Photos of the fetus at different stages of pregnancy. Intrauterine development of the baby by days from conception

The onset of pregnancy is the beginning of an amazing time for the expectant mother. Having seen two cherished stripes on the test, I can’t wait to find out what awaits me next on the upcoming journey of bearing the baby. Today we will tell you how the fetus develops over the weeks of pregnancy, how the mother feels, and at what stages all the organs and systems of the baby’s body are formed.

Starting point: how to find out when pregnancy started

The obstetrician calculates the date when a woman is expecting a baby during her first visit to the antenatal clinic.

• The doctor performs a manual examination to determine the size of the uterus. This will help him understand what stage of pregnancy the uterus corresponds to.
• Also, the local doctor must specify the date of the first day of the last menstruation. This point is taken into account, because The uterine mucosa begins to prepare for pregnancy from this period of time.
• You can find out the most reliable information about the gestational age using an ultrasound examination. An ultrasound examination can tell with precision down to the day when a small life was born. The examination, even at the earliest stages (starting from 4-5 weeks), assesses the size of the embryo, which allows the obstetrician-gynecologist to calculate the exact date of pregnancy.

In the first week after conception, the embryo actively moves along the fallopian tube. After six days of active “journey”, it enters the uterine cavity. Under the influence of progesterone (also called the pregnancy hormone) future baby attaches to the lining of the uterus, a process called implantation.

If the attachment of the embryo has taken place successfully, then the next menstruation will not occur - the pregnancy has begun.

Intrauterine development of a child

The development of a baby inside the womb, from the moment of conception to the moment of birth, is usually called a miracle, and there is every reason for this. Fortunately, medicine has studied all the stages of the important event in a woman’s life – pregnancy. Every expectant mother can imagine exactly what will happen to her and her baby throughout the entire nine months.

There are three periods of intrauterine development of a baby:

1. blastogenesis– begins with fertilization and lasts 15 days;
2. embryonic period– starts from the 16th day and ends by the 13th week of pregnancy;
3. fetal period– from 13 weeks and lasts until birth.

Each period has its own chronology of events. The formation of the child’s organs, vital systems in his body and his immediate growth naturally move in each period of intrauterine development. You can find out how this happens, what is formed and when, in the summary table. It will be educational for expectant mothers who are interested and important in information about the development of the child at all stages of pregnancy.

Development of pregnancy by week

In obstetrics, waiting for the birth of a baby is usually divided into three conventional parts:

• I trimester – from the beginning of pregnancy until the 13th week;
• II trimester – from the 14th to the 26th week;
• III trimester - from the 27th to the 40th week.

These trimesters contain 10 obstetric months. Conditional division table:

Before a detailed study of the process of fetal development in the mother’s stomach, you need to familiarize yourself with the table of changes in the height and weight of the unborn fetus:

Now let’s move on to a description of the development of the baby in the womb at each week of a woman’s pregnancy:

1 Week

There is no talk of the fetus as such yet, since pregnancy has not yet actually occurred. The main sign that fertilization has occurred can be implantation bleeding. This phenomenon manifests itself as slightly smearing bloody issues approximately 6-7 days from the moment of conception.

2 week

From an obstetric point of view, this week is considered as possible for conception. The egg in the female body matures by the 14th day of the cycle and is theoretically ready for fertilization. If, according to your calculations, the moment of conception has already taken place, then the second week is marked by attachment ovum to the uterus. This point is important, since from the moment of attachment the fetus begins its full development.

3 week

The embryo looks like a microscopic berry; in the third week it is still just a collection of cells. The size of the embryo is negligible, the maximum diameter at this time is 0.2 mm. But it is precisely during this period that the formation of sexual characteristics begins at the cellular level. Having established itself in the uterus, the most important process of intrauterine development of the baby begins - the formation of the placenta. There is very little time left before the formation and development of the main body systems of the unborn child.

4 week

Obstetric 4th week - the period at which the expectant mother discovers two treasured stripes on the test. In the embryo, the functional distribution of cells is in full swing. Its size can be compared this week to a poppy seed. The weight is still quite insignificant and does not exceed 0.5 g, but the process of cell division occurs every minute and the unborn baby is growing very quickly.

5 week

The embryo has already passed several stages of its development - zygote, morula and blastocyst. The cells continue to divide rapidly, and by the end of the fifth week the baby will weigh at least 1 g, and the size will reach as much as 1.5 mm. On the fertilized egg you can already see the emerging sensory organs - eyes, ears and mouth. The blood type of the unborn child has formed just in time for the 5th week of intrauterine life. The formation of the thyroid gland begins, as well as the intestinal and urinary systems.

week 6

At this stage, the largest parts of the body – the torso and head – are clearly visible in the unborn child. Legs and arms with tiny fingers emerging on them are visible in the form of tiny processes. The weight of the embryo in the sixth week is up to 2 g, and the average size is about 4 mm. Cartilaginous structures are actively developing, the thymus gland is forming. The main organs continue to develop: heart, liver, lungs, stomach and pancreas. The baby's muscle tissue is developing and the external genitalia are emerging.

week 7

With the beginning of the seventh week, the embryonic period ends. The unborn baby is now called by another medical term - fetus. At this stage, the baby’s facial features are already slightly distinguishable. The rudiments of the nose and eyelids are formed, the ears and upper lip are visible. Externally, “unnecessary” organs are still present - gills and tail, which will disappear a little later. The hemispheres of the brain are formed, cartilage tissue is continuously developing. At week 7, the liver is already capable of producing blood cells.

8 week

At week 8, the weight of the fetus is 1 g and the length reaches 20 mm. If you look at an ultrasound examination, then the future baby will look like a grape. But every day the fetus looks more and more like a real person. The baby's face is already better defined, the nose has small nostrils, and the olfactory recipes are actively being formed. His heart becomes four-chambered; future girls develop ovaries, boys develop testicles; The arms and legs of the fetus at this stage can already bend/unbend.

Week 9

Many systems and organs are formed by the 9th week of pregnancy, but they are not yet fully functioning, but continue to develop. The palms are formed, the membranes between the tiny fingers disappear. Lymph nodes are laid. The first reflex begins to develop - swallowing. The baby's eyelids are formed and can open and close involuntarily. The size of the fruit already resembles a large cherry - weight 4 g, height about 30 mm.

10 week

At week 10, the baby is actively moving and pushing. But these movements are so weightless that the expectant mother simply does not feel them. The muscles of the face, neck and pharynx begin to develop. The face has already been formed, and in a few weeks the appearance of the unborn child can be examined on an ultrasound. The rudiments of baby teeth develop. The cerebellum “acquires” neural connections that are subsequently responsible for reflexes. A small heart makes at least 150 beats per minute. Now the fruit already weighs 5 g, has grown by about +12 mm and resembles a strawberry.

11 week

The baby’s organs and systems have already been formed by this time, some are working at full capacity, while others continue to mature. The bronchi, lungs, and trachea are actively developing; liver; intestinal tract; blood vessels; irises of the eyes. At 11 weeks, an ultrasound scan reveals the distinct outlines of the unborn baby.

