1. Fetal Development
Month by Month

2. Stages Germinal period - first two weeks after conception
Embryonic period - weeks three through eight after conception
Fetal period - two months after conception until birth

3. Critical Periods in Prenatal Development

4. Conception When a sperm cell fertilizes. 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 uterine wall.
The placenta, which will nourish the baby, also begins to form.

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

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

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

8. Four Months Heartbeat can be heard clearly.
This is when the baby's first kick 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 fingerprints.

9. 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 suck a thumb, yawn, stretch, and make faces.

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

11. 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.
Fingernails cover his fingertips

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

13. Nine Months
The baby is a hefty 6 to 9 pounds and measures between 19 and 22 inches.
As he becomes more crowded, less movement is felt by mother.
A pregnancy is considered "term" at the end of the 37th week.
40 week gestation .

14. 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 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!