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Period: to
First Trimester
Egg becomes fertilized
Zygote Implants into uterine wall
Embryo begins to grow and look more human, neural tube forms
All body parts start to develop by week 12
Teeth, hair, nails develop
Gender becomes apparent
Heart begins to beat
Baby weighs about 1ounce -
Period: to
Second Trimester
Baby begins to stretch and move muscles
Lungs expand and retract
Hearing develops
Fat layer develops under baby's skin
By week 24, baby reaches viability, a high likelihood of surviving outside the womb
Eyelids have formed and opened
Baby can weigh about 2lbs -
Period: to
Third Trimester
Organs continue to mature
Baby develops sleep cycle
Hair remains on eyebrows, head and eyelashes
Bones continue to harden
Most major organs can work on their own
Baby moves to lower position, should be facing head-down
Brain controls bodily functions including breathing
Average baby weighs about 7lbs and measures 20 inches -
Period: to
Birth through 2 weeks
If baby's head was cone shaped after birth, it should begin to return to normal
Umbilical cord will dry and fall off
Hands will clench involuntarily and baby will startle at loud noises
Can recognize parents' voices
Touch and talking can promote bonding
Babies will cry at anything that makes them uncomfortable, from hunger to dirty diaper to separation anxiety
Babies will form neural connections through their senses, particularly touch, sight, and hearing