12 week

The baby is already actively using some reflexes - imitating breathing and swallowing movements, involuntarily clenching and unclenching his palms into fists. The first contractions of the intestinal muscles (perilstatics) appear. The pancreas is formed and is already “learning” to produce bile. A unique pattern appears on the fingertips. The baby develops facial expressions, he can smile or wrinkle his face. Weight – up to 13 g, and height – up to 62 mm.

Week 13

A week of active growth spurt for the unborn baby. The brain is already capable of giving the first commands based on the reflex movements of the fetus. The sense of smell develops and vocal cords form. The body begins to grow faster, and the growth of the head, on the contrary, slows down. Digestive villi appear in the baby's intestines. The baby's skin is still very thin and riddled with blood vessels. The weight of the fetus increases to 20 g, and height – to 80 mm.

Week 14

At week 14, all organs and systems of the unborn baby are improved and continue to actively grow. Rib cage can rise and fall, as if breathing - this is how the lungs are trained. The process of hematopoiesis is formed, sweat glands, and neck muscles become stronger every day. The baby's weight at this stage is about 27 g, and his height is 110 mm. The lifestyle, nutrition and well-being of the mother are very important - if these indicators are in order, then the baby feels good and does not experience any discomfort.

Week 15

This week, the fetus has already developed vision and the necessary nerve endings to be able to see after birth. From the 15th week, ossification of the skeleton gradually occurs - a long-term process that requires a large amount of calcium. Baby boys begin to produce the male hormone – testosterone. The kidneys excrete the first amniotic fluid. The child's muscles are improved and strengthened. Fruit weight is 50 g, height is up to 104 mm.

Week 16

At week 16, the future baby is actively growing from the top of his head to his very heels. The weight is already about 80 g, and the height can reach 117 mm. The body's systems function to the best of their abilities, some of them already “work” quite harmoniously. When amniotic fluid is swallowed, it passes through the digestive tract and kidneys, and turns into urine. The skeleton becomes ossified, the child’s legs lengthen. The baby is actively moving in the uterus.

Week 17

The auditory formation of the unborn baby is smoothly completed by the 17th week. The weight approaches 100 g, and the height becomes about 12 cm. The system of blood vessels develops and branches. The most important components of the baby’s own immunity – interferon and immunoglobulin – appear in the baby’s blood. In female children, the uterus forms in utero. The strength of the child's kicks increases during this period, they become frequent and noticeable.

Week 18

Fetal development in this period of the second trimester is very intensive. The baby is growing so fast that he could already fit in the palm of your hand. The movements are noticeable, the baby moves very actively at 18 weeks. She often swallows amniotic fluid, which can lead to hiccups - the expectant mother can notice this moment by a slight twitching of the abdomen. Gradually, a layer of subcutaneous fat forms in the fetus, muscles develop, and mineralization of the skeleton continues. Weight - about 150 g, height does not exceed 14 cm.

Week 19

The baby inside the uterus is actively growing, improving and gaining weight. By the way, by the 19th week the baby weighs about 200 g, and his height is about 14-15 cm. The body focuses on brain development and improving the five basic senses. The amount of subcutaneous fat increases. The respiratory system continues to develop and strengthen. The period of wakefulness alternates with a period of activity; the baby can sleep up to 16-18 hours a day.

Week 20

Outwardly, your baby has already become a real little person, and on an ultrasound you can already see the gender of the child, his facial features, and watch his facial expressions (which sometimes show the character traits of the future child). The weight of the baby at the “equator” of pregnancy is approximately 250-270 g, and the average height is 16 cm. The child is active, turns his head, sucks his fingers, opens and closes his mouth.

21 weeks

At this stage, you can already be sure that the child distinguishes sounds and hears what is happening outside the uterus. In terms of body proportions, the baby already practically resembles a newborn. The weight of the fetus is about 300 g, height is 19 cm. During this period, taste buds are actively formed and the composition of the blood is improved.

Week 22

The twenty-second week is the period when unborn child prefers to spend most of his time sleeping. But, nevertheless, the baby actively turns over in his sleep; the size of the uterus still allows him to change position. The baby is spinning, pushing, pulling the umbilical cord. Weight at this stage is about 350 g, and height is 20-21 cm.

Week 23

The next week is greeted with the usual movements, although many babies prefer to “calm down” by 23-24 weeks and make their mothers worry about rare movements. The baby still has enough space in the uterus, so many of his kicks are simply not felt, so there is no need to worry. The weight is already moving towards 450 g, and the height is more than 22 cm, although it is worth remembering: all of the listed parameters are individual.

Week 24

Under the mother's heart, the future baby grows and gains weight - the figure for many future children at this stage is at least 550 g. This week, the development of the bronchi in the baby is completed, which is very important in general for the child's respiratory system.

Week 25

From the 25th week, the baby's hair begins to produce pigment in the womb, giving it the color that is determined by heredity. This is the color the mother will see in the baby at birth. Weight reaches 700 g, height – 23-25 ​​cm. Nerve connections and brain cells continue their formation. Training breathing movements can be observed in the fetus.

Week 26

The tremors at twenty-six weeks become strong, distinct, and many mothers may even complain about their intensity. The child’s weight is already at least 800-850 g, and his height is already more than 33 cm. Active strengthening of the skeletal bones continues, and the rudiments of baby teeth in the gums are mineralized. Nails and hairs begin to grow.

Week 27

The child’s height at this stage is about 34 cm, and the weight is approaching 1 kg. The baby feels a little cramped in the uterus, and his legs can no longer be stretched, so the baby takes the optimal position: he pulls his small crossed legs and arms to his chest. From the twenty-seventh week, the baby gradually assumes the correct position in the uterus, but if he lies transversely or “sits on his butt,” then there is still time to turn over.

Week 28

With the beginning of the 28th week of pregnancy, the weight of the fetus is up to 1300 grams, and the height is up to 37 cm. The child’s muscle tissue continues to develop intensively. New convolutions form in the cerebral cortex. Rhesus conflict between mother and fetus is possible, and at this time the obstetrician-gynecologist must take special measures.

Week 29

The weight of the fetus is about 1500 kg, and the body length is at least 38 cm. It’s time for the expectant mother to master the technique of counting movements.

Week 30

Full height the fetus reaches 36-38 cm, weight reaches 1.5 kg. An expectant mother may have several fears that are associated with future births.

31 weeks

At the 31st week of pregnancy, the weight of the fetus will be about 1.6 kg, the full height is about 39 cm. The baby develops pain sensitivity. A pregnant woman's night sleep may be disrupted due to active and strong fetal movements. It's time to study the issues of pain management during childbirth.

32 week

The weight of the fetus is about 1.7 kg, the size from the crown to the heels is 40-42 cm. Sudden movements can cause dizziness and nausea in the pregnant woman. It's time to think about the possible presence of someone close to you at the birth.

Week 33

By the 33rd week, the weight of the fetus is approximately 2000 g, height is 42-43 cm. Mineralization of the fetal bones is almost complete. The expectant mother should count the fetal movements from time to time.

34 week

The average height of the fetus is 43-44 cm, weight is 2.2 kg. The baby becomes very cramped in the uterus, and motor activity decreases. It's time for mom to discuss with her doctor the method of delivery: natural birth or cesarean section.

