Gestation typically lasts around 40 weeks or 280 days. It involves three main periods: the ovum stage from conception to implantation around 4-5 days; the embryonic stage from implantation to 8 weeks; and the fetal stage from 8 weeks until birth. During the first month, the placenta begins functioning and the embryo's heart starts beating while it is around the size of a raisin. By the second month, most major organs have formed but are not yet fully functional, and by the third month the brain is fully formed and the fetus can feel pain while continuing to develop hair, muscles, and the ability to taste. Birth normally occurs around 38-42 weeks when the baby weighs around 7 pounds and is 20 inches long

1. Pre-Natal
Development
23 chromosomes from Mom and 23
from dad
Gestation is 280 days or 40 weeks.
Three distinct periods:
Ovum: conception to implantation
at 4-5 days
Embryonic: implantation to 8
weeks
Fetal: 8 weeks to birth (40 weeks)

2. Fertilization:

3. Fertilized egg:

4. The Zygote—Month 1•The placenta begins
functioning.
•the embryo's tiny heart
has begun beating.
•Embryo is the size of a
raisin.

5. Embryo at about 6 weeks: Notice the large neural tube and the
formation of the heart and other internal organs.

6. Embryo at
approximately
7 weeks:
Eyes, fingers,
toes and most
internal
organs have
formed,
but are not yet
fully functional.

7. Two Months
Two Months

9. Embryo at 8 weeks

10. 7-8 weeks
•The tiny baby is protected by the AMNIOTIC
SAC, filled with fluid.
•Inside, the child swims and moves gracefully.
•The arms and legs have lengthened, and fingers can
be seen.

11. 10 weeks –
•The heart is
almost
completely
developed
and very
much
resembles
that of a
newborn baby.
*Twenty tiny
baby teeth
are forming
in the gums

12. The baby
at 12
weeks:
notice the
webbing
on the fingers,
with
the digits still
fused

13. 3 Months

14. Fetus at 12 weeks
•The brain is fully formed,
and the child can feel pain.
•The fetus may even suck his
thumb

15. 14 weeks –
•Muscles lengthen and
become organized.
•The mother will soon
start feeling the child
kicking and moving
within.
15 weeks –
•The fetus has an adult's
taste buds and may be
able to savor the mother's
meals.
•Foods the mother eats

16. Fetus at 4 months
or
about 16 weeks
Face is fully
developed and
A downy hair
covers the skin.
Face is fully
formed.
Eyes are fully
formed but not
yet functional.

18. 5
months
old
•Beginning
to form hair
on all body
parts
•Definite
sleep/awake
cycles now.

19. Smallest baby in the world born
At just 22 weeks
She was 10 OUNCES when born and 9.5 inches. That's just longer than the
length of your hand. She weighed less than a can of soda!

20. 24 weeks – (6
months)
•Seen here at six months,
the unborn child is covered
with a fine, downy hair
called lanugo.
•Its tender skin is
protected by a waxy
substance called vernix.
•The child practices
breathing by inhaling
amniotic fluid into
developing lungs.

21. Seven
Months•Room is getting tight at
this point.
•The baby is less able to
move, squirms and
pushes more than
flutters and kicks.
•Most babies begins to
get into a head down
position getting ready
for birth.

22. 32 weeks –
•The fetus sleeps
90-95% of the day
with sleep
dominating the
sleep cycle, an
indication of
dreaming.
•The baby has
75% or higher
chance of survival.
•Fetus may react to
noises with a
jerking action

23. Birth at 38-42
weeks
•40 weeks is
normal
gestation
•The baby
weighs on
average 7 lbs.
and is 20 inches
long.

25. The Fetus—
Month 9

26. A new child is welcomed into the world.