Pre-Natal Development CHILD & FAMILY MRS. CRUSAN

Prenatal Development Development of the baby during the period before birth is called gestation. Gestation is the development of the embryo between conception and birth which is approximately 280days. Develops in three stages Zygote- First 2 weeks Embryo-(a human or animal in the early stages of development) up to 8 weeks. Fetus- (a human or animal as it is developing in the uterus before birth, after the organs have started to form). Week 9-birth

Conception Once a month an ovum is released. Ovum- A female egg The Egg moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Uterus-Where the baby develops during pregnancy If not fertilized it disintegrates and is flushed away with menstruation. Sperm penetrating egg

But . . . If the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube by a sperm—conception occurs. This union forms what we call a zygote. Zygote is a cell formed by the union of two gametes. Gametes are a male or female germ cell that is able to unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.

The Zygote—First 2 Weeks Fertilized egg reaches the uterus and attaches itself to the uterus. Cell multiplication begins. Internal organs and circulatory system begins to form. Cell division takes place and at the end of two weeks the zygote is the size of a pin-head. Heart begins to beat. Small bumps show the beginnings of arms and legs.

Parts of the Zygote

The Embryo—Weeks 3-8 Embryo is about 1 inch and 1-2 ounces. Size of a poppy seed at 4 weeks Size of a raspberry at 8 weeks All major organ systems develop. The placenta and umbilical cord develop. Placenta- The tissue that connects the sac around the unborn baby to the mother’s uterus Umbilical cord- Tube that connects the baby to the placenta Brings the baby nourishment and oxygen from the mother’s blood Takes away waste products Amniotic Fluid surrounds the baby. Face, and limbs take shape.

Embryo Stage 4 Weeks

Embryo Stage- 2 months

The Fetus—Month 3 The fetus is about 3 inches long & 3-4 ounces. Size of a plum at 12 weeks Nostrils, mouth, lips, teeth buds, and eyelids form. Fingers and toes are almost complete. Eyelids are fused shut. Arms, legs, fingers, and toes have developed. All internal organs are present—but aren’t ready to function. The genital organs can be recognized as male or female.

3 Months

Fetal Stage 12 Weeks 11 Weeks

The Fetus—Month 4 Fetus is 4 inches long and weighs 8 ounces. Size of an avocado at 16 weeks Your baby is covered with a layer of thick, downy hair called lanugo. Lanugo is fine, soft hair, especially that which covers the body and limbs of a human fetus or newborn. His heartbeat can be heard clearly. This may be when you feel your baby's first kick. The baby can suck thumb, swallow and hiccup.

Fetal Stage

Fetal Stage 18 Weeks 15 Weeks 16 Weeks

The Fetus—Month 5 The Fetus is about 11 inches long and weighs 1 pound. Size of a banana at 20 weeks A protective coating called vernix begins to form on baby's skin. Vernix  is the waxy or cheese-like white substance found coating the skin of newborn human babies. Hair eyelashes and eyebrows appear. Organs keep maturing. Fetus is very active. The eyes can open and blink.

Fetal Stage

The Fetus—Month 6 The fetus is 14 inches long and weighs approximately 1.5-2 pounds. Size of an ear of corn at 24 weeks Your baby's lungs are filled with amniotic fluid, and he has started breathing motions. Amniotic fluid is the protective liquid contained by the amniotic sac. This fluid serves as a cushion for the growing fetus, but also serves to facilitate the exchange of nutrients, water, and biochemical products between mother and fetus. If you talk or sing, he can hear you. Fat is starting to deposit under the skin.

Smallest Surviving Baby in the U.S. Rumaisa was born September 19, 2004 at 26 weeks in Maywood, Ill. Weighing 9.2 ounces at birth, she is the smallest known surviving baby.  Rumaisa was born with a fraternal twin sister, Hiba, who weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces at birth.

The Fetus—Month 7 Fetus is about 15-16 inches long and weighs about 3.5-4 pounds. Size of an eggplant at 28 weeks Fetus is active and then rests. The baby now uses the four senses of vision, hearing, taste and touch.

Seven Months

The Fetus—Month 8 The fetus is 18 inches long and weighs 6 pounds. Size of a pineapple at 32 weeks Layers of fat are piling on. Fetus has probably turned head-down in preparation for birth. Fetus may react to noises with a jerking action.

Eight Months

The Fetus—Month 9 Fetus is about 20 inches long and weighs 7.5-8 pounds. Size of a papaya at 36 weeks Size of a pumpkin at 40 weeks Skin is smooth because of the fat. Baby’s movement slows down due to lack of room. “Lightening” occurs when the baby drops in the pelvis. Lightening is when the baby settles or drops lower into the mother’s pelvis. Disease fighting antibodies are taken from the mother’s blood.

How A Baby Develops