Week 35

The height of the fetus is 45-46 cm, weight is 2300-2500 grams. The fetus is almost completely ready for birth, but the lungs are not yet ready to perform the respiratory function. It's time to pack your things for the maternity hospital. If the baby in the uterus has not yet taken the correct position, special exercises will help.

Week 36

The weight of the fetus is approximately 2.5-2.7 kg. Full height is about 45-47 cm. At this stage, the indicators of each baby may differ greatly from the average, to a lesser or greater extent. It's time for parents to make a list of things to plan and complete before the baby is born.

Week 37

The thirty-seventh obstetric week of pregnancy is the time when the mother should be mentally prepared for the birth of the child. This is especially true for multiple pregnancies and the birth of children, starting with the second child. The child's weight reaches 2.9 kg, and his height is within 50 cm.

Week 38

The thirty-eighth week may be the last week of your pregnancy. The child gradually becomes heavier. The baby weighs about 3 kg and is already 48-50 centimeters tall. Childbirth can begin at any time, so loved ones must be within reach at all times.

Week 39

At the 39th week, the mother is not only physically, but also mentally prepared for childbirth. The baby weighs about 3 kg, and his height is about 48-50 cm. In size, a child at this stage is similar to a miniature watermelon.

Week 40

The expected date of birth of the baby may occur at the end of this week. The baby's weight is already approximately 3.5 kg, height is about 51-55 cm. The baby is completely ready for birth. All that remains is to wait for the moment when he makes his new parents happy with his birth.

Total.

This is how 40 weeks of pregnancy go. A happy start to a new life - watch the video of how the baby develops in the mother’s belly:

Development of pregnancy by month: how the mother’s body changes and the baby grows

1st month

Mother. The chest becomes sensitive, touching it becomes painful. The uterus begins to gradually grow.

Child. For now, the future baby is called an embryo. During the first six days of pregnancy, it floats in the amniotic fluid, lives “autonomously” and is not yet connected to the mother. Externally, the embryo resembles a tiny auricle measuring 5 mm. By day 21, his heart begins to pump; In parallel, at the same time, important organs are formed: the spinal cord and brain. By the end of the first month, an umbilical cord appears, connecting the baby to the future placenta.

2nd month

Mother. Pregnancy is not yet visible outwardly to either the expectant mother or others - the uterus is located in the pelvis and its size is small. Changes continue to occur in the breast, it swells and increases in size.

Child. This month, changes are coming in the appearance of the unborn baby - facial features emerge, the outlines of the eye sockets appear; tiny arms, legs and even fingers are formed. The weight of the embryo at this stage is up to 8 g, and the size is about 4 cm.

3rd month

Mother. Intensive growth occurs in the uterus, it develops, its size already fills the small pelvis and almost reaches the womb. Very soon everyone will see that you are pregnant!

Child. By medical standards, your baby has already passed the embryonic stage and is now becoming a fetus. Its weight can reach 65 g, and its length varies from 10 to 12 cm. Important point in development - in the 2nd month the child develops an inner and outer ear. The baby behaves very actively, moves its arms and legs, nods its head and clenches its fists. A growing child has already developed eyelids, and thanks to them he can open and close his eyes.

4th month

Mother. A rounded tummy is already emerging, the waist begins to gradually “blur”. The mammary glands cause considerable discomfort due to their growth and sensitivity - it takes a long time to select a suitable sleeping position.

Child. Your baby now gains quite a noticeable weight - up to 250 g. The child spends most of his time swimming in amniotic fluid oh, they update every 3-4 hours. A fuzz appears on the baby's head, and eyebrows and eyelashes appear on the baby's face. During the intrauterine development process, the child begins to form the first feelings and sensations. The baby reacts to loud sounds and a bright light source.

5th month

Mother. Almost every day the belly of the expectant mother becomes larger and clearly protrudes forward. The uterus is located approximately 8 cm below the navel. Starting from 17 weeks, most expectant mothers begin to feel new sensations in the stomach - still weak, but very pleasant kicks and movements of their baby.

Child. In the fifth month, the baby’s brain is actively growing and the nervous system is developing. The heart beats 2 times faster than my mother’s. By this period, the baby’s weight can be up to 650 g, and his height can be about 30 cm. By 20 weeks, the baby is already able to suck his fingers, and at 24 weeks, he can open his eyes and respond to light.

6th month

Mother. By this time, a pregnant woman’s waist becomes 8-10 cm larger. The size of the uterus increases so much that it now reaches the navel. My health and mood are good, my weight has not increased too much and nothing limits the activity of the expectant mother.

Child. The time has come for the baby's respiratory system to mature. The lungs begin to mature after 24-25 weeks of pregnancy. The child has already developed sensations of light and noise - when he hears a sharp sound, the baby may flinch. The first reflexes (hiccups, swallowing and sucking reflexes) also appear and actively develop.

7th month

Mother. By the seventh month of pregnancy, the size of the uterus reaches 24-28 cm in height, it continues to grow and increases with the child.

Child. The baby is already less active than in earlier stages. In most cases, the baby settles head down in the uterus and sleeps for a long time. The child’s weight is already 1-1.2 kg, and his height is up to 37 cm. He is already learning to breathe, but the lungs are not yet mature enough - they will finally be ready for the breathing process at about 34 weeks, which is important when premature birth. By this time, the baby has already learned to recognize his mother’s voice, and recognizes it when he hears it.

8th month

Mother. The body of the expectant mother continues to change - the uterus rises up by 30 cm, contracting from time to time, as if “rehearsing” the upcoming contractions. Colostrum appears in the breasts. In the third trimester, the load on the female body increases many times, and existing chronic diseases may worsen.

Child. The baby is growing and gaining strength. For bone mineralization, the baby needs a large number of calcium, which comes to him from his mother. The baby's skin becomes pink and smoother. From time to time, a mother may observe protrusions and “bumps” on her stomach at those moments when the baby tosses and turns violently.

9th month

Mother. The pregnant woman's body begins to actively prepare for childbirth. The uterus together with the baby weighs about 6-7 kg at this stage, and its height is measured within 33 cm. In the third trimester, pain in the symphysis pubis, swelling and increased blood pressure are common.

Child. After the 38th week of pregnancy, the intrauterine development of the baby can be considered complete. The baby is ready to be born. IN last month the baby gains 10-15 g daily. There is less and less amniotic fluid, the child grows by leaps and bounds, and the uterus becomes crowded. In girls, the labia majora cover the labia minora; in boys, the testicles descend into the scrotum. The fluff on the body completely disappears, and little original lubricant remains. At birth, the baby weighs approximately 3-3.5 kg and height varies from 50 to 55 cm.

And finally, photos and recommendations from a young mother. Look at the photo of the belly growth during forty weeks of pregnancy. Have you photographed your belly week by week?

1st day. The sperm connects with the egg. As a result, one “large” (smaller than a grain of salt) cell is formed, which contains 46 chromosomes inherited from the parents (23 chromosomes from each). A fertilized egg carries all the genetic information about the future person: his gender, eye, skin and hair color, facial features.

3-9th days. The fertilized egg descends through the fallopian tube into the uterus. The embryo attaches to its wall and soon begins to receive the necessary substances for nutrition and oxygen for breathing with maternal blood, which reaches it through the umbilical cord and the branched chorion (the future placenta).

