1. Pregnancy Fetal Development
The baby's growth in the womb is an amazing state that encompasses conception, its initial and final
growth. The baby undergoes truly fascinating changes throughout the nine month process. Below are
some of the common developmental stages and what to expect in each one.
Conception
In order for the baby to have the best chance of survival, the body must prepare the womb first. A blood
rich layer of tissue starts to grow on the uterus' inner lining at approximately two weeks before
conception. The purpose of this is to provide a rich and fertile environment for which to trap the egg.
The conception stage occurs when the sperm travels through the fallopian tubes to where the egg is
resting. The egg, once fertilized is naturally dropped by the body, makes its downward journey, and
eventually lands on the infused tissue. The next stage of development begins once the egg lands
securely.
The Embryonic Development
This stage is perhaps the most important and amazing step for any life to undergo. This stage underpins
the complex development of all of the major organs of the baby, and it lasts from the 2nd until the 11th
week.After conception, the egg directly begins to attach to the blood tissue which will then become the
placenta that nourishes , feeds and protects the baby. As the cells begin to divide, the egg becomes
barely noticeable. As the months progress, a small bud is formed which will grow with rapidity.
The major body systems of the baby will eventually begin to develop, and the heartbeat can be detected
by the sixth week. This is, perhaps, the most exciting validation of life for most parents.
Before the 11th week, which is the end of this development stage, all of the key features of the baby are
beginning to form or may have been already formed. Even the teeth, which developed by week eight,
are hidden underneath the gums. The brain and spinal cord, joints and irises of the eye will have begun
to show up as well.
Fetal Development
The baby is no longer classified as an embryo by the eleventh week, rather it is already called a fetus.
Fetal development is the longest stage all throughout pregnancy.
2. In week 11 up until about week 16, the baby will start to develop their sex organs, hair, finger nails,
vocal cords, their bones start to harden, and then their kidneys as well as the liver begin to function. All
of these events take place in such a short span of five weeks.
For the next 10 weeks or so, the baby begins to consolidate all of the growth, making the organs
stronger, keeping them alive, and infusing them with life. During the arrival of the sixteenth week, the
baby undergoes a major growth spurt. The skin and fat begin to form at this point in the development
process. Everyday, the heart begins to pump 25 quarts of blood and waste products begin to build up in
the bowls.
The baby will start to have its own sleep cycle and even begin to hiccup. Personality, movement, and the
start of the all important bond with the surrounding environment begin to take place.Descent of male
babies' genitals occur during the 21st until the 24th week. Eyebrows and eyelids will be completely
formed and the growth of the fetus will slow down. There is an expected weight of about 1.3 pounds by
the end of this period. A baby born during the 28th week could still have trouble breathing, though they
already have 96% chance of survival. Baby lung development happens in week 29 and does not fully
mature until birth. Infants, though given extreme medication, heve lower birth rates when born before
the lungs are developed. It is best if the baby continues with its development in the womb.
By Week 37, the baby starts preparing for the outside world. Increasing his weight by an ounce
everyday, he begins to fatten up. Through the sharing of nutrients across the placenta, the baby starts to
boost her immune system.
The baby is considered full term from the 37th until the 40th week. The baby's chances of survival are
great at this point. The amazing world of pregnancy and baby development is a wonderful journey.
From a very tiny cell, to a crying and bouncing baby, the development cycle is awesome.