Fetal Development Month by Month

Stages Germinal period - first after conception Embryonic period - weeks after conception Fetal period - after conception until birth

Critical Periods in Prenatal Development

Conception When a egg Genetic makeup is complete including the sex of the infant 3 days after conception passes through the fallopian tube into the uterus attaches to the The placenta, which will also begins to form.

First Month Structures that eventually form the face and neck are becoming evident. The heart and blood vessels continue to develop. And the , and liver start to develop. 

Two Months The embryo is about 1 inch long and has distinct, slightly webbed fingers. Veins are clearly visible. The heart has divided into . Eyelids and ears are forming, and the tip of the nose is visible. The are well formed.

Three Months By now the fetus is 2 1/2 to 3 inches long and is fully formed. He has begun . All organs and muscles have formed and are beginning to function. Doctor may hear the baby's heartbeat with special instruments.

Four Months Heartbeat can be heard clearly. This is when the baby's first may be felt by the mother. The fetus now measures about 4 to 5 inches. The baby's eyes can blink. The baby's fingers and toes should have .

Five Months Usually when first ultrasound occurs By the end of this month, the baby will be nearly 8 inches long and weigh almost a pound. The baby can , , stretch, and make faces.

Six Months Eyebrows and eyelids are visible. The baby's lungs are filled with , and he has started breathing motions. A protective coating called begins to form on baby's skin.

Seven Months By the end of the seventh month, the baby weighs about 3 1/2 pounds and is about 12 inches long. His body is well-formed. cover his fingertips.

Eight Months The baby is gaining about half a pound per week, and layers of fat are piling on. He has probably turned in preparation for birth. He weighs between 4 and 6 pounds.

- Nine Months The baby is a hefty 6 to 9 pounds and measures between 19 and 22 inches. As he becomes more crowded, is felt by mother. A pregnancy is considered "term" at the end of the . 40 week gestation .

Prenatal Development Coffee Filter Book Take four coffee filters. Cut/ cover front of each with paper and label: prenatal development, germinal stage, embryonic stage, fetal stage. Single-hole punch and tie together. Cut up pictures provided. Glue to separate pieces of paper, label, and write 2-3 interesting facts about what takes place during each month. Put each picture/ card in appropriate stage/ “pocket” of coffee filter. Review rubric to make sure you have everything!