10-14th days. The embryo increases by one tenth compared to its previous size.

20th day. The process of establishing the nervous system begins.

21st day. The heart begins to beat.

28th day. The spine and muscles are formed. An ultrasound shows arms, legs, eyes, ears.

30th day. Over the past month, the embryo has grown 10 thousand times and continues to actively develop. The heart pumps an ever-increasing amount of blood through the circulatory system.

35th day. You can see the fingers on the baby's hand. The eyes darken because the child’s body has already begun to produce pigment.

40th day. Using a special device, it can detect and record signals coming from the brain.

First trimester

6 weeks. The liver begins to produce blood cells, and the brain controls muscle movement and heart function.

7 weeks. The eyelids begin to cover the baby's eyes, protecting them from light and dryness (from the 28th week the baby will be able to open and close his eyes at will). At the same stage of pregnancy, the baby’s inner ear is formed, the outer ear develops, jaws are formed, and the rudiments of teeth appear. But the most important thing is that the baby begins to move. However, the mother does not feel this because the child is still too small.

8 weeks. The baby has grown to 2.5 centimeters. He already looks like an adult. The heart beats, the stomach produces gastric juice, and the kidneys function. Muscles contract under the influence of impulses coming from the brain. Based on the child's blood, you can determine his Rh status. Fingers and joints have formed. The baby's face acquires certain features and facial expressions develop. The baby's body responds to touch.

10 weeks. The child's height reaches 4 centimeters, weight - approximately 2 grams. During this period, the baby's external and internal genital organs begin to form.

12 weeks. The baby is growing. From time to time he sucks his thumb. During the waking period, the child vigorously trains his muscles: he turns his head, bends his fingers and toes, opens and closes his mouth. The baby already hears and sees: if sharp sounds coming from the outside world begin to disturb him, he tries to cover his ears with his hands, and tries to block the beam of light directed into his eyes with his palm. If you touch his palm, it will clench into a fist. All these movements are carried out due to the fact that the baby has formed a vestibular apparatus, which helps him navigate in space.

Second trimester

16 weeks. The child weighs approximately 150 grams, his height reaches 16-18 centimeters. Hair appears on the head, eyelashes and eyebrows appear on the face. The baby opens his mouth, swallows, sucks, smiles. During this period, the placenta begins to fully function, which connects him with his mother.

20 weeks. The baby's height reaches 30 centimeters, and he has nails on his fingers and toes. Now my mother feels his movements, since from time to time he begins to engage in physical activity: he pushes off from one wall of the uterus and swims to the other. In addition, the child may react to a sharp sound or the mother's excitement by jumping, which is perceived as an active movement. If the baby begins to hiccup, the woman feels weak rhythmic tremors coming from inside. At 20 weeks, doctors listen to the baby's heartbeat using a stethoscope.

24 weeks. The baby may already be angry. This is proven by a photograph of a child at this age. It shows his angry look, the tension of the muscles around his eyes, his wrinkled lips, and it is clear that he is crying, expressing his dissatisfaction. By the way, in order to rest at night, the baby goes to bed and... dreams. The child weighs about 500 grams, which is not much, but he has just begun to gain weight. His skin is red and wrinkled. Since she is still very tender, the baby is protected from the effects of amniotic fluid with a special lubricant. By the 24th week of pregnancy, fat and sweat glands begin to function, and the baby’s lungs mature. A film forms in them, which prevents them from sticking together when breathing. If the child is born at this time and is provided with the necessary care, he will be able to survive.

Third trimester

28 weeks. The child weighs about 1000 grams, his height reaches 35 centimeters. He has already developed all his senses - these data are confirmed by a study of brain biocurrents (EEG) of an unborn child. He begins to recognize his mother's voice. The baby performs the first elementary breathing movements. His skin thickens (thickens) and becomes more like a newborn's skin. If labor begins at this stage of pregnancy, it will be called premature, but doctors will be able to help the baby survive.

32 weeks. The child weighs about 2000 grams, subcutaneous fatty tissue forms, and his arms and legs become plump. Bookmarking in progress immune system: the baby begins to receive immunoglobulins from the mother, which will protect him from diseases in the first months of life. The volume of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is one liter. Every three hours they are completely renewed, so the baby always swims in “clean” water, which can be swallowed painlessly.

34 weeks. The baby weighs 1800-2100 grams, his height reaches 40-41 centimeters. He becomes cramped in the uterus: he can no longer turn over and most often lies head down. His lungs are finally maturing, and in the event of premature birth, the baby will breathe on his own. However, the subcutaneous fat layer is still poorly developed and does not retain heat well.

36-38 weeks From the ninth month of pregnancy, the baby gains weight daily (up to 14 grams). Iron accumulates in his liver, which will help hematopoiesis in the first year of life. The fluff that covers the baby's skin (especially the shoulders and back) disappears by the time of delivery. The child is growing rapidly, the uterus becomes too tight, so his movements are felt more intensely.

Usually in 38 weeks its head descends to the entrance to the pelvis. The baby is ready for independent life and is counting the days until birth...

Childbirth

Childbirth, occurring at 38-40 weeks of pregnancy are considered timely. Typically, a baby is born weighing about 3000 grams or more and measuring about 50 centimeters in height. As soon as he is born, he makes his first cry. The child breathes independently, his heart beats, he actively moves his arms and legs .

The development of a child in the womb is a very interesting and, to some extent, even amazing process. Despite the fact that the whole process takes months, the development of the child in the womb can be charted week by week on the pregnancy calendar, because every week some changes, even tiny ones, occur. If you are simply interested in how exactly a child develops in the womb, you can know what to expect in the future for yourself or your wife, understand how you yourself developed while not yet a full-fledged person, but an embryo. If you are expecting a baby at the moment, then by drawing up a pregnancy calendar by week, you can track the development of your baby and already have some idea of ​​when to expect the first signs, for example, movement. Let's see how the fetus develops week by week.

2 weeks

At the beginning of this week you have something going on. The egg is fertilized 12-24 hours after the sperm penetrates it, thus triggering complex biological processes that accompany the birth of a new life and the gradual development of the child in the womb. Over the next few days, the fertilized egg will begin to divide into several cells as it travels down the fallopian tube and will enter the uterus and burrow into the lining of the uterus.

3 weeks

Once nestled in the nutrient-rich lining of the uterus, the egg continues to rapidly produce cells that will eventually form your baby. This ball, which diligently multiplies cells, or blastocyst, begins to produce the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). based on detection of presence hCG hormone in urine or blood.

4 weeks

The former ball of cells is now officially an embryo. It's been about a month since your last period. Usually at this time, once a missed period is detected, the pregnancy test may come back with confirmation. Your baby is now the size of a poppy seed.

5 weeks

At 5 weeks, your baby resembles more of a tadpole than a future human, but he is growing quickly. The circulatory system begins to form and it is this week that a tiny heart begins to beat for the first time. Your baby is the size of a sesame seed.

6 weeks

Slowly the outlines of the nose, mouth, ears begin to appear, and the intestines and brain begin to develop. The baby is the size of a lentil.

