Post on 20-Mar-2018
Fetal Development
Month by Month
First Month
• Cell multiplication begins. By the end of the first month, the embryo is about 1/10 of an inch long. The heart, which is no larger than a poppy seed, has begun beating-(Day 25) Brain and lungs begin to form.
First Month
First Month Effects on Mother
• Missed menstrual period
• No weight gain
• Breasts may begin to feel tender
• Possible nausea or morning sickness
Second Month
• The embryo is about 1 inch long. Arms, legs, face, hands, fingers, knees, ankles and toes are forming. Veins are clearly visible. Forms muscles and skin. The heart has divided into right and left chambers. Develops internal organs.
Two Months
Second Month Effects on Mother
Breasts begin to swell
Enlarging uterus places pressure on the bladder- more
frequent urination
“morning sickness” continues
Possible tiredness
Third Month
• By now the fetus is 2
1/2 to 3 inches long
and is fully formed.
Weighs 1 ounce. He
has begun swallowing
and kicking. All organs
and muscles have
formed and are
beginning to function.
Eyelids close to protect
developing eyes.
Third Month Effects on Mother
• Weight gain of 2-4 pounds
• Uterus is the size of an orange
• You may perspire more
• Breasts are firmer, fuller and ache
• Nausea, fatigue, frequent urination
Fourth Month
• Your baby is 8-10 inches long and he weighs 6 ounces. Baby can suck thumb, swallow, hiccup and move. This is when you may feel your baby's first kick. Baby is covered with a layer of thick, downy hair called lanugo. Fingernails appear. Umbilical cord thickens.
4 months
Fourth Month Effects on Mother
• Discomforts of early pregnancy are gone
• Increased appetite
• Weight gain- 3-4 pounds
• Belly begins to expand
Fifth Month • A protective coating
called vernix caseosa
begins to form on
baby's skin. Eyelashes
and eyebrows appear.
By the end of this
month, your baby will
be nearly 12 inches
long and weighs almost
a pound.
Fifth Month Effects on Mother
• Weight gain 3-4 pounds
• May feel fluttering movements of
baby (quickening)
• Enlarged abdomen is obvious
• Fetal heartbeat is heard through
stethoscope.
Sixth Month
• Blood vessels in the
lungs are preparing
for breathing. Fat is
depositing under the
skin. Fetus looks
wrinkled. If you talk
or sing, he can hear
you. Sense of touch
has developed.
6 Months
Sixth Month Effects on Mother
• Weight gain 3-4 pounds
• Possible backache.
• May experience heartburn.
• Fetal movement is strong
Seventh Month
• By the end of the seventh month, your baby weighs about 2-2 1/2 pounds and is 10-12 inches long. His body is well-formed. Fingernails cover his fingertips. Bones are soft and flexible. Lungs and digestive tract are almost fully matured.
Seventh Month Effects on Mother
• Weight gain 3-4 pounds
• Skin may get blotchy (called
“pregnancy mask”). This will
disappear after baby is born.
• Ankles may swell from standing
• Posture is affected by increased
weight and size.
Eighth Month
• Your baby is gaining about half a pound per week, and layers of fat are piling on. He has probably turned head-down in preparation for birth. He weighs between 3 and 5 pounds and is 14-16 inches long.. Hair is growing, eyes are open and skin is smoother.
Eighth Month Effects on Mother
• Weight gain 3-5 pounds
• Backaches, leg cramps, shortness of
breath, fatigue
• Fetal kicks are prominent
• Overall weight gain 18-20 pounds
Ninth Month
• Your baby is a hefty 6
to 9 pounds and
measures between 19
and 22 inches. As he
becomes more
crowded, you may feel
him move around less.
Baby is taking in
antibodies from the
mother to protect it from
diseases.
Ninth Month Effects on Mother
• Gain 3-5 pounds- overall weight gain 24-30 pounds.
• “Lightening”- fetus drops into the pelvis making it easier to breathe.
• Uterus is the size of a small watermelon.
• May have false labor pains.
• May have disturbed sleep