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Period: to
The First Month
Size at 2 weeks: size of a pin head
Egg attaches to lining of uterus
Critical stage for brain and spinal cord development
Internal organs and circulatory system begin to form
The heart begins to beat -
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The Second Month
Size: About 1/4 an inch long as month begins
Face, ears, eyes, and limbs begin to take shape
Bones begin to form -
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The Third Month
Size: About one inch long as month begins
Nostrils, mouth, lips, and eyelids form
Buds for all 20 baby teeth appear
Fingers and toes almost complete
All organs present but still immature. -
Period: to
The Fourth Month
Size: About 3 inches long, weighs one ounce as month begins
Can suck its thumb, swallow, hiccup, and move around
Facial features become clearer -
Period: to
The Fifth Month
Size: About 6 1/2 to 7 inches long, weighs about 4-5 ounces as month begins
Hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows appear
Teeth continue to develop
Organs are maturing
Becomes more active -
Period: to
The Sixth Month
Size: About 8-10 inches long, weighs about 8-12 ounces as month begins
Fat deposits under skin, but fetus appears wrinkled
Breathing movements begin -
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The Seventh Month
Size: About 10-12 inches long, weighs about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds as month begins
Has periods of activity followed by periods of rest and quiet -
Period: to
The Eighth Month
Size: About 14-16 inches long, weighs about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds as month begins
Rapid weight gain continues
May react to loud noises with a reflex jerking action
Moves into a head-down position -
Period: to
The Ninth Month
Size: About 17-18 inches long, weighs 5-6 pounds as month begins
Weight gain continues
Skin becomes 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
Descends into pelvis, ready for birth