7 weeks

Your baby has grown noticeably in size since last week, but still has a tail that will soon disappear. Vague shapes of small arms and legs begin to appear. Your baby is the size of a blueberry.

8 weeks

Your baby has started to move a little, although you are unlikely to feel anything at this stage. Nerve cells branch to form primitive nerve canals. The airway extends from its throat to its developing lungs. Your baby is the size of a bean.

9 weeks

The basic physiological signs (including tiny earlobes) are already in place, but the baby's development in the womb is far from complete. The little tail of the embryo finally disappeared. He is ready to start rapidly gaining weight. Your baby is the size of a grape.

10 weeks

The embryo has completed the most critical part of development. His skin is still translucent, but his tiny limbs can now bend and begin to take on fine details such as fingernails. Your baby is the size of a kumquat.

11 weeks

Your baby is almost fully formed. He kicks, stretches, and even hiccups as his diaphragm develops, but you still can't feel any of the above. Your baby is the size of a fig.

12 weeks

Reflexes begin to appear this week. Your baby's fingers will begin to open and close, his toes will curl, and his mouth will begin to imitate sucking movements. He will feel it if you gently poke your belly, but you won't feel anything in return. Your baby is the size of a lime.

13 weeks

This is the last week of your first trimester. Your baby's tiny fingers already have full fingerprints, his veins and organs are clearly visible through his skin. Your baby is the size of a pea pod.

14 weeks

The baby's development in the womb enters the second trimester. The child's brain began to send impulses and he began to use his facial muscles. His kidneys are also working at this stage. If you do an ultrasound, there is a chance that you will see your baby sucking his thumb. Your baby is the size of a lemon.

15 weeks

Your baby's eyelids are still closed, but he can feel light. If you shine a flashlight on your stomach, it may move away from the beam. An ultrasound this week may reveal the sex of the baby. Your baby is the size of an apple.

16 weeks

The first signs of hair have begun to appear on the scalp, but they themselves are not yet visible. Legs are more developed. The head is held more upright and the ears are almost fully formed. Your baby is the size of an avocado.

17 weeks

The child can already move his joints, and his skeleton, which was previously soft cartilage, begins to harden to the consistency of bone. The umbilical cord becomes longer and thicker. Your baby is the size of a turnip.

18 weeks

The baby is stretching his arms and legs, and you can finally feel some movement. Inside, a protective sheath of myelin forms around its nerves. Your baby is the size of a bell pepper.

19 weeks

This week the senses begin to develop: smell, touch, hearing, taste, vision. He can hear your voice. You can sing, read or just talk to your child and there is a chance that he will hear you. Your baby is the size of a large tomato.

20 weeks

The baby can swallow and digestive system now produces meconium, a dark, sticky substance called a newborn's first feces. Your baby is the size of a banana.

21 weeks

The child's movements move from weak fluttering to full-fledged pushes and kicks. Your baby is the size of a carrot.

22 weeks

The embryo now looks almost like a miniature newborn. Details such as lips and eyebrows appear more distinct, but the pigment that will determine the color of the baby's eyes is not yet present.

23 weeks

The child's ears begin to distinguish sounds better. After birth, he may recognize some sounds that he heard while still inside the womb. Your baby is the size of a large mango.

24 weeks

The embryo is still quite slender and thin, but soon it will begin to gain weight. The translucent state of the skin will also soon change. Your baby is the size of an ear of corn.

25 weeks

The baby's wrinkled skin begins to even out as the baby gains weight, giving the fetus a more newborn-like appearance. He begins to develop hair of a certain color and structure. Your baby is the size of a rutabaga.

26 weeks

Your baby is now breathing in and out amniotic fluid, which helps with lung development. These breathing movements are actually good practice before that crucial moment of the very first breath after birth. Your baby is about the size of a bunch of green onions.

27 weeks

This is the last week of the second trimester. Your baby sleeps and wakes on a regular schedule, and his brain is quite active. His lungs are not yet fully developed, but they are able to function outside the womb with medical assistance. Your baby is the size of a head of cauliflower.

28 weeks

The child's vision is actively developing, allowing him to sense light penetrating from the outside world. He can blink and already has eyelashes. Your baby is the size of a large eggplant.

29 weeks

The baby's muscles and lungs are actively preparing to work in the outside world. Its head increases in size as its brain develops. Your baby is the size of a butternut squash.

30 weeks

The embryo is surrounded by a large amount of amniotic fluid, which will decrease as it grows and therefore takes up more space in the womb. Your baby is the size of a large cabbage.

31 weeks

Your baby can now turn his head from side to side. A protective layer of fat accumulates under the skin, filling the arms and legs. Your baby is the size of a coconut.

32 weeks

You're likely to gain at least a pound a week. Half of this weight goes into your baby, who will gain a third or half of his birth weight over the next seven weeks.

33 weeks

The baby's cranial plates have not yet fused together, allowing the baby's head more flexibility as it passes through the birth canal. Your baby is the size of a pineapple.

34 weeks

Your baby's central nervous system and lungs are rapidly maturing. Babies who are born between 34 and 37 weeks, provided they do not have any other health problems, develop quite successfully afterwards. Your baby is the size of a cantaloupe.

35 weeks

Your baby's kidneys are fully developed and his liver can already process some waste products. Your baby is the size of a melon.

36 weeks

Your baby is gaining a little weight every day and, on the contrary, is losing the fuzz that covers his body, along with the vernix that has protected his skin until now.

37 weeks

The due date is almost here, but although your baby already looks like a full-fledged baby, he is not yet ready for life in the outside world. Over the next two weeks, his lungs and brain will fully mature.

38 weeks

Curious about your child's eye color? His iris is not yet fully colored, so if the baby is born with blue eyes, they can still darken for up to a year.

39 weeks

The baby's physical development is already complete, but he still has to gain some weight to control his external body temperature.

He will tell you more about the stages of child development in the womb.

Today we will discuss and show the intrauterine development of the fetus by week of pregnancy in photos and videos, we will analyze everything step by step and in great detail.

Pregnancy is a wonderful physiological process in the female body, which can be characterized by the development of an egg fertilized by a sperm into an embryo, and then a fetus.

How long does the average pregnancy last? healthy woman– approximately 9 calendar months or 10 obstetric months. The development of any pregnancy is easier to view and track by trimester.

But it is no less interesting to consider in more detail and with photos the intrauterine development of the fetus week by week.

Embryo or fetus?

In obstetric practice, there are often two concepts that relate to the stages of bearing an unborn child - “embryo” and “fetus”. How are they different and what is the difference between them?

Intrauterine development The fetus is divided into stages:

1. Embryonic– which lasts for the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. Due to its small size and relatively different appearance from a fully formed human, the fetus in the womb is called an embryo.
2. Fetal- lasts from the 9th week of pregnancy until the very moment of birth. The baby is already more formed and looks like a little man; it is called a fetus.

The genetic material that the father and mother put into the unborn child will directly influence the development of the embryo, and the first trimester of pregnancy and the condition of the mother will have a subsequent impact on the fetus.

1-10 weeks

1 Week

If we talk about the first week of pregnancy, we need to clarify what is taken as the main starting point. In gynecology, however, they often focus on obstetric timing.

