weighs about 5-6 pounds as month begins
    -Weight gain continues, skin becomes smooth as fat deposits
    -Movements decrease, fetus has less room to move, acquires diesease-fighting antibodies from the mothers blood
    -Descends into pelvis, ready for birth