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Month One: Conception/Germinal Stage
The germinal stage is the earliest stage of the baby's life. It lasts from conception until week three.
Conception is when the sperm fertilizes the egg. The cell divides many times before attaching itself to the uterus and growing. The spinal cord, nervous system, and brain all begin to grow at the three week mark. By the fourth week, the heart is beating and the development of the backbone and muscles has begun. At the end of month one, the child has grown 10,000x bigger than the single cell. -
Month Two: Development Continues/Embryonic Stage
The embryonic stage is the early stages of the development of an embryo. This happens before it is recognizable and lasts from the third or fourth week up until the ninth.
Development continues into the second month, when a baby is only about an inch long. It grows distinguishable fingers, sends out brainwaves that can be detected, and also develops pigment in its eyes. By the eighth week, all of the baby's body parts are developed and will grow as it grows. -
Month Three: Continued Development of Features/The Fetal Stage
The fetal stage is the final stage of a baby's life. It lasts from the eighth or ninth week up until birth.
In the third month, the baby develops some facial movement and even develops fingerprints! It can now kick its legs, grip or curl its fingers, and do other things to exercise its tiny muscles. The fetus can even urinate! At this point, it is about two inches long. -
Month Four: The Second Trimester
In the second trimester, the gender of the baby can be determined and it begins to move much more often. The tiny ears can now hear certain sounds. The baby/s size is 8-10 inches. -
Month Five: Development Continues
In the fifth month, the baby continues to extend its movement and can now be felt by its mother when doing so. It is 12 inches, or one foot, long. -
Month Six: Continued Development of the Fetus
The baby is still developing in the sixth month! Sweat glands and oil have developed at this point, and if it were to be born, it could survive at this age. -
Month Seven: Beginning of Third Trimester
The third, and final, trimester begins in month seven. At this age, the baby has developed and has begun to use its senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing). The baby can now recognize its mother's voice. -
Month Eight: Antibodies and Fats Develop
Now, the baby is developing the antibodies and fats used to insulate and protect the small body. -
Month Nine: Ready for Birth; Third Trimester is Ending
Finally, the baby is ready to be born. At this point, the heart is pumping blood and the baby is generally five to nine pounds.