The first few days after conception, even with multiple pregnancies, the expectant mother does not feel any characteristic features. This is the time when the menstrual cycle should begin.

The hCG level is within the normal range (5 IU/ml for non-pregnant women). In the first week, pregnancy tests are unlikely to show the coveted 2 stripes. Since it is based on the level of hCG that pharmacy tests react.

2 week

The period is characterized by the maturation of the zygote in the uterus or fallopian tube. And if everything goes well, the pregnancy will take place.

After conception, the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus.

If attachment has passed, then there may be discharge indicating this event and the appearance of the embryo. They are similar in consistency to egg whites and can sometimes be bloody.

If the discharge at week 3 is similar in color and consistency to menstruation, then this is not normal and you should consult a doctor.

3 week

The third week is the starting point in a woman’s pregnancy; it is after it that one can say whether conception has occurred. The embryo is so small that its size does not exceed 0.15-0.2 mm in length and weighs 2-3 μg.

If the sperm does not fertilize the egg, your period may begin a couple of days ahead of schedule. This will be easy to notice if you keep a calendar.

Heavy discharge in the third week can cause a miscarriage.

4 week

The embryo at 4 weeks of pregnancy is actively developing and a pregnant woman can feel changes in her body. Many people note severe swelling of the breasts, the nipples become bright and become especially sensitive. Menstruation does not occur, but sometimes some pregnant women may experience scanty discharge, which should not alarm her.

This time of fetal development is especially dangerous if there is excessive physical activity, lifting weights. There is also a risk of complications for the embryo with infectious diseases, which are most often accompanied high temperature. Alcohol and cigarette abuse are also dangerous. It's better to exclude them completely.

So far, the level of hCG increases only in the blood. And on an ultrasound, you will most likely notice a yellow jelly-like body that provides nutrition to the embryo until the placenta begins to fully perform its protective functions. Progesterone, the pregnancy hormone, is actively produced.

The size of the embryo is about 2-3 mm in length.

5 week

During this stage of pregnancy, the size of the uterus changes. At the ultrasound examination stage, a qualified specialist can tell about the presence or absence of a multiple pregnancy.

Changes in the body of the expectant mother become noticeable and even more tangible. Many women notice a slight increase in temperature and weakness. But if your condition resembles cold-like symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

week 6

At this stage, the pregnant woman begins to actively show signs of future motherhood. The uterus of a pregnant woman at 6 weeks is the size of a plum. If you contact a gynecologist, he will already be able to feel it.

If you are pregnant with twins, then an ultrasound at this stage will show the presence of two fetal sacs and a yolk sac. At the 6th week of pregnancy, an examination will show small tubercles on the embryo - this is the site of development of future limbs. You can already listen to the heartbeat of the embryo using a special device. The embryo is no more than 4-9 mm in length and weighs no more than 0.2 - 0.8 grams.

week 7

There are important changes happening this week. The embryo's heart becomes four-chambered, and the main large blood vessels are formed.

The first trimester can be characterized by the continued development of vital internal organs and other systems of the embryo's body. It weighs about 1 g, and the size from the tailbone to the crown is no more than 13 mm.

The unborn child, although slowly, begins to straighten up. His brain begins to develop very rapidly.

The baby's face is being improved and the upper limbs are being developed. The umbilical cord of the embryo completes its formation and a mucous plug is formed.

8 week

The fruit begins to move and increase significantly. Its length is 14-20 mm. Every day the baby’s face acquires more and more familiar human features.

The formation of the main vital organs and systems is gradually being completed. And some are already actively functioning. The embryo gradually develops an optic nerve, and the appearance of the rudiments of future genital organs can also be observed.

Week 9

The embryo reaches a length of no more than 22-30 mm, and its weight is still so small, about 2 g. At this stage, the cerebellum and pituitary gland are actively forming, the middle layer of the adrenal glands is formed, lymph nodes are born, as well as future genital organs.

The formed limbs begin to slowly move, learn to bend, and the first muscle fibers appear. The fetus develops the ability to subsequently urinate.

10 week

The embryo weighs about 5 g and its length is approximately 30-40 mm. The heart of a nascent man beats at a speed of 150 beats per minute. The baby’s limbs are formed, and sometimes you can already see your fingers in ultrasound images. In the baby, most of the gastrointestinal tract organs have already formed.

At week 10, the foundation is laid for the formation of subsequent baby teeth. This obliges the expectant mother to keep her food calendar and also mark each consumption of a dairy product in it.

11-20 weeks

11 week

At week 11, the fetus weighs about 8 g, and its “height” is approximately 5 cm. From this moment, the former embryo gradually grows and enters the fetal stage.

His small heart is already functioning fully, the vessels and circulatory system are completing their formation. The placenta around the fetus becomes very strong and dense. A baby's liver takes up about 10% of his body. The intestines are already trying to make the first movements reminiscent of peristalsis.

genitals are formed. The color of the fetus's eyes is determined and the sense of smell already appears. The baby's fingers and palms become sensitive.

12 week

The most important stage in fetal development. Critical moments largely depend on the lifestyle of the expectant mother and her health and eating behavior. The baby's body is no more than 6-9 cm in length.

But at the same time, the unborn baby already has all the fingers and toes, and the organs of the gastrointestinal tract are actively forming. The immune system improves and begins to function.

Week 13

The critical cycle is ending and things will become easier for the expectant mother. Her baby's future baby teeth are embedded. All systems are developing and continue to improve. Muscle and bone tissue are slowly growing.

The genital organs are already differentiated. The length of the fetus at week 13 reaches 8 cm, and the weight is still very small - 15-25 g.

Week 14

At this wonderful stage, it is already possible to determine the sex of the child. The baby is actively developing and has already grown from about 8 to 10 cm, and weighs about 30-40 g. Every day the fruit looks more and more like a little man.

The bones of the fetus become stronger, the skeleton gradually grows, and ribs are already beginning to form. The movements of the baby's diaphragm are increasingly reminiscent of breathing. The baby already has a Rh factor and a blood type, as its composition is gradually stabilizing.

Week 15

At this stage, the fetus begins to form the cerebral cortex. This is a long process that will take most of the entire second trimester. The endocrine system of the small organism comes into operation. The sebaceous and sweat glands begin their activity.

At week 15, the fetus has already formed taste buds, but the respiratory system is still improving.

The baby weighs about 70 g and is about 10 cm tall. At this stage, even if you have a multiple pregnancy, their size does not interfere with free movements for you or the babies.

Week 16

During this period, the baby is no more than 11 cm tall, and weighs approximately 120 g. The baby’s neck has already taken a stable, even position, the head rotates freely.

The ears and eyes are still in an unusual place, but are gradually starting to rise up. The baby's liver begins to take over its functions.

In case of multiple pregnancy, the expectant mother can feel the movements of the children, who are becoming more and more active.

Week 17

The baby’s immune system begins to actively work, and interferon and immunoglobulin begin to be produced. The baby himself is already able to provide protection against various infections coming from outside. But still, microbes can be critical for such a fragile organism.

At week 17, the baby develops, although not large, a layer of fat. The girl has a uterus. The length of the fruit is no more than 13 cm and weighs about 140 grams.

