Gestational Development

By CChandler99

  • Month 1

    • Egg attaches to lining of uterus
    • Critical stage for brain and spinal cord development
    • Internal organs and circulatory system begin to form
    • Heart begins to beat

  • Month 2

    • About 1/4th inch (6 mm) long as month begins
    • Face, eyes, ears, and limbs take shape
    • Bones begin to form

  • Month 3

    • About 1 inch (25 mm) long as month begins
    • Nostrils, mouth, lips, teeth buds, and eyelids form
    • Fingers and toes almost complete
    • All organs present, although immature

  • Month 4

    • About 3 inches long and 1 ounce as month begins
    • Can suck its thumb, swallow, hiccup, and move around
    • Facial features become clearer

  • Month 5

    • About 6 1/2-7 inches long and about 4-5 ounces as month begins
    • Hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows appear
    • Teeth continue to develop
    • Organs are maturing
    • Becomes more active

  • Month 6

    • About 8-10 inches, about 8-12 ounces as month begins
    • Fat deposits under skin, but fetus appears wrinkled
    • Breathing movements begin

  • Month 7

    • About 10-12 inches long and about 1 1/2 -2 pounds as month begins
      • Periods of activity followed by periods of rest and quiet

  • Month 8

    • About 14-16 inches long and about 2 1/2 -3 pounds as month begins
    • Weight gain continues rapidly
    • May react to loud noises with a reflex jerking action
    • Moves into a head-down position

  • Month 9

    • About 17-18 inches long and 5-6 pounds as month begins
    • Weight gain continues until the week before birth
    • Skin begins more smooth as fat deposits continue
    • Movements decrease as the fetus has less room to move around
    • Acquires disease-fighting antibodies from the mother's blood
    • Decends into pelvis and is ready for birth