The baby is already able to catch sounds and feel emotions. Therefore, be sure to establish contact with the baby. Talk to him, stroke his belly, sing songs. This is extremely important for establishing a bond between the expectant mother and the baby.

Week 18

At this stage, the immune system and brain are actively developing, and adipose tissue continues to accumulate. In the fetus, you can notice the formation of the rudiments of molar teeth. Height is approximately 14 cm, weight - 200 grams, like a stick of butter.

The baby has a clear reaction to light, and hearing is noticeably enhanced.

Week 19

At this stage, there is a sharp and significant jump in the formation of the fetus and its development. His movements can be called more meaningful and orderly. The respiratory organs are improving and developing. The tiny baby's body is covered with the so-called vernix lubrication.

The baby's head begins to rotate freely, he can hold it in a fixed position. The fetus weighs about 250 g at week 19, and its height does not exceed 15 centimeters.

Week 20

The fetal heartbeat can already be heard with an ordinary stethoscope. The baby's limbs are fully formed and visible on ultrasound. For the baby, sounds become more audible. The length of the fruit is approximately 25 cm, and the weight is about 300 grams. Movements are already felt in the tummy.

21-30 weeks

21 weeks

The height of the fetus at this stage does not exceed 26 cm, and its weight is 360 grams. The tiny human's digestive system is much more active than before. He often swallows amniotic fluid. Muscle and bone tissue gradually grows and strengthens. The spleen is connected to organs that work independently.

Week 22

This week the baby weighs about 400 grams. Height can reach up to 28 cm. The fetus is already quite viable, even if it is born prematurely.

His brain and spinal skeleton are already fully formed. Reflexes continue to develop. The baby's heart increases significantly in size.

Week 23

By this period, the fetus is already quite well formed, its digestive organs work independently. So far, slowly, but fatty tissue is accumulating. The genitals can be easily distinguished.

The baby's height can reach 28 cm, and weight - 500 g. The spleen becomes more active.

Week 24

Outwardly, your fetus is already quite similar to a newborn baby. Due to the absence of a large amount of fat, the baby weighs only about 400 - 600 g with a height of 23-30 cm. But from the 24th week, your fetus will begin to independently produce growth hormone, which will allow you to gain weight faster.

The respiratory organs are entering their final stage of development. Reflexes develop very quickly, all senses improve. The baby is already developing a sleep-wake pattern. He begins to sense and respond to his mother's emotions. Fetal movements become more sensitive for the expectant mother.

Week 25

Your fetus this week weighs about 700 g, and the tiny man is approximately 34 cm tall. Every day he becomes more and more like a newborn.

Your baby's lungs are preparing to take their first breath.

The sense of smell at this stage is very well developed, and the baby also senses even minor mood swings of the mother and can react to them. The bone skeleton develops and begins to become more and more actively overgrown with muscles. Boys develop testicles, and girls develop a vagina.

Week 26

An unusually wonderful week of pregnancy. Your baby, being in your tummy, is already acquiring its individual characteristics and is even able to recognize the voices of his parents. Therefore, try to talk to your baby more often and read to him.

The eyes gradually open. The baby's skeleton is noticeably strengthened. His lungs are not yet fully formed, but are already taking on their final shape.

The baby's brain begins to produce various hormones. Weight is approximately 750 g, but height reaches approximately 36 cm. During this period, the baby sleeps a lot, 16-20 hours. His movements can be noticed.

Week 27

The baby weighs about 900 g. Every week there is active growth and build-up of muscle mass and subcutaneous fat. The endocrine system of a tiny human begins a new phase of its activity.

At this stage, the stability of his pancreas is important. After all, it is she who influences the development of all metabolic processes, as well as its mental abilities. Surfactant production in the lungs gradually stabilizes.

Mom feels the baby’s development more and more every day.

Week 28

The baby's bones are still getting stronger. Alveoli gradually appear in the baby's lungs. The weight of the baby can reach 1 kg. And the height is already at around 38 cm. Having become so large, he begins to realize his cramped position in the mother’s uterus, but no significant activity appears.

Week 29

At this stage, the baby can already do a lot. If you shine a flashlight through the belly, it will notice the light and follow it, this indicates that the eyes are gradually acquiring the ability to focus. He has already established heat exchange and regulation, and the functioning of the immune system is being adjusted.

The baby's skin becomes lighter, the wrinkles gradually smooth out due to the fact that there is more subcutaneous fat. Muscles are actively growing.

Week 30

At this stage, the tiny baby weighs no more than 1.3 - 1.5 kg. His nervous system begins to activate. The liver is preparing to carry out its functions. A girl's heart will beat faster than a boy's.

At this time, the baby’s eyes are open, and his movements become calmer and more meaningful. Most often, at week 30, the fetus occupies the position from which it will subsequently be born. Therefore, it is worth monitoring his movements so that he takes the correct position.

31-40 weeks

31 weeks

At this stage, the baby reaches a weight of no more than 1.5 kg. His internal organs are actively learning to work independently. The liver can already cleanse the blood on its own.

Surfactant, that is, a mixture of surfactants lining the lung alveoli from the inside, is still being produced. Gradually, a connection between the brain and peripheral nerve cells is established. If the baby decides to touch his eye, he will definitely close his eyes.

32 week

This is the phase when the baby is actively growing and continuing its development. The organs and systems of his body are establishing their full functioning. The baby is becoming more and more like a normal newborn.

During this period, the baby finally occupies a cephalic presentation. His Skull is still soft.

Week 33

During this period, the baby weighs up to 2 kg. He continues to build up his muscles, gets stronger and forms a fat layer. His body becomes more proportional, his limbs lengthen slightly.

The baby is already able to express his emotions, and many systems of his body are fully functioning. The child is able to express emotions. The kidneys are still only preparing for their main function in the future - the ability to filter.

34 week

These days, the baby's development is almost completely completed. The baby's facial features acquire individual characteristics and become clearer. The baby's gastrointestinal functions are actively developing and improving.

Week 35

This week is characterized by activity in the growth of both muscle and fat tissue by the baby. Every week, the baby continues to gain approximately 220 g. His skin is completely freed from lanugo, and his shoulders are rounded.

Week 36

The baby’s body, which is growing stronger every day, continues on the path of improvement. In his already formed liver the process is underway accumulation of iron. All body systems continue to be fine-tuned for flawless operation. The baby is actively moving in the womb, sucking his finger, preparing to attach himself to the mother's breast for the first time. By 36 weeks, most expecting babies are lying head down.

Week 37

The baby in the womb has formed, as all vital organs are ready for independent work. The stomach is ready to accept food, the heat exchange process is well established. The lungs are ready to take their first breath outside the mother's body. The baby continues to grow stronger and gain weight.

Week 38

The baby is formed and ready to be born. In boys, the testicles gradually descend into the scrotum at this time. At 38 weeks, babies' skin takes on a pleasant pink tone.

Week 39

Your baby is already fully developed and is often born at 39 weeks, without waiting for the due date. All the baby’s organs are fully capable of independent functioning. The baby responds to light stimuli and is very sensitive to sounds. The skin is completely cleansed of vernix.

Week 40

In the fortieth, final week, the baby is fully formed and ready to be born. His height is already approximately 49-55 cm, and his weight is from 2.5 to 4 kg. Everything will depend not only on how you ate during pregnancy, but also on genetics.

41-42 weeks

Sometimes pregnancy lasts more than 40 weeks, the baby is already post-term. At this time, they resort to artificial stimulation of labor.

All stages of pregnancy and fetal development from conception to birth video

Knowing how your baby is developing in your tummy is simply necessary. This way you can protect yourself from possible complications. Don’t forget to also regularly visit your gynecologist. An experienced doctor will help identify possible abnormalities during pregnancy and prevent complications.

In this article:

Every pregnancy is the same for a woman, but feels different. This is due to her state of health and emotional and psychological state, social conditions stay and features of fetal development. Each stage of pregnancy is characterized by certain changes in the development of the fetus in the womb. What changes are we talking about, how the child grows and develops throughout pregnancy - we will talk about this in this article.

Pregnancy is an interesting and difficult period in a woman’s life. At this time, the birth and development of a new life occurs in her, her body experiences a heavy load, which gradually increases with each month of pregnancy. A pregnant woman experiences physiological and psycho-emotional changes, and her tastes and preferences may also change. All this is closely related to the stages of intrauterine development of the fetus, which grows, develops and is actively preparing for its birth.

Fetal development: stages and features

A child develops in the womb for 9 months, or 280 days. The process of fetal development does not occur chaotically, but according to an algorithm written by nature itself and provided for by the peculiarities of human anatomy. Development of all organs and systems of the fetus occurs in in strict order and within a certain time frame.

Medicine divides pregnancy into three important stages - trimesters, each of which is characterized by the growth and development of certain systems/organs in the body of the unborn child. All stages are also divided into weeks, since the condition of the fetus changes weekly. We will look at the features of each trimester.

From one cell, trillions of new cells are formed in 38 weeks. There are more than 200 types of them, and they are biological building materials necessary for the growth and development of a child in the womb, his birth and full life on the ground.

I trimester

In the first trimester, a woman exhibits the first signs of pregnancy, when the process of fertilization of the egg occurs, its movement and fixation in the uterine cavity. During this period, the formation of the vital systems of the unborn child occurs. This trimester is considered very important for the fetus and mother, so a woman needs to take care of herself and take care of the health of her unborn baby.

According to obstetric dates
gestation fetal development in trimesters different women may proceed in different ways. This is due to many factors - hereditary, social, physiological, psychological and other circumstances that can affect the health of the mother, the course of pregnancy and the development of the fetus.

This is a period when a woman may suffer from early toxicosis, she may feel drowsiness, general malaise, dizziness, etc. What changes the fetus undergoes in the first trimester during its development can be seen in Table 1 below.

Table 1

All characteristic features human body(muscles, ribs, organs, heart, etc.) appear in the fetus during 9 weeks of the first trimester of intrauterine development.

For the development and health of the unborn baby, the first trimester is the most difficult and dangerous. Any a malfunction in the mother’s body can affect the intrauterine development of the fetus. The 3rd and 4th weeks of pregnancy are considered the most critical - during this period the process of implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine cavity and the formation of the central nervous system of the future fetus occurs. A common cold, infection, exacerbation of a chronic disease, nervous breakdown, stress, excessive physical or psychological stress - all this can cause a woman’s hormonal system to malfunction and provoke a miscarriage.

From the last week of the first trimester, the fetus is able to distinguish some sounds. From now on, every week he will hear better, react more actively to the touch of hands on his stomach, to his mother’s voice. In the second trimester, gynecologists and psychologists recommend that pregnant women talk to their unborn child, listen to calm and pleasant music, and the sounds of nature. It is believed that the baby in the mother’s tummy hears everything and feels her mood, feels the attitude towards herself both from the mother and from those people who surround her.

II trimester

The second trimester covers the period from 13 to 27 weeks of pregnancy. In most pregnant women, toxicosis passes by this time; the size of the tummy still allows free movement and wearing. ordinary clothes, which will soon have to be replaced with dresses and sundresses for pregnant women. A woman’s well-being in the second trimester usually does not cause concern to the doctor if the pregnancy is not burdened by any developmental pathology. From 20 or 22 weeks of pregnancy, some women are advised to wear a maternity bandage to help support
growing belly, reduce pain in the back and hip joints.

By the beginning of the second trimester, the baby in the mother’s womb weighs on average no more than 30 g, and its height is about 10 cm. By the beginning of the third trimester (at 27 weeks), the fetus’s growth will be almost 35 cm, and it will weigh about 1.2 kg. The fetal skeleton is already quite well formed, so in the second trimester its brain and muscular system will actively develop. There is high mobility of the baby in the mother's womb, and between 18 and 22 weeks a woman can clearly feel the first movements and tremors of her unborn child. From Table 2 you can see what changes occur in the fetus’s body during the second trimester.

table 2

The second trimester is a period in which the active development of all systems/organs of the fetus occurs, the baby himself also grows and gains weight. He begins to actively move in his mother’s stomach and make himself known. It has its own wake and sleep patterns. He hears almost all sounds happening around him, distinguishes between darkness and light.

To a woman staying in the second trimester of pregnancy, you need to walk outside more often, ventilate your room, and eat more vegetables and fruits. She should diligently maintain personal hygiene, not neglect morning exercises for pregnant women, try not to get nervous and not take negative events to heart.

During this period, a woman is recommended to enroll in a course for a young mother, where she will learn about the features of pregnancy in the last trimester, the correct behavior of a mother during childbirth and caring for a child in the first days after birth. She should also not forget to visit her gynecologist and inform him about all the changes that occur in her body.

III trimester

The last trimester for the expectant mother will not be the easiest, since her tummy has already grown quite enough. It becomes difficult for her to move, sit up, bend over, or roll over on her side in bed. It is impossible to sleep or rest on your back due to difficulty breathing and a feeling of constriction in the internal organs. Many women are afraid of the onset of labor and in the last trimester they begin to get nervous - these experiences can lead them to stress. At this time, advice and reassurance from those women who have already successfully completed childbirth is important for a pregnant woman.

As for the baby, he feels great. All his organs are already formed, he breathes on his own, hears perfectly, and is able to distinguish tastes. The baby actively kicks its legs, rolls over, and spins in all directions in the mother’s womb. Its head is already beginning to be covered with hairs, its body is covered with lubricant, which will make it easier for it to pass through the birth canal. The fetus is preparing for release, because it will soon be born. What changes occur with the baby in the third trimester of the mother’s pregnancy can be seen in Table 3.

Table 3

Pregnancy is a complex physiological process that occurs in a woman’s body, during which the development of a fetus from an egg occurs, ending with the birth of a new person.

Very often during a woman’s pregnancy, all the attention of her loved ones is focused on her. Everyone tries to help her with something, fulfill her desire, protect her from worries and illnesses. The main thing is for loved ones to understand that the health and well-being of the mother determines the health and life of the unborn baby.

Nature itself will cope with what is entrusted to it: the child will grow and develop in the mother’s womb. The task of a pregnant woman and her environment is not to harm the child even before he is born. And then, after 9 months, to the delight of all family members, a strong and healthy